Winnipeg Grenadiers

Mr. Agerbak describes falling back to Hong Kong island when the Japanese attacked, and the garrison’s totally inadequate defenses and weapons.

Mr. Purse was asked to describe how the Hong Kong experience during the Second World War affected his life once he returned to Canada.

Mr. Purse remembers the reaction of both the prisoners of war and their Japanese guards as news of the end of the war arrived, and reflects on how surprised he continues to be that he survived the experience.

Treatment of the Canadians at the hands of the Japanese guards is painfully remembered by Mr. Purse

The diet fed to the Hong Kong Prisoners of War by the Japanese is described by Mr. Purse.

Mr. Purse recalls the day the Japanese troops arrived in Hong Kong.

Mr. Purse describes his first impression of the army's military camp in Hong Kong and goes on to explain why he originally thought the Canadian troops had been sent there.

Mr. Purse gives a thought-provoking - and somewhat unexpected - answer to the question of what he would say to today's young Canadians about duty, patriotism and love of country.

Eventually, the captured troops were moved from the colony of Hong Kong to Japan. Mr. Purse describes that move and the train ride to their new location where they were put to work in nickel mines.