Causes

The battle started off all because of the Second Sino Japanese war. As the Second Sino Japanese war continued between Japan and China, Japan took over most of China. Britain and Hong Kong were afraid that Japan would take over too much of China. Hong Kong was surrounded by Japan after they took over Guangzhou on October 21, 1938. Britain was afraid that Japan would become too powerful and wouldn’t be able to defend Hong Kong. Britain continued working on their new defensive line that extended from Gin Drinkers Bay to Port Shelter which had already begun in 1936. This line was called the Gin Drinkers line. After Japan took over China, a whole bunch of Chinese refugees moved to Hong Kong making Hong Kong crowded and an easier target. After taking over China, they start attack Pearl Harbour.

This picture helps you understand the battle of Hong Kong because it shows that General Sakai did not expect Canada to attack so quickly so it was more of a surprise attack hence the title of the cartoon "Canadian Surprise".