Arthur Frederick May (1907-2000) was born in Yorkshire, England on 12 May 1907. He arrived in Hong Kong with his parents and sister in about 1911. He received his general education at the Garrison School (Dec 1913 – Dec 1919) and St Joseph College (Jan 1920 – April 1924) in Hong Kong. While doing his apprenticeship for electrical and mechanical engineering with the Hong Kong Electric Co. Ltd., Arthur continued his education taking electrical engineering courses at the University of Hong Kong (1924-1927).

In 1927, Arthur left Hong Kong for about 11 years first took a position as a meter maintenance engineer, Hydro Electric at the Niagara Falls, Canada (1927-1928), then engineering instructor, Royal Engineers in England (1928-1934) and later, assistant charge engineer, Aldershot Power Station, England (1934-1938). From March 1938, he was an electrical technician and electrical inspector in the Public Works Department (PWD) in Hong Kong.

From the end of December 1941 when HK was officially surrendered to Japanese military until 16 August 1944, Arthur May was working underground engaged in obtaining and passing on information in respect of Japanese defences and organizing and carrying out sabotage raids and sending war news to prisoners in internment camps. From 16 August 1944 to 16 August 1945, Arthur was interned but was still active on underground work during this time. On 17 August 1947, the night after Japan announced her unconditional surrender, Arthur organised a meeting seeking support of his plan to raise the Union Jack on the Peak. On 19 August 1945, the Union Jack was hoisted on the Peak by Arthur May and Jim Brown as a sign of the British resuming control over Hong Kong. On 22 August 1945, Arthur sailed to Macao in a sampan to seek approval from the British Government through the British Consul in Macao requesting permission for Mr, Gimson, Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong to take over the administration of Hong Kong from the Japanese military pending the arrival of the liberating force.

After the war, Arthur resumed duty in PWD Electrical Office helping to re-establish the office. During his later years he talked and made notes on his war years. He had been married twice, first to Doris and later to Louise, and had three children, Arthur Jr, Marvis and Nola. He died on 31 January 2000 in Hong Kong at the age of 92.