CHIUNE SUGIHARA

                                                          A World War Two Hero !

1st January 1900 - 31st July 1986

Also called Sempo Sugihara

(All information is from Wikipedia)

Chiune Sugihara was born in the Mugi district of Kozuchi Town, today known as Mino City in Gifu Prefective to a middle class father and upper-middle class mother. He was the second son among five boys and one girl. The father worked in a tax office and the family moved several times when Chiune was a young boy. His father wanted Chiune to become a physician, but Chiune deliberately failed the entrance exam. Instead, he entered Waseda University in 1918 and majored in English language. In 1919, he passed the Foreign Ministry Scholarship exam, and from 1920 to 1922, Chiune served in the Imperial Army. The Japanese Foreign Ministry recruited him and assigned him to Harbin, China. Chiune studied the Russian and German languages and became an expert on Russian affairs. In 1935, Chiune quit his post as Deputy Foreign Minister in Manchuria in protest over Japanese mistreatment of the local Chinese. Already, his fellow feeling for others was starting to show. Chiune married twice and had four sons, only one surviving to carry on the family name.

In 1939, Chiune became a vice-consul of the Japanese Consulate in Kaunas, Lithuania, and this is possibly where his story begins. 

 Chiune's duties included reporting on Soviet and German troop movements, and to find out if Germany planned an attack on the Soviets and, if so, to report the details of this attack to his superiors in Berlin and Tokyo.

Chiune had cooperated with Polish Intelligence as part of a bigger Japanese-Polish cooperative plan. As the Soviet Union occupied sovereign Lithuania in 1940, many Jewish refugees from Poland (Polish Jews) as well as Lithuanian Jews tried to acquire exit visas. Without the visas, it was dangerous to travel, yet it was impossible to find countries willing to issue them. 

From 18th July to 28th August 1940, aware that applicants were in danger if they stayed behind, Chiune  decided to grant visas on his own. In violation of his orders, this courageous man ignored the "requirements" and issued ten day visas to Jews for transit through Japan. This was an unusual act of disobedience. Chiune spoke to Soviet officials who agreed to let the Jews travel through the country via the Trans-Siberian Railway at "five times" the standard ticket price.

4th September Chiune had to leave his post before the consulate was closed. He had hand-written thousands of visas to Jews, and was still writing them after boarding the train at the Kaunas Railway Station, "throwing visas into the crowd of desperate refugees out of the train's window even as the train pulled out."

It is estimated that about 6,000 Jews were saved by Chiune, although the actual number could be much higher.

Chiune's own words :

"I myself thought this would be the right thing to do. There is nothing wrong in saving many people's lives --- The spirit of humanity, philanthropy, neighbourly friendship --- with this spirit, I ventured to do what I did, confronting this most difficult situation --- and because of this reason, I went ahead with redoubled  courage."

Chiune Sugihara died at a hospital in Kamakura, on 31st July, 1986. The State Of Israel honoured Chiune as one of the Righteous Among The Nations. Chiune Sugihara is the only Japanese national to have been so honoured.

I'll let Chiune himself finish with his own words :

"I do it just because I have pity on the people. They want to get out so I let them have the visas."

Chiune Sugihara.

World War Two Heroes and Heroines

After watching "The Zookeepers Wife" and doing the research about Jan and Antonina Zabinski, my curiosity got the better of me and I wanted to know who else risked their lives to saves others. As expected, the list is endless and who to choose to research an impossible task --- all are worthy of recognition.

I have chosen just six to research and to try to bring to light the sheer "Determination" and "Courage" that was shown.
All of the research comes from Wikipedia.

Their names are :

Chiune Sugihara

Oskar Schindler

Henryk Slawik

Irena Sendler

Nancy Wake

Lena Kuchler.

These six people, just ordinary like you and me, and some very young, showed remarkable human feeling towards others less fortunate and risked, not just their own lives, but those of their families also. It is amazing how these same families supported and "Wanted" to do something to help. We can only learn from this Era in History of how fellow humans, some from a completely different culture and school of  thought, still wanted to and did save thousands of innocent lives --- no matter the language, culture, religious belief, etc.

