Role Of Heroism In Canada

Words: 1213
Pages: 5
Open Document
World War II was a defining event in Canadian history. The horrific battles of the war transformed a quiet and fragile country into an independent nation that was able to hold its own ground. Although there have been many victories in Canadian history, there also have been many tragic defeats. On December 8, 1941, Japan stormed Hong Kong, a British colony that had numerous Canadian troops stationed there, and after five treacherous days of fighting, Japan captured the region. Many classify this as a suicidal mission on Canada’s behalf and look down upon them as a result, however that is not the case. The Canadian troops were not expecting to fight that day, yet they fought intelligently and displayed acts of seasoned veterans, and also, Britain …show more content…
One of the greatest acts of heroism witnessed in Hong Kong was one made by the Company Sergeant-Major John Osborn. During the second day of battle, Osborn observed the enemy lobbing grenades at the Canadian trenches. He acknowledged this expeditiously and commenced tossing the live grenades back at the enemy. One grenade was out of the reach of Osborn, so he warned everyone to back away and instantly threw himself on to the frag to minimize the explosion. Osborn immediately perished on the spot. He saved the lives of many Canadian troops, who soon later assisted in killing some of the Japanese men. Osborn was awarded the Victoria Cross medal for his courageous act. Another performance made by the Canadian troops showcased their determination and willingness to put everything on the line for the heart of their nation. This act was when the Royal Rifles, a group of Canadian troops, successfully captured lost ground at the south end of the island. The Canadian troops including the Sergeants believed this would be a preposterous suicidal mission. Despite the lack of belief in themselves, the land was conquered at a cost of 26 casualties. However, a few hours after the triumphant capture, the allied troops decided to surrender and give up the nation to Japan. Although this gain in land had no outcome in the end, it stunned everyone including …show more content…
During the months prior to stationing Canadian men in Hong Kong, General Bartholomew, a British general, stated to the War Office, “In event of a wanton attack on Hong Kong, the garrison would have no option but to fight… the chances of effecting a prolonged resistance even in the best circumstances seem slight.” This displays the little to no hope the British had towards this battle. An evident question situated from this statement is present. That question would be, why did Britain simply not transfer the men stationed in Hong Kong back home? What was their intent in not surrendering? Well, Britain was not forced into the battle, they wanted the garrison to fight because it was a matter of an improvement in “Britain’s prestige”. They believed that the Chinese and Americans would question Britain's’ ability to win the war which would cause either of the two countries to abandon them in due time. Britain also did not want to broadcast the extent of their military weakness throughout the world. Due to these reasons, Britain left the men that volunteered to help defend their home nation, to suffer and die. However, as I mentioned before, two more Canadian battalions were sent to Hong Kong to preserve the nation even though the allies knew they would not be able to defend against the Japanese. This was the leading factor that made Canada get so much
Show More

Related Documents: Role Of Heroism In Canada

Papers: True Hero

his city. This action showed us the true meaning of heroism. Being a hero could mean getting fired from a job, arrested, injured, or even facing death to sacrifice for others A hero is someone who we looked up to as role models someone who we can trust and call upon to when we need help. Heroes are selfless, they often sacrifice themselves to protect and save others. Terry Fox is an excellent example for being a hero. He walked across Canada to raise and donating money for charity to help cure…

Words 401 - Pages 2

Carol Berkin's Revolutionary Mothers

A historian Carols Berkin, in her book Revolutionary Mothers: Women in the struggle for Independence highlighted the role of women who actively participated in American Revolution. She enlightens the work of several women, who served as companions, caregivers, and as a soldier. The author specifically discussed the role of three famous women such as Abigail Adam, Betsy Ross, and Moly pitcher during the American Revolution. Not only these women, in fact, every woman worked in the war enthusiastically…

Words 871 - Pages 4

Uncle Tom's Cabin Major Works Data Sheet

Name- Uncle Tom Role in story- He is the central figure and protagonist in the novel. His story is the main narrative. Uncle Tom is a family man with a wife and two children. Tom is a slave on the Shelby farm in Kentucky. He is eventually sold to another family in Louisiana…

Words 2642 - Pages 11

Harriet Beecher Stowe's Literary Analysis

After capturing a glimpse of the struggles and accomplishments of women through the works of Mary Wollstonecraft, Abigail Adams, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton; the role of women is miniscule by societal standards, but the road to equality was slowly being built by resolute brilliant women. We now take a peek into the 1800-1900s and further investigate the growing campaign of women’s rights. Specifically, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s literary effects and how she takes her power of writing to disclose an enemy…

Words 1202 - Pages 5

no title Essay

their applied to are able to construct and transform beliefs about the social world, defining problems and solutions, hopes and fears. “It is art that evokes idealizations, threats, and beliefs about the proper place of masses, leaders, obedience, heroism, evil, and virtue.”(Edelman, 9) They do so in such a veiled fashion that it permits the impression that these beliefs rest upon observation. The decisions people make form the menu of models that works of art offer them, which are bound to be driven…

Words 2139 - Pages 9

Manga Vs American Superpowers

One of the universal appeals of animation and manga is their ability to blend reality and fantasy. While each story takes place in a fantastical realm populated by mythical creatures and heroes with extraordinary powers, there is always a metaphor for the human dimension. Superheroes might have superpowers, but they also have weaknesses that can be exploited by the enemy. Superpowers are, moreover, often depicted as hyperbolic human traits rather than actual supernatural gifts. Although there are…

Words 2184 - Pages 9

Racism in Film Essay

Racism in Film Throughout the history of film in the United States, the depiction of race has only changed slightly. Although, the display of various races in film is pertinent to the specific time period in which the film was made, films have, for the most part, always portrayed white superiority over other races. People of color have traditionally been presented in a negative way (if presented at all) that helps to maintain the status quo where whites are at the top of the social hierarchy. A…

Words 2711 - Pages 11

Apush Chapter 7 Outline Essay

Chapter Seven: The Jeffersonian Era I. The Rise of Cultural Nationalism A. Patterns of Education 1. Central to the Republican vision was the concept of a virtuous and enlightened citizenry. 2. Republicans believed in the establishment of a nationwide system of public schools to create the educated electorate they believe a republic required. 3. A Massachusetts law of 1789 reaffirmed the colonial laws by which each town was obligated to support a school, but there was little enforcement. 4…

Words 4615 - Pages 19

Accounting: Sociology and Uncertainty Avoidance Essay

ABACUS, Vol. 24, No. I , I988 S. J. GRAY Towards a Theory of Cultural Influence on the Development of Accounting Systems Internationally Research has shown that accounting follows different patterns in different parts of the world. There have been claims that national systems are determined by environmental factors. In this context, cultural factors have not been fully considered. This paper proposes four hypotheses on the relationship between identified cultural characteristics and…

Words 6146 - Pages 25