David Kossick came to Hong Kong in 1935 as Assistant Government Marine Surveyor (Engineer Surveyor) in the Harbour Department, and was later promoted to Engineer and Ship Surveyor, becoming a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in 1936.
On the night of December 12, 1941, a barge filled with nine tons of dynamite was towed by a P&O tug Jeanette to the Star Ferry pier in Central. As it had arrived earlier than expected, it was fired upon by the soldiers of the Middlesex regiment, who assumed it was a Japanese ship. The boat exploded in the harbour in front of the Harbour Office. A witness described the scene: “A terrific explosion shakes the building, throwing me back against the wall. Before I can open my mouth there is another heavy explosion and it feels as though all hell has been let loose. Doors and windows fly open, glass crashes everywhere.” David, working in the Harbour Office, was killed in this explosion, which was probably the largest ever in Hong Kong. The CWGC notes his grave as “Hong Kong”, but it is not known where he is buried. A Memorial Board in his memory, and that of seven other members of staff of the Marine Department, was placed in the Harbour Office (now the Marine Department) in August 1947. He is also memorialized at Pokfulam Cemetery and at Ohel Leah Synagogue where David was an active member.
More information about David is available on the website of the Jewish Historical Society of Hong Kong.
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