Chungking’s Wartime Attractions

In late 1944, as 3^rd and 4^th Bomb Squadron detachments constituting Task Force 34 were flying missions out of Chihkiang (now Zhijiang), personnel still at Peishiyi (Baishiyi) had more free time on their hands than they were prepared to endure. Their inactivity was the result of persistent foul weather and gas shortages that limited operations to near zero. Movies and baseball were among available activities, but many of the men made the grueling trip over the mountain to Chungking (Chongqing) to escape the monotony of existence on base. The city held attractions for them that included souvenir shops, restaurants, bars (with ice in their drinks), “catting,” and of course, the obligatory rickshaw rides.