A lost D-Day diary reveals Chinese role in the Allied liberation of France

In a remarkable discovery, the long-forgotten diary of Lam Ping-yu, a Chinese naval officer who served aboard the HMS Ramillies during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, has been brought to light. The diary, meticulously detailing his experiences, was rescued from a Hong Kong tenement block slated for demolition. This extraordinary find not only revives Lam’s personal story but also highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Chinese officers in the Allied forces during World War II. Lam, part of a contingent of over 20 Chinese officers sent by Chiang Kai-shek for training in the UK, witnessed the historic landings on June 6, 1944, from the battleship. His vivid account captures the tension and scale of the operation, including a narrow escape from German torpedoes. The diary’s authenticity was verified through painstaking research by history enthusiasts Angus Hui and John Mak, who also curated an exhibition in Normandy showcasing this unique chapter of history. Lam’s daughter, Sau Ying Lam, expressed profound gratitude for the insights into her father’s wartime experiences, which she had previously known little about. The story underscores the international cooperation that defined the Allied effort against Nazism and serves as a testament to the sacrifices made for freedom.