A Love That Time Couldn’t Erase: The Story of Liang Suqin and John

Love letters have captured some of the most heartfelt moments in history. They hold promises, dreams, and sometimes, heartbreaking goodbyes. This is the story of Liang Suqin and John—a love separated by war, but never forgotten.

A Love Born in War

In 1941, John, a British soldier stationed in Hong Kong, fell in love with Liang Suqin, a Chinese woman. Their love was unexpected, but powerful. John wrote to his family in England: “I am in love, and she is a Chinese girl.”

To be with him, Suqin made the painful decision to cut ties with her family. They planned to marry on Christmas. But before they could, war tore them apart.

As the Japanese army invaded, John was captured and taken aboard the Lisbon Maru, a transport ship. Tragically, he did not survive. Suqin did not learn of his fate until five years later.

A Selfless Act of Love

After losing John, Suqin received a pension from the British Consulate—money intended for John’s family. Though she had lost everything, she made an extraordinary choice. Instead of keeping it, she sent the pension to John’s mother and sister in England. A final gift from the man they all loved.

John’s family was deeply moved. Though they had never met Suqin, they saw her as one of their own. Many years later, they traveled to Shanghai, hoping to find her. Not to reclaim the past, but simply to say: Thank you. Are you happy? We remember you.

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A Letter from John to Suqin (December 5, 1941)

My Dearest Suqin,

I write this in the dim light of my barracks, and all I can think of is you. Your laughter, your kindness, the way your eyes shine when you talk about the future.

The world is at war, but you are my peace. I dream of our wedding day, of a home filled with love. I promise you, no matter what comes, I will return to you.

But if fate is unkind, if I cannot keep my promise, know this: I loved you more than words can ever say. If I must leave this world, I will find you in the next.

With all my love, forever,

John

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A Letter from Suqin to John’s Family (March 1946)

To John’s Beloved Family,

I do not know if John spoke of me often, or if you will accept this letter from a stranger. But I loved him, and I believe he loved me, too.

For five years, I waited, hoping to see his face again. Then I learned the truth—he was gone. My heart broke in ways I cannot describe. But I know he would want me to send this to you. It is not much, only what the consulate gave me in his name. It belongs to you, as he would have wished.

I do not ask for anything in return. I only wanted you to know that he was cherished, until the very end.

With respect and love,

Liang Suqin

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Love That Lives On

John and Suqin never got their happy ending, but their love left a mark on history. It lived on in every letter, in every act of kindness. And even after 82 years, John’s family still remembered the woman who had loved him.

Love, after all, does not end with war. It endures.

If you could write a letter to someone you lost, what would you say?