The Battle of Hong Kong began on December 8th, 1941, the day after the devastating bombardment of Pearl Harbor. Japan had launched an attack on Hong Kong, a colony of Britain. Canadian troops were ordered to defend Hong Kong but were outnumbered by the Japanese troops. Nonetheless, Canadians refused to surrender and fought bravely, disregarding the improbable odds. The Battle of Hong Kong produced many severe casualties while those who survived the battle were captured and sent to extreme work camps. They became "Prisoners of War", tortured and starved to death by the enemy in cruel working conditions. The refusal to surrender in this improbable battle demonstrated the bravery and determination for the Canadian soldiers in World War II. Other countries were able to see Canada's persistence in this battle as the Canadian army repeatedly denied Japan's demand to surrender.