Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence works intensively for conversion into Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence (with photos)

     The Chief Executive announced in the 2023 Policy Address that the existing Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence (HKMCD) will be converted into the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence (MWRCD) with a focus on the history of the War of Resistance to cultivate a stronger sense of national esteem and patriotism. The HKMCD will be officially converted into the MWRCD on the Victory Day of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (September 3) this year, and the thematic exhibition "Brothers in Arms: War of Resistance Activities of the East River Column in Shenzhen and Hong Kong" will be launched on September 4 with free admission to members of the public. The HKMCD today (August 27) held a prelude to the opening of the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence.

     Addressing the event, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has long been promoting the history of the War of Resistance and the work of patriotic education. The term "War of Resistance" highlights the mission of the MWRCD to commemorate the history of resistance, preserve the spirit of patriotism, and pay tribute to the heroic sacrifices of the martyrs. It also serves as a reminder to future generations to cherish the peace. The term "Coastal Defence" indicates the museum's strategically important location in the Lyemun Pass (today's Lei Yue Mun Channel), underscoring Hong Kong's longstanding role as the gateway to the nation's southern maritime approaches.

     Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, the first thematic exhibition after the conversion focuses on the history of the War of Resistance. It introduces the resistance activities of the East River Column in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong, recounting the arduous years when these two blood-related brother areas stood together against foreign aggression. Mr Yeung expressed gratitude particularly to those who have generously donated or loaned artefacts to the museum for display, including the Society of Veterans of the Original Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, and folk collectors. At the event, Mr Yeung received on behalf of the museum a commemorative medal of the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression loaned from the President of the Society of Veterans of the Original Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, Ms Lam Chun. In 2015, the Central Government awarded commemorative medals in the name of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission to approximately 210 000 elderly veterans and comrades, wartime generals, and international friends or their families who contributed to China's victory, to honour their historical achievements. The medal will be displayed in the new exhibition.

     This new exhibition will showcase some precious exhibits and historical images. They include a cloth bag and a felt blanket used by members of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column during wartime, newspapers published by the East River Column and cartoon images of "Miscellaneous Memories of One Hundred Days in Dongjiang" created by cartoonist Ding Cong, and precious oral history records from veterans. The exhibition has been jointly organised by the MWRCD, Shenzhen Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall and Memorial Hall of Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue, in collaboration with the Chinese Culture Promotion Office of the LCSD, and supported by the Hong Kong Chronicle Institute.

     The four existing exhibition galleries at the museum showcasing the history of the War of Resistance, namely "Narrative of the War of Resistance" gallery, "Join Hands to Resist Japanese Invasion" gallery, "Japanese Invasion of Hong Kong" gallery and "Anti-Japanese Guerrillas behind Enemy Lines" gallery, will be collectively known as "the War of Resistance Galleries". Moreover, the converted museum will enhance the display of the Certificate of Commendation presented by the HKSAR Government to the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column, and the name list of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column on the Roll of Honour 1941-1945 who lost their lives during the period of Japanese occupation, to highlight their importance.

     To facilitate the unveiling ceremony of the MWRCD and opening ceremony of the thematic exhibition "Brothers in Arms: War of Resistance Activities of the East River Column in Shenzhen and Hong Kong", the HKMCD will be temporarily closed to the public on September 3 (Tuesday).