1st Bn The Winnipeg Grenadiers
General Information | ||
| Rank: | First Name: | Second Name: |
|---|---|---|
| Private | Mike | |
| From: | Enlistment Region: | Date of Birth (y-m-d): |
| Angusville MB | Manitoba | 1916-04-11 |
| Appointment: | Company: | Platoon: |
| D | ||
Transportation - Home Base to Hong Kong
Members of 'C' Force from the East travelled across Canada by CNR troop train, picking up reinforcements enroute. Stops included Valcartier, Montreal, Ottawa, Armstrong ON, Capreol ON, Winnipeg, Melville SK, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, and Vancouver, arriving in Vancouver on Oct 27 at 0800 hrs.
The Winnipeg Grenadiers and the local soldiers that were with Brigade Headquarters from Winnipeg to BC travelled on a CPR train to Vancouver.
All members embarked from Vancouver on the ships AWATEA and PRINCE ROBERT. AWATEA was a New Zealand Liner and the PRINCE ROBERT was a converted cruiser. "C" Company of the Rifles was assigned to the PRINCE ROBERT, everyone else boarded the AWATEA. The ships sailed from Vancouver on Oct 27th and arrived in Hong Kong on November 16th, having made brief stops enroute at Honolulu and Manila.
Equipment earmarked for 'C' Force use was loaded on the ship DON JOSE, but would never reach Hong Kong as it was rerouted to Manila when hostilities commenced.
On arrival, all troops were quartered at Nanking Barracks, Sham Shui Po Camp, in Kowloon.
Battle Information
We do not have specific battle information for this soldier in our online database. For a detailed description of the battle from a Canadian perspective, visit Canadian Participation in the Defense of Hong Kong (published by the Historical Section, Canadian Military Headquarters).
Wounded Information
| Date Wounded | Wound Description | References |
|---|---|---|
| 41/12/25 | N/A |
Hospital Information
| Name of hospital | Date of admission | Date of discharge | Comments | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HK-QMH | 12/25/1941 | N/A | Transferred to BMH | |
| HK-BMH | 01/05/1942 | 01/10/1942 | 118 | |
| HK-BMH | 06/21/1942 | 07/25/1942 | 118 |
POW Camps
| Camp ID | Camp Name | Location | Company | Type of Work | Arrival Date | Departure Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HK-NP-01 | North Point | North Point, Hong Kong Island | N/A | N/A | ||
| HK-AS-01 | Argyle Street | Kowloon, Hong Kong | N/A | N/A | ||
| HK-SA-01 | Shamshuipo | Kowloon, Hong Kong | Capture | 42 Jan 22 | ||
| HK-NP-02 | North Point | North Point, Hong Kong Island | 42 Jan 22 | 42 Sep 26 | ||
| HK-SA-02 | Shamshuipo | Kowloon, Hong Kong | 42 Sep 26 | 43 Aug 15 | ||
| JP-To-5B | Niigata-Rinko | Niigata-ken, Nakakambara-gun, Ogata-mura, Japan | Marutsu, Rinko Coal, Shintetsu | Stevedore labor at port of Niigata (Marutsu), primarily foodstuffs; mining coal (Rinko Coal ) and labor at a foundry (Shintetsu) | 43 Sep 02 | 45 Sep 05 |
Transport to Japan
| Draft Number | Name of Ship | Departure Date | Arrival Date | Arrival Port | Comments | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XD4B | Manryu Maru | 43 Aug 15 | 43 Sep 01 | Osaka, Japan | Brief stopover in Taihoku (Taipei), Formosa (Taiwan); then 2 day stopover at northern point for stool tests | Tony Banham |
Transportation SE Asia to Home
| Transport Mode | Arrival Destination | Arrival Date | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| USS Ozark Passenger List A | SF | 1945-10-02 | evacuated from Japan via USS Ozark |
No other or additional related information found. Please submit documents to us using the contact link at the top of this page.
