December 6th, 1941 (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

It is December 6th, 1941 and it is only one day until Japan attacks the United States at Pearl Harbor and two days until the beginning of the Battle of Hong Kong and the Japanese attack on the British Colony. Outside British HQ a Chinese businessman in a rickshaw pulled by one of the ubiquitous coolies is on his way to a meeting. A street peddler tries to sell an exotic bird to a British "Tommy" while a Navy "Tar" gets his shoes shined. A Royal Navy seaman stands guard at the entrance to British HQ.

Note:
Harry suggested that it would be ok to use the FOB Naval figure in winter dress (rather than tropical whites) in HK in the winter and I have likewise used an FOB infantryman in battledress to represent a member of the Royal Scots (1st Regiment) who defended Hong Kong from the Japanese in December '41. Anyhow I have taken these liberties in presenting this scene. Troops from Canada and India also played an important role in the defense of Hong Kong.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Another nice little vignette Randy. Can I ask is there anything that you don't collect?

 

[PolarBear]

Another nice little vignette Randy. Can I ask is there anything that you don't collect?

I don't have any soldiers from the Ancient World. My collection otherwise has a smorgasboard aspect. Lot's a different things to choose from but each sample 'dish' just leaves you hungry for more. My criteria include:
winter
desert
exotic colonial locales--Africa, Middle East, Asia, 18th C North America
Americana--FIW especially
favorite periods: FIW, 1870s-1918--colonialism. WWII in North Africa and Pacific and the Bulge
Highlanders of 18th C or 19th C colonial era
19th C--early 20th C naval
story telling figures--with emphasis on non-combat themes
Visual impact of a set or figure

The SOHK figures were added to go with the new K&C 1920s US Navy in China series--like I said I like the military in colonial settings

 

[thebritfarmer]

I don't have any soldiers from the Ancient World. My collection otherwise has a smorgasboard aspect. Lot's a different things to choose from but each sample 'dish' just leaves you hungry for more. My criteria include:
winter
desert
exotic colonial locales--Africa, Middle East, Asia, 18th C North America
Americana--FIW especially
favorite periods: FIW, 1870s-1918--colonialism. WWII in North Africa and Pacific and the Bulge
Highlanders of 18th C or 19th C colonial era
19th C--early 20th C naval
story telling figures--with emphasis on non-combat themes
Visual impact of a set or figure

The SOHK figures were added to go with the new K&C 1920s US Navy in China series--like I said I like the military in colonial settings

And we love seeing them

Thanks Randy

 

[nmrocks]

Very well concieved Randy,I just love early war figures, Thank you

 

[Dickbuttons]

Thanks Randy -- another excellent diorama and accompanying story.

 

[debrito]

Randy, this wall it is from a Roman series SPQR ?

Nice shot BTW.

Rod.

 

[PolarBear]

Randy, this wall it is from a Roman series SPQR ?

Nice shot BTW.

Rod.

Rod

The wall is from K&C's Imperial China line. It was originally issued for their Roman series but they added the Chinese sign over the doors and painted the doors Chinese red. The wall is now retired.

 

[oberstoskar]

The Brits were a piece of crap in defending Hong Kong... They fell to the Japanese very soon.

 

[PolarBear]

The Brits were a piece of crap in defending Hong Kong... They fell to the Japanese very soon.

The British, Indian and Canadian forces were up against a 40,000 man Japanese opponent. The battle lasted from December 8th to December 25th. John Osborn, a Canadian Grenadier received the Victoria Cross:

Citation: "At Hong Kong on the morning of 19th December 1941 “A” Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers to which Company Sergeant-Major Osborn belonged became divided during an attack on Mount Butler, a hill rising steeply above sea level. A part of the Company led by Company Sergeant-Major Osborn captured the hill at the point of the bayonet and held it for three hours when, owing to the superior numbers of the enemy and to fire from an unprotected flank, the position became untenable. Company Sergeant-Major Osborn and a small group covered the withdrawal and when their turn came to fall back, Osborn single-handed engaged the enemy while the remainder successfully rejoined the Company. Company Sergeant-Major Osborn had to run the gauntlet of heavy rifle and machine gun fire. With no consideration for his own safety he assisted and directed stragglers to the new Company position exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to cover their retirement. Whenever danger threatened he was there to encourage his men.
During the afternoon the Company was cut off from the Battalion and completely surrounded by the enemy who were able to approach to within grenade throwing distance of the slight depression which the Company was holding. Several enemy grenades were thrown which Company Sergeant-Major Osborn picked up and threw back. The enemy threw a grenade which landed in a position where it was impossible to pick it up and return it in time. Shouting a warning to his comrades this gallant Warrant Officer threw himself on the grenade which exploded killing him instantly. His self-sacrifice undoubtedly saved the lives of many others.
Company Sergeant-Major Osborn was an inspiring example to all throughout the defence which he assisted so magnificently in maintaining against an overwhelming enemy force for over eight and a half hours and in his death he displayed the highest quality of heroism and self-sacrifice."'