The Soldier who threw himself onto a grenade (Heroic sacrifice)

Simple History
7 Jun 201803:14
EducationalLearning
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TLDRSergeant Major John Robert Osborne's heroic act during the defense of Hong Kong in World War II is a testament to the highest qualities of heroism and self-sacrifice. Born in England and later a farmer in Canada, Osborne joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers in 1933. When World War II broke out, his company was sent to reinforce the garrison in Hong Kong. On December 19, 1941, during a desperate battle against overwhelming Japanese forces, Osborne made a split-second decision to save his comrades. He threw himself onto an enemy grenade, sacrificing his life and earning the Victoria Cross posthumously, the first Canadian to receive this honor in the war. His brave actions are commemorated by a plaque in Hong Kong Park, ensuring that his legacy of courage and sacrifice is remembered.

Takeaways
  • 🎖️ Sergeant Major John Robert Osborne is celebrated for his heroic act during the defense of Hong Kong in 1941.
  • 🌏 Osborne was originally from Fulda, Norfolk, England, and served in the First World War.
  • 🇨🇦 After the war, he moved to Canada, eventually joining the Winnipeg Grenadiers in 1933.
  • 📅 At the outbreak of World War 2, the Winnipeg Grenadiers were called for duty and later sent to reinforce Hong Kong on October 27, 1941.
  • ⛰️ Osborne led a bayonet charge on Mount Butler, capturing the hill and holding it for three hours against Japanese counter-attacks.
  • 💥 During an enemy grenade attack, Osborne threw himself onto a grenade to save his comrades, sacrificing his life.
  • 🦸‍♂️ His selfless action saved the lives of many soldiers and he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
  • 🏅 Osborne was the first Canadian and the only person to receive the Victoria Cross for the Battle of Hong Kong.
  • 🕊️ The company held their defense for eight and a half hours against overwhelming enemy forces, with 60 casualties.
  • 📍 Osborne is memorialized by a plaque on a statue in Hong Kong Park, honoring his ultimate act of heroism.
  • 🌟 His qualities of heroism and self-sacrifice continue to be recognized and remembered for their profound impact on history.
Q & A

  • What was the full name of Sergeant-Major Osborne?

    -John Robert Osborne.

  • Where was Sergeant-Major Osborne born?

    -He was born in Fulda, Norfolk, England.

  • In which war did Sergeant-Major Osborne serve before World War 2?

    -He served in the First World War as part of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

  • What was Osborne's role in the Winnipeg Grenadiers when World War 2 broke out?

    -At the outbreak of World War 2, Osborne was a company sergeant-major for a company in the 1st battalion of the Winnipeg Grenadiers.

  • When did the Winnipeg Grenadiers sail for Hong Kong?

    -The Winnipeg Grenadiers sailed for Hong Kong on October 27, 1941.

  • What significant action did Sergeant-Major Osborne take on December 19, 1941, during the defense of Hong Kong?

    -When a grenade landed in a position where it could not be thrown back, Osborne shouted a warning, pushed a comrade out of the way, and threw himself onto the grenade, sacrificing his life to save his comrades.

  • At what age did Sergeant-Major Osborne die during the defense of Hong Kong?

    -He was 42 years old when he died.

  • What was the duration of the defense that the Winnipeg Grenadiers maintained against the Japanese forces?

    -The Winnipeg Grenadiers maintained their defense for eight and a half hours.

  • How many casualties did the Winnipeg Grenadiers suffer during the defense?

    -The Winnipeg Grenadiers suffered 60 casualties.

  • What was the highest honor bestowed upon Sergeant-Major Osborne posthumously?

    -Sergeant-Major Osborne was the first Canadian to receive the Victoria Cross in the Second World War, which he received posthumously.

  • Where is Sergeant-Major Osborne memorialized in Hong Kong?

    -He is memorialized by a plaque on a statue of an anonymous World War One soldier located in Hong Kong Park.

  • Why was the Winnipeg Grenadiers sent to Hong Kong?

    -The Winnipeg Grenadiers were sent to Hong Kong under British orders to strengthen the garrison there in preparation for an impending Japanese invasion.

  • What was the outcome of the battle in which Sergeant-Major Osborne made his heroic sacrifice?

    -The company held out against overwhelming enemy forces for eight and a half hours, with 60 casualties, and a few survivors taken as prisoners.