                                                             We are all human first !

"MADAME FASHION" Introduction ch.1 B

The "Style" of the Georgian Era stands out as UNIQUE. From the ladies sackback day dress to the 'Robe a l'Anglaise' (English, mantua) to the amazing ball gowns, which were so wide that it was difficult to walk through a door, the women's clothes, cloths and colours stand out tremendously.

At this same time, the wigs worn, especially by the rich ladies, reached extremes never again seen! However, all of these styles were eventually tempered by the horrors of the French revolution when style changed completely to simple and pure.

Shoes we take for granted today, as we go to the shop to buy a new pair when needed. This, however, was not always the case. For example: in the Medieval Era, "Pattens" were worn over normal shoes and were wooden, or metal, and were held in place by leather or cloth bands. The word 'Patten' probably derives from the Old French 'Pate' meaning hoof or paw. These would elevate the foot above the mud and dirt, human and animal waste, in the street. These were worn by both men and women.

"MADAME FASHION" Introduction ch.1 A

"Madame Fashion" has made her mark on every Era, changing from one to the other, through history, even as the seasons change throughout the year. Where would we start? Which year? Which country?

From the very beginning of history, fashion has made its mark, whether worn for practical reasons or for sheer pleasure. The cloths have developed even as mankind has. The colours the same. Today, it seems every cloth and every colour is (and even every style) available. Yet we dress more for comfort and for practical reasons rather than "look at me"!

Many times throughout history, fashion was only worn by the very rich, partly because only they could afford it, but also because of certain Laws (back then) said that only Royalty and the nobles could wear certain cloths and colours. For example: in the Medieval Era, "Sumptuary Laws" passed by King Edward III restricted ordinary people in their expenditure including money spent on clothes. Only Royalty were allowed to wear cloth of gold and purple silk. Expensive veils were banned for the lower class women. Only the wives and daughters of nobles were allowed to wear velvet, satin sable or ermine.

And what of the styles? It seems that every Era has its own "Style". Medieval fashion changed with each King and Queen. The Tudor style is easily recognized, with the neck ruffs, wigs, codpiece, corset, kirtle. It is interesting that these clothes were usually held together with lace or pins as buttons were used only for decoration. This, of course, applied only to the rich. The poor did their best to stay modest with what clothes they could afford, make or hand-down. The cloth was usually woollen and the style simple and loose-fitting for warmth, comfort and was very practical, as many of these people were farmers, etc.

The Zoo Keepers Wife

"The Zoo Keepers Wife" is an amazing film and the fact that it is a true story makes it even more remarkable.

It is one of those stories that restores your faith in mankind. A story of absolute courage in the face of immediate death to save the lives of complete strangers. Yes, another World War Two reality which has just come to light. Many, many people of all nationalities did whatever they could to save as many lives as possible --- Jewish lives ! Having the knowledge we have today, we can only admire these very real stories and the people who put their lives in danger to save "Jews". What we have learnt from this, is the fact that no matter what "names" a group of people are given, we are all human living on this one planet Earth --- and we all have a right to live here.
Jan and Antonina Zabinski were recognized by The State Of Israel as The Polish Righteous Among The Nations for their heroic rescue of Jews during the Holocaust in occupied Poland.

 Jan was a zoologist and zootechnician by profession, and organizer and director of the renowned Warsaw Zoo before and during World War Two. He became director of the Zoo before the outbreak of war but during the occupation of Poland also held a prestigious function of the Superintendent of the city's public parks in 1939-1945. A street in Warsaw is named after him.
Jan and his wife Antonina and their son Ryszard used their personal villa and the zoo itself to shelter hundreds of displaced Jews. Additionally, he fought during the Warsaw Uprising, was subsequently injured and became a prisoner of war. After his liberation, Zabinski became a member of the State Commission for the Preservation of Nature. Jan Zabinski authored approximately 60 popular science books. His wife Antonina authored several children's books written from the perspective of the animals.

