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March to North Point Camp

March to North Point Camp

Mr. Atkinson describes being tethered together with wire during their march to North Point Camp. One soldier, badly enough wounded that he can't keep up, is cut out of the line and bayoneted.

The Road to Captivity

The Road to Captivity

Mr. Atkinson describes being marched to Stanley Gap by the Japanese. During the march, two men are pulled from the line, and are later tortured within earshot of the other prisoners. That night Mr. Atkinson has an unlikely reunion with his brother.

The Final Battle, Part 3

The Final Battle, Part 3

Mr. Atkinson describes being attacked at a defensive position on the Stanley Reservoir. Because of his unit's mounting casualties, his officer decides to surrender. He is shot to death despite showing the white flag of surrender.

The Final Battle, Part 2

The Final Battle, Part 2

Mr. Atkinson recalls the sight of thousands of Japanese waiting to advance, while at the same time engaging in a grenade fight with an advancing enemy. He describes the loss of a Bren gunner and his No. 2, and having to abandon a badly wounded officer during their retreat from a hopeless position.

The Final Battle, Part 1

The Final Battle, Part 1

Mr. Atkinson describes his unit's movements around Wong Nai Chong reservoir as the battle begins. A scout identifies camouflaged enemies advancing towards them, and the officer gives the open fire order. Mr. Atkinson admits to ”wetting his pants” when faced with having to fire at another human being.

Poorly Armed for War

Poorly Armed for War

Mr. Atkinson discusses the start of the battle for Hong Kong, and then describes the weapons the Canadians had.

Shipboard Activities

Shipboard Activities

Mr. Atkinson describes dummy training with mortars and doing some PT during the voyage to where they later learn will be Hong Kong.

The Tripe Mutiny

The Tripe Mutiny

The Winnipeg Grenadiers arrive in Vancouver to board their ship. Mr. Atkinson describes the first meal, tripe, served aboard HMAS Awatea, and the resulting mutiny. Facing the threat of a charge of desertion, most of the 'mutineers' return to the ship.

Guarding Internees

Guarding Internees

Mr. Atkinson describes doing guard duty at an internment camp for German and Italian detainees while posted to Jamaica. .

Runner at Passchendaele

Runner at Passchendaele

Mr. Brown describes the fact that runners were obligated to carry messages in battle regardless conditions or personal risk.

Engineering Instructor

Engineering Instructor

Mr. Burton describes his role as an engineering instructor at Camp Petawawa. Having the best training record in camp, he speculates on the reasons for his success as a teacher.

Gambling at Sea

Gambling at Sea

Mr. Burton describes the huge game of Crown and Anchor in which many of the three thousand aboard took part on the voyage back to Canada. Mr. Burton, not a gambling man, arrives home with all of his money safely in hand.

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