1. Canadians in Hong Kong
The War in the Pacific

2. Hong Kong British colony Vulnerable and needed protection
British decided to reinforce the colony with more troops to deter Japan from attacking or delay advancing Japanese troops until reinforcements could be provided
Canada asked to contribute troops
1,976 Canadians arrived in Hong Kong on November 16, 1941

4. Japanese Attack Japan attacked on December 8, 1941
Japanese: greater numbers, battle experience, access to reinforcements and armaments, total air domination
Canadians and other allies: inexperienced, no hope of receiving additional supplies and equipment

5. Allies Surrender Canadians fought hard for 17 days
On Christmas Day, 1941 Allies surrender
Approximately 290 Canadian soldiers died in battle

6. Prisoners of War (POWs)
Canadians would become prisoners of war for more than 3 and a half years
First in Hong Kong until early 1943
Then in Japan until their liberation in September 1945
More than 260 Canadians POWs died

7. Prison Camps Weak and malnourished from a starvation diet
Lived in primitive, vermin-infested huts
Forced to work long and hard at slave labour in construction projects, shipyards and mines
Abuse and mistreatment from their guards
Diseases like diphtheria (infection caused by a bacterium) and beriberi (symptoms caused by a nutritional deficit in vitamin B)