This is a lecture delivered by Mark O’Neill based on his book The Chinese Labour Corps: The Forgotten Chinese Labourers of the First World War.
Details (from amazon.com)
As the young men of Europe were fighting in the trenches, a little known contingent of Chinese laborers crossed the world to provide support vital to the Allied war effort. Largely illiterate farmers from northern China, these men were simply attempting to make a better life for themselves, ignorant of the war and its causes. Under brutal conditions many died for their efforts, and their involvement wasn't recognized for decades—it is still not widely known. This book brings their story to light, describing in detail the labourers' recruitment, their daily experiences in a foreign land and the horrific work they carried out, including the clearing of remains from battlefields.
The Speaker
Mark O'Neill has been a journalist in Asia since 1978, working for Reuters and the South China Morning Post. His recent books include Tzu Chi: Serving with Compassion and China’s Russian Princess: The Silent Wife of Chiang Ching-kuo.
Time: 7.00-8.00pm Hong Kong Time
Venue: Auditorium, LT4, Centre for Visual Arts, 7A Kennedy Road, Mid-Levels or online over Zoom ( TBC)
Admission: RAS Members $100; Non-Members / Guests $150
Booking: Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk in advance to register your attendance
All planned activities in January – February 2021 will be subject to local regulations regarding Covid-19 restrictions, so please check nearer the event date for arrangements. If face-to-face meetings are not possible, every attempt will be made to link up via Zoom.
NOTE FOR ONLINE LECTURES
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