Post-war Photo
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Other Military or Public Service
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Death and Cemetery Information
| Date of Death (y-m-d) | Cause of Death | Death Class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997-05-01 | Post War | ||
| Cemetery Location | Cemetery | Grave Number | Gravestone Marker |
| Angusville, Roblin Manitoba Canada | Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery | Engraved | |
Gravestone Image
Obituary / Life Story
Picture shows Mike and wife Stella.
Obituary / Life Story: KATCHEN:- Mike, Shoal Lake Crossroads May 19, 1997. The following is the eulogy shared by Gigi’s family. It is with love and deep sorrow that we meet today to bid farewell and pay our last respects to Mike Katchen, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend. On behalf of Gigi’s family I would like to share some of the highlights of Gigi’s life.
On April 11, 1916, in the Silver Creek Municipality Michael (Mike) was born to Mary and Harry Katchen. At a very young age Gigi attended Lima School and worked for farmers in the area in. In 1940, Gigi left for Ontario, cutting and hauling pulp, working for dairy farmers and constructing elevators. On July 27, 1941, Gigi joined the Lake Suprior Army and was transferred to Fort Osborn Barracks in Winnipeg. He aided them in guarding the west coast, a decision he regretted later on. Arriving in Vancouver, he boarded the ship Amalia and arrived in Hong Kong on Nov. 16, 1941.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor Japan overtook Hong Kong. Gigi was in battle at the front line for 17 days. On Dec. 25, 1941, Gigi was captured by the Japanese. He was a prisoner at North Point Camp and later transferred to Osaka where he worked on the coal docks. Gigi was a Hong Kong prisoner for three years and nine months. In August 1945, the war ended and Gigi arrived back in Winnipeg on Oct. 24, 1945.
Once arriving back to Angusville Gigi met the love of his life Stella Yacuk and on July 12, 1945, they were the first couple married at the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in Angusville. They lived with Gigi Yacuk and then moved to Gigi’s parents farm, where they were blessed with the arrival of their first child – Lavinia Anne in 1948. Gigi then moved his family to town where he took a shoe makers course and had a shop. Gigi was a jack of all trades, he was a CCM dealer and also repaired bikes. On Nov. 16, 1949, Gigi became the postmaster in Angusville. In 1952, their first son Robert Wally was born and in 1955 Dennis Nicholas. In December 1981, Gigi retired after serving 31 years as postmaster. Gigi had many interests, such as curling, fishing, hunting, sports, hockey and baseball. Here’s one story I’d like to share with all of you. It was Ukrainian Christmas Eve. Jan. 6, 1997. Gigi decided he was going hunting once again. He spent the night at Uncle Dennis at the Ponderosa farm. That morning they went hunting moose. We were all waiting at Baba’s for the hunters to come home. The first star appeared and still no hunters. Uncle Bobby was called to help because the great hunter got a moose. Baba was getting upset because the food was getting cold. Our great hunters arrived home with a moose. Gigi was so proud to be a part of this hunting expedition but it took three of us to help him remove his hunting combination and boots. Although he was so exhausted he never said a word, he sat in his usual place with such a smile on his face and enjoyed his supper with his family.
Throughout the years Gigi was involved with the years, Gigi was involved with the Royal Canadian Legion Russell Branch No. 159, President of the Ukrainian National Home, an elder, caretaker, secretary & treasurer of the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church and belonged to the Hong Kong Veterans Association. Gigi’s prayers were answered and he was able to watch all eight grandchildren grow up as well as knowing three great grandchildren. Suddenly on May 1, 1997, with his loving family by his side peacefully Gigi entered into eternal rest at the Brandon General Hospital.
