"Canadians at The Defence of Hong Kong" Topic

"During the Second World War, most of our country's overseas military effort took place in Europe—Canadians also fought bravely elsewhere. Canadian soldiers went to help form a defence force in Hong Kong in 1941, just in time for the outbreak of war in the Pacific.

By late 1941, the war in Europe had been going on for more than two years. In the Far East, the Japanese were fighting in China—in this part of the world, the real war for the Allies had yet to begin. This changed as the political situation grew more strained between Japan, on the one hand, and the United States and Britain on the other. It became clear that the British Crown colony of Hong Kong was vulnerable and had to be protected. Britain decided to reinforce the colony with more troops in the hope this would deter Japan from attacking or at least delay any Japanese advances. Canada was asked to contribute to this effort…."
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Amicalement
Armand

The Canadians & ANZACs always seem to come to the call when needed.

I hope that if they ever need us, our government will be as willing to answer the call…

Yes seems today much has changed … not always to the good …

Better to think of this in terms of empire, not individual nations. Germany and Japan presented an existential threat to the British Empire. Those countries that made up the empire, particularly those colonised by British citizens and their descendants had both an emotional and material investment in the well being of that empire. Those countries derived much of their wealth by participating in the trading bloc that was the empire. The empire's global trade routes were secured and guaranteed by the might of the Royal Navy, the world's largest navy. To see that fall apart represented an extremely serious threat to the member countries.

To participate in the war was both selfish and altruistic. What was good for one was good for all. This makes less sense when looked at with a post imperial 21st century mind set, but when the flag of your nation has the flag of Great Britain in the top left corner, it's there for a reason. Your country's call, is also the call of the empire. A call far more emotionally powerful than something like NATO or a similar alliance, this is one forged through kinship and shared history and culture.