Did you know that naval officers from China participated in D-Day?

As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, we invite you to discover the recently unearthed history of a select group of 24 Chinese naval officers who took part in the D-Day Landings and Operation Dragoon in the liberation of Southern France. At the upcoming exhibition Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day, stories, objects, and multimedia displays walk us through this fascinating area of military history.

The background

In 2015, a group of history enthusiasts accidentally stumbled upon a diary in a soon-to-be demolished residential building in Hong Kong. The diary belonged to Lam Ping-yu, who was amongst the group of officers sent to Britain for training during World War II. As their first mission in Europe, many took part in the D-Day Landings and Operation Dragoon in the liberation of Southern France.

Lam Ping-yu’s diary appears to be the only known primary source on Chinese participation in D-Day. It reveals numerous first-hand stories about the realities of war, countless depictions of excitement, frustration, envy, and even romance! Moreover, Hong Kong features in Lam’s voyage. In 1945, he took part in Operation Armour, an operation devised by the British government to alleviate Hong Kong’s dire situation following Japanese occupation. His writings provide us with a glimpse into the city’s post-war recovery.

'Lost and Found in Hong Kong' has been curated by Angus Hui and John Mak. After its first stop in Hong Kong, the exhibition is travelling to the UK and will be open to the public here at King's College London throughout the summer.

How to visit

There's no need to book. Here are our opening dates and times:

16 July to 3 September

• Monday to Thursday 9.00 to 17.00
• Friday 9.00 to 20.00
• Saturday 13.00 to 17.00

Restricted times

Please note that the exhibition is not open on the following dates:

• 17 July
• 18 July
• 30 July
• 1 September