Surviving is his loving wife of 50 years Stella, daughter, Lavinia, son Dennis, son-in-law Larry, grandchildren Tammy, Mark, Sheena, Murray, Lora, Jason, Gerry, Kathleen, Dennis Jr. and great grandchildren Dustin, Natasha and Christopher Michael. Brother Bill and Jean Katchen, sister Nettie Glushka, step sister Carrie Praduk, sister-in-law Margaret Katchin and Sophie Katchin, Brother-in-law John and Lois Yacuk, Wally and Rita Yacuk and Nick Yacuk, Uncle Fred and Ann Baydak, Aunt Teenie and Bill Mushey, Uncle Nick and Auntie Rose Baydak and a very special friend John Kalynuk, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Predeceased – parents Mary and Harry Katchen, in-laws Nick Yacuk and Pauline Owcher, sister Anne, Uncle Joe Baydek, Uncle Nick, Auntie Rose Baydek, brothers Nick and John Katchen, brother-in-law Metro Glushka and Michael Yacuk, nephews Harvey and Christopher Katchen and son Robert Wally. Gigi was a very kind hearted man. He would sacrifice for himself to give to others. We will remember him for his love and compassion for all people. A heart of gold skipped beating, working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best. Leaves and flowers may wither, the golden sun may set, but the hearts that loved you dearly, are the ones that won’t forget.
Links and Other Resources
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Related documentation
- Our HKVCA Vault (Google Docs) may contain additional information, newspaper clippings, and documents which have been saved for this soldier. To access this information, click on the vault link and a Google Docs folder list will open in a separate tab. Use the first letter of the soldier’s service number, found at the top of this report, to open the correct folder. Each sub-folder is identified by service number. Scroll down until you reach the one of your interest.
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General Comments
Mike attended Lima school for 8 years. He lived with his grandmother and helped his brother John on the farm. He also worked for farmers in area. In 1940, he left for Ontario, cutting and Hauling pulp and work at Dairy Farmers, constructing elevators. He joined the Lake Superior Army on July 27th, 1941 and was transferred to Fort Osborne barracks in Winnipeg. He ate at them in guarding the West Coast, a decision he regret it later on. Arriving in Vancouver, he boarded the ship Amatia and arrived at Hong Kong on November 16th, 1941. Mike and his four buddies we're amazed when they received their army pay with Hong Kong money, too large to put in there Canadian wallets.
After being in battle for 17 days, he became prisoner of war at North Point Camp. They're Hong Kong diet consisted of rice twice-daily, and many of them died of malnutrition, until Red Cross Parcels help them to survive. In 1943, Mike was transferred to Osaka where he worked on the coal docks. In August 1945, Mike left for Tokyo, boarding and electric train to Yokohama. after an examination by a medical doctor, he sailed for Pearl Harbor, then to San Francisco, and Victoria BC. The Army honored his return. Mike was welcomed with bands playing when they arrived in Winnipeg on October 14th, 1945.
He met Stella Yacuk whom he married on July 12th 1946. They resided with her father, then move to his parents Farm, where little daughter Lavinia was born in April 1948. He took a shoe makers course and purchased Rosie Macy's shop and went into the shoe repair business, until November 16th 1949, when he became a postmaster at Angusville, Manitoba a position he held until December 1980. In 1950, Mike purchased a building from Antony Magnowski and remodeled it, having the post office and living quarters here till it burned in 1957.
Their son Robert was born in May 1952 and in 1955, a son Dennis was born. In October 1957, they moved to their newly built premises living quarters and post office, where they continue to reside.
Mike retired from being a postmaster after 31 years. He enjoys his well-deserved years of retirement by helping his son-in-law on the farm, traveling, gardening, and is affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Church. Indeed a far cry from the unforgettable abuse of the prisoners in the Japanese war camps.
Provided by Judy Prestons 2018. Taken from a community based book- Silver Creek History Book Odds and Sods 1884 to 1984
2 Jap War Criminals Charged With Maltreating Canadians Are Sentenced To Long Terms
Ottawa, Feb. 14. Two more Japanese war criminals charged with maltreatment of Canadian and other Allied prisoners-of-war have received heavy sentences from an Allied War Crimes Commission at Tokyo, army headquarters announced yesterday.
