Civilian networks

The Hong Kong Independent Battalion traces its roots to the Guangdong People's Guerrilla Force resisting Japanese aggression — specifically its 3rd and 5th Companies, the precursors to the famed Dongjiang (East River) Column. From the earliest days of occupation, these fighters waged a relentless campaign against Japanese forces stretching from Kowloon to the New Territories.

For three years and eight months, they stood as Hong Kong's only organized armed resistance — a lifeline sustained by civilian networks that included the likes of the Lam family.

"Many Hong Kong families joined the resistance together — fighting as one," said Lam Chun, now president of the Society of the Veterans of the Original Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, which documents this wartime heroism.

Few embodied this spirit more than the Law family of Sha Tau Kok, with nine of its 11 members taking up arms as guerrillas.

Born in 1930, Law King-fai grew up amid the resistance efforts. His childhood was defined by the cause and even as a toddler, he was taught patriotic songs.

"Fight the Japanese, fight the Japanese! Down with Japanese imperialism, protect our homeland!" the 95-year-old recalled, singing along.

He remembered the Japanese frequently seizing villagers for forced labor, including his father. In 1943, aged just 13, Law followed his uncles into the guerrilla battalion's sea detachment, which conducted maritime attacks with rudimentary weapons.

His most harrowing mission occurred off the coast of Shenzhen that same year. His unit ambushed a Japanese supply ship that had strayed off course and run aground. As they chased the fleeing Japanese soldiers, Law lost two comrades in the fierce fighting.

"We eventually sank the ship," said Law, noting that his detachment was instrumental in intercepting Japanese logistics convoys carrying supplies, armaments and food in international waters.