A special memorial park established in south China's island province of Hainan to commemorate the mutual suffering and cooperation of the Chinese and Australian people during World War II stands as a testament to the brave sacrifices that were made during those most difficult of times. China has been holding commemorative activities to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and is set to stage a grand military parade in Beijing on Sept 3. Among the places which serve as a poignant reminder of that important history is the Gull Force Memorial, situated in the village of Lao'ou in Dongfang City on the western coast of Hainan Island. During World War Two, over 200 soldiers from Australia's "Gull Force" were captured in the Battle of Indonesian Ambon Island and deported by the Imperial Japanese Army to Dongfang, where they were forced to work as laborers mining iron ore and constructing railways. About 10 soldiers, unable to bear the ruthless abuse from the Japanese, escaped from the prisoner-of-war camp. With the help of local resistance fighters, they reached Lao'ou Village, where local villagers cared for them, with the Australians later joined local troops to continue the fight. Before the war ended, two Gull Force soldiers sadly succumbed to malaria and severe malnutrition and were laid to rest in Lao'ou Village by local military and residents. Qin Wei, the curator of the Dongfang Municipal Museum, explained how the memorial park serves to honor the memory of their story. Though eight decades have passed, there are still those alive today who lived through this history. Local villager Zhang Renchang is now 100 years old, and she was not yet 18 when the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Hainan. She still vividly recalls the brutality and hardship of those years. Locals in the village said these sacrifices and acts of courage, which transcend national borders, have become the deepest and strongest foundation of China–Australia friendship. The Gull Force memorial stands as a reminder that the truth shall never perish, and peace must be defended. Shotlist: Dongfang City, Hainan Province, south China - Recent: 1. Aerial shots of coastline, sea scenery, lighthouse; 2. Various of entrance to Gull Force Memorial Park; 3. Aerial shots of park, monument; 4. Various of monuments, tombs in memorial park; 5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed in English) Qin Wei, curator, Dongfang Municipal Museum (partially overlaid with shots 6-8): "The monument was jointly built by the cities of Darwin, Australia, and Dongfang, Hainan Province. The assistance provided by Hainan people to the Allied Gull Force prisoners of war deeply moved many Chinese and Australian citizens. Here, we honor the heroes, hoping that this history will be remembered by future generations and that China–Australia friendship will endure."; [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 6. Various of photos of people, veterans visiting memorial park; 7. Sign introducing memorial tree planted in park; 8. Aerial shot of park, monument; [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 9. Various of Zhang Renchang, WWII survivor, at home, speaking with reporter, Qin; 10. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed in English) Zhang Renchang, World War II survivor (partially overlaid with shots 11-12): "This period of history is one of suffering for the Chinese nation. A powerful account of death, endurance and memory, the story of Gull Force is one that should not be forgotten. I never imagined I would live to this day and enjoy such a happy life."; [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 11. Various of monuments, carvings in memorial park; 12. Entrance to park; [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 13. Various of people holding commemoration event by memorial, releasing doves; 14. Various of memorial park, sign, monuments. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]