CPC 101: Bethune, an Angel in White

Norman Bethune is a member of the Communist Party of Canada, and a famous thoracic surgeon. He could have lived a prosperous life in his home country, but he traveled far and wide to China to help its anti-fascist struggle.

In March 1938, Bethune was dispatched by the Canadian and American Communist Parties to lead a Canadian-American medical team to Yan’an, China to improve the military’s medical work and field treatment. From February to June 1939, he traveled more than 1,500 miles, performed 315 surgeries, and treated more than 1,000 wounded.

In November, Bethune caught sepsis from a bacterial infection during an operation and later died in Hebei, China. Before his death, he wrote in his will:“The last two years have been the happiest and most meaningful days of my life...Please tell Chairman Mao and thank him and the CPC for their help. I believe that the Chinese people will eventually be liberated under Chairman Mao’s leadership.”

Today, Bethune and Indian doctor Kotnis are both buried in a martyr’s cemetery in Shijiazhuang.