Fascinating Historical Photos of Hong Kong in 1945, Just After the Japanese Surrender

After Japan surrendered to the United States on 15 August 1945, the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong ended. The Imperial Japanese Army handed over Hong Kong to the Royal Navy on 30 August 1945, restoring British control over Hong Kong. Until 1997, Hong Kong celebrated “Liberation Day” on 30 August. Sakai, who led the invasion of Hong Kong and later served as governor-general during the Japanese occupation, was tried as a war criminal, convicted, and executed on 30 September 1946.

Here are some fascinating historical photos that show Hong Kong in late 1945, just after the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong ended.

#1 Bomb shattered jetty, Hong Kong, August 31, 1945

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#2 Bombed buildings in Hong Kong, August 1945

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#3 Boys from ship rickshaw ride in Hong Kong, August 31, 1945

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#4 Centre Street at Sai Ying Pun, looking towards Des Voeux Road West from the junction with Queen’s Road West, Hong Kong, August 1945

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#5 Chinese boy making rope, Hong Kong, August 1945

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#6 Chinese celebrate Japanese surrender, Hong Kong, August 1945

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#7 Chinese sampan, H.M.C.S. Ontario in background, Hong Kong, August 31, 1945

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#8 Crossing drawbridge in Kowloon, August 31, 1945

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#9 Empress returning allied POWs leaving Hong Kong, August 1945

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#10 Filming officers of Allied forces, Hong Kong, August 1945

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#11 Kings Theater, Hong Kong, August 1945

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#12 Kowloon Street setting off firecrackers in celebration, August 31, 1945

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#13 Lei Yue Mun Barracks, Hong Kong, August 1945

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#14 Mt. Cameron memorial to dead Canadian troops, Hong Kong, August 31, 1945

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#15 Pot makers in Hong Kong, August 1945

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#16 Pottinger Street, looking towards Queen’s Road Central, from the junction with Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong, August 1945

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#17 Queen’s Road West, westbound from the junction with Queen Street, 1945

At far end when the road turned to right, junction with Hollywood Road was seen at left hand side, Hong Kong.

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#18 Repulse Bay showing Eucliff and Repulse Bay Hotel, Hong Kong, August 1945

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#19 Russian orchestra entertaining, Hong Kong, August 1945

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#20 Street scene in Hong Kong, August 1945

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#21 Street scene in Hong Kong, August 1945

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#22 Woman doing laundry in gutter, Hong Kong, August 31, 1945

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