Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Les Bird about his fascinating history as a Marine Police Officer in 1976 during the Hong Kong Handover. Les has now written two books about his 21 years in the Marines and his work in helping Vietnamese refugees arrive safely in Hong Kong following the end of the Vietnam War. He recounts specific memories of rescuing refugees from hired criminals and pirates and details the less than ideal conditions of travel that so many Vietnamese braved in order to make it to Hong Kong. Also hear a short story based on Les’ Marine adventures called “The Don of the Southern Boundary” written by Annemarie Evans.
The Don of the Southern Boundary - A Short Story in Print
IN THIS EPISODE:
[02:34] Who are the “Boatpeople” referenced in Les’ book and why were they fleeing to Hong Kong?
[06:31] Why did Hong Kong welcome these refugees when other countries were not as willing and what was Les’ role as a Marine Police Officer?
[09:20] What was Les’ connection with a former soldier in South Vietnam?
[14:23] What was the condition of the refugees as they arrived in Hong Kong?
[17:41] Les recalls memories from his time as an officer and the corruption that he encountered.
[25:53] Short story: The Don of the Southern Boundary by Annemarie Evans
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The Don of the Southern Boundary - A Short Story in Print
IN THIS EPISODE:
[02:34] Who are the “Boatpeople” referenced in Les’ book and why were they fleeing to Hong Kong?
[06:31] Why did Hong Kong welcome these refugees when other countries were not as willing and what was Les’ role as a Marine Police Officer?
[09:20] What was Les’ connection with a former soldier in South Vietnam?
[14:23] What was the condition of the refugees as they arrived in Hong Kong?
[17:41] Les recalls memories from his time as an officer and the corruption that he encountered.
[25:53] Short story: The Don of the Southern Boundary by Annemarie Evans
KEY TAKEAWAYS: