This page is made possible by Bill Lake, a long time resident of Hong Kong, who has scoured the Internet
to discover some of the most incredible film clips, photographs and articles about Hong Kong before, during
and after The Battle of Hong Kong. Many are culled from the YouTube.com library.
Some may make you laugh, some will make you cry. Some are long, some are short, all are worth watching.
You won't be able to watch them all in one sitting. I suggest you bookmark this page under your favourites
and return to this site at your leisure. Thank you, Bill, for the hard work you have done.
to discover some of the most incredible film clips, photographs and articles about Hong Kong before, during
and after The Battle of Hong Kong. Many are culled from the YouTube.com library.
Some may make you laugh, some will make you cry. Some are long, some are short, all are worth watching.
You won't be able to watch them all in one sitting. I suggest you bookmark this page under your favourites
and return to this site at your leisure. Thank you, Bill, for the hard work you have done.
At the time of this writing we have just
passed "Remembrance Day" as it is
called in Canada. Whatever November
11 is called in your country the
message of this song is as clear as it is
beautifully moving. It communicates no
matter what your language.
passed "Remembrance Day" as it is
called in Canada. Whatever November
11 is called in your country the
message of this song is as clear as it is
beautifully moving. It communicates no
matter what your language.
| A Pittance of Time - written and preformed by Terry Kelly Click Here and take the pittance of time to remember. |
Bill Lake is a man of many facets. A soldier, a sailor and a
document maker, the latter his current passion. He started his
documentary about the Fall of Hong Kong, "BATTLE FOR A
BARREN ROCK", in 2000. (It took almost 8 years to complete). He
has what he calls his War Group of about 100 people interested in
this part of HK history. He forwards all new, or interesting,
information to them on a regular basis. His ability to dig into the past
and come up with rich nuggets is amazing. Without him this page
would not exist. That's Bill during The Remembrance Day Ceremony
in Hong Kong.
document maker, the latter his current passion. He started his
documentary about the Fall of Hong Kong, "BATTLE FOR A
BARREN ROCK", in 2000. (It took almost 8 years to complete). He
has what he calls his War Group of about 100 people interested in
this part of HK history. He forwards all new, or interesting,
information to them on a regular basis. His ability to dig into the past
and come up with rich nuggets is amazing. Without him this page
would not exist. That's Bill during The Remembrance Day Ceremony
in Hong Kong.
| All the links to clips listed below came to me from Bill Lake. How he does it I do not know. What matters is .... he does it. |
The Little Boy, The following clip was sent to me by a friend who does not usually pass along such
things. That he sent this one means it's special. It is. Most Canadians know that The Canadian Army
pushed the Germans out of Holland and Belgium following the D Day landing on Juno Beach. They were
greeted by the Dutch and Belgians with overwhelming affection. Even today, more that 60 years later
Canadian soldiers are still greeted warmly, as this clip shows. Click here. If this does not warm your heart it
would be surprising. Click!
things. That he sent this one means it's special. It is. Most Canadians know that The Canadian Army
pushed the Germans out of Holland and Belgium following the D Day landing on Juno Beach. They were
greeted by the Dutch and Belgians with overwhelming affection. Even today, more that 60 years later
Canadian soldiers are still greeted warmly, as this clip shows. Click here. If this does not warm your heart it
would be surprising. Click!
THE FOLLOWING LINKS COURTESY OF BILL LAKE
An animated attack by the Japanese on Hong Kong.
This is the most incredible find. It is a animated cartoon of the Japanese
attacking, and taking, The Gin Drinkers Line and The Island of Hong Kong. The
Japanese soldiers are bigger than life super heroes while the defenders are
somewhat less. It is propaganda at it's best. Of course all the dialogue is in
Japanese but it's easy to get the gist of what's going on. Click here.
This is the most incredible find. It is a animated cartoon of the Japanese
attacking, and taking, The Gin Drinkers Line and The Island of Hong Kong. The
Japanese soldiers are bigger than life super heroes while the defenders are
somewhat less. It is propaganda at it's best. Of course all the dialogue is in
Japanese but it's easy to get the gist of what's going on. Click here.
