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Japanese wartime tunnels
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We've looked at the tunnels built by the British before the war [1], but how about those built during the Japanese occupation?
The Japanese dug a variety of tunnels throughout Hong Kong. Some, like the tunnel near Diocesan Boys School [2], were used to store ammunition and explosives. Others in the built-up areas [3] were likely built as air-raid shelters. Then out in the countryside, many smaller tunnels were dug into hillsides [4]. These were likely prepared against possible invasion, and would be used by Japanese soldiers fighting a guerilla war.
I expect the tunnels in the built-up areas have long been dug up, filled in, or just forgotten about. But out in the countryside they are often left untouched, and lie next to hiking trails. I'm hoping you've seen some that you can let us know about.
Here is a map of the tunnels I've seen - only four so far, so we definitely need some help to add more. (Each marker shows one Japanese tunnel in Hong Kong. Move your mouse over a marker for a description, or click the marker to see details of the tunnel. You can click the + and - buttons to zoom in and out, and use your mouse to drag the map around.).
To add another tunnel to the map, click the 'add another tunnel' link above, and be sure to put japanese tunnel in the Tags: field. Then after you click the 'submit' button it will be added to this map. If you're adding a tunnel in the countryside, please include a description of how to find it in the Notes:, as it's not always easy to see where they are on the satellite image.
I'd also love to hear any stories or memories you have about these - who built them (POWs? local workers? etc), what the tunnels were used for, etc.
MrB
[1] Map of wartime Air-raid Precaution tunnels built by the British
[2] Japanese tunnels, Diocesan Boys School
[3] Japanese tunnels, Former Marine Police HQ
[4] Japanese tunnels, Buffalo Hill and Mount Cameron
Lion Rock area tunnels - Gin Drinkers Line Defences?
Whilst up around Lion Rock (more accurately near the pass between Fei Ngo Shan and Lion Rock) I saw a couple of tunnels dug into the hillside by the path there. They do not appear to be re-enforced with concrete, but rather just dug out of the earth/rock. Quite a bit of lap sap in them, and I didn't feel like venturing far in - this time of year I'm not overly keen on snakes and mosquitos! On the MacLehose I have seen the stone markers relating to GDL defence positions, but these tunnels are away from that path. They do not really seem to be in defence positions, so I was just wondering what they are. I realise that my location description is about as accurate as a visually-impaired maggot with a rifle. However, I will try to see if I can pin-point it on a map and maybe go back there with my camera and take a few snaps.
More accurate description...
It's on stage 5 of the Wilson Trail, north of Sha Tin Pass Road, about 15-20 mins. walk along the trail (in a Northerly direction) after the Wilson and MacLehose go their seperate ways.
re: Lion Rock area tunnels
AhP, they sound like Japanese tunnels if they don't use any concrete reinforcement.
I think they were dug as hiding places / stores for the soldiers, so they wouldn't be located in a defensive position like a pillbox would.
Any chance you can add a place to show exactly where they are on the map? Click here, use the '+' button to zoom in to the right area, then click the map to add a marker to show where they are. I find clicking the satellite or hybrid buttons on the map makes it easier to find the location if it is in the countryside.
Photos are very welcome too - either post them up somewhere like Flickr and we can link to them, or send them in and we'll upload them.
Regards, MrB
Lion Rock area tunnels
Have put a mark on the map of roughly where they are. I will try to go up there this Saturday with the dog and take some photos - best to confirm location etc. before people try to have a look - an effort to get to unless you have a car!
Road blocked
Tried going to take photos of these tunnel entrances, but Sha Tin Pass Road is blocked at the moment because of landslides from last month's rain, so wasn't able to get through. Will try again soon...
Japanese Tunnels
I've come across a few of these tunnels while poking around.
There is one on Lamma near the YMCA youth Camp 1km north of Sok Kwu Wan. You need to walk up to the top of a small hill (120m high) just east of the YMCA. It's three tunnels connected underneath the very top. Can be wet and you'll need a torch.
There is one on near the top of Mt Butler as you walk up past the Quarry stairs near the H057 marker, near where it splits towards Sui Ma Shan . The main entrance is blocked off by a couple of wooden posts that can be clearly seen while on the trail. It connects to two other openings. One right next to the trail about 10m away but can't be seen from the trail and the other right trough to the other of the hill (30m) side looking over the harbor.
There are a couple others of blocked up further up the trail as it heads up to the top of Mt Butler that can't be entered.
The best and biggest I've come across- not for the faint hearted- is on the way down the HK trail from Jardine's lookout about 50m before the bottom, near the Quarry (before H057 marker). As you come down all the stairs, down on your right side you'll find a big entrance that has been mostly filled in but with a big enough hole to go in. it opens out into a big chamber with number other tunnels and side rooms. WARNING one tunnel near the back is FULL with BATS which scared the @#$% out of me the first time. I went back a second time prepared with long clothing and gloves. We were very quite and the bats didn't seem to mind us being there looking around the other tunnels. There were a few flying around and as I recall hundreds lining the ceiling. It was a bit hair raising, But quite interesting being inside.
Other smaller one I've found around Tai Tam Bay right near the water line. One near Tung Ah Village (Shek O side) the other, on the red hill peninsular about 100m south of the Pumping Station. Both are small and hard to see until on top of them.
Bellow are the Google Earth Coordinates.
Lamma : 22°12'51.34"N 114° 7'41.46"E
Bat Cave: 22°16'1.29"N 114°12'8.67"E
Mt Butler: 22°16'8.41"N 114°12'23.92"E
I'll keep my eye out and let you know what I find if anyone is interested
re: Japanese tunnels
Craig, thanks for writing in with these, and yes - please let us know if you discover any more.
Coincidentally, T added a place yesterday, which I think describes the same tunnel on Mount Butler.
Regards, MrB
Bat cave
Hi there,
I was totally unaware of the bat cave when I went down the steps from Jardine's Lookout. Maybe it was in the shades, or it was already getting dark. I walked pass the saddle between Jardine's Lookout and Mount Butlet at around 1730 hrs.
Best Regards,
T