Under-resourced and ill-prepared, three constables at the squalid Police Station on Cheung Chau stood no chance against a ruthless pirate gang in 1912. Five more policemen lost their lives in a bloodbath in Wan Chai that might have been averted. But travel forward just a little and the outcome at a hold-up in Canton Road is very different.

These three incidents, spread over 11 years in the early 20th century, were some of the most significant events for the Hong Kong Police Force. Using material from her research for Policing Hong Kong – an Irish History and beyond (policemen in all three events had Cork connections), Patricia O’Sullivan will revisit the infamous crime scenes and sketch some of the consequences and outcomes for Hong Kong’s police.

When: Thursday 9 November, 6.15pm for 7pm
Where: Cafe 8, above the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Pier 8, Central, Hong Kong
Admission: Royal Asiatic Society members HK$150, non-members HK$200
Welcome drinks / light meal / snacks at Café 8 are included
Booking: Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk to reserve your place and pay at reception