Here are some extracts of Father Biotteau’s diary. He was the procurator of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris based in Pokfulam, with a unique view on Mount Davis during the battle. His testimony is in French but still quite relevant for those who can read it and want more details about what happened.
I did not transcribe everything yet. Only the most colourful moments. It is a great coincidence to read your email because last Friday, we read some extracts of this diary during the Remembrance ceremony for the Free French Forces in Stanley cemetery: http://www.consulfrance-hongkong.org/Ceremonie-en-memoire-des-volontair…
Sample pages
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La nouvelle se répand le matin que « c ‘est la guerre » c’est-à-dire que le Japon aurait déclaré la guerre à l’Angleterre. Mais le journal d’hier soir était plutôt rassurant. Aussi, j’ai peine à y croire. Je cherche une marchande de journaux. Ca y est ! Le HongKong Telegraph porte en gros titre : « Hong Kong at war. First visits of enemy planes ». Tout en lisant…
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