Walk in the footsteps of a courageous Canadian in a WW II battle on a Hong Kong hill
By stan. Filed in History, Hong Kong, Walking Tour |
Walking Tours of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Tourism provides a number of free walking tours in and around Hong Kong, covering cultural topics and nature. The cultural tours range from riding aboard the last authentic Chinese sailing junk to Tai Chi Classes, Chinese Tea Appreciation and Chinese Medicine, among others. The nature tours include, for example, the Ngong Ping Fun Walk on Lantau, Tai O heritage fishing village and the Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail Walk. This last is a historic tour through a World War II battlefield – who knew?
The Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail Walk begins on Tai Tam Reservoir Rd, just off Wong Nai Chung Gap Road on Hong Kong Island. It involves some strenuous walking and some steep hills and many steps, but the views from above are worth it. Along the way, walkers will pass the remnants of some military installations and a plaque commemorating the bravery of a Canadian named John Osborn.
CSM John R. Osborn.
photo: Veterans Affairs Canada
Company Sergeant-Major John R. Osborn
It is a barely known footnote of history, but Canadian troops were actively involved in battling the Japanese invaders on Mount Butler
in Southeastern Hong Kong. Hong Kong was a British colony at the time, and it was defended by the Winnipeg Grenadiers and a Quebec regiment called Les Royal Rifles. They arrived by boat in November 1941 and, within a month, were involved in what would be one of the fiercest battles of the war. Nearly 300 troops died in that battle and 283 are buried in the Sai Wan War Cemetery.
The first Canadian honoured in the Second World War with the Victoria Cross was Sgt.-Maj. John Robert Osborn of the Winnipeg Grenadiers.
This citation by Veterans Affairs Canada explains why he received it:
photo: Stan Posner
“At Hong Kong on the morning of the 19th of December 1941, a company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers to which Company Sergeant-Major Osborn belonged, became divided during an attack on Mount Butler, a hill rising steeply above sea level. A part of the company led by Company Sergeant-Major Osborn captured the hill at the point of the bayonet and held it for three hours when, owing to the superior numbers of the enemy and to fire from an unprotected flank, the position became untenable. Company Sergeant-Major Osborn and a small group covered the withdrawal, and when their turn came to fall back Osborn, single-handed, engaged the enemy while the remainder successfully joined the company. Company Sergeant-Major Osborn had to run the gauntlet of heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. With no consideration for his own safety he assisted and directed stragglers to the new company position, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to cover their retirement. Wherever danger threatened he was there to encourage his men.
During the afternoon the company was cut off from the battalion and completely surrounded by the enemy, who were able to approach to within grenade throwing distance of the slight depression which the company was holding. Several enemy grenades were thrown which Company Sergeant-Major Osborn picked up and threw back. The enemy threw a grenade which landed in a position where it was impossible to pick it up and return it in time. Shouting a warning to his comrades this gallant Warrant Officer threw himself on the grenade which exploded, killing him instantly. His self-sacrifice undoubtedly saved the lives of many others.
Company Sergeant-Major Osborn was an inspiring example to all throughout the defence which he assisted so magnificently in maintaining against an overwhelming enemy force for over eight and a half hours, and in his death he displayed the highest quality of heroism and self-sacrifice.”
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