Ride, Lindsay Tasman (Colonel, b.1898 - d.1977)

Place Asia: China, Hong Kong
Accession Number PR82/068
Collection type Private Record
Record type Collection
Measurement 29 boxes: x 5.2m + 46 folios
Object type Papers
Maker Ride, Lindsay Tasman
Place made China
Date made 1942-1981
Access Open
Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. AWM315 419/086/017
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Administrative papers, correspondence, ciphers, personal letters and official operational reports compiled by Colonel Ride as Commandant of the British Army Aid Group (BAAG) in Kewilin and later Kunming, China. BAAG operated as an element of MI9, setting up intelligence gathering networks in Hong Kong and southern China during 1942-1945. Also contains post-war correspondence with ex BAAG members.

History / Summary

Lindsay Ride served in the First World War in France where he was wounded twice. When the Second World War broke out he was Professor of Physiology at the University of Hong Kong and also commanded the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps. After the fall of Hong Kong and his escape to China from Shamshuipo prison camp, he formed the British Army Aid Group (BAAG) with the approval of the British War Office. Soon after its formation BAAG became the chief source of military intelligence for the Allies in Southern China, helping to liberate 2000 people from Japanese captivity and smuggling medical drugs, food and messages of encouragement into Hong Kong.