en.wikipedia.org
Hong Kong Liberation Day
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cdteliot
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On August 30, 1945, British forces reclaimed control of Hong Kong from Japanese occupation, marking the end of World War II in the territory. As reported by the Osprey Publishing blog, the Imperial Japanese Army handed Hong Kong over to the Royal Navy, restoring British rule and establishing the day as "Liberation Day," which was celebrated as a public holiday until 1997.
Japanese Occupation and War
pacificatrocities.or...
The Japanese occupation of Hong Kong began on December 25, 1941, after an 18-day battle against British, Canadian, and Indian forces. The Imperial Japanese Army, led by Major-General Takashi Sakai, swiftly overwhelmed the defenders and established control over the territory
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. During the three years and eight months of occupation, Hong Kong's population endured severe hardships. Food shortages were widespread, and the Japanese military government imposed strict controls on daily life2
. The occupation was marked by brutality, with an estimated 10,000 Hong Kong civilians executed and many others tortured or mistreated3
.3 sources
British Return to Hong Kong
ospreypublishing.com
On August 30, 1945, British forces led by Rear Admiral Cecil Harcourt entered Victoria Harbour aboard the cruiser HMS Swiftsure to reoccupy Hong Kong and officially end Japanese control. The Swiftsure, flying Harcourt's flag, led a task force that included other vessels such as HMS Euryalus, HMCS Prince Robert, and several destroyers.
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As the fleet arrived, a Japanese envoy and interpreter came aboard the Swiftsure to formally surrender to Admiral Harcourt.3
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This marked the beginning of the British military administration of Hong Kong, which would last until civil government was restored in May 1946. The reoccupation brought relief to the local population after nearly four years of harsh Japanese rule, though challenges remained in rebuilding the war-torn city and reestablishing order.5
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5 sources
The Role of HMS Swiftsure in the Liberation
iwm.org.uk
HMS Swiftsure played a pivotal role in the liberation of Hong Kong on August 30, 1945. The British cruiser, flying the flag of Rear Admiral Cecil Harcourt, led a task force into Victoria Harbour to accept the surrender of Japanese forces
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. Swiftsure was accompanied by other vessels including HMS Euryalus, HMCS Prince Robert, and several destroyers2
. This naval entry marked the official restoration of British control over Hong Kong after three years and eight months of Japanese occupation. The arrival of HMS Swiftsure and the British fleet not only symbolized the end of World War II in Hong Kong but also initiated the process of reestablishing civil administration and rebuilding the war-torn city3
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.4 sources
Canadian Forces and Their Contribution
veterans.gc.ca
Canadian forces played a significant role in the defense of Hong Kong and its eventual liberation. In late 1941, Canada sent nearly 2,000 troops from the Winnipeg Grenadiers and Royal Rifles of Canada to reinforce the British garrison in Hong Kong
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. These Canadian soldiers fought bravely against overwhelming Japanese forces during the Battle of Hong Kong in December 1941, with 290 Canadians killed in the fighting3
. Many of the survivors endured years of brutal captivity as prisoners of war4
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When Hong Kong was liberated in August 1945, Canadian forces were present. HMCS Prince Robert, a Canadian naval vessel, was part of the Allied fleet that entered Victoria Harbour on August 30, 1945 to accept the Japanese surrender5
. The liberation marked the end of nearly four years of hardship for Canadian POWs who had been held in Hong Kong. Their experiences and sacrifices were an important part of Canada's contribution to the war in the Pacific and the eventual liberation of Hong Kong from Japanese occupation6
.6 sources
Related
What were the key battles fought by Canadian troops in Hong Kong
How did the Canadian soldiers' limited training affect their performance in Hong Kong
What were the conditions like for Canadian POWs in Hong Kong
How did the Canadian government decide which units to send to Hong Kong
What was the role of Brigadier John K. Lawson in the Battle of Hong Kong
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