The sentences, handed down in Tokyo Tuesday, were 40 years' imprisonment for Katsuyaru Sato, former civilian guard, and 15 years for Takeo Takahashi, former medical orderly. Both men were employed at a camp near Niigata's coal docks in the Tokyo area.
Sato was charged with compelling physically unfit Allied troops to perform hard labor, and "in some cases contributing to the death of prisoners." Thirty Canadians, including a number from the Eastern Townships, and five United States Army personnel suffered at his hands. Nine died.
Takahashi, it was alleged, not only refused medical attention to Allied prisoners of war, but forced the sick, weak and undernourished to do hard labor, as a result of which numerous prisoners died of disease or were permanently disabled. It was also charged that Takahashi, for his own use, stole Red Cross supplies, medicines and other supplies intended for the benefit of Allied prisoners. The falsification of numerous death certificates also was attributed to Takahashi.
Sato was described in the charges as a ruthless taskmaster who visited his cruelty upon any prisoner who afforded him the slightest provocation. It was charged that while working the sick and weary prisoners-of-war at the Rinko coal docks in Niigata he often satisfied a sadistic urge to torture his helpless victims. Sato also is accused of stealing Red Cross supplies.
The SCAP Legal Section lists the following Canadians as included among victims of the two Japanese:
Takahashi: E. C. Harrison (deceased), Bury, Que.; Renwell Marren (deceased), Gaspe, Que; Joseph E. Maloney (deceased), Barachois, Que.; and Ernest Heuft (deceased), 473 Warsaw Ave, Winnipeg.
Sato: Sgt. Colin Pope (deceased), Cookshire, Que.; Rfn. Gabriel Guitard (deceased), Nash Creek, N.B.; Pte. Albert Boulding (deceased), Pilot Butte, Sask.; Cpl. John Moffat Gee (deceased), Birch Ridge, N.B.; Sgt. Edward Philips (deceased), Sawyerville, Que; Pte. Mike Katchen, Angus, Man.; Cpl. Thomas P. McCarron, Benjamin River, N.B.; Rfn. George Chenell, Entry Island, Que.; R.R. Wheeler, Runnymede, Que; G. H. Doucette, Botwood, Nfld;
Ernest Arthur Dayton, Chilliwack, B.C.;
William Harvey Gagne, Brighton, Ont.; J. A. Hunt, Chandler, Que.; Arthur Hilton Hunter, Winnipeg;
Herbert Wallace, Kingsbury, Que: Frederick Joseph Lavallee, St. Laurent, Man.; Pte. McLaughlin, Campbellton, N.B.; F. T. Caruso (deceased) Winnipeg; C. S. Woodward, Winnipeg; S. C. Street, Toronto; Alfred William Spier, West Kildonan, Man.; Joseph John Wolczuk, Winnipeg; Joseph Axel Winberg, Chatham Ont.; Thomas Lawrence Ward, Portage la Prairie, Man.; Robert Manchester, Winnipeg; Lloyd C. Doull, Drummondville, Que.
End of Report.
Report generated: 27 Apr 2025.
Additional Notes
(These will not be visible on the printed copy)
- Service numbers for officers ("X") are locally generated for reporting only. During World War II officers were not allocated service numbers until 1945.
- 'C' Force soldiers who died overseas are memorialized in the Books of Remembrance and the Canadian Virtual War Memorial, both sponsored by Veterans Affairs Canada. Please use the search utility at VAC to assist you.
- Some birthdates and deathdates display as follows: 1918-00-00. In general, this indicates that we know the year but not the month or day.
- Our POW camp links along with our References link (near the bottom of the 'C' Force home page) are designed to give you a starting point for your research. There were many camps with many name changes. The best resource for all POW camps in Japan is the Roger Mansell Center for Research site.
- In most cases the rank displayed was the rank held before hostilities. Some veterans were promoted at some point prior to eventual post-war release from the army back in Canada. When notified of these changes we'll update the individual's record.
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