Events

23 Sep 2024 - 24 Dec 2024

Reading Area next to Digital Scholarship Lab, G/F, University Library

In 2015, a group of history enthusiasts accidentally stumbled upon a diary in a soon-to-be demolished residential building in Hong Kong. The diary belonged to Lam Ping-yu, who was part of a select group of 24 Chinese naval officers 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 on 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, frustration, envy, and even romance!

Moreover, Hong Kong features in Lam’s voyage. In 1945, he took part in Operation Armour, an operation devised by the British government to alleviate Hong Kong’s dire situation following Japanese occupation. His writings provide us with a glimpse into the city’s post-war recovery.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library is proud to support the “Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day” exhibition. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn about a lesser-known aspect of World War II!

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