Henry Norman Bethune was a Canadian thoracic surgeon, early advocate of socialized medicine, and member of the Communist Party of Canada. Bethune came to international prominence first for his service as a frontline trauma surgeon supporting the Republican government during the Spanish Civil War, and later supporting the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) Eighth Route Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Bethune helped bring modern medicine to rural China, treating both sick villagers and wounded soldiers.
Bethune in 1916
The study of Reverend Malcolm Bethune (father of Norman) in Gravenhurst.
Norman Bethune's birthplace, now Bethune Memorial House
Canadian Blood Transfusion Unit which operated during the Spanish Civil War. Dr Norman Bethune is to the right (c. 1936–37, Spain).
Communist Party of Canada
The Communist Party of Canada is a federal political party in Canada. Founded in 1921 under conditions of illegality, it is the second oldest active political party in Canada, after the Liberal Party of Canada. Although it does not currently have any parliamentary representation, the party's candidates have previously been elected to the House of Commons, the Ontario legislature, the Manitoba legislature, and various municipal governments across the country.
Jack MacDonald is escorted away by police after a failed attempt to hold a free speech rally in Queen's Park, Toronto, 1929.
A member of the CPC's Toronto club is arrested for distributing party literature, August 12, 1929.
Strikers of the On-to-Ottawa Trek
Dr. Norman Bethune in China, 1938