Most of us who have a little knowledge of US history know something about what happened on December 7, 1941. Those who know a bit more, might also know that within 24 hours of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Imperial Army simultaneously invaded the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia and attacked the British colony of Hong Kong. Hong Kong 1941–45: First Strike in the Pacific War by Benjamin Lai, book number 263 in Osprey’s Campaign series, tells the story of Japan’s action against Hong Kong, the British surrender, the years of Japanese occupation, and the eventual reestablishment of British control over the colony when the war ended in 1945. It provides a very compelling look at how the defenders—and later prisoners—faired at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army.

According to Osprey’s website commentary, to a large degree “what defines the battle of Hong Kong was… the intensity of the battle, fought not only by the British Army, Navy and Air Force but also Canadians, Hong Kong’s own defense force, the Indian Army and many civilians. The campaign itself [was] characterized by a fierce land battle, with long artillery duels and fast naval actions with intense actions at the Gin Drinkers Line…”

One of the most gallant and heroic efforts described in the book occurred at the battle of Wong Nai Chung Gap, “…where a handful of defenders took on an entire Japanese regiment.” Eventually, however, Hong Kong’s fate was inevitable, as described in a series of sub-chapters: “Beginning of the End: 20–23 December 1941,” “Last Christmas: 24–25 December 1941,” “Christmas Day Dash – The Escape of Rear Admiral Chan Chak,” and “East River Guerrillas.”

The book provides an insight into what is destine to happen when a nation underestimates its enemy’s intent and capabilities. The British had allowed themselves to be lulled into the belief that Japan’s military was inferior to the British and never would attack the British Empire’s Hong Kong colony. The British assessment proved faulty when Japan’s military unleashed a well-trained, well-equipped, and well-lead division against a poorly prepared defense that had trained primarily to ward off a naval attack. After only 18 days of fighting, the defending army was beaten down and overwhelmed by a far superior, battle-hardened Imperial Japanese Army. It is a lesson that future generations should not forget.

The contents of the book include:

• Introduction
• Chronology
• Opposing Commanders
• Opposing Forces
• Opposing Plans
• The Battle
• Aftermath
• The Battlefield Today
• Further Reading
• Index

The 96-page book is filled with a total of 62 B&W period photos and six color images that include wartime paintings and photos of contemporary commemorations. It is further illustrated with eleven maps and three double-page color paintings depicting significant events in the conflict.

This book is highly recommended to those interested in WWII history in general and the Pacific War in particular. It is a very interesting and educational read. My thanks to Osprey Publishing for providing the review sample and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review it.