Photograph 1

The original caption of this photograph reads: "This picture shows Japanese recruits at bayonet drill in Nanking after the capture of the Chinese capital. They are using Chinese prisoners for their targets. In the center an unfortunate prisoner (or should we say fortunate) has just received the death thrust. In foreground, a bound Chinese is being 'lightly' pricked with the bayonet in order to get him into position for the coup de grace. As to the authenticity of the photograph -- it was sent to Look by W.A. Farmer of Hankow, who says the photograph was made by a Japanese soldier. The film was sent to Shanghai to be developed. Chinese employees in the Japanese-owned shop made extra prints and smuggled them out." (UPI/Bettmann)

This photograph actually did appear in the November 22, 1938 issue of Look Magazine. It is accompanied by a letter allegedly written by the aforementioned Farmer to the magazine. That same article mentions, however, that Farmer also sent the photograph to Archibald Steele at the Chicago Tribune, Tillman Durdin at The New York Times, and Beldon at UP (United Press) as well. What is more, he wrote, "That these photographs were taken recently in Nanking and Suzhou can be ascertained from the fact that the men are wearing summer clothing".

The Nanking Incident took place in December of 1937. Therefore, this photograph clearly bears no relation to that incident. The story Farmer tells about how he obtained this photograph is a little too convenient to be credible, but we will not delve into this matter any further here.

Photograph 2

Photograph 2 reportedly was also supplied by Farmer. The position of the individuals in the hole, the direction of the shadows, and the unnatural placement of the figures in the rear make it suspect. No other information about this photograph is available.