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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RING OF FIRE EXHIBITION TELLS STORIES OF CANADA'S WAR IN THE PACIFIC

Calgary, Alberta, 7 December 2011 — A Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor devastated the United States Pacific Fleet on 7 December, 1941. Canada’s war in the Pacific theatre began hours later with Japanese attacks on the British colony of Hong Kong where the Winnipeg Grenadiers were stationed. Hong Kong surrendered on Christmas day after a bitter fight, yet immense casualties would not be the end of the hardships suffered by Canadians.

Prisoners of war lived through the foulest of conditions, enduring brutal treatment and near-starvation. Canadians flew over the sweltering jungles of Burma, the HMCS Uganda bombarded Okinawa under threat of kamikaze attack, and Canadian soldiers fought snowstorms on the island of Kiska. Three Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross for acts of bravery that they did not survive. Lt. Robert Hampton Gray of Nelson, B.C., Sgt. Maj. John Osborn of Winnipeg Man., and Maj. Charles Ferguson Hoey of Duncan B.C. each posthumously received Canada’s highest medal of honour.

Ring of Fire: Canadians in the Pacific in the Second World War is a new exhibition by The Military Museums (TMM). Sailors, soldiers and airmen describe how Canada helped to turn the tide against determined Japanese foes in clips gathered from 40 hours of video and audio interviews. First hand accounts connect the viewer directly to Canadian military history with supporting artefacts and text.

“Public perception about Canadian participation in the Second World War tends to focus on Europe to the exclusion of our contributions in the Pacific,” said Rory Cory, senior curator at The Military Museums. “This exhibit aims to connect Canadians with their military heritage while veterans of Hong Kong and other campaigns are still with us.”

Private collectors and military museums across Canada have contributed to Ring of Fire including the Canadian War Museum, Glenbow Museum, Rocky Mountain Rangers Museum, National Air Force Museum of Canada, Homefront Museum and Archives, and the Canadian Militaria Preservation Society. Rare colour photos, medal groups, personal artefacts and prisoner of war art are included from Canadians such as the commander of the Canadian contingent in Hong Kong Brig. John Lawson and A/C Len Birchall, known as the Saviour of Ceylon. Artworks from the Beaverbrook Collection at the Canadian War Museum offer unique insights from war artists.

Ring of Fire: Canadians in the Pacific in the Second World War: Unsung heroes of the Canadian navy, army, and air force help to turn the tide against determined Japanese foes. Tales of sacrifice, heroism, victory and defeat are explored in this exhibition, which includes rare colour photos. Discover the stories of three Victoria Cross recipients, brutal prison camps, and the history of Canada’s war in the Pacific.

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