Lost among the numerous graves in the Sai Wan War Cemetery is the Grave of Wan Tai Mo. Sai Wan War Cemetery is more than just a final resting place. It is a poignant reminder of sacrifice. It is located in the north-east of Hong Kong Island. It is about 11 kilometers from the center of Victoria in the Chai Wan area.
The Sai Wan War Cemetery is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Remember this when planning your visit to the Grave of Wan Tai Mo.
The cemetery’s design makes wheelchair access impossible. This presents a challenge for some visitors wishing to pay their respects at the Grave of Wan Tai Mo.
Sai Wan War Cemetery is on Cape Collinson Road. At the entrance stands the Sai Wan Memorial. The memorial commemorates those who died in Hong Kong and have no known grave. From the memorial, the cemetery slopes down towards the sea. This slope adds to the solemn atmosphere surrounding the Grave of Wan Tai Mo.
To get here, take bus route No. 9 from Shau Kei Wan bus terminal to Cape Collinson bus stop. Walk downwards along Cape Collinson for about 600 metres. Alternatively, bus No. 14 from Stanley Military Cemetery will also get you close. The Cape Collinson area has many cemeteries. Sai Wan War Cemetery is halfway up Cape Collinson Road. It faces the Muslim and Buddhist cemeteries. The Grave of Wan Tai Mo is located within this war cemetery.
Hong Kong fell to Japanese forces on Christmas Day 1941. This followed intense fighting. Most of those buried here died during this time. Others died later as internees or prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation. The remains of prisoners from Formosa, the Philippines, and mainland China were brought to Sai Wan for burial in 1946. The Grave of Wan Tai Mo is among these solemn grounds.
There are now 1505 Commonwealth casualties of the Second World War. They are buried or commemorated at Sai Wan War Cemetery. 444 of these burials are unidentified. Special memorials honor 16 casualties buried in Kowloon Muslim Cemetery. Their graves were lost. The cemetery also contains special memorials to 12 First World War casualties. They were buried in Kowloon Mohammedan Cemetery. Their graves have also been lost.
At the entrance to Sai Wan War Cemetery stands the Sai Wan Memorial. It bears the names of over 2,000 Commonwealth servicemen. They died in the Battle of Hong Kong. They also died later in captivity. They have no known grave. Additional panels form the Sai Wan Cremation Memorial. This bears the names of 144 Second World War casualties. Their remains were cremated according to their faith. The Sai Wan China Memorial commemorates 72 casualties. They are from both World Wars. Their graves in mainland China could not be maintained. The Grave of Wan Tai Mo shares this space with these memorials.
Colin St Clair Oakes designed both the cemetery and the memorial. As you stand before the Grave of Wan Tai Mo, reflect on the history. Remember the sacrifices made during the war. Consider the lives commemorated within these grounds.