In 2015, a group of history enthusiasts accidentally stumbled upon a diary and a trove of letters in a soon-to-be-demolished tenement building in Hong Kong. The diary belonged to Lam Ping-yu, who was part of a select group of 24 Chinese naval officers who were sent to Britain for training during World War II. As their first mission in Europe, many took part in the D-Day Landings and Operation Dragoon in the liberation of Southern France.
Lam Ping-yu’s diary appears to be the only known primary source of Chinese participation in D-Day. It reveals numerous first-hand stories about the realities of war, down to a narrow escape from three Nazi torpedoes nearly impacting the vessel which Lam served on at Normandy. Additionally, there were also countless depictions of excitement, anger, frustration and envy.
As the untold stories of Chinese soldiers during D-Day are uncovered, let’s rediscover the bravery and contributions made by these unsung heroes in aspect of World War II.
This intriguing narrative will be presented by John Mak and Angus Hui, two enterprising young curators who have developed an exhibition based on their findings. The exhibition is set to tour the world in the coming year, and has garnered widespread international interest and acclaim.
The Speakers
John Mak is a public affairs professional, devoted to local community development and building understanding across sectors and cultures. He has been widely recognised for his work, including being selected as an inaugural Obama Scholar, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honouree, and an Asia 21 Fellow by Asia Society. John holds an MA in public policy and international development from The University of Chicago, and a BA in politics, philosophy and economics from the University of Durham.
Angus Hui is a journalist-turned-historian who specialises in Chinese modern history, and Hong Kong local culture and heritage. He has received multiple awards for his writings, including the Society of Publishers in Asia Awards and the Business Journalism Awards of the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. He holds an MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies) from the University of Cambridge, where he was awarded the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence, and a BA in Chinese History and Culture from the University of Hong Kong.
Time: 10:00 am meet at Exit A of University MTR Station, taking school bus to the Chinese University of Hong Kong Library. 10:30 am – 11:30 am (a guided tour)
Admission: $100 for members, $150 for guests /non-members
Registration: Please email <membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk> and provide your membership number, if applicable, at the time of registration.
Please kindly complete your registration also by advance payment via Stripe's payment links below (using your Credit Card):
Members ($100):
https://buy.stripe.com/28odTWfu94Fga0UcOd
Non-members / Guests ($150):
https://buy.stripe.com/fZe8zC95L2x8fle29A
Details about the other payment option will be sent on registration. Upon receipt of payment, your registration will be confirmed by email. Registration will be closed at 12:00 noon on 4 October 2024.