Battle of Hong Kong
In the Second World War, Canadian soldiers first engaged in battle while defending the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong against a Japanese attack in December, 1941. The Canadians at Hong Kong fought against overwhelming odds and displayed the courage of seasoned veterans, though most had limited military training. They had virtually no chance of victory, but refused to surrender until they were overrun by the enemy. Those who survived the battle became prisoners of war (POWs) and many endured torture and starvation by their Japanese captors.
The Numbers:
1975 Canadian soldiers fought
290 Killed
1685 POW's
260 POW's died in captivity
493 Wounded
The Numbers:
1975 Canadian soldiers fought
290 Killed
1685 POW's
260 POW's died in captivity
493 Wounded