Bill, an ex- artillery man, is an avid member of the Hong Kong Ex Servicemen’s Association, and also the
Gunners Roll of Hong Kong. As if that's not enough to keep him busy he is working on a follow-up book to
"Battle For A Barren Rock" entitled "Prisoner On A Barren Rock".
Between his regular job and working on his passions Bill also gives talks and presentations on The Battle
of Hong Kong to anyone, and everyone, who is interested. He is a fountain of information, a fact treasure
hunter, and does in 24 hours what others would do in 48 hours. Thanks for all, Bill.
Gunners Roll of Hong Kong. As if that's not enough to keep him busy he is working on a follow-up book to
"Battle For A Barren Rock" entitled "Prisoner On A Barren Rock".
Between his regular job and working on his passions Bill also gives talks and presentations on The Battle
of Hong Kong to anyone, and everyone, who is interested. He is a fountain of information, a fact treasure
hunter, and does in 24 hours what others would do in 48 hours. Thanks for all, Bill.
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Click related sites See a list of other books on The Battle of Hong Kong. BOOKS ON THE BATTLE OF HONG KONG Post your comments. |
Page 41
Company Sergeant-Major John Robert Osborn died on December
19, 1941, defending British garrison of Hong Kong against Japanese
attack. While fighting with small numbers of his unit, The Winnipeg
Grenadiers, Osborn repeatedly showed great acts of heroism, including
attacking the enemy single-handedly. On several occasions he picked up
and threw back Japanese grenades that had landed in Canadian
positions. When he was unable to return one of these grenades, he threw
himself on it and was killed instantly. Company Sergeant-Major Osborn
was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions that day. Click here.
19, 1941, defending British garrison of Hong Kong against Japanese
attack. While fighting with small numbers of his unit, The Winnipeg
Grenadiers, Osborn repeatedly showed great acts of heroism, including
attacking the enemy single-handedly. On several occasions he picked up
and threw back Japanese grenades that had landed in Canadian
positions. When he was unable to return one of these grenades, he threw
himself on it and was killed instantly. Company Sergeant-Major Osborn
was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions that day. Click here.
Royal Rifles Rfm. Laureat Bacon
J'ai fait ce clip pour honorer la mémoire de mon Grand-père Lauréat Bacon. Qui c'est enrôler en 1940 à
l'âge de 34 ans. Il était membre des Royal Rifles of Canada. Dans la compagnie A. Les Royal Rifles et les
Winnipeg Grenadiers ont été envoyés à Hong-Kong en novembre 1941 pour renforcé la garnison
Britannique, que les autorités savaient intenable contre les Japonais. Sous-entraînés et n'ayant que très
peu d'équipement (l'équipement n'est jamais arrivé...), nos soldats Canadiens ont quand mêmes
combattu et tenu tête aux soldats Japonais pendant 18 jours. Mon Grand-père a combattu, a été fait
prisonnier et est mort, le 11 août 1942 à l'âge de 36 ans, suite au mauvaise condition de détention dans
les camps Japonais. NEVER FORGET! Clique ici
J'ai fait ce clip pour honorer la mémoire de mon Grand-père Lauréat Bacon. Qui c'est enrôler en 1940 à
l'âge de 34 ans. Il était membre des Royal Rifles of Canada. Dans la compagnie A. Les Royal Rifles et les
Winnipeg Grenadiers ont été envoyés à Hong-Kong en novembre 1941 pour renforcé la garnison
Britannique, que les autorités savaient intenable contre les Japonais. Sous-entraînés et n'ayant que très
peu d'équipement (l'équipement n'est jamais arrivé...), nos soldats Canadiens ont quand mêmes
combattu et tenu tête aux soldats Japonais pendant 18 jours. Mon Grand-père a combattu, a été fait
prisonnier et est mort, le 11 août 1942 à l'âge de 36 ans, suite au mauvaise condition de détention dans
les camps Japonais. NEVER FORGET! Clique ici
The Hong Kong Veterans Memorial Wall, on the Rideau River near Canada’s
Parliament Buildings, lists the names of the 1,975 men and women that helped
defend Hong Kong. The 17 day battle was Canada’s first military engagement of
the Second World War.
