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Decision Time
The Canadian Government decides to send The Royal Riffles of Canada to Hong Kong even though they weren't ready for battle. -
Troops Arrive
All 1975 Canadian Troops arrive in Hong Kong. -
The Battle Begins
At 8:00am, Japanese forces, under Lieutenant General Takashi Sakai, attacked the Kai Tak airport in Hong Kong and damaged the few aircraft the Royal Air Force had. -
Strengthen the Forces
The "D" Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers was dispatched to strengthen the remaining defenders on the mainland. -
Canada's First Gunfire
The “D” Company exchanged gunfire with the enemy and became the first Canadian Army unit to engage in combat in the Second World War. General Maltby ordered the troops to withdraw from the mainland. The Winnipeg Grenadiers covered the Royal Scots' and the Rajputs, who had been left to guard Devil's Peak, followed. The evacuation was successful and most of the Brigade's heavy equipment was saved. -
Surrender?
The Japanese's demand for the surrender of Hong Kong was rejected. The Battle continued. -
Surrender Take 2?
The Japanese repeated their demand for surrender. Once again it was rapidly refused. -
False Security
Brigadier Wallis visited the Rajput Regiment's headquarters and wrongly assured the Indian military personnel that the Japanese would not attack. The invasion came with nightfall. The Royal Rifles engaged the invading Japanese and tried to push them back. The "C" Company of the Royal Rifles counter-attacked throughout the night, suffering and inflicting heavy casualties. Other detachments of the Royal Rifles went into action on the west side of Mount Parker. -
Night Owls - The Japanese Gain
The strength of the invasion force was overwhelming. The Japanese had reached as far as the Wong Nei Chong and Tai Tam Gaps, proving their effectiveness at night fighting. -
The Stall
No further attempts were made to drive northward. The troops were depleted and exhausted and the Japanese mounted constant attacks. -
Sugar Loaf Hill
At noon the Japanese took Sugar Loaf Hill. Volunteers from the Royal Rifles "C" company went forward and recaptured the hill by night. -
No Rest for these Men
Orders were given to the Royal Rifles to withdrawl to Stanley Peninsula for a rest. However Volunteer Defence Corps were being advanced on by the Japanese and could not contain so the Royal Rifles were recalled back into action to help. -
Hospital Overtake
The Japanese overtook a make-shift hospital in Hong Kong where they assaulted and murdered nurses as well as many wounded Canadian soliders. -
The White Flag
At 3:15 pm General Maltby advised the Governor that further resistance was pointless. The white flag was hoisted. -
Aftermath...
Of the 1975 Canadian Soliders 551 were killed or died in a prison camp.
