In October 1941, Japan was threatening war, and Hong Kong was facing a major threat. To strengthen the defences of Hong Kong, Canada sent a contingent designated Force ‘C’. The troops sailed aboard two ships from Vancouver and made brief stops in Honolulu, Hawaii and Manila, Philippines, before reaching Hong Kong.
When the Japanese forces invaded Hong Kong, the Allied forces bravely fought to defend the colony but were forced to capitulate.
Following a brief introduction, in this presentation Dr Sam Chiu FRPSC FRPSL presents the postal history of ‘C’ Force in Hong Kong, including:
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- as “Y” Force in Jamaica (forerunner)
- on the way to Hong Kong
- arrival in Hong Kong
- detained mail
- returned mail
- Prisoner of War mail in Hong Kong and Japan.