The Battle of Hong Kong

What happened at this event? When did it happen?

The battle of Hong kong was the first battle of the pacific campaign, Japan wanted to occupate British Hong Kong. The battle lasted from December 8 to December 25, 1941. Canadians, British and Indians served in the battle of Hong Kong for the defense of British occupied Hong Kong. Japan on December 25, 1941 took over British occupied Hong Kong.

Who was involved in this event? If there are specific people explain their role?

The counties that were involved in the battle of Hong Kong were the Allies (Britain, Canada, Indian) and japan fighting for the occupation of British Hong Kong. The two Canadian groups that fought in Hong Kong were The Royal Rifles from Quebec and the Winnipeg Grenadiers from Manitoba.

Why did this event happen?

Britain, Canada and India were defending Hong Kong while Japan attacked Hong Kong wanting to expand their country by taking over Hong Kong, also Japan was showing examples of imperialism by taking over Hong Kong and conquering people to assimilate into the imperial society.

One Primary Source Document.

This primary source shows the Japanese army marching to Hong Kong before the attack on December 8, 1941. This primary source shows militarism and how the Japanese were expanding their army.

 

 

 

 

Continuity and Change.

The progress and declines for Canada fighting against the Japanese were very influential for Canada’s army. Some of the declines with Canada fighting in Hong Kong were Canada lost the battle in 18 days showing japan weaknesses in the army and  2113 men killed/2300 wounded and 10 000 captured. Some of the progresses with Canada fighting in Hong Kong  were showing loyal to Britain and learning form Hong Kong and applying different battle plans. This event can be compared to  battle of Sicily because in both battles the country/counties defending were out numbered and were taken over. The Japanese out numbered the allies just like the allies out numbered the Italian in  the battle of Sicily, also the Japanese took over British Hong Kong  like the allies took over Sicily.

 

Historical Significance.

The battle of Hong Kong was historically significance for three reasons the number of men effected from the battle, how long it lasted and how people were effected. The number of men that dead from both Japan and The Allies was 4109/ 8300 wounded and 10 000  captured. The battle 18 days  but death is everlasting. The families on both sides were effected from losing a father or a son which in Canada if the family has a farm affects them more then ever.

 

Aidan