Our Mission:
Our mission is to honour the sacrifices and stories of the Canadian soldiers who served in the Defence of Hong Kong, and to preserve their legacy for future generations. We are committed to achieving this through heart-led actions such as: commemorative events, public storytelling via traditional and social media, the placement of commemorative plaques, and the creation and sponsorship of educational materials and initiatives.
Learn more →In Memoriam
Earlier In Memoriam items have been removed from here and placed either in the current issue of our newsletter or in our website archives.
CSM John R. Osborn, VC - A Commemoration
As we commemorate the 85th anniversary of the battle of Hong Kong this coming Remembrance Day, HKVCA member Phil Mondor has created an in-depth compilation of the life and legacy of CSM Osborn, VC. Well worth a visit!
(Item posted on October 11, 2026)
Our Next Virtual Event!
Monday, November 9 at 7:30 PM ET
Using first person accounts from veterans paired with photographs from the period, Jane Parry explores the motivations and experiences of the young Canadian troops of ‘C’ Force, who departed for Hong Kong in 1941. She discovers what they made of Hong Kong before the outbreak of war, and what happened to them - from the outbreak of war, through their ordeal as prisoners and slave labourers - until liberation in 1945. In their own words, Jane tells their incredible story of bravery, sacrifice, suffering and resilience. Register here.
(Item posted on October 20, 2026)
Missed our earlier events? Visit Our List
Notices from the past few months have been moved to the Archives.
'C' Force Details and Reports
Our most visited service!
Individual Reports
Enter the 'C' Force member's last name below and click on Submit.
Not sure of the spelling? Enter at least the first three characters.
Visit our 'C' Force site featuring links to more reports along with background information including POW site maps and statistics.
The Battle and Beyond
Read various accounts of the battle.
Check out our book library to get an in-depth analysis of the politics, preparations, battle detail, POW experience, and post-war life.
Our Projects
Things we've completed or are working on
Memorial Wall (see image at the top of this page) - Built in Ottawa in 2009, this is Canada's tribute to the valour of 'C' Force.
Commemorative Plaques - memorializing 'C' Force in public venues across Canada.
Indigenous Research and Reconciliation - identifying and recognizing the Indigenous members of 'C' Force.
Gravestone Markers - our aim is to place a marker on each and every Hong Kong veteran's gravestone.
Poems and Art We're collecting poems and drawings created over the years. Please help by submitting links and collections.
- expanding our Hong Kong Veterans Tribute Group on Facebook, encouraging new membership and participation
Educating Canadians
Providing resources for researchers, educators and the public
record_voice_over Veterans' Personal Accounts - frank, harrowing, illuminating, mixed with the odd dab of humour
import_contacts Suggested Books - some in digital format on this site
Historical Reference Library - links to various documents that describe the battle itself, plus events responsible for the 'C' Force deployment
Submissions - by historians, HKVCA members and others
school Teachers' Zone - resources for educators and students
Virtual Events on YouTube - interesting, educational discussions with authors and other experts
Image Gallery - photos and clippings from 1940 to recent days
Other Links and More References
Links to external sources, including video, audio and text
Related Links - many external sources collected over the years.
Canadian Veterans Hall of Valour (CVHV) - read about our Hong Kong veterans inducted into the CVHV.
Veterans Affairs Canada -> Remembrance
En français
Several of our personal accounts have been translated. Visit this page to see the list.
HKVCA Store
Special Assistance
Visiting Hong Kong? - we provide some help for you in organizing your trip
Tributes and Memorials - Tools and Guidance for those wishing to write their own tribute
Main image provided with the compliments of Richard Lawrence Photography