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

Did you know that naval officers from China participated in D-Day? Come and discover this fascinating history.

About the event

In 2015, a group of history enthusiasts stumbled upon a diary in a soon-to-be-demolished building in Hong Kong. The diary belonged to Lam Ping-yu, one of 24 naval officers sent to Britain for training during the Second World War. As their first mission in Europe, many took part in the D-Day Landings, as well as the Allied liberation of southern France.

At the time of its discovery, Lam’s diary was the only known primary source on Chinese participation during D-Day. It reveals numerous first-hand stories about the realities of war, featuring countless depictions of excitement, frustration, envy and even romance.

In 1945, Lam also took part in Operation Armour, devised by the British government to alleviate the dire situation in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong. His writings provide us with a glimpse into the city’s post-war recovery.

As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, come and visit the Soane Stable Yard to discover this fascinating area of military history, told through stories, objects and multimedia displays.

About the curators

The exhibition is curated by Angus Hui and John Mak. Angus is an award-winning journalist-turned-historian. He holds an MPhil from the University of Cambridge and specialises in modern Chinese history and Hong Kong culture and heritage. John is a public policy professional, who is an inaugural Obama Scholar, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honouree, and an Asia 21 Next Generation Fellow of Asia Society.