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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.