Toronto Star, December 26, 1941: Reporting on British Hong Kong's surrender to Japan

December 25, 1941, 'Black Christmas,' British Hong Kong surrendered to Japan after 18 days of intense fighting. This event is deeply significant for Chinese Canadians due to the valiant defense by Canadian troops (Winnipeg Grenadiers and Royal Rifles of Canada) alongside British and Indian forces. Over 550 Canadians died in the battle or in subsequent harsh captivity as POWs. The fall of Hong Kong ushered in a brutal Japanese occupation that lasted three years and eight months, until August 1945 when Japan surrendered, formally ending with the return to British administration in September 1945. This period was marked by severe hardship for the local population, including many of Chinese descent. The sacrifice of Canadian soldiers in the Battle of Hong Kong is a poignant chapter in Canada's World War II history and Chinese Canadian military heritage.