Not the Slightest Chance: The Defence of Hong Kong, 1941 [Paperback]

The precise details of whatever did or did not happen during any of the many campaigns, encounters and battles which took place during the war years of 1939 - 1945 requires diligent and painstaking research so that any account presented is factually correct. It was not until a few weeks ago, when I began researching the loss of the Japanese freighter Lisbon Maru in 1942, that I came across the name of this author for the very first time and, already, I am reviewing the second of three of his books. So far I really am most impressed with his work and depth of research.

Although posted to Hong Kong from 1979-1981, I am not a student of this former British colony's history. I am, nevertheless quite able to recognise the depth of research which has gone into this work. My first impression, however, was that it appeared to be far too technical and, therefore, not a good read. I was wrong and any prospective reader should not be similarly fooled. In this work author Tony Banham has found that magical quality which allows his assessment to be both technically competent as well as providing the reader with a very good read. Whilst there are a small number of photographs, mainly obtained from Japanese sources, I would have preferred to see more - especially portraits of some of the central characters involved.

One of the most striking messages to come from this work is that the reader might easily be forgiven for wondering how on earth the British ended up on the winning side with such pre-war attitudes. Perhaps it was the sheer size of their Empire which created some sort of feeling of pure invincibility? Major General Maltby commanded a garrison of 14,000 troops with which to defend Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsular and a number of small islands from enemy invasion. It was a lost cause before it ever began if only because the Japanese were able - and quite determined, to throw as many men into the action as necessary.

After setting the scene in Chapter 1, the book's second chapter provides the reader with an incredible insight into the British way of life abroad. Alongside a description of the troops and equipment under Maltby's command and the various defensive lines - including `Gin Drinkers Line,' we also find a description of the functions, parties and fund-raising activities which continued almost as though nothing untoward was happening elsewhere. Only after being informed of the imminent arrival of 10-20,000 Japanese troops did Maltby tour his outer defences whilst, at the same time, life continued as though nothing were about to happen at all... Even after the arrival of a further Division of 60,000 troops, it seemed as though the British way would simply prevail.

Having set the scene for the inevitable battle which was to follow, the author then skilfully sets out the remainder of his book in order to provide the reader with the most interesting day-by day and blow-by-blow depiction of events. This is set out in order of; The loss of the mainland (Kowloon Peninsular), The siege of the Island, Invasion of the Island, Forcing the Wong Nai Chung Gap, Pushing the Line West and Encircling Stanley.

Throughout the book, the detail is quite fantastic. For example, we learn how, on Sunday 7 December, a new Colonial Secretary (Mr F. C. Gimson) arrives to take up his post - which proves to be just in time for him to be captured and spend the remainder of the war interned. On that same day, the Japanese commander also receives his orders for the capture of Hong Kong - and very interesting they are too. Elsewhere we learn of men as they go about their duties knowing that they will be dead within 14 days. It really is that kind of book.

Altogether, a first rate account and a much needed contribution to world history.

NM

This work reflects the enormous amount of research Tony Banham has done over the years covering a very specialist topic that few books have covered.
The highest praise I can give this work is that it deserves to be ranked shoulder to shoulder with the works of Oliver Lindsay and Tim Carew.
The Fall of Hong Kong was a low point in the second world war for the British Empire, and one that was acknowledged by Churchill as being a lost cause, hence his quote in the title.
Read in conjunction with Tony Banham's web site of the same name, this work will captivate historians and public alike. It is a work that deserves a wider audience, and the 4 star rating I have given this book reflects the cost, not the content.

There have been numerous books recounting the tragic events of the three week battle for Hong Kong and I believe that I have read most of them. In my opinion, 'Not the Slightest Chance' is a fine book that has succeeded in bringing real academic rigour to a description of the garrison and how it and the civilians fared during those tragic times in December 1941. I have used it on several occasions as a basis for exploring the battle sites in Hong Kong and can recommend it absolutely to anyone who seeks to delve more deeply into the reasons why and how Hong Kong fell in such a short time. Tony Banham's superb book is a must for anyone with even the slightest interest in that period.