On 8 December 1941, the Imperial Japanese Army launched their long-anticipated invasion of Hong Kong. Crossing the Shum Chun River, the British Colony's land border with China, they quickly advanced through the New Territories and captured the main allied defensive position there, the Gin Drinker's Line. This was a line of pill boxes and artillery observation posts - sadly undermanned by the defending forces.
By the evening of 12 December, the attackers were in possession of the whole of the mainland, including the Kowloon peninsula.
The British defenders, together with their Indian; Canadian and Chinese allies, then withdrew to Hong Kong island where they reorganized their defences. On the night of 18 December, after a sustained bombing and shelling campaign of 6 days duration, the Japanese crossed the harbour to attack the island. The battle for the strategically important Wong Nai Chong Gap then began, and it proved to be an integral part of the entire 18 day campaign.
On this guided tour, your expert guide will describe in detail the course of the fighting during this all-important phase of the battle, concluding with the British surrender of the Colony on Christmas Day, 1941. During the walk you will see World War 2 pillboxes; underground bunkers and an anti-aircraft position - all of which record key chapters of the battle and which figured prominently in the fighting.
You will also view the location where Warrant Officer John Osborn of the Canadian Army's Winnipeg Grenadiers won the Victoria Cross - the British Commonwealth's highest gallantry award and the only one awarded during the battle for Hong Kong.
Join this walk for a tour filled with wartime heroics and memories. Cost: HK$500 per person, includes transport. Total tour time 4 hours, walking time approx. 3 hours Facilities: Toilets en route
Martin Thanks for the info on the battle site I will enjoy reading. Thanks for the very informative walk we had together, I could have spent many days looking around HK Island, I wish I had more time. Thanks to you and your friend Tony people around the world will know how hard HK had to fight during those difficult times. The battle of HK is not known to many people and you guys are geting the word out. All the best for now and thanks again for making the walk so memorable Maurice Keeler
