Mr. MacWhirter describes the lasting impact of the friendships he made during his POW experiences.
We Used a Mirror ‘til They Found Us
Mr. MacWhirter describes his sense of Japan’s approaching defeat, changes in the guard structure, and the good and bad results of the American supply drop.
Bill, you Want to Live?
Mr. MacWhirter describes his personal beatings and the long-term impact of the abuse. He also describes being forced to work with both feet broken and with serious gastrointestinal problems.
Sometimes I Dream About it, the Stink
Mr. MacWhirter describes conditions on the Japanese ship, Tatuta Maru, while being shipped to the Omini labour camp in Japan.
They Were Dying Right and Left
Mr. MacWhirter describes life at Sham Shui Po camp. He discusses diseases and being intimidated by the Kamloops Kid.
Then They Started to get Tough
Mr. MacWhirter describes the march to North Point camp and the bayoneting of the wounded. He also describes the murder of Chinese sympathizers as well as deteriorating conditions in the camp.
There was Blood Running in That Water
Mr. MacWhirter discusses the futility of the Canadian combat strategy and the human cost of poor communications after the call to surrender.
We Felt That we Would not be There Long
Mr. MacWhirter describes an attack on Kowloon, fallback to Lai Moon, and the invasion of the island by the Japanese. He discusses the inadequacy of Canadian weapons.
We Were Living Like Kings
Mr. MacWhirter describes a soldier’s life in Kowloon and compares it with the squalor and misery of the local population.
We Didn’t Have any Tanks . . . Nothing!
Mr. Murphy discusses the inadequate training, weaponry and transportation experienced in Hong Kong
I had Never Heard Tell of Hong Kong.
Mr. Murphy describes his voyage from Victoria, British Columbia, to the Hong Kong colony.
Impacts of War
Mr. Lowe describes some of the physical and emotional impacts of his Hong Kong service.