Canadian soldiers were first sent into battle in 1941. As tension grew
in the Pacific, the vulnerability of Hong Kong became apparent. The
battalions that represented Canada in Hong Kong were The Royal Rifles
of Canada and the Winnipeg Grenadiers. They sailed from Vancouver
on October 27, 1941 aboard the Awatea, escorted by the HMSC Prince
Robert. The embarkation strength of the force was 96 officers and 1.877
other ranks. Two hundred twelve vehicles assigned to the force left a
few days later on the Don Jose. These vehicles never reached Hong Kong.
By the time the Don Jose reached Manila, the war with Japan had begun.
The United States Forces were given permission to use the Canadian
equipment to defend the Philippines.
