Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day

In 2015, a group of history enthusiasts accidentally stumbled upon a diary and a trove of letters in a soon-to-be-demolished tenement building in Hong Kong. The diary belonged to Lam Ping-yu, who was part of a select group of 24 Chinese naval officers who were sent to Britain for training during World War II. As their first mission in Europe, many took part in the D-Day Landings and Operation Dragoon in the liberation of Southern France.

 

Lam Ping-yu’s diary appears to be the only known primary source of Chinese participation in D-Day. It reveals numerous first-hand stories about the realities of war, down to a narrow escape from three Nazi torpedoes nearly impacting the vessel which Lam served on at Normandy. Additionally, there were also countless depictions of excitement, anger, frustration and envy!

 

As the untold stories of Chinese soldiers during D-Day are uncovered, let’s rediscover the bravery and contributions made by these unsung heroes. Admission is free of charge, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn about a lesser-known aspect of World War II!