It was in the defense of Hong Kong in 1941 that Canadian soldiers were first committed to battle during the Second World War. As tension in the Pacific grew, the vulnerability of the outpost of Hong Kong became more and more apparent. It was recognized that in the event of a war with Japan, it could neither be held nor relieved. Hong Kong would be considered an outpost to be held as long as possible, but without further reinforcement.

This decision was reversed late in 1941 when it was argued that the situation in the Orient had altered, that the defenses in Malaya had been improved; and that Japan was showing a certain weakness in her attitude towards the United States and Great Britain. The reinforcement of Hong Kong would, it was believed, serve as a deterrent to hostile action by Japan, and would also have an important moral effect throughout the Far East by reassuring the Chinese under Chiang Kai Shek of the intention to hold the colony. Accordingly, Canada was asked to provide one or two battalions for the purpose.

The battalions chosen to represent Canada in Hong Kong were The Royal Rifles of Canada and The Winnipeg Grenadiers. Both had recently returned from garrison duties in areas adjacent to Canada: the Winnipeg Grenadiers (commanded by Lt.-Col. J. L. R. Sutcliffe) from Jamaica; and the Royal Rifles (commanded by Lt.-Col. W.J. Home), from Newfoundland.

The Canadians, commanded by Brigadier J. K. Lawson, sailed from Vancouver on October 27, 1941 in the Awatea, escorted by HMCS Prince Robert. The embarkation strength of the force was 96 officers (plus two Auxiliary Services supervisors) and 1,877 other ranks. The 212 vehicles assigned to the force left a few days later on the freighter Don Jose. These vehicles were never to reach Hong Kong. The Don Jose had only just reached Manila when the war with Japan began, and the United States forces were given approval to use the Canadian equipment in the defense of the Philippines.

On November 16, the Awatea reached Hong Kong where the Canadian troops were ceremonially greeted by the Governor, Sir Mark Young, and the G O C British troops in China, Major-General C. M. Maltby.

These Canadian units had not received all the required training for front line troops, but war with Japan was not considered imminent. It was believed that they were going to Hong Kong for garrison duty, and that there would be plenty of opportunity for further training. Yet, only three weeks later, they were to become the first Canadian soldiers to fight as a unit in the Second World War, when in almost simultaneous attacks on Pearl Harbor, Northern Malaya, the Philippines, Guam, Wake Island and Hong Kong, Japan brought war to the Pacific.

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