Age group: 12 - 18
Aim
To enter into a more detailed discussion on Canada's role in the Far East theatre of operations during the Second World War (SWW), with emphasis on Canadians' participation in the defence of Hong Kong in December 1941.
Objectives
Students will:
- acquire more specific knowledge on Canada's role in the defence of the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong;
- be exposed to the stories of Canadian Veterans who participated in the event; and
- gain a greater awareness of the tremendous sacrifice of Canadian troops during the defence of Hong Kong.
Target Audience
This activity is suitable for students in grades 7-12, ages 12-18.
Sequence of Activities and Anticipated Time Frame
[This activity can be modified to fit available class time.]
- Introduction: 15 minutes
- Active Viewing Activity: 30 minutes
- Discussion and Closing: 15 minutes
Suggested Class Materials
- Class set of Handouts #3 - "The Defence of The Island", #4 - "The Japanese Attack" and #5 - "The Island is Invaded"
- Computer with internet access or DVD player to show Veterans Affairs Canada's (VAC) DVD - Canada Remembers: The Far East" (25:00 minutes);
- LCD Projector or Electronic White Board to view video and Web pages; and
- "Canada Remembers The Far East" Active Viewing Activity handout.
Introduction: (15 minutes)
In preparation for the Active Viewing activity, have students read Handouts #3 - "The Defence of The Island"; #4 - "The Japanese Attack"; and #5 - "The Island is Invaded".
Active Viewing Activity: (30 minutes)
Introduce the video, "Canada Remembers The Far East", to learn more about Canada's role in the Far East theatre of operations during the SWW.
To better engage the students during this activity, ask them to answer the questions posed in "Canada Remembers The Far East" Active Viewing Activity handout, while they are viewing the video. Afterwards, working in pairs, they will exchange their question sheets and correct the answers.
Answers Key to the "Active Viewing Activity"
- c) 50 million
- c) 1941
- a) Airways House
- d) Winnipeg
- True
- False. The first atomic bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.
- False. Approximately 280 Canadian soldiers died in the far east during the SWW.
- The Canadian troops in Hong Kong held out for 17½ days before surrendering to the Japanese.
- The Royal Canadian Navy sent HMCS Uganda and HMCS Ontario to escort supply convoys in the Far East during the SWW.
- The majority of Canadians who served in the far east served in the Royal Canadian Air Force branch of the armed forces.
Discussion and Closing: (15 minutes)
Working in pairs have students exchange their Active Viewing Activity handouts and correct each other's answers. Discuss the correct answers with the class and engage in a brief discussion on the video's content.