Re: Hong Kong
Part 6
The Winnipeg Rifles had been thrust swiftly into battle with the West Brigade. On December 18, the Brigade consisted of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, the Royal Scots in reserve in the Wan Chai Gap Mount Parish areas, 2/14 Punjab in Victoria City, and a company of the Middlesex around Leighton Hill.
The Grenadiers were charged with covering the southwest and west coasts of the island. They established their headquarters at Wan Chai Gap. The “D” Company was back in Brigade Reserve at Wong Nei Chong. In order to ready for quick action, “flying columns” were organized from the Headquarters Company and billeted just south of Wan Chai Gap.
When the enemy landed on the evening December 18, the flying columns were ordered forward. A platoon was directed to Jardine’s Lookout and another platoon was directed to Mount Butler. Both platoons were engaged in intense fighting. Heavily outnumbered they were cut to pieces and both platoon commanders killed.
“A” Company of the Grenadiers was orders to clear Jardine’s Lookout and to push on to Mount Butler. After Action reports are confused because do many officers and men became casualties. Apparently, the company became divided, and part of the Company, led by Company Sergeant Major J.R. Osborn, drove thought to Mount Butler and captured the top of the hill.
A few hours later, a heavy counter-attack forced this party back where it rejoined the rest of the Company. Then in attempting to withdraw, the whole force was surrounded. The Japanese began to throw grenades into the defensive positions occupied by the Canadians, and CSM Osborn caught several and threw them back. Eventually, one fell where he could not retrieve it in time. Osborn, shouting a warning, threw himself upon it as it exploded, giving his life for his comrades. Shortly afterwards, the Japanese rushed the position and “A” Company’s survivors became prisoners. At the end of the War, CSM Osborn was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.
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