“136: Canada’s Forgotten Soldiers” Virtual Film Screening & Panel Discussion

From 1942 to 1945, a total of 145 Chinese Canadians were selected by the British Special Operations Executive unit known as Force 136. These men received extensive training as commandos and were assigned to carry out near-suicide missions far behind enemy lines during the waning days of the Pacific theater of World War II. Despite their significant contribution to both victory in Southeast Asia and the attainment of the right to vote for Chinese Canadians in 1947, their experiences are largely overlooked in Canadian military history.

136: Canada’s Forgotten Soldiers aims to document and tell a visual story that illuminates the legacy of this Chinese Canadian Commando unit and their valiant efforts to secure Asian Civil Rights during the post-war period, highlighting specific narratives in an effort to do so. 

As we acknowledge the centennial anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923 just this past year, we also strive to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of these courageous men who volunteered to defend their country, during a time when they were regarded as second-rate citizens by their own government. 

Join us in commemorating this significant chapter of Chinese Canadian history with a screening of 136: Canada’s Forgotten Soldiers, followed by a panel discussion with director Steven Hu, Randall Wong, president of the Chinese Canadian Military Museum, and Linda Yip, professional genealogist and daughter of a Force 136 veteran Cecil Yip.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024

• Location: Zoom

• Time: 7:00-8:00 P.M. PST

• Cost: Free

• Register: Registration link here

This event will be conducted primarily in English.