Canada's government sent soldiers to die at Christmas—and tried to bury the truth with them.
The documentary, using the dramatization of fact, makes the case that the Canadian government knowingly sent two unprepared infantry battalions to help defend Hong Kong in late 1941, fully aware that they may have been on a doomed mission. The C Force, consisting of about 2000 soldiers from the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the Royal Rifles of Canada (from Quebec City) were, with the other British, Indian and Hong Kong troops, attacked on December 8, 1941 and overwhelmed by Japanese troops, leading to numerous casualties and the surrender on Christmas day. The Canadians would spend more than 3 and half years as prisoners of war, in horrible conditions. Part of "The Valour and the Horror" mini series.
Direction
Brian McKenna balances reenactment with unflinching archival indictment.
Writing
The script builds a devastating case like a war crimes prosecution.
Production
Recreated POW camps feel authentically claustrophobic and brutal.
Director
Brian McKenna
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'Valour and the Horror' series sparked a defamation lawsuit from WWII veterans who disputed its depiction of incompetent command—settled with CBC issuing clarification statements.
David Hewlett, who plays Walter Jenkins, later starred in Stargate SG-1—making this his most grounded military role by far.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
