Peter Choi, veteran of the Battle of Hong Kong in World War II, dies aged 98

Peter Choi, one of the last surviving veterans of the World War II Battle of Hong Kong, died on August 6, 2020. Choi was 18 when he fought in the conflict, having joined the British Army just three months before the Japanese attack on his hometown began on December 8, 1941. The Commonwealth forces fought hard in the Battle of Hong Kong, but within 18 days, Imperial Japanese forces took control of the British crown colony. The occupation of Hong Kong ended 75 years ago, when Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945. After the war, Choi’s wartime experiences would play a crucial role throughout his life. In 1980, he helped establish the World War II Veterans Association in Hong Kong. In their clubhouse in Causeway Bay he enjoyed many of his last days playing Chinese chess. Choi passed away peacefully with family at his side, at Tung Wah Hospital. He was 98.