2016-10-14 Fri

The 75th anniversary of World War II’s Hong Kong Battle was observed with the release of a special silver Collector coin by the Royal Canadian Mint on 29th September. Hong Kong was attacked by Japan on 8th December.

The British, Hong Kong, Canadian, and Indian forces stood together to protect the Crown colony. 293 Canadian soldiers were killed and many had to face several inhumane conditions till they finally got freedom by American and Australian forces in August 1945.

The reverse features two Canadian soldiers from the Allied forces creating a line of defence. A soldier is dressed in Pacific uniform rushing past a concrete pillbox with heavy artillery fire marks. Ships can be seen between the island and the mountains. The obverse features a portrait of HM King George VI denoting the King as Emperor of India.

Veterans of the battle and guests like George were present during the coin launch. The mintage limit of the $20 .999 silver 31.3 g Proof coin is 10,000.