Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Auxiliary Police Instructor Sung Wai Kuen, Hong Kong Special Constabulary

1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals; Colonial Special Constabulary Medal, E.II.R., with Long Service Bar (P.C.(A) 230 Sung Wai Kuen) mounted as worn, the first two gilded, generally polished, otherwise nearly very fine (5) £200-300

Sold with two group photographs and another of the recipient being greeted by an ex-Governor of Hong Kong. Together with three Chinese newspapers each with an article by or about the recipient, with relevant translations, the following from Shing Po on Saturday 29 December 1984:

‘The Auxiliary Police serial No. 230 has been with Auxiliary Police Instructor Sung Wai Kuen for many years. During the occupation of Hong Kong by the Japanese Army, Mr Sung Wai Kuen was imprisoned twice and tortured, fortunately he was released. These two imprisonments were an unforgettable experience during his long service in the Auxiliary Police Force. Mr Sung joined the Special Unit, the former name of the Auxiliary Police Force in 1941. Since then he has kept the serial No. 230, even during World War II.

Before the outbreak of World War II, Mr Sung’s uncle was appointed by the Government to form the Special Constabulary to assist the Royal Hong Kong Police Force and the Auxiliary Police Force to maintain the peace. Mr Sung was only 15 years old at the time and he was too young to join the Special Constabulary. So he assisted his uncle in promotion work. During those times many people were afraid of imminent war, so they were not willing to join the Special Constabulary. However, the Constabulary was badly in need of manpower [and], therefore, under special circumstances, he joined the Special Constabulary and became an inspector.

Mr Sung graduated in October of 1941 and in December the Japanese Army invaded and occupied Hong Kong. During the occupation of the Japanese Army, they used all means to look for the members of the British Service Unit. He was arrested and imprisoned twice by Japanese agents but he didn’t disclose anything, even under torture. He was imprisoned in the Tung Lo Garden in Shum Shui Po for seven days interrogated and tortured. The second time he was imprisoned in the Sun Sun Hotel and again was tortured. He suffered during interrogation but did not disclose anything to the Japanese agents. Fortunately he was released both times. After World War II, he was transferred to the Standby Police Force. In 1959, the Standby Police Force merged with the Special Constabulary and formed the Auxiliary Police Force. He was also transferred into the new Force and has become a senior member.

Mr Sung is nearly sixty years old and he is now working in the Ho Man Tin Police Station as the Second Instructor of a small team. When he looks at his serial number on his tunic he has a sense of honour. He still keeps in close contact with his former colleagues of the Special Constabulary and they have regular gatherings.’