Defence of Hong Kong Memorial Wall

The Defence of Hong Kong Memorial Wall, unveiled in 2009, honours Canadians who defended Hong Kong during the Second World War. In 1941, almost 2,000 Canadians reinforced the Hong Kong outpost and fought with courage and determination against overwhelming odds. The Battle of Hong Kong saw the first Canadian troops in action as a ground force unit in the Second World War.

Many distinguished themselves under fire, including Company Sergeant-Major John Robert Osborn, who won Canada’s first Victoria Cross of the Second World War. During the 17-day battle, 290 died and 493 were wounded. Some 267 more perished afterwards as prisoners of war.

The granite monument, located at the corner of King Edward Avenue and Sussex Drive and inspired by the mountains of Hong Kong, is etched with the names of all Canadians who fought there. On one side are the names of the 961 members of the Royal Rifles, and on the other side are the names of 911 Winnipeg Grenadiers. The 106 members of brigade headquarters, including doctors, dentists and chaplains, are listed on either end of the Memorial. One dog, Gander, is also included as he died while saving his comrades by catching a grenade.

A complete list of the names can be found here. The Memorial was erected by the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association.