Today marked the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Hong Kong where “C” Force (1,975 personnel of The Winnipeg Grenadiers and the Royal Rifles of Canada) were the first Canadian soldiers to see action in WWII. They were undergoing training and not yet fully equipped when the Japanese attacked without a declaration of War. After 17 days of battle, 290 men were dead and after the surrender, many were sent to forced labour camps where another 267 perished during the long years of harsh captivity.
Not to diminish the sacrifice of these men but I found the story of Gander to be very interesting. Gander (promoted to Sgt.) was a Newfoundland dog that was given to the Royal Rifles and was taken to Hong Kong when they were shipped out. During the Japanese attack Gander distinguished himself by charging Japanese soldiers, protecting wounded Canadian soldiers, and finally grabbing a live grenade and charging the Japanese lines with it. Unfortunately, he did not survive the last event and perished. In 2000, Gander was awarded the Dickin Medal (animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross).
At the insistence of survivors of the Battle of Hong Kong, Gander’s name is inscribed on the “C” Force Memorial Wall along with all the other soldiers who died.
To see the pictures from todays ceremony, CLICK HERE
