Pak Sha Wan

Is Pak Sha Wan haunted by the echoes of war? Pak Sha Wan, a seemingly tranquil hamlet nestled along the coast of Hong Kong, bears the scars of a tumultuous past. Pak Sha Wan was once home to a coastal battery, heavily bombarded during World War II. The Pak Sha Wan Battery, manned by the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, faced relentless shelling in December 1941. The bombardment pulverized the area, destroying the command post and wounding the battery commander. Confusion and miscommunication led many of the Chinese volunteers to retreat to Stanley Fort. A small contingent of British, Portuguese, and Chinese soldiers remained, facing the onslaught. Amidst the chaos, reports emerged of an attempted Japanese landing on December 15th. Pak Sha Wan Battery, though depleted, reportedly repelled the attack. However, Japanese records do not corroborate this event, suggesting a possible false alarm. The true landing occurred on December 18th, overwhelming the area. Lieutenant Henry Buxton, sent from Stanley to reinforce Pak Sha Wan, was tragically killed in a skirmish with Japanese troops. The searchlight, a beacon in the darkness, was finally extinguished. Pak Sha Wan, once a defensive stronghold, fell silent. The battery’s commander, Captain Barnett, remained at his post, surrendering days later. Today, Pak Sha Wan stands as a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of those who defended Hong Kong during the war. The whispers of their bravery echo through the now peaceful hamlet.