Canada, Commonwealth. A Silver War Token, to Capt W.J. Home, Hong Kong POW

In sterling silver, a small token, obverse featuring the crowned monogram VRI, reverse showing one standing and one kneeling figure, the rim has been engraved CAPT. W.J. HOME. 3RD. BASE., silver sterling hallmarks denoting Birmingham manufacture, dated 1945 with maker's mark of G&SC Ltd, measures 24.7 mm in diameter, weighs 10.8 grams, heavy wear and notable contact marks, in near very fine condition.

Footnote: William James Home was born in 1897 in Quebec. He served during the First War with the Royal Canadian Regiment from February 16, 1916 until May 3, 1920, when he revered to permanent force status.

During the First War, Home received a Military Cross, for which the citation supplement to the London Gazette reads: Lt. (A/Capt.) William James Home, Royal Ca. R./ Nova Scotia R. - For conscious gallantry and devotion to duty in commande of a company during operations commencing 26th August 1918. When almost, surrounded by an enemy counter-attack he dashed forward at the head of the apathy, shooting four enemy himself, causing considerable casualties and checking, their attack. His courage and initiative saved an awkward situation.

During the Second War, Home served with the Royal Rifles of Canada, and was the first commanding officer. On October 23, the Royal Rifles took the train to Vancouver, and sailed to Hong Kong, arriving in November, 1941. On December 8, Japanese forces attacked the British colony. Following ten days of continuous air and artillery bombardment, Japanese troops landed on the island during the night of December 18/19. Despite a heroic battle to defend the island, the garrison surrendered on Christmas Day, 1941. During the fighting, Lieutenant-Colonel W.J. Home, the commanding officer of the Royal Rifles, became the senior Canadian officer after the death of Brigadier Lawson. Home was promoted to Brigadier to command “C” Force, back dated to 21 December 1941, as the senior cCanadian officer in Hong Kong.

Home was a POW from 1941 to 1945. He was at Camp Stanley (For Stanley, Hong Kong Island) from capture until December 30, 1941; Camp North Point (North Point, Hong Kong Island) from December 30 194 to September 26, 1942; Camp Shamshuipo (Kowloon, Hong Kong) from September 26, 1942 to August 19, 1943; Camp Argyle Street  (Kowloon, Hong Kong) from August 19, 1943 to May 11, 1944; and returned to Camp Shamshuipo from May 11, 9144 until September 10, 1945.

He returned to Vancouver BC aboard the USS Admiral Hugh Rodman on October 7, 1945. Home died in 1983.