Dick Darby, circled, in a POW camp after the Japanese surrender. |
As the Japanese approached Hong Kong in late 1941, the HKVDC initially saw light action in the New Territories, but were more heavily engaged on Hong Kong Island during the battle of Wong Nai Chung Gap and Stanley.
Casualties were heavy with 289 listed as missing or killed in action, and most of the survivors were taken as prisoners of war on Christmas Day 1941 when Hong Kong fell — including Dick.
Having been taken prisoner, Dick was interned as a POW until the Japanese surrender in August 1945. He spent some time in the Hong Kong prisoner of war camp, where he worked as slave labour, extending the Kai Tak Airport runway.
Sources : Newark Advertiser
Date picture taken
28 Aug 1945
Shows person / people
Shows place(s)
Comments
Correction: The circled chap…
Correction: The circled chap is Antonio Carlos Neves
Perhaps Darby is the standing chap with the hat to the left of Neves?
Re : the circled chap
Eurasian_david, thank you for sharing that information, the circled chap was added by the reporter Dan Churcher from Newark Advertiser. And it seems to have been confirmed by his family members!?