On 18 December 1941, the Japanese landed on Hong Kong island and the first substantial clash occurred on 19 December 1941 at the Wong Nai Chong Gap where the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the Royal Scots were stationed. After a hard-fought action lasting all of the morning of 19 December, Major A. B Gresham of the A company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers led a counterattack that pushed the Japanese back, but were in turn encircled at Jardine's Lookout later in the afternoon. Company Sergeant Major John Robert Osborn was killed during the fighting on 19 December and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for bravery in battle in the British empire, becoming the first Canadian to be so honored in World War Two. During the fighting, the commander of C Force, Brigadier Lawson was killed in action. After three days of fighting, the Japanese finally took the Wong Nai Chong Gap.