Receipt for two Japanese war criminals passed from the custody of the Assistant Provost Marshal Kowloon to the Hong Kong Police, 7 September 1945.

Receipt for two Japanese war criminals being handed over to the Hong Kong Police. 7th September 1945.

This receipt shows the transfer of custody of two Japanese war criminals from the Assistant Provost Marshal of Kowloon to the Hong Kong Police on the 7th September 1945. During the Second World War, Japan had occupied Hong Kong and it was surrendered to them by the governor on the 25th December 1941. Shortly after Japan surrendered on the 15th August 1945, which is the official date of V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) in the United Kingdom, its occupation of Hong Kong ended. On the 30th August, British control of Hong Kong was officially restored and this day became known as "Liberation Day" in Hong Kong. It was a public holiday until the relinquishing of British control in 1997.