 
During the German air assault on Warsaw in September 1939, many animal enclosures had been emptied and the zoo specimens taken elsewhere. The Zabinski's decided to utilize the clean pens, cages, and stalls as the hiding places for fleeing Jews. Over the course of three years, hundreds of Jews found temporary shelter in these abandoned cages until finding refuge elsewhere. In addition, close to a dozen Jews were sheltered in Zabinski's two-story private home on the zoos grounds. At first, Zabinski paid from his own funds to subsidize the maintenance costs, then money was received through Zegota: Council To Aid Jews. ( All information is from Wikipedia)

We can only guess at the very strong and real emotions that were involved. The absolute "wanting" to save innocent lives with the absolute "fear" of being caught and immediately killed. Yet, these people showed real "Courage" and just went with it, saving hundreds of lives and being recognized for their love in others. Yes, this restores our faith in mankind !

                                                             The Zoo is still open today.

DOWNTON ABBEY

                                             Downton Abbey is a wonderful programme.
Although the characters are fictional, the whole frame of the story is based on actual history and how society / people lived in the Edwardian Era. It is a fantastic way to learn history as even the costumes are based completely on the very real fashion of the day, the actresses doing their best to move about in the corsets, which had to be worn in order to get the correct style.
The series is set in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, and depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants during the reign of King George V, the first series starting in 1912 with the sinking of the Titanic and how this affects the story of the Earl and Countess of Grantham (who own Downton Abbey).

The exterior and most of the interior shots of Downton Abbey comes from Highclere Castle in Hampshire. The kitchen, servant's quarters and working areas, and some of the "upstairs" bedrooms were constructed and filmed at Ealing Studios. Other filming locations include the Criterion Restaurants, and the ballroom of The Seville Club in Mayfair, London.

Robert, Earl of Grantham, had lived a fairly simple life, marrying Cora mainly for her money but eventually falling in love with her. They had three daughters but no living son, which meant that a cousin was to inherit the estate. He, however, died on board the Titanic. This left the question of who will inherit Downton Abbey.

Cora, Countess of Grantham, is the beautiful daughter of a multi-millionaire from America, whose money "saved" the estate.

Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, is Robert's mother, who is immensely proud of her son and immensely insufferable to her American daughter-in-law. However, in this relationship, both women think themselves superior of the other.

Lady Mary Crawley is the eldest daughter who is clever, good-looking and 'hard'. The only way she can inherit Downton Abbey is if she married the new Heir, a distant cousin no-one has met or even knows.

Lady Edith Crawley is the second daughter. Perhaps not so beautiful or even sought-after but she is still very ambitious. Lady Edith seems to be in a permanent rage because Lady Mary is always put before herself when it comes to family plans, and this is very evident throughout the series.

Lady Cybil Crawley is the third and last daughter and is the family rebel. Being political, Lady Cybil is devoted to the cause of votes for women. She exasperates both parents. I love the scene where she comes down to dinner in the latest fashion, which is so 'avante garde' that every-ones mouths are open almost in disbelief.

Matthew Crawley is a distant cousin of Lord Grantham. His father was a doctor and Matthew himself qualified as a solicitor and is practising in Manchester. The news that Matthew is now Heir to such a large estate surprises him and he is determined not to stop work or let it change him.

Isobel Crawley is Matthew's mother (widowed) and comes from the professional middle class. Isobel embodies an entirely different set of values to those of Lord and Lady Grantham and is far better educated than the Ladies of Downton Abbey. She agrees to come and manage her son's house on the estate, but she has mixed feelings about the whole set up.

Mr.Carson is the butler of Downton Abbey, being in charge of the pantry, wine cellar and dining room, as well as the male staff. Carson has worked at the Country Estate since he was a boy and is endlessly nostalgic for the way things were. He is very protective towards Lady Mary :"even butlers have their  favourites."
Mrs.Hughes is the housekeeper, being responsible for the house, its appearance and the female staff. Mrs.Hughes respects Carson, and, to a degree, protects him but to the other servants, she is a task-master.