The Japanese army invaded the then British Colony from Mainland China in
December 1941. The Canadian defenders, fresh off the boat, and lacking
equipment and proper training, fought heroically until the colony surrendered to
Japanese forces on Christmas Day 1941.
Remarks by Phil Doddridge, President Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada
Parliament Buildings, lists the names of the 1,975 men and women that helped
defend Hong Kong. The 17 day battle was Canada’s first military engagement of
the Second World War.
The Japanese army invaded the then British Colony from Mainland China in
December 1941. The Canadian defenders, fresh off the boat, and lacking
equipment and proper training, fought heroically until the colony surrendered to
Japanese forces on Christmas Day 1941.
Remarks by Phil Doddridge, President Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada
The Japanese invasion of Hong Kong.
On December 8th, 1941, the Japanese Army began the invasion of
The Island of Hong Kong with an air raid, and an attack on the
mainland British fortification called The Gin Drinkers Line. The
footage shown here is graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.
To view click here.
On December 8th, 1941, the Japanese Army began the invasion of
The Island of Hong Kong with an air raid, and an attack on the
mainland British fortification called The Gin Drinkers Line. The
footage shown here is graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.
To view click here.
| This tribute paid to all veterans, of every war, is performed so movingly by Terry Kelly. |
On August 15, 2009 I was fortunate to be able to attend the unveiling
of The Hong Kong Veterans Wall in Ottawa located on National
Capital Commission property at the corner of King Edward Avenue
and Sussex Drive in Ottawa. It is a fitting tribute to all who endured the
unendurable should have this wall that will endure for all to see for
years to come. It was a day to be remembered. Ron Parker
of The Hong Kong Veterans Wall in Ottawa located on National
Capital Commission property at the corner of King Edward Avenue
and Sussex Drive in Ottawa. It is a fitting tribute to all who endured the
unendurable should have this wall that will endure for all to see for
years to come. It was a day to be remembered. Ron Parker
The Apology. On December 8th, 2011 the Japanese issued a formal apology to Canadians they held
captive following the fall of Hong Kong on December 25th, 1941, The treatment by the Japanese of POW;s
was, by any standard, beyond inhumane. To some survivors it is too late in coming. To others it means little.
Rwanda is an example of what being unforgiving can bring about, Is it ever too late to say you are sorry?
Click here to here the news as it broke.
captive following the fall of Hong Kong on December 25th, 1941, The treatment by the Japanese of POW;s
was, by any standard, beyond inhumane. To some survivors it is too late in coming. To others it means little.
Rwanda is an example of what being unforgiving can bring about, Is it ever too late to say you are sorry?
Click here to here the news as it broke.
Click here to listen to a magnificent version of the original The Last Post, The conductor of the
orchestra is Andre Rieu from Holland. The young lady, her trumpet and her rendition of TAPS makes
your hair stand on end. Many of you may never have heard taps played in its entirety, for all of the men &
women that have died for you to have the freedom you have in America. This is an opportunity you won't
want to miss and I guarantee you'll never forget.
Here is Taps played in its entirety. The Original version of Taps was called Last Post, and was written
by Daniel Butterfield in 1801. It was rather lengthy and formal, as you will hear in this clip, so in 1862 it was
shortened to 24 notes and re-named Taps. Melissa Venema is playing it on a trumpet whereby the original
was played on a bugle. To listen to this incredible solo click here.
orchestra is Andre Rieu from Holland. The young lady, her trumpet and her rendition of TAPS makes
your hair stand on end. Many of you may never have heard taps played in its entirety, for all of the men &
women that have died for you to have the freedom you have in America. This is an opportunity you won't
want to miss and I guarantee you'll never forget.
