Battle of Hong Kong: dECEMBER, 1941
The Battle of Hong Kong was one of the first battles of World War II that occurred in the Pacific. Canadians participated in this battle. They fought against overwhelming odds with little training, yet still displayed great courage. They knew they had no chance of victory, but refused to surrender until they were overrun by the enemy.
The Battle of Hong Kong started right after the Pearl Harbour Attack in the December of 1941. Both battles included advances by Japan. Although Japan had the advantage of surprise against Pearl Harbour, Hong Kong’s forces were prepared for the invasion by the Japanese. In fact, the defenses were all in position 15 hours before the first attack by the Japanese.
On December 8th, the Japanese aircraft attacked the Kai Tak airport and destroyed the few air crafts owned by the Royal Air
force. The Allies had hoped to defend the “Gin Drinkers’ Line” for a week before they fell back from the mainland brigade, but
that did not happen.
On December 9, the Japanese captured Shing Mun Redoubt. On December 11, General Maltby ordered mainland troops to withdraw from the mainland because the “Gin Drinkers Line” could no longer be held.
On December 13, Japan demanded for the defenders to surrender Hong Kong. This proposal was rejected. The Japanese continued to bomb the island and on December 17, they repeated the demand for surrender. Once again, the Allies denied their request.
By December 21, the defending troops were exhausted. The next day, there was no more ammunition, food, and water for the 37 trapped and wounded Grenadiers. They had to surrender to the Japanese. On Christmas Day, all defending forces of Hong Kong had surrendered and the Allies had to hoist the white flag.
The Battle of Hong Kong influenced Canadian’s greatly. It was their men who were sent to defend Hong Kong and had become prisoners of war. The Japanese were very cruel to the soldiers who were in their capture. For three and a half years, they were imprisoned in Hong Kong in very foul conditions. They worked in filthy quarters for 12 hours a day in mines or docks. They suffered brutal treatment and were close to starvation. Canadian’s were angry to receive the news about their troops suffering in Hong Kong.
The Battle of Hong Kong started right after the Pearl Harbour Attack in the December of 1941. Both battles included advances by Japan. Although Japan had the advantage of surprise against Pearl Harbour, Hong Kong’s forces were prepared for the invasion by the Japanese. In fact, the defenses were all in position 15 hours before the first attack by the Japanese.
On December 8th, the Japanese aircraft attacked the Kai Tak airport and destroyed the few air crafts owned by the Royal Air
force. The Allies had hoped to defend the “Gin Drinkers’ Line” for a week before they fell back from the mainland brigade, but
that did not happen.
On December 9, the Japanese captured Shing Mun Redoubt. On December 11, General Maltby ordered mainland troops to withdraw from the mainland because the “Gin Drinkers Line” could no longer be held.
On December 13, Japan demanded for the defenders to surrender Hong Kong. This proposal was rejected. The Japanese continued to bomb the island and on December 17, they repeated the demand for surrender. Once again, the Allies denied their request.
By December 21, the defending troops were exhausted. The next day, there was no more ammunition, food, and water for the 37 trapped and wounded Grenadiers. They had to surrender to the Japanese. On Christmas Day, all defending forces of Hong Kong had surrendered and the Allies had to hoist the white flag.
The Battle of Hong Kong influenced Canadian’s greatly. It was their men who were sent to defend Hong Kong and had become prisoners of war. The Japanese were very cruel to the soldiers who were in their capture. For three and a half years, they were imprisoned in Hong Kong in very foul conditions. They worked in filthy quarters for 12 hours a day in mines or docks. They suffered brutal treatment and were close to starvation. Canadian’s were angry to receive the news about their troops suffering in Hong Kong.