Outlines
00:00
🏆 Sergeant Major Osborne's Heroic Sacrifice

Sergeant Major John Robert Osborne, a decorated war veteran from the First World War, distinguished himself during the defense of Hong Kong in 1941. Born in Fulda, Norfolk, England, Osborne moved to Canada after the war, joining the Winnipeg Grenadiers in 1933. When World War II broke out, the Winnipeg Grenadiers were deployed to Hong Kong to bolster defenses against the anticipated Japanese invasion. On December 19, 1941, Osborne led a bayonet charge on Mount Butler, successfully capturing the hill. Despite being outnumbered, his company held their position for over eight hours. In a moment of extreme valor, Osborne threw himself onto an enemy grenade to save his comrades, sacrificing his life. His selfless act earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor, making him the first Canadian to receive this award in the Second World War. His legacy is remembered with a plaque in Hong Kong Park.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Sergeant-major Osborne
Sergeant-major Osborne, full name John Robert Osborne, was a central figure in the video. He was a British-born soldier who served in both World War I and World War II. Osborne is celebrated for his heroic sacrifice during the defense of Hong Kong in 1941, where he threw himself onto a grenade to save his fellow soldiers. His actions exemplify the theme of heroism and self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds, which is a key narrative of the video.
💡Defense of Hong Kong
The defense of Hong Kong refers to the military campaign that took place in 1941 during World War II, where Allied forces, including the Winnipeg Grenadiers led by Sergeant-major Osborne, defended the territory against the impending Japanese invasion. This event is the historical backdrop against which Osborne's heroic actions occurred and is integral to understanding the significance of his sacrifice.
💡Winnipeg Grenadiers
The Winnipeg Grenadiers were a Canadian infantry battalion that played a significant role in the defense of Hong Kong. In the video, they are depicted as being led by Sergeant-major Osborne during the critical battle on Mount Butler. The battalion's involvement highlights the international nature of the conflict and the shared struggle among Allied forces.
💡World War I and World War II
Both World War I and World War II are referenced in the video as they mark the periods of Osborne's military service. His experience in the First World War as part of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and his subsequent service in the Second World War with the Winnipeg Grenadiers provide context for his leadership and actions during the defense of Hong Kong.
💡Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Sergeant-major Osborne was the first Canadian to receive this honor in the Second World War, which he received posthumously for his actions in Hong Kong. The award underscores the magnitude of his heroism and the impact of his sacrifice on the collective memory of the conflict.
💡Mount Butler
Mount Butler is the location on Hong Kong Island where a significant part of the defense took place. The Winnipeg Grenadiers, led by Sergeant-major Osborne, made a bayonet charge and captured this strategic hill, which was later the site of intense fighting and Osborne's ultimate sacrifice. The geographical feature is crucial to the narrative of the battle and Osborne's heroism.
💡Self-sacrifice
Self-sacrifice is a central theme in the video, encapsulated by Sergeant-major Osborne's decision to throw himself onto a grenade to protect his comrades. This act of extraordinary bravery and selflessness is a key element in the retelling of the defense of Hong Kong and serves as a powerful example of the values of courage and duty.
💡Japanese invasion
The impending Japanese invasion of Hong Kong is the context for the battle described in the video. The Winnipeg Grenadiers were sent to Hong Kong under British orders to strengthen the garrison in preparation for this invasion. The threat posed by the Japanese forces is what necessitates the heroic actions of the soldiers, including Osborne's, and shapes the narrative of the conflict.
💡Grenade
The grenade is a significant object in the video as it is the weapon that leads to Sergeant-major Osborne's heroic act. Grenades were thrown by Japanese soldiers into the Canadian position, and Osborne's actions in returning and ultimately sacrificing himself on a grenade highlight the intensity and danger of the situation.
💡Hong Kong Park
Hong Kong Park is the location of a memorial plaque on a statue dedicated to Sergeant-major Osborne. It serves as a tangible reminder of his sacrifice and heroism, and it is a place where his memory and the broader history of the defense of Hong Kong are honored. The park and the memorial are important for maintaining the historical narrative and honoring the individuals who served.
💡Simple History, World War 2
This is likely a reference to a book or a series that provides a simplified and accessible account of World War 2. The mention of 'Simple History, World War 2' at the end of the transcript suggests that viewers might find more information or a broader context on the subject in this source. It implies an invitation to explore further the historical events and figures, including Sergeant-major Osborne's story, within the larger scope of World War 2.
Highlights

Sergeant-major John Robert Osborne made a heroic sacrifice during the defense of Hong Kong in 1941.

Osborne was born in Fulda, Norfolk, England, and served in the First World War.

After the war, he moved to Canada and later joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers in 1933.

The Winnipeg Grenadiers were called for duty at the outbreak of World War 2, serving initially in Jamaica.

The unit was sent to Hong Kong on October 27, 1941, to reinforce the garrison against a potential Japanese invasion.

On December 19, 1941, Osborne led a bayonet charge on Mount Butler, capturing the hill against Japanese forces.

Osborne's company held their position for three hours against Japanese counter-attacks.

During a withdrawal, Osborne engaged the enemy single-handedly, helping stragglers to safety.

The company was cut off from the battalion and completely surrounded by enemy forces.

Osborne returned several enemy grenades, saving his fellow soldiers.

In a critical moment, Osborne threw himself onto a grenade, sacrificing his life to protect his comrades.

His selfless act saved lives and the company continued to defend their position for over eight hours.

Sergeant-major Osborne was 42 years old at the time of his heroic death.

He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, becoming the first Canadian to receive this honor in World War 2.

Osborne was the only person to be awarded a Victoria Cross for the Battle of Hong Kong.

A memorial plaque in Hong Kong Park commemorates his bravery.

The Winnipeg Grenadiers suffered 60 casualties with a few survivors taken as prisoners.

Osborne's qualities of heroism and self-sacrifice are remembered as the epitome of military valor.

Transcripts

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WWII HeroVictoria CrossHong Kong DefenseSergeant-MajorJohn OsborneMilitary SacrificeCanadian HistoryWWII BattlesBritish CommonwealthGrenade SacrificeSelfless Act