ARC Canteen,
Yangkai, China; '44-'45
Images from Veterans of the USAAF in the CBI
"Preserving the Memory of their Sacrifices!"
Many of these photos were not annotated, so we did the best we could. If you can provide
more accurate information PLEASE email us! Click on any image to view a larger version!
This wide angle shot of the A.R.C. center, 'The LAST RESORT', is believed to have been taken as it appeared in the final stages of construction/preparation. Note the piles of dirt and the temporary sign to the right of the entryway.
(From the 'CBI' collection of Barbara Vatter & Robert Pettingell
- A.R.C. / 491st Bomb Squadron. Courtesy of their son, Rob.)
This publicity picture was used to announce the arrival of the American Red Cross 'girls' in China.
(From the 'CBI' collection of Barbara Vatter & Robert Pettingell
- A.R.C. / 491st Bomb Squadron. Courtesy of their son, Rob.)
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Here is the photograph which was taken in front of the P-40 as soon as they arrived.
(first row, l-r)
Margaret Pfening, Lucille B. Young, Rita Pilkey, Marjorie Grant, Barbara Vatter, June Baster, Ada Pagenkopf.
(second row, l-r)
Naomi Thompson, Margaret Lea, Phyllis Dollof, Julia Paris, Esther Conlon, Beatrice Decostas, Margaret Walling Thompson.
(From the 'CBI' collection of Barbara Vatter & Robert Pettingell
- A.R.C. / 491st Bomb Squadron. Courtesy of their son, Rob.)
Capt Thomas H. Clare, chaplain of the 22nd Bm Sq, flanked by Barbara Vatter (l) and Phyllis Dolloff, standing at the entry to the LAST RESORT. We believe that Chaplain Clare was a major force in getting the center completed and open!
(From the 'CBI' collection of Barbara Vatter & Robert Pettingell
- A.R.C. / 491st Bomb Squadron. Courtesy of their son, Rob.)
With well wishers looking at the dedication of the 'LAST RESORT, Barbara Vatter shakes hands with ??. To his right is Chaplain Clare and then, possibly, Maj MacIntyre.
(From the 'CBI' collection of Barbara Vatter & Robert Pettingell
- A.R.C. / 491st Bomb Squadron. Courtesy of their son, Rob.)
" A closer, unobstructed look at the front of The LAST RESORT" as it looked circa 1944.
(Courtesy of John Mongell, from Robert Mongell collection - 11th Bomb Squadron)
Barbara Vatter, in 'civies', and a Chinese house boy pose in the entry way. Note the clear, flexible covering and wood contruction on the doors.
(From the 'CBI' collection of Barbara Vatter & Robert Pettingell
- A.R.C. / 491st Bomb Squadron. Courtesy of their son, Rob.)
The theater of the 'LAST RESORT', before anyone has taken seats. Note the 'reserved' seating, as marked on the back of the benches. Appears to this author that the officers were kept at the back, separated from the EM by Chinese. Enlisted in the front.... what's the catch??
(From the 'CBI' collection of Barbara Vatter & Robert Pettingell
- A.R.C. / 491st Bomb Squadron. Courtesy of their son, Rob.)
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"The Last Resort" as it appeared in 1944 or early 1945. It appears that a stage my have been built in front of the entry steps. Can you tell us, or identify the man?
(Courtesy of Francis E. 'Ed' Strotman collection - 491st Bomb Squadron)
Unidentified U.S. personnel pose for a photo in front of 'The LAST RESORT', while
others are exiting the doorway.
(Courtesy of 'Ed' Strotman collection - 491st Bomb Squadron)
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