Captain Gordon Bremer, a British naval officer, played a pivotal role in the expansion of British colonial interests in Asia during the First Opium War. On January 26, 1841, he arrived at Hong Kong Island to formalize Britain's claim over the strategically important maritime territory. The region's significance had been recognized by the British due to its prime location along trade routes, particularly those linked to the lucrative opium trade with China. Bremer's expedition to Hong Kong Island followed a series of military engagements between British forces and the Qing Dynasty, which had escalated over issues of trade and sovereignty

During the ceremony at Possession Point, Bremer boldly raised the Union Jack, signaling the assertion of British rule. This moment marked a significant step in the establishment of British Hong Kong, setting the stage for the development of one of the world's most dynamic commercial centers. The acquisition was formalized as part of the broader Treaty of Nanking, which would be signed later in 1842 and officially conclude the First Opium War, solidifying British control over Hong Kong and other territories.

The subsequent British administration would bring profound changes to the local governance, economy, and social structure of Hong Kong. The early years of British rule laid the groundwork for the emergence of Hong Kong as a major international trading port and a cultural melting pot. Over the subsequent decades, the colony would grow exponentially, both in terms of its population and economic output, ultimately becoming a crucial gateway between the East and West.