In 2015, a tenement building in Hong Kong faced demolition. Before it was pulled down, an accidental discovery was made in one abandoned unit - an aging diary marked only by the year “1944” on its front page was found.
The diary in question belongs to Lam Ping-yu. During the tumultuous years of World War II, he and 23 other Chinese naval officers were chosen for training in Britain, subsequently taking part in the largest amphibious assault in history: the D-Day Landings. On that momentous day, nearly 160,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of France, heralding the commencement of a significant counteroffensive and laying the groundwork for ultimate victory. Within the pages of his diary, Lam vividly chronicles a little-known chapter of history: Chinese soldiers not only fought valiantly in Asia but also engaged in pivotal battles across Europe.
What brought him to Europe? After thorough research, we now possess a comprehensive understanding. As this year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we have the opportunity to delve into this long-forgotten diary and explore the remarkable journeys of Lam and his companions. Even more intriguingly, this narrative frequently unveils unexpected glimpses of Hong Kong, breathing life into its historical connections.
Aiming to highlight the enduring cooperation and connections between Chinese and Europeans, the exhibition “Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day” showcases an overlooked piece of World War II history by uncovering the journey of a group of Chinese naval officers from Chongqing to the Normandy Landings (D-Day).
The exhibition will be open to public from 10 to 19 September at the Fringe Club, and from 23 September to the end of year at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Library. The exhibition is supported by nine universities, five museums, four consulates, as well as numerous historians and NGOs.
Photos courtesy of Mr Huang Shansong
More Details: https://www.dday.hk/
Visitors entering the campus of the Chinese University of Hong Kong need to register with their Identification Documents e.g ID card, Passport, etc.
Free shuttle bus service
Date: 5-6 October, 12-13 October
Time: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, departing every half-hour
Route: from the University Entrance (MTR University Station, Exit A) to the University Library (one-way only)