Hong Kong 1941–45: First strike in the Pacific War: 263 (Campaign) - Softcover

Lai, Benjamin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1782002685 ISBN 13: 9781782002680

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2014

Synopsis

On 8th December 1941, as part of the simultaneous combined attack against Pearl Harbor, the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) invaded the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia and the British colony of Hong Kong. After only 18 days of battle the defenders, a weak, undermanned brigade, were overwhelmed by a superior force of two battle-hardened IJA divisions. What defines the battle of Hong Kong was not the scale - just 14,000 defended the colony - but the intensity of this battle, fought not only by the British Army, Navy and Air Force but also Canadians, Hong Kong's own defence force, the Indian Army and many civilians. The campaign itself is characterized by a fierce land battle, with long artillery duals and as well as fast naval actions with intense actions at the Gin Drinkers Line as well as the battle of Wong Nai Chung Gap where a handful of defenders took on an entire Japanese regiment. Less known but equally important are individual acts valour such as CSM John Robert Osborne winning a posthumous VC, throwing himself over a Japanese grenade to save fellow combatants.

About this title

Review:

"Very interesting insights into a somewhat overlooked facet of WWII." --Toy Soldier & Model Figure

"The author does a superlative job of telling the story of this entire campaign, especially the influence of the resistance after the British surrendered. It is pretty obvious that the author is either a resident or very familiar with the area as he is able to provide insights that others would not. It makes for a great read and combined with period photographs and excellent art work, is a gripping tale. A book that you will very much enjoy reading and one I can highly recommend." --Scott van Aken, www.modelingmadness.com (August 2014)

"Tells the story of Japan's action against Hong Kong, the British surrender, the years of Japanese occupation, and the eventual reestablishment of British control over the colony when the war ended in 1945. It provides a very compelling look at how the defenders--and later prisoners--faired at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army. This book is highly recommended to those interested in WWII history in general and the Pacific War in particular. It is a very interesting and educational read." --IPMS/USA

"Recommended!" --Cybermodeler Online

Book Description:

The invasion and conquest of Hong Kong formed part of the staggering series of Japanese conquests across the Far East in late 1941 and early 1942.

About this edition

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1782002685
• ISBN 13: 9781782002680
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 96
• Illustrator: Rava Giuseppe