Here is Taps played in its entirety. The Original version of Taps was called Last Post, and was written
by Daniel Butterfield in 1801. It was rather lengthy and formal, as you will hear in this clip, so in 1862 it was
shortened to 24 notes and re-named Taps. Melissa Venema is playing it on a trumpet whereby the original
was played on a bugle. To listen to this incredible solo click here.
| During the occupation of Hong Kong the Chinese civilian population suffered unspeakable atrocities at the hands of the Japanese. In part, this is their story. The year 2011 is the 70th anniversary of Japan’s occupation of Hong Kong. To the older generation, the tragic three years and eight months will not be forgotten. December 1941, when the Japanese forces were attacking Hong Kong, Peter Choi, President of the Second World War Veterans Association, was stationed at Kellett Bay, where he shot down a Japanese aircraft with the cannon. Their superiors rewarded them with a goat. As local forces were heavily outnumbered, after holding out for eighteen days, Hong Kong fell into the hands of Japan. During the occupation, Japanese forces mandated people to return to Mainland China. Population dropped from 1.6 million before the war to half a million after. Civilians were brutalized and rape was commonplace. How did those with young women at home cope? With the shortage of resources, how did the people feed themselves? How did people endure the darkest days of Hong Kong history Click here to view a clip of their lives in hell. |
| Pictured here are Peter Choi, President of The Second World War Veterans Assocation, and Bill Lake, an Association Member. |
General Christopher Maltby's report in The London Gazette of January, 1948.
After the war had ended an after action report was filed with the British Government and posted in the
London Gazette edition of Thursday 29th, January, 1948. The report written by General Maltby was most
unflattering with regard to the conduct of the Canadian Troops. Click here to read the report entitled,
Operations in Hong Kong From 8th. to 21st. December 1942.
Click here to read the report.
After the war had ended an after action report was filed with the British Government and posted in the
London Gazette edition of Thursday 29th, January, 1948. The report written by General Maltby was most
unflattering with regard to the conduct of the Canadian Troops. Click here to read the report entitled,
Operations in Hong Kong From 8th. to 21st. December 1942.
Click here to read the report.
The amazing story of Ronald Roultledge DCM, CD
Ronald Routledge was born in Regina and joined the Permanent Force just prior to the outbreak of the
war. He had finished high school during the Great Depression and was coaxed into joining the Army by his
father who had fought in World War I and was closely associated with the local military. Ronald was a
member of The Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and attached to The Winnipeg Grenadiers and sent to
Hong Kong. On December 25th, 1941 he was captured and imprisoned.
During his 44 months of captivity he became involved in a clandestine operation that smuggled food,
medicines and much needed information between he POW Camps in the Hong Kong area. He was found
out by the Japanese and underwent extension torture.
Here is his story. Click here to read the account of his brave activity.
war. He had finished high school during the Great Depression and was coaxed into joining the Army by his
father who had fought in World War I and was closely associated with the local military. Ronald was a
member of The Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and attached to The Winnipeg Grenadiers and sent to
Hong Kong. On December 25th, 1941 he was captured and imprisoned.
During his 44 months of captivity he became involved in a clandestine operation that smuggled food,
medicines and much needed information between he POW Camps in the Hong Kong area. He was found
out by the Japanese and underwent extension torture.
Here is his story. Click here to read the account of his brave activity.
Get the book that tells the story of The Battle of Hong Kong from a
Canadian perspective in detail and in the words of those who fought
for 18 horrific days until Christmas day, 1941. $19.95 US plus
shipping
CLICK HERE.
Available at Amazon, Kindle or Lulu On-line Publishing
Canadian perspective in detail and in the words of those who fought
for 18 horrific days until Christmas day, 1941. $19.95 US plus
shipping
CLICK HERE.
Available at Amazon, Kindle or Lulu On-line Publishing
| BUY THE BOOK THAT TELLS THE STORY OF THE FINAL BATTLE, "DEADLY DECEMBER" |
| Now available as an ebook from Lulu for only $7.99 Click Here to Purchase the ebook |
I am proud to list on page 38 of this site some of the finest books written about
The Battle of Hong Kong. The latest additions by authors like Tony Banham,
Nathan Greenfield, and Andro Linklater are well worth the read.
The Battle of Hong Kong. The latest additions by authors like Tony Banham,
Nathan Greenfield, and Andro Linklater are well worth the read.
