Image of the Defence of Hong Kong Memorial Wall from Veterans Affairs Canada

The Battle of Hong Kong (December 8-25, 1941) saw 1,975 Canadian soldiers valiantly defend the British colony against Japanese invasion; many became POWs. This battle was part of Japan's wider initial offensive across the Pacific. Coordinated attacks, when accounting for local times, occurred on Pearl Harbor, British Malaya (which was attacked hours before Pearl Harbor), and Hong Kong, with Japan's formal declarations of war largely following these initial aggressions. In response to the attacks on Allied territories, Canada declared war on Japan on December 7, 1941, marking its formal entry into the Asia-Pacific theatre of World War II. Canada has commemorated this battle annually since the war's end. The Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association (HKVCA) organizes ceremonies, often in early December around the 8th, honouring these soldiers. These involve veterans, families, dignitaries, and the public, with wreath-laying and speeches. The Defence of Hong Kong Memorial Wall in Ottawa, dedicated August 15, 2009, at King Edward Ave & Sussex Dr, is a national tribute, etched with the names of all Canadians who fought: 961 Royal Rifles, 911 Winnipeg Grenadiers, and 106 brigade HQ members. A bronze plaque details Canada's role.