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435 results returned within campaign Hong Kong
Taking A Life
Mr. Billson discusses the fact that despite overwhelming odds, he found that shooting a man for the first time was “hard to take”. After that, however, he didn't care.
I Had Never Handled A Bren Gun
Mr. Billson describes being placed in charge of a Bren gun, a weapon he had never handled. His unit is sent to protect a pillbox at Tai Tam Gap without being issued any ammunition. When the ammo arrives, it isn't Bren cartridges, it is hand grenades. Eventually a few cartridges arrive.
Insult to injury
Mr. Whitman discusses going out on the town in Manila after he's liberated, and returning to his camp to find all of his money and belongings stolen.
American air raid
Mr. Whitman describes the optimism spawned by American air raids, and having to curb his enthusiasm in order to not irritate the guards.
Beri-beri symptoms
Mr. Whitman describes the debilitating symptoms of beri-beri, and taking shots of thiamine as an antidote. The side effects of the injections are almost as uncomfortable.
Dysentery was horrible.
Mr. Whitman describes the filthy conditions in the POW camp's dysentery ward. He manages to be released from the hospital for his birthday, but after eating some meat, is hospitalized again.
Heavy shelling
Mr. Whitman describes being pinned down by Japanese artillery after leaving Fort Stanley, and having to listen as men die in a nearby building which had been struck by shells.
March to Fort Stanley
Mr. Whitman describes not being able to keep up on the march to Fort Stanley, due to malaria induced fatigue. He describes being shot at, but not caring because he is so ill.
Escape in sock feet
Mr. Whitman describes leaving the hotel in sock feet in an effort to be as quiet as possible. When a machine gun opens fire, being noisy ceases to be an issue.
Japanese mortar assault
Mr. Whitman describes the Japanese zeroing in on his sentry post in a hotel, with knee mortars. The last and closest is fortunately a dud. He is restationed near the kitchen, where he has an unexpected feed of freshly cooked chicken.
Japanese bomb Kowloon
Mr. Whitman describes seeing a flight of aircraft approaching and thinking they are American. However, exploding bombs convince him the Japanese have declared war.
Going to Vancouver and the HMAS Awatea
Mr. Whitman discusses boarding his train to leave for Vancouver and being denied visitors. After soldiers threaten to not go, their families are allowed to say goodbye. He arrives aboard HMAS Awatea just in time for another protest.
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