Then and Now Hong Kong - The Cenotaph War Memorial 1923
A sombre tribute to the sacrifices made by Allied forces in HK
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Then and Now Hong Kong - The Cenotaph War Memorial 1923
A sombre tribute to the sacrifices made by Allied forces in HK
click on the image to enlarge
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The Cenotaph War Memorial | Statue Square | Hong Kong - 1930’s
This is an amazing old image of the Cenotaph from the 1930’s, Victoria Harbour was very close to the Cenotaph, now it is a 15 minute walk away because of land reclamation.
I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years and on January 3rd 1972 I got my introduction to the Cenotaph, Statue Square and City Hall (behind the Cenotaph on the right)
We got off the Star Ferry which was basicall back then just behind City Hall and we spotted the Cenotaph and made a beeline for it (My father did National Service in Royal Airforce (RAF), I have walked passed it many thousands of times and always stop for a minute to reflect., an old fashioned thing to do in this day and age.
My bother in law, served in the The Hong Kong Police Force Band and was part of the ceremonial duty team for a very long time at the Cenotaph, so we have a family connection to the monument.
Whilst Statue Square is jam packed every day, the “other” Statue Square, in other words the two Statue Squares are divided by Chater Road, except for office workers going to nearby buildings, you hardly see a soul getting close to the Memorial despite its large size (33 feet tall) and imposing presence.
If you are in Hong Kong and in and around Statue Square, cross Chater Road and take a look.
click on the image to enlarge
The Cenotaph War Memorial | Statue Square | Hong Kong - 2025
The Cenotaph War Memorial, Central District, Hong Kong
Timeline
March 1920: Plans for a war memorial in Hong Kong were announced, inspired by Shanghai’s cenotaph plan. A War Memorial Scheme Committee was formed to oversee the project.
February 1922: The committee faced delays, with public criticism noting a lack of progress.
April 1922: The site for the Cenotaph was selected in Statue Square, described as “the finest site” for Hong Kong’s war memorial. A temporary Royal Pavilion was built on the site for the Prince of Wales’ visit.
1922: Construction began, managed by the architectural firm Messrs Palmer and Turner, modeled after the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.
24 May 1923: The Cenotaph was unveiled by Governor Sir Reginald Edward Stubbs on Empire Day. It was inscribed with “The Glorious Dead” and “1914–1918” to honor First World War casualties. The site was on the waterfront at the time.
1941–1945 (Japanese Occupation): The Cenotaph remained intact during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. No specific damage or alterations were recorded, though nearby royal statues in Statue Square were removed by Japanese forces.
16 September 1945: A ceremony was held at the Cenotaph to commemorate the Allied victory after Japan’s surrender, marking the end of the occupation.
Post-1945: The dates “1939–1945” were added to honor Second World War victims. Liberation Day commemorations occurred annually on the last Monday in August during British rule.
1970s: Eight Chinese characters (meaning “May their martyred souls be immortal, and their noble spirits endure”), were added to commemorate all who died, especially those in Hong Kong’s defense.
1980s: The Chinese inscription was added to align with “The Glorious Dead,” emphasizing local war victims.
1997: After Hong Kong’s handover to China, official ceremonies like Liberation Day ceased, as the date was no longer a public holiday. Unofficial delegations continued to mark events, with occasional flag-dressing.
22 November 2013: The Cenotaph was gazetted as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance, recognizing its historical significance.
2023: The Cenotaph marked its 100th anniversary, noted by local historians.
Purpose of Construction
The Cenotaph was constructed to commemorate the soldiers and personnel of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force who died serving in Hong Kong during the First World War (1914–1918). It was later expanded to honor those who perished in the Second World War (1939–1945), particularly during the defense of Hong Kong against the Japanese invasion in December 1941. The monument serves as a somber tribute to the sacrifices made by Allied forces, including British, Indian, Canadian, and local Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps members, and reflects Hong Kong’s colonial ties to the British Empire.
Designer and Builder
Designer: Sir Edwin Lutyens, the architect of the Whitehall Cenotaph in London, designed the original model. Hong Kong’s Cenotaph is an almost exact replica, with the addition of Chinese inscriptions.
