In 2015, a photographer exploring an apartment building in Hong Kong found a diary from 1944 belonging to Lam Ping-yu, a Chinese naval officer involved in the D-Day landings at Normandy. This diary challenged previous assumptions that Chinese soldiers only fought in the Pacific theater of World War II. Lam was among 24 naval officers sent for training in Britain after the Pearl Harbor attack, ultimately participating in the Allied operations on D-Day. The diary describes the mission and the danger faced, highlighting the friendship between East and West during the war.
After the war, Lam and his fellow Chinese officers were ordered to the Pacific theater, but arrived after Japan surrendered. They were then forced to choose between the Communist and Republic of China sides, with many going on to have distinguished careers in the military. Lam settled in Hong Kong, then Brazil, but his family may not have known about his D-Day experience.
An exhibition in Hong Kong about Lam and his colleagues showcases this little-known piece of history and emphasizes the city’s relevance on the global stage. Visitors find the exhibition inspiring in light of the current challenges facing Hong Kong, such as economic difficulties and political crackdowns. The exhibition serves as a reminder of how to face adversity and the importance of understanding history for the present and future.
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