Air Raids on Hong Kong in WW2

Submitted by Klaus on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 00:13

Beginning in October 1943, the US Army Air Forces and the US Navy started bombing Hong Kong and surround areas. From some of the raids photos exist, mainly taken from US planes.

The following photos will start with an excerpt from R.E. Jones Wartime diary.

16 Nov 1943, R. E. Jones Wartime diary

Another raid at 12.45pm.

American air strike on harbour shipping-16 November 1943, by IDJ

More information (on Gwulo) from the newspapers and a report.

16 Oct 1944, R. E. Jones Wartime diary

Heavy raid on HK by about 30 or 40 big bombers - & fighter escort – at 4pm. A.A. fire useless & no apparent air opposition. All clear at 5.15pm.

Air Raid 1944-10-16 (2), by FDR Presidential Library & Museum

Air Raid 1944-10-16 (3), by FDR Presidential Library & Museum

53-112(4), by FDR Presidential Library & Museum

More information (on Gwulo) from the newspapers .

16 Jan 1945, R. E. Jones Wartime diary

Air-raid 8.45 – 11.15am by many single engined US planes. All districts strafed, big fire Taikoo direction. All clear noon.

Planes over again 12.45pm. 2 planes collided 1 pilot parachuted OK the other went with his plane. Local spots machine gunned & bombed. Prison, Prep School. 3 Jap vessels took refuge in bay close by Camp.

C Bungalow hit, 14 killed, 4 injured. All clear 6.30pm.