Documents & Records
Chinese-Canadians in World War II (1939-1945)
Basics
The number of Chinese-Canadians who fought in the Second World War is difficult to estimate, but numbered in the hundreds.
Although Chinese-Canadians were usually able to voluntarily enlist in the Canadian Army in any of the provinces, they were barred (on racial grounds) from enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force until October 1942. They were similarly unable to join the Royal Canadian Navy until March 1943.
While the Canadian Army during World War II was initially comprised only of volunteers, the National Resources Mobilization Act of 1940 (NRMA) allowed the Canadian government to requisition the property and services of Canadians for home defence. This did not apply to Chinese Canadians.
In 1942, the NRMA was amended to permit the sending of conscripts overseas, in addition to regular volunteer forces. Again, Chinese Canadians were excluded from the call-up, although there were exceptions in a few cases where local mobilization boards were unaware of the ban on compulsory military service for Chinese, which had never been publicly announced.
In 1944, Ottawa received a request from the British War Office for Chinese Canadians to work for its Special Operations Executive in Southeast Asia and the Southwest Pacific. Because not enough Chinese had voluntarily enlisted to meet the need, Chinese Canadians were finally called up under the NRMA in 1944.
The active role played by Chinese-Canadians in the Second World War and their unique contribution in Southeast Asia and Southwest Pacific theatres is described in detail in The Dragon and the Maple Leaf: Chinese Canadians in World War II by Marjorie Wong.
Finding the Records
At the Vancouver Public Library
The Dragon and the Maple Leaf: Chinese Canadians in World War II
Wong, Marjorie
940.5404 W87d
The Appendix (pp. 232-246) comprises a partial list of the names of Chinese Canadians who served with Canadian and Allies Forces during the Second World War.
At Library and Archives Canada
Military personnel files relating to individuals who served in World War II are held by Library and Archives Canada. The files include documentation about enlistment, discharge, military units served with, and may also include other documents concerning medical history, medals awarded, personal evaluation reports and dental charts.
Access to these files is restricted for privacy reasons. In the case of a person who is still living, files will only be released with the person's written consent. In the case of individuals who have been deceased for less than 20 years, limited information may be released to the immediate family. After 20 years, there are no restrictions.
Further details, including information on how to apply, is available on the Canadian Forces after 1918 page on Library and Archives Canada website.
Online
Our Vets (The Chinese Canadian Military Museum)
This webpage includes an Honour Roll, listing the names of Chinese-Canadians who served in the two world wars and who died during or afterwards. The page also includes profiles of a number of Chinese veterans and other information.
Debt of Honour Register (Commonwealth War Graves Commission)
The "Debt of Honour Register" is a searchable electronic list of 1.7 million men and women who died during World War I and World War II, and the 23,000 cemeteries, memorials and other locations worldwide at which they are commemorated. Details about each individual include:
Historical Chinese-Language Materials in British Columbia
The HCLMBC electronic inventory includes photographs and information relating to Chinese-Canadians in World War II from the Chinese Canadian Military Museum collection. Go to the Catalogue Search page and search by Holding Location, entering Chinese Canadian military museum as keywords.
The Seven Books of Remembrance... Second World War (Veterans Affairs Canada)
Second in a series of seven books containing the names, ranks and units of Canadians who fought in wars and died either during or after them. The books are kept in the Memorial Chamber at the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. This website provides access to digitized images of the books' pages. The Seven Books of Remembrance - Second World War is organized by year, so to locate an individual, it is necessary to know the year in which he or she died.
Photo banner: Detail from VPL Historical Photograph 78362
