Battle for Hong Kong, December 1941

The Japanese Empire attacked the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong on the same day as the Pearl Harbor attack, without warning. Philip Cracknell provides a research-driven narrative about the three-week battle, which commenced on 8 December and ended on Christmas Day 1941. The defenders were mainly British, Canadian, Indian, and Hong Kong Chinese, and the Japanese had superiority in numbers, guns, and equipment, and complete air supremacy. The defenders suffered a casualty rate of over 30%, and many more died during the brutal incarceration that followed the surrender. Churchill wanted to cause the invaders maximum delay and maximum cost, and the defenders had won "lasting honor."

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 15 July 2021
\n Publisher: Amberley Publishing
\n

On the fateful day of December 8, 1941, the Japanese Empire launched a surprise attack on the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong, marking a significant turning point in World War II. In his meticulously researched narrative, Philip Cracknell delves into the three-week-long battle that ensued, culminating in the surrender on Christmas Day. Hong Kong, once a strategic asset, had become an isolated outpost, deemed a liability by the British. However, the defenders, consisting mainly of British, Canadian, Indian, and Hong Kong Chinese troops, valiantly fought against overwhelming odds.

Despite the Japanese's superiority in numbers, guns, and equipment, the defenders held their ground for weeks. The battle was fought across various locations, with evidence of pillboxes, gun batteries, and weapons pits still visible today. The defenders suffered a staggering casualty rate of over 30 percent, with many more dying during the brutal incarceration that followed the surrender. This grim statistic serves as a haunting reminder of the hellish experiences that awaited those who fought in the Asia-Pacific War.

Churchill, aware of the inevitable fall of Hong Kong, sought to inflict maximum damage and delay on the invaders. His strategy involved using the terrain and weather to his advantage, employing guerrilla tactics and delaying the Japanese advance. The defenders' resilience and determination earned them "lasting honor," as Churchill himself acknowledged after the war.

The battle for Hong Kong is a story that deserves to be better known and recognized for its historical significance. It serves as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom and democracy against overwhelming odds. The battle for Hong Kong is a reminder of the importance of standing up to tyranny and defending the values we hold dear. As we reflect on the past, let us honor the memory of those who fought for Hong Kong and continue to stand up for freedom and justice in the world.

\n Weight: 290g\n
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781398109117\n \n