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Sai Wan Service of Remembrance
6 December 2009
Hong Kong
In October 1941, Canada dispatched two infantry battalions, a total of 1,975 personnel, from the Royal Rifles of Canada and the Winnipeg Grenadiers to reinforce Britain’s Hong Kong garrison. Japan attacked on December 8 and these soldiers became the first Canadians to join combat in World War II. The Battle of Hong Kong saw 18 days of intense fighting in which 290 Canadian soldiers were killed and 493 wounded. Following Britain’s surrender on Christmas Day, the surviving Canadians were held as prisoners of war for more than three and a half years, enduring exceptionally harsh treatment in camps in Hong Kong and Japan. Many perished in captivity. More than 550 Canadians who sailed from Vancouver to Hong Kong in October 1941 never returned.
Among countless acts of heroism, one Canadian soldier’s feats during this battle were particularly noteworthy. After single-handedly engaging the enemy to cover his group’s retreat, Company Sergeant-Major John Osborn of the Winnipeg Grenadiers threw his body on a grenade, sacrificing himself to save the lives of his comrades.
For his actions, Osborn received the only Victoria Cross awarded for the Battle of Hong Kong – Canada’s first in World War II.
A memorial was erected in 1946 at the Sai Wan War Cemetery in Hong Kong to honour those members of the British Commonwealth and Empire who died in Hong Kong’s defence. Every year since 1947, the Canadian government has convened a Service of Remembrance at the cemetery to honour their sacrifices. This important event traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of December to commemorate the start of hostilities.
For 2009, the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong has invited Mrs. Patricia Osborn to attend the service and speak about the heroic actions of her father, Company Sergeant-Major Osborn. The service will be attended by veterans, students, teachers, Canadian community members as well as local and Canadian government representatives.
