Press Releases

Pension benefits for former members of HK Independent Battalion

Former members of the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column (the Independent Battalion) and their surviving spouses will be eligible for pension benefits when the Hong Kong War Memorial Pensions (Amendment) Ordinance 1999 is brought into commencement in the Gazette today (Friday).

The Independent Battalion was formed in February 1942 in Sai Kung to fight Japanese forces occupying Hong Kong. Under the amendment Ordinance, it is now accorded the same treatment as other veterans.

A Government spokesman said, "As Government has recognised the role of the Independent Battalion during the Second War and their military activities in Hong Kong, they should be entitled to pension benefits as other veterans.

"To be eligible for the benefits, former members of the Independent Battalion must prove that they had either sustained injury or were captured by the Japanese authority in Hong Kong during their service."

"The surviving spouses are also required to prove that they were the spouses of those Battalion members killed in action during the War or members who would be qualified for pension benefits," he added.

Free application forms are available from the Health and Welfare Bureau (Tel. 2973 8137).

End/ Friday, July 23, 1999

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