Builder: The construction was undertaken by Messrs Palmer and Turner, a prominent architectural firm in Hong Kong. The monument was built in stone, ensuring durability and a dignified appearance.
Location: Situated in Statue Square, Central District, Hong Kong, between City Hall and the former Legislative Council Building. In 1923, it was on the waterfront, but land reclamation has since altered its proximity to the shore.
Relation to Historical Events
The Cenotaph primarily relates to:
First World War (1914–1918): Commemorates Allied personnel who died serving in Hong Kong.
Second World War (1939–1945): Honors those who fell, especially during the Battle of Hong Kong (8–25 December 1941), when Japanese forces invaded the colony. The battle saw the Hong Kong Garrison, comprising British, Indian, Canadian, and local units, surrender after intense fighting.
Japanese Occupation (1941–1945): The monument stands as a symbol of resilience, with inscriptions added to honor local Chinese and other Commonwealth defenders.
Cost
No specific records are available regarding the exact cost of constructing the Cenotaph. Historical sources do not provide financial details, likely due to the focus on its symbolic importance rather than budgetary specifics.
Installation and Opening
Installation: Construction was completed in 1923, with work beginning in 1922.
Opening: The Cenotaph was officially unveiled on 24 May 1923, during a ceremony led by Governor Sir Reginald Edward Stubbs, coinciding with Empire Day.
History During Japanese Occupation (1941–1945)
During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong (8 December 1941 – 15 August 1945), the Cenotaph itself was not significantly altered or damaged, based on available records. However, the surrounding area saw changes:
Royal statues in Statue Square were removed by Japanese forces, reflecting their efforts to erase British colonial symbols.
The Cenotaph remained a silent witness to the occupation, during which an estimated 10,000 Hong Kong civilians were executed, and many others faced torture or hardship.
After Japan’s surrender on 15 August 1945, a victory ceremony was held at the Cenotaph on 16 September 1945, symbolizing the restoration of British rule.
click on the image to enlarge
The Cenotaph War Memorial | Statue Square | Hong Kong - 2025
Ongoing Ceremonies
While official ceremonies like Liberation Day ended in 1997 after Hong Kong’s handover to China, the Cenotaph remains a site for commemorative events:
Remembrance Sunday: A multi-faith memorial service is held annually in November, organized by the Royal British Legion (HK & China Branch) and the Hong Kong Ex-Servicemen’s Association. It includes the sounding of “Last Post,” two minutes of silence, “Reveille,” wreath-laying, prayers, and the “Ode of Remembrance.” The Hong Kong Police Force Pipe Band performs ceremonial duties. Representatives from Anglican, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, and Sikh communities attend.
Anzac Day: Commemorative events occur annually at dawn on 25 April, attended by the Consuls-General of Australia and New Zealand, honoring Commonwealth soldiers.
Unofficial Events: Since 1997, unofficial delegations occasionally mark events, and flagpoles are dressed for specific occasions, such as in April 2011.
Interesting Facts and Stories
Replica of Whitehall Cenotaph: The Hong Kong Cenotaph is nearly identical to the London Cenotaph, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, symbolizing the British Empire’s shared remembrance. The addition of Chinese characters in the 1970s–1980s reflects Hong Kong’s unique cultural context.
Jack Edwards’ Advocacy: Jack Edwards, a former POW, was instrumental in post-war efforts at the Cenotaph. He successfully lobbied for full British citizenship for widows of servicemen who fought in the war, with a notable Liberation Day event held in August 1996, a year before the handover.
Japanese War Memorial Context: During the occupation, the Japanese began constructing a Shinto-style war memorial on Mount Cameron to honor their fallen soldiers. It was never completed due to resource shortages and was demolished by British authorities in 1946. This contrasts with the Cenotaph’s enduring presence.
Social Hub: On non-ceremonial days, Statue Square, including the Cenotaph area, becomes a gathering place for domestic workers, especially on weekends and holidays like Chinese New Year, highlighting its role in modern Hong Kong’s social fabric.
Philosophical Reflection: The Cenotaph’s inscription “The Glorious Dead” prompts reflection on the nature of war, quoting Gandhi’s “room for us all” to emphasize peace and harmony post-conflict.
So there you go
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
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