The Petagas War Memorial is a poignant reminder of all those who lost their lives defending Sabah against the Japanese Occupation during World War II, particularly those of the illfated Kinabalu Guerillas. Led by Albert Kwok, the Kinabalu Guerillas stage a surprise attack on the invaders on the eve of 10 October (Double Tenth) 1943 in Tuaran and Menggatal and marched onto Jesselton before they were finally defeated.

Located across the highway from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the memorial park is sited on the very spot where 176 of the Guerillas were massacred on 21 January 1944. The remaining 131 were sent to labour camps in Labuan. It is believed that only nine survived. In 1948, the remains of the Kinabalu Guerillas who perished in Labuan were brought back in jars and buried next to their heroic comrades. Their return remained a well-kept secret until 1979 when the jars were discovered during the reconstruction of the memorial.