The Memorial Monument for Sai Kung Martyrs of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in Tsam Chuk Wan, Sai Kung, was erected in 1989 and managed by the Sai Kung Rural Committee. The proposal to erect a monument in Sai Kung was first mooted by Lau Kam-man, a veteran of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade of the Dongjiang Column, in 1983. As the proposal received support from the local gentry and resident representatives, the “Committee for the Construction of a Memorial Monument for Martyrs of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression” was subsequently established in 1984 to initiate the project. With the efforts of committee members Ling Hongren and Xie Gaoxi to mobilise overseas Chinese in Britain and Belgium respectively, as well as the collective efforts of various groups of people, fundraising proceeded and a total of million, one hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars was raised for the project.

The Memorial Garden for Sai Kung Martyrs of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in Tsam Chuk Wan at Chi Lit Path, Tsam Chuk Wan, Sai Kung, includes a memorial archway, a pavilion for the martyrs, stone tablets, etc. The memorial monument, which is situated at the centre of the semi-circular stone balustrade, bears the inscription, “Kang Ri Ying Lie Ji Nian Bei” (Memorial Monument for Martyrs of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression), written by Zeng Sheng, former commander of the Dongjiang Column. The front façade of the memorial monument is mounted with a bluestone plaque with inscriptions drafted by Zhang Zixie, a veteran of the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade of the Dongjiang Column. The inscriptions read: “During the arduous period of three years and eight months of Japanese Occupation, the guerrilla fighters operated actively across lofty mountains, rugged peaks, deep harbours and river bays, moving stealthily among fields and villages, and navigating countryside and woodlands. Deeply connected with the masses, they successfully eliminated bandits and traitors, defeated enemies, and achieved triumphs. They carried out missions to rescue renowned cultural figures and provided support to the allied forces in their combat. Their illustrious deeds and heroic accomplishments received universal admiration. Sai Kung, with its formidable geography, borders Kowloon to the south and reaches towards the Mirs Bay to the north. The brigade headquarters remained stationed for an extended period and served as the stronghold of the main force. Amid relentless combat, sacrifice became an unavoidable reality.” The inscriptions highlight the guerrilla fighters’ heroic resistance against Japanese Aggression during the three years and eight months of the Japanese Occupation, and illustrate Sai Kung’s historical role as one of their major anti-Japanese bases, underscoring the commemorative significance of erecting a monument at this location. On the sides of the memorial monument are six stone tablets, one of which bears the inscribed words, “Zhong Yong Cheng Ai” (loyalty, courage, honesty and love), emulating the pennant presented by General Neil Ritchie of the British Army to the villagers of Sai Kung after the victory in the War of Resistance in recognition of the villagers’ support for anti-Japanese efforts during the war.

Witnessing the important role of the resistance efforts made by the villagers in Sai Kung during the War of Resistance, the Memorial Monument for Sai Kung Martyrs of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in Tsam Chuk Wan was inducted into the third “List of State Facilities and Sites Marking the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression” by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China on 1 September 2020.

Opening Hours:
Open all year round

Address:
Memorial Garden for Sai Kung Martyrs of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in Tsam Chuk Wan, Chi Lit Path, Tsam Chuk Wan, Sai Kung, New Territories