Maj Bishop, DSO

BISHOP, Wells Arnold, Major, DSO ED

Royal Rifles of Canada

Canada Gazette dated 6 April 1946 (No. 14, Vol. 80, p. 2066) and CARO/6522 dated 18 April 1946.

Major Bishop commanded "C" Company, the Royal Rifles of Canada at Hong Kong in December 1941.

At about 1930 hours, 18 December, the Japanese landed at Sau Ki Wan, Hong Kong, where positions were held by the 5/7 Rajput Regiment on the left flank of "C" Company positions in Lye Mun Gap. The enemy quickly infiltrated through this line and attempted in considerable force to penetrate through Lye Mun Gap towards Brigade and Battalion Headquarters at Tai Tam Gap.

Major Bishop, with great skill, so maneuvered his force that, although heavily outnumbered and forced to retire slowly, he was able to prevent the enemy penetrating into Tai Tam Gap and saved the situation from turning into a complete disaster.

During this action Major Bishop personally covered the retirement of his force, and his courage, skill and devotion to duty so inspired his men that they were able to cope with enormously superior forces until reinforcements became available to assist him. During the entire period of battle this officer continued to display conspicuous qualities of bravery and leadership and to inspire not only his own men but all ranks in the East Brigade sector and contributed greatly to the maintenance of the high morale necessary to sustain a continuous defence against increasingly overwhelming odds in an obviously hopeless situation.

During captivity Major Bishop continued to display outstanding qualities of unselfishness, resolution and fortitude. He participated in all activities essential to the maintenance of health and morale, and contributed in a conspicuous manner in every way. This officer acted continuously in such a manner as to uphold the highest traditions of the service.

Statement of Company Quartermaster-Sergeant Colin Alden Standish, Royal Rifles of Canada

Major Bishop of "C" Company, Royal Rifles of Canada, after being interned in the camp at North Point became engineer officer and did great work in keeping the camp in shape and decent to live in. Before the action at Hong Kong, Major Bishop had asked the boys to turn their money to him for safe keeping and this money was lost through enemy action through no fault of his. When the Japanese started to pay him, he returned food and all of this money although it meant depriving himself of extra food and cigarettes. He also did his best out of his own pocket to do all he could for his men and not many who went to Bowen Road Hospital went without receiving money from Major Bishop with which to buy food.

He was prominent in all underground activities in camp and the men looked to him as their leader.