This year marks eight decades since the end of the Second World War— a fitting moment to uncover a hidden chapter of history. We are therefore delighted that our Guest Speakers for this year’s Annual Dinner will be Angus Hui and John Mak, who are co-curators of the Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day Exhibition, which sheds light on a forgotten group of 24 Chinese naval officers who took part in the D-Day Landings and Operation Dragoon—the Allied invasion of Southern France.
As space is limited for this venue, we are currently offering places to HKS members only. However, any member attending on their own may bring one guest at the non-members rate.
Date: Tuesday 23rd September 2025
Time: 6.30pm Lecture and welcome drink; 7.30pm Drink Reception (Cash Bar); 8.15pm 3 course dinner (wine included)
Venue: Whitehall, London
Early bird price per person*: £120 HKS members/ £135 non-members (All places must be booked and paid for by 31st July.)
Full price from 1st August*: £135 HKS members/ £150 non-members
Dress: Lounge suit / Chinoiserie
The background
The discovery began in Hong Kong in 2015, where local history enthusiasts stumbled upon a diary in a soon-to-be demolished residential building. The diary belonged to Chinese Lieutenant Lam Ping-yu. Born in 1911, Lam was an individual with idealistic aspirations amidst national turmoil. Though often frustrated by the state of affairs in his home country, Lam continued to persevere. Archives would reveal that at the age of 25, he went as far as to write to Chiang Kai-shek to request an opportunity to be trained abroad. Six difficult years would pass before Lam’s wish was answered - China would send him and 23 other naval officers to Britain for training at the Royal Naval College. These officers then went on to partake in the European theatre of the Second World War - for many, their first mission was the unprecedented D-Day.
Lam’s diary, containing detailed accounts of what he went through in the operation, remains hitherto the only known primary source of their participation. After the War, the turmoil in China continued. As Chinese officers, these men were yet again met with critical dilemmas which would define their lives ahead; their experiences make them witnesses to pivotal moments of world history. As 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, let us revisit their triumphs, tribulations, and the many tough decisions they had to make throughout their lives.
Please contact communications@hkas.org.uk to register and for payment details.