LanEvo7685 t1_jeawvsj wrote on March 30, 2023 at 6:07 PM

Hi I have been wanting to piece together the historical background of a WW2 story in my family's history and I don't know where to ask, especially since this is a serious sub so I am hesitant to start a thread.

I am from Hong Kong and this happened in either HK or in Guangdong before my dad/grandparents came to HK. All I've heard is this: During WW2 my grandfather was captured by the Japanese and he escaped and crossed the river in his escape by hiding underwater breathing through reeds.

I don't have a lot of connection to family, but this story fascinated me and I'd like to learn more about the specific background. I don't think my grandfather was a soldier/resistance fighter but I have read that Japanese would capture random civilians people either for torture or kill/ for forced labor / or to be sold as slaves.

quantdave t1_jed21hi wrote on March 31, 2023 at 3:06 AM

Civilians from both Guangdong and Hong Kong were dragooned as forced labour for Hainan's mines and associated railway & port construction. Some such intended fate seems the likeliest candidate, unless he was suspected of political association with the republic's cause or with the British colonial authorities. It was certainly a lucky escape, conditions for the Hainan workers having been exceptionally harsh and treatment of suspected enemies harsher still.

LanEvo7685 t1_jeeu3cq wrote on March 31, 2023 at 2:31 PM

Is there a phrase or term for this that can help me Google and learn more?

quantdave t1_jef3wcx wrote on March 31, 2023 at 3:36 PM

Just some combination like Japan Guangdong forced labour Hainan should turn up a few pointers. I don't know if forced labour was much used within Guangdong or if local people were deported to Japan like some in the north: that might be another topic to look for, but I haven't seen any mentions.