National Post (National Edition)

A tribute to bravery

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Re: Silent night, Jonathon Reid, Dec. 24

Few Canadians today know anything about Canada's role in the Second World War battle of Hong Kong. One hopes that Jonathon Reid's book, excerpted in the Dec. 24 National Post, will redeem the deficiency.

The defence of Hong Kong marked the most difficult situation in which troops can be committed to battle. Cut off from hope of relief, withdrawal, reinforcem­ent or rescue it was purely sacrificia­l. Yet the newly arrived Canadians divided in separate brigades, without their vehicles or support weapons, did their duty to the fullest. After the Japanese landed on the Island the Royal Rifles of Canada became the only effective battalion in the East Brigade battling against strong enemy forces over appalling terrain. The Winnipeg Grenadiers performed similar heroics in the west. Unique among generals anywhere was the final action of the Canadian commander, Brigadier J.K. Lawson. With his headquarte­rs overrun and escape impossible rather than surrender, as is the normal response, he went outside to “shoot it out” and was killed in the attempt. Even the Japanese were impressed. Sic transit gloria. Alexander McKay, Calgary

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