Homecoming ...

On a clear, cool, day in October 1945 a train pulled into the Canadian National Railway Station in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and my Dad stepped onto the platform. Though I hadn't seen him in about five years I knew him. Some things you just don't forget. There to greet him were my Mother, Beryl, my sister Cynthia, and me. Dad's Mother, Father his sister and a whole group of friends were there also. It was an indescribably great day.
 

Accolades and Acknowledgments

Everyone who undertakes to write anything cannot do it alone. I, more than most, needed the support and help of my family, friends and other people who made my writings possible. I want to thank them here for their generous gift of time, energy and input. They are ...

My Dad. With the benefit of hindsight I realize he led the life of a gentle man who set an example for others to follow. Clippings and diaries supplied most of what has been written here.

My Mother who for 4 years constantly worried about Dad. The ring of the doorbell just after Christmas when the Canadian National Telegraphs boy handed her a Telegram announcing the fall of Hong Kong along with information that there was no information about my Dads wellbeing. Later another ring of the doorbell and the Canadian National Telegraphs message giving the good news that Dad was alive. Nothing more. I cannot imagine the terrible stress she lived with. She, along with my Grandmother, raised my sister and me. She gave generously of her time to the war effort through The Red Cross, and other organizations while never failing in her duties as a loving mother. She was a great mother. I miss her too.

My wife, Darlene. Her patience with me during the years it critiques, her editing skills, her way of looking at things helped me to put this too many ways to list here.

My daughter, Pamela Parker. Her computer skills were an enormous help, and her kids will now know their Grandpa Parker.

My son, Mark Parker. I felt I should put the tribute to my Dad and to all those with whom he endured so much , so that he could understand what his Grandpa went through as a man, a husband and a father, and what I had to go through as his son.

Tony Banham. Tony is, in my estimation, one of the outstanding authorities on the Battle of Hong Kong. He provided help when help was most needed, and guidance when I sometimes went astray. Any errors are all mine and were made because I didn't always listen to him.. His web site is at http://www.hongkongwardiary.com , a truly worthwhile site to visit.

Phil Dodderidge. Another source of information which was invaluable. He gave me some personal insight into my Dad's character. He was my Dad's "Radar" from M.A.S.H. (the TV show).

Carol Hadley, who also provided help as needed. http://www.hkvca.ca

Claire Hachey. Links to her sites have made this site much better. Her generous support has been exceptional.

What more can I say to all of them than ... thank you.
 

Ronald Parker, October 25, 2001

Technically there were no American combatants during the battle for Hong Kong, but they played a huge role in building and maintaining morale with their bombing runs which lifted the spirits of the prisoners even though it endangered their lives.

The message inherent in this tribute is spelled out in: "The Other Side of Time, a Combat Surgeon in World War II", a history, "What we were and what we did, at our best, and what happened around us, is slipping out of knowledge. That's a pity. Please, young people, listen to us before we leave."

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Books on the Battle of Hong Kong