Prisoners of War
At that time we also got the rumour that the Germans had been turned
back in their invasion of Russia. With our efforts in the defence of Hong
Kong at an end it seemed there was a little bit of hope that we would live
to fight again another day. I remember the mixed feelings I had on
receiving the news of the surrender. My life had been spared, a cause for
rejoicing. But, as a soldier, I was a defeated man, A prisoner of war. Not
a glorious way to end a military career. I still think of it.
back in their invasion of Russia. With our efforts in the defence of Hong
Kong at an end it seemed there was a little bit of hope that we would live
to fight again another day. I remember the mixed feelings I had on
receiving the news of the surrender. My life had been spared, a cause for
rejoicing. But, as a soldier, I was a defeated man, A prisoner of war. Not
a glorious way to end a military career. I still think of it.
The Questions Remain
There are many reasons to ask why so many bungles were made in the
defence of Hong Kong. One may ask why a small force of 120 men were
sent out to chase out, what was reported to be, "15 Japs in the village"? If
we had intelligence of the numbers of Japanese occupying the village why
were more troops not sent to carry out the mission?
defence of Hong Kong. One may ask why a small force of 120 men were
sent out to chase out, what was reported to be, "15 Japs in the village"? If
we had intelligence of the numbers of Japanese occupying the village why
were more troops not sent to carry out the mission?
According to an informed report, over 2000 men were marched put of
Stanley Village several days later under Japanese guards. Where were
they on Christmas Day when "D" Company, the Royal Rifles of Canada,
were being cut to pieces in the cemetery in Stanley Village?
Stanley Village several days later under Japanese guards. Where were
they on Christmas Day when "D" Company, the Royal Rifles of Canada,
were being cut to pieces in the cemetery in Stanley Village?
It is not hard to deduce where they were. I distinctly remember that a
vigourous game of soccer was in progress on the Square in Fort Stanley
that fateful Christmas morning, 1941.
vigourous game of soccer was in progress on the Square in Fort Stanley
that fateful Christmas morning, 1941.
Total Surrender
The next morning we stacked our rifles, the last act before total surrender,
and the equivalent of presenting the sword to the victor. That was the last
I saw of my Enfield, number 1-59544. I had carried it from Valcartier in
July, 1940. We had always been admonished to respect the rifle, "the best
friend a soldier ever had". I had taken to heart the advice that had been
given to me. The rifle had become a part of me. To this day the feel of a
Lee Enfield against my shoulder is like an extension of my body, almost
like a third arm.
and the equivalent of presenting the sword to the victor. That was the last
I saw of my Enfield, number 1-59544. I had carried it from Valcartier in
July, 1940. We had always been admonished to respect the rifle, "the best
friend a soldier ever had". I had taken to heart the advice that had been
given to me. The rifle had become a part of me. To this day the feel of a
Lee Enfield against my shoulder is like an extension of my body, almost
like a third arm.
Visiting the Past
Left to right, Phil Doddridge, Arnold Ross, Roger Cyr
In 1994 Arnold Ross, Roger Cyr,
and I were part of a pilgrimage that
visited the battle sites and cemeteries
in Hong Kong.
We are pictured here on a slope
overlooking Stanley Military
Cemetery, at a spot where Roger told
is that it is the place where he last saw
Bill Fallow.
Bill Fallow was killed at St. Stephen's
Hospital on Christmas Day, during the
Japanese rampage in the Hospital.
and I were part of a pilgrimage that
visited the battle sites and cemeteries
in Hong Kong.
We are pictured here on a slope
overlooking Stanley Military
Cemetery, at a spot where Roger told
is that it is the place where he last saw
Bill Fallow.
Bill Fallow was killed at St. Stephen's
Hospital on Christmas Day, during the
Japanese rampage in the Hospital.