Mrs.Patmore is the cook, in charge of the kitchen and the kitchen staff. She becomes quite attached to Daisy, who starts as a scullery maid and works her way up to 'Cook's Assistant'. Mrs.Patmore treats Daisy like a daughter.

There are several other very strong characters within this programme and I do recommend watching it --- if you love the Edwardian Era, you will love Downton Abbey.

The Edwardian King And Queen

The King and his Consort of this Era were well thought of. Edward VII waited 59 years to become King, holding the title Prince of Wales for longer than any of his predecessors. Whilst his mother reigned, Edward was excluded from political power and received little "training" to become King. As a result, he came to personify the fashionable, leisured elite. Travelling throughout Britain performing ceremonial duties and representing Britain abroad, Edward became a success to the people who met him. However, his reputation as a playboy Prince soured his relationship with his mother.

When Edward finally became King, he played a role in the modernization of the British Home Fleet and the reorganization of the British Army. Now, as King, Edward re-instituted traditional ceremonies as public displays and broadened the range of people with whom Royalty socialized. Edward VII did his best to foster good relations between Britain and other European countries. However, his relations with his nephew, Kaiser Wilhelm II, was poor --- did our English King have an insight into the future? During Edward VII's reign, technology and society changed with breath-taking speed, and within ten years, the modern had completely taken hold of life in England. The Edwardian Era was named after Edward VII.

Queen Alexandra was Edward VII's Consort. Alexandra Caroline Marie Charlotte Louise Julia was born in 1844 in Denmark, her family being relatively obscure until her father was chosen to be King to the Danish Throne. At the age of sixteen, Alexandra was chosen as the future wife of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, and they married eighteen months later in 1863. This Princess of Wales was popular and her style of dress was copied by fashion-conscious women. Even when Queen Consort, Alexandra kept her public duties restricted to charitable works, leading a good example for all the ladies of the gentry back then. King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra had six children with one of the sons succeeding him and becoming George V.
When her husband died in 1910, the Queen Consort became the Queen Mother although she was more generally styled Her Majesty Queen Alexandra.

King Edward VII died age 68 in 1910. Queen Alexandra died age 80 in 1925. Both are buried in Windsor Castle.

The Edwardian Era in Pictures

The Changing role of the Edwardian woman

The Victorian woman married and had several children, looking after family and home whilst her husband bought home the money, sometimes working all day, every day, especially if he was middle-class or poor. Of course, if "poor" then the woman worked, trying to add to the income, whether it be taking in washing or some other activity, the job was usually at home as she had so many children to care for, 'IF' she actually survived childbirth as a doctor was very expensive and the 'old wives tales' could sometimes kill instead of help.

The start of the Edwardian Era wasn't that much different. However, during this Era the role of the woman changed dramatically almost overnight, and after The First World War, life would never be the same for women.

The National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies and the Women's Social and Political Union did a great deal to change the attitudes towards women.

The new inventions, for example, the sewing machine, enabled women to take control and often a new magazine gave new ideas. Education became more readily available to all classes of women, which opened many doors. Women became more involved in sports, politics, schooling, the church, as well as doing many of the men's jobs whilst the men were away at War.

No longer was the expectation for a young woman to be married and have children. Even in the upper classes, a woman could now have a "career" for herself and could choose to stay single if she wanted to.
When a woman did marry, she had fewer children --- perhaps 2 or 3 as opposed to 9 or 10. Plus, the medical knowledge towards childbirth improved, although a doctor was still very expensive.

Fashion changed tremendously during this time and women had much more freedom of movement within these clothes. The War also demanded a change in Fashion, as women took over the men's jobs, for example, on the farms, and wearing trousers was far more practical.

By 1901, 25% of all office workers were women, learning shorthand and typing. The bicycle gave more freedom also --- free travel. Many women moved away from "Service" to work in shops and factories as the hours (and sometimes the pay) was better.
It was hard for the women because the Victorian / Edwardian worlds were still male-dominated, but with courage and perseverance and acceptance, life became different and much easier for the women of the Edwardian Era.