The attack on Hong Kong and the one and a half million inhabitants lasted 18 days. When the British colony surrendered on Christmas Day 1941, 1,500 Allied soldiers and 4000 civilians had lost their lives, including at least two Danes. Right from the very first day, the crooked colony of the crown had not had the slightest chance of opposing an absurd overpowered and fierce Japanese battleground. And yet, they stood up and kept on until the last forces were used. It also applied to Danes. Far from the country of origin, they took part in a war for which they were neither responsible nor part of.
This is the story of the dramatic days, weeks and months in Hong Kong, their opposition and, by the way, is seen through the eyes of Denmark and, to the fullest extent possible, with the people’s own words. The book is based on letters, pictures and interviews with family members of the Danish volunteers in Hong Kong.
“After two weeks of charging for war with Blackouts, long and scary night guards, it’s just like I’m used to the idea of ​​killing, smashing and avoiding getting a bayonet at all. There were almost no thoughts Who could become familiar with the beginning, but now it’s coming! “

– Niels Ørskov, Danish volunteer in Hong Kong’s diary, December 24, 1941.

The reviewers write:

It is a world-historical account of Hong Kong’s fall to the Japanese. But it is also – the source material of letters from the protagonists and interview with family members – a deeply poignant book about young Danes who put themselves at risk to ensure a free world.

Tor Tolstrup, 6 stars, Jyllands-Posten

“It is also very good to say about Olsen’s book. It is well-written, well-researched and well-illustrated. There is so much lavishness of relevant cards, photos, figures, and more that the reader almost gets the feeling that Keep a genuine coffee table book in your hands. “

Michael Busch, 4 stars, Christian newspaper

“In relative terms, the Danish efforts were small, but the volunteer Danes in Allied service are a remarkable story, and Frode Z. Olsen tells them well. The Danes could have gone away on time, but they chose to even sign up for voluntary military service .
Frode Z. Olsen finally dares – rightly – to call them heroes. It is a beautiful book with excellent illustrations and thorough source material, and it is reminiscent of the Danes and others who in a difficult situation where the defeat seemed safe and they did not have a chance risked their lives. “

Bent Blüdnikow, Berlingske, 5 stars

“With no earthly chance Frode Z. Olsen has done a solid historical work, as if its theme is also a pioneer work.”

Henrik Gjøde Nielsen, Museum Inspector, PhD, Coast Museum , History-online.dk

Read the full review here

“Not a mortal chance is a good, well-researched book about a minor chapter of the Great War – with a manifold number of fate stories.”

Bo Bjørnvig, Weekendavisen

“I think it was an exciting and incredible book to read. The author writes good, the text is well-formulated and easy to read. It is clear that he is both in military terms, as well as the culture and history of the area.”

Bach’s books

NB:

Danish citizens living abroad can buy the book by writing to simon@turbine.dk. Then the book will be sent along with an invoice.