Backgrounder：SAI WAN SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
In October 1941, Canada dispatched two infantry battalions, a total of 1,975 personnel, from the Royal Rifles of Canada and the Winnipeg Grenadiers to reinforce Britain’s Hong Kong garrison. Japan attacked on December 8 and these soldiers became the first Canadians to join combat in World War II.
The Battle of Hong Kong saw 18 days of intense fighting in which 290 Canadian soldiers were killed and 493 wounded. Following Britain’s surrender on Christmas Day, the surviving Canadians were held as prisoners of war for more than three and a half years, enduring exceptionally harsh treatment in camps in Hong Kong and Japan. Many perished in captivity. More than 550 Canadians who sailed from Vancouver to Hong Kong in October 1941 never returned.
Among countless acts of heroism, one Canadian soldier’s feats during this battle were particularly noteworthy. After single-handedly engaging the enemy to cover his group’s retreat, Company Sergeant-Major John Osborn of the Winnipeg Grenadiers threw his body on a grenade, sacrificing himself to save the lives of his comrades.
For his actions, Osborn received the only Victoria Cross awarded for the Battle of Hong Kong – Canada’s first in World War II.
A memorial was erected in 1946 at the Sai Wan War Cemetery in Hong Kong to honour those members of the British Commonwealth and Empire who died in Hong Kong’s defence. Every year since 1947, the Canadian government has convened a Service of Remembrance at the cemetery to honour their sacrifices. This important event traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of December to commemorate the start of hostilities.
For 2009, the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong has invited Mrs. Patricia Osborn to attend the service and speak about the heroic actions of her father, Company Sergeant-Major Osborn. The service will be attended by veterans, students, teachers, Canadian community members as well as local and Canadian government representatives.
Release
Date: December 6, 2009
For immediate release
PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER HONOURS CANADIANS WHO FOUGHT IN SECOND WORLD WAR
HONG KONG – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in the annual commemorative service at Hong Kong’s Sai Wan War Cemetery, honouring the memory of the Canadian soldiers who defended the territory during the Second World War.
“Today, we acknowledge our eternal debt to those who have served our country,” said the Prime Minister. “We are also reminded of the gratitude we owe to those who continue to defend our values in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world.”
Against overwhelming odds, Canadians, along with troops from Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and India, defended the territory against the Japanese invaders for 17 days, finally surrendering on Christmas Day, 1941. The cost was high, with 290 Canadians killed and 493 wounded. More than 550 Canadians who fought in Hong Kong died in the campaign or in captivity.
“Canada is a country that has always stood up when the cause was just. A country that has never flinched when facing a foe and that has never wavered in its defence of freedom, democracy and justice,” added the Prime Minister. “It is the men and women of the Canadian Forces who defend our way of life and keep Canada, the True North Strong and Free.”
The ceremony at the Sai Wan War Cemetery was also attended by Patricia Osborn, daughter of Company Sergeant Major John Osborn, a Canadian hero who died in combat in Hong Kong. He received a posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions in protecting his fellow troops – Canada’s first in World War II.
