Role Of Heroism In Canada

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World War II was a defining event in Canadian history. The horrific battles of the war transformed a quiet and fragile country into an independent nation that was able to hold its own ground. Although there have been many victories in Canadian history, there also have been many tragic defeats. On December 8, 1941, Japan stormed Hong Kong, a British colony that had numerous Canadian troops stationed there, and after five treacherous days of fighting, Japan captured the region. Many classify this as a suicidal mission on Canada’s behalf and look down upon them as a result, however that is not the case. The Canadian troops were not expecting to fight that day, yet they fought intelligently and displayed acts of seasoned veterans, and also, Britain …show more content…
One of the greatest acts of heroism witnessed in Hong Kong was one made by the Company Sergeant-Major John Osborn. During the second day of battle, Osborn observed the enemy lobbing grenades at the Canadian trenches. He acknowledged this expeditiously and commenced tossing the live grenades back at the enemy. One grenade was out of the reach of Osborn, so he warned everyone to back away and instantly threw himself on to the frag to minimize the explosion. Osborn immediately perished on the spot. He saved the lives of many Canadian troops, who soon later assisted in killing some of the Japanese men. Osborn was awarded the Victoria Cross medal for his courageous act. Another performance made by the Canadian troops showcased their determination and willingness to put everything on the line for the heart of their nation. This act was when the Royal Rifles, a group of Canadian troops, successfully captured lost ground at the south end of the island. The Canadian troops including the Sergeants believed this would be a preposterous suicidal mission. Despite the lack of belief in themselves, the land was conquered at a cost of 26 casualties. However, a few hours after the triumphant capture, the allied troops decided to surrender and give up the nation to Japan. Although this gain in land had no outcome in the end, it stunned everyone including …show more content…
During the months prior to stationing Canadian men in Hong Kong, General Bartholomew, a British general, stated to the War Office, “In event of a wanton attack on Hong Kong, the garrison would have no option but to fight… the chances of effecting a prolonged resistance even in the best circumstances seem slight.” This displays the little to no hope the British had towards this battle. An evident question situated from this statement is present. That question would be, why did Britain simply not transfer the men stationed in Hong Kong back home? What was their intent in not surrendering? Well, Britain was not forced into the battle, they wanted the garrison to fight because it was a matter of an improvement in “Britain’s prestige”. They believed that the Chinese and Americans would question Britain's’ ability to win the war which would cause either of the two countries to abandon them in due time. Britain also did not want to broadcast the extent of their military weakness throughout the world. Due to these reasons, Britain left the men that volunteered to help defend their home nation, to suffer and die. However, as I mentioned before, two more Canadian battalions were sent to Hong Kong to preserve the nation even though the allies knew they would not be able to defend against the Japanese. This was the leading factor that made Canada get so much