Backdrop to the Lisbon Maru

Backdrop

The histories of Hong Kong and World War II form the backdrop to the Lisbon Maru story.

The stories and records from the battle for Hong Kong, the treatment of Far East prisoners of war, US submarine pacific operations, the selfless act of the Chinese fishermen each have their own stories, but all are inextricably linked to the sinking of Lisbon Maru.

There are many aspects to these stories and many people working hard to make sure that all those on the Lisbon Maru are not forgotten. Over time we hope to bring these stories together.

The following links will allow you to access other parts of the story:

• The FEPOW Family has been established to research loved ones who suffered in the Far East during WWII
  https://www.fepow.family
• COFEPOW is a Registered Charity dedicated to perpetuating the memory of the Far East Prisoners of War
  https://www.cofepow.org.uk

Thank You

We must give thanks to those who have kept and continue to keep the Lisbon Maru story alive.

Major (retired) Brian Finch is an ex-serving member of the Middlesex Regiment. He had heard the stories of the sinking of the Lisbon Maru from other soldiers of the regiment, who were fortunate to survive the tragedy and continued to serve within the regiment, after their release from Japanese Prisoner of War camps. The hand drawn picture of the sinking of the Lisbon Maru, by a member of the US Navy was also hung in the regiment's Officers' Mess.

Tony Banham continues to live in Hong Kong and works as a writer and historian. He has written several well researched books on the war in Hong Kong, from which much of the website information is drawn and which he has graciously allowed us to use.

His Hong Kong War Diary also documents many parts of the story, including the 1941 defence of Hong Kong and the fates of the defenders and their families until liberation.
http://www.hongkongwardiary.com