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   PEOPLE > TURN OF THE CENTURY > Battle Of Hong Kong

What?
• On December 8, 1941, Japan launched its attack on Hong Kong
• Hong Kong surrendered because Japanese air forces destroyed all defense from the air and at sea. Also the U.S. fleet was crippled at Pearl Harbor. Defence on Chinese mainland was too small.
• After invasion, every Canadian soldier had been killed or taken prisoner by Japanese



Historical Significance
• Canadian prisoners of war were crowded into barracks and were forced to do hard labour
• Suffered from exhaustion, malnutrition, and other diseases
• Many died
• Controversy over whether Canadian soldiers should have received compensation from Japanese government for the way they were treated
• Order was given that if Japan was invaded, all prisoners would be executed -> Gave the Japanese an advantage

Picture
Battle Exhibition
Image Courtesy of Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense 		Related Links

• The Battle of Hong Kong

   PEOPLE > TURN OF THE CENTURY > Henri Bourassa > REVIEW QUESTIONS

  • The Japanese plans for conquering Hong Kong has been laid out more than
    1. a. two years
    2. b. three weeks
    3. c. a year
    4. d. three years


    1. The Canadian troops in Hong Kong were classified as
      1. a. World Troops
      2. b. T-Force
      3. c. C Force
      4. d. Luftwaffe



    2. Canadian soldiers were outnumbered and Hong Kong officially surrendered on
      1. a. Christmas Day
      2. b. Victoria Day
      3. c. Halloween
      4. d.April Passover


    3. They sent packages destined for the camps were seized and sold on the black market
      1. a. Commonwealth
      2. b.Prince of Wales
      3. c. Winnipeg Grenadiers
      4. d.Red Cross


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         PAGE DEVELOPED BY: Amanda Chan & Su-Lin Khaw, REVIEW QUESTONS BY: Elaine Ho Mr.Melnyk's 2002 Class