Corregador Island Philippines first Part

[Butch]

Corregador Island is a Fortress Island off the mainland near Manila. During WW2 it served initially as a United States base, then, it was surrendered after the men were ordered to do so, and became occupied by the Japanese. It was from the Island that many men were made to go on the infamous Bataan Death march, one of the most horrific and terrible examples of mans inhumanity to man during the war. It was later recaptured by the American and Allied forces and General Macarthurs promise of “I shall return” was made good. There was a lot of blood spilt on the Island, and it serves as a fitting tribute to the lives that were lost. Some moments and images are deeply poignant, especially when one realises that some of the men who died here wre so young they had never had the chance to “waste 5 bucks” down the local bar. If ever anyone goes to the Philippines and stays in Manila for any length of time, then a visit to Corregador Island is absolutely imperative.

 

In order to start any trip to Corregador I recommend you take the following:

Bottled Water (available for purchase on the bus but that means interrupting the guide)

Camera batteries, films (or Mem cards)

SunBlock

Decent walking shoes (if going for 2 days)

Insect repellent

Binoculars

Handkerchief

 

For the trip, once in Manila, pick up any tour guide pamphlet or local paper and the trips to the Island will be advertised. We called the office beforehand, which is located in Manila Bay just down the road from the Starbucks there, and pre booked the tickets. The price for one day was PHP1700 each (£20) and included dinner, travel to and from the island by boat & the tour bus. (If you get stuck just ask for the Theme Park, then get the obviously retarded Taxi driver to ask for the Bay)

 

The boat trip takes around an hour and a half, and did not leave on the scheduled time of 8:30, more like an hour later. Depending upon the seas, it isn't too bad but unfortunately I was having a pretty rough time of it, my sea legs failing me on this occasion.

 

Upon arrival the boat guide sorts you into groups on your buses, they are Tagalog speaking only, Japanese (you can imagine how popular these guys are), English speaking, English/Tagalog, and you basically jump on board whatever one you fancy. There is a running joke , and if you're with a Pinay she'll tell you - "don't get on the Japanese one, it's got a bomb underneath"

 

The tour starts at the main beachhead where the base was established, there are memorials to the American , Filipino and allied nurses who were stationed there, known as “The Angels of Bataan and Corregador” there is a fitting memorial.

 

 

The bus then takes you to a barracks which had a pretty rough time of it during the bombing, still as it was, and unlike the health and safety conscious UK one can walk around with abandon anywhere, but respecting the fact many brave men died where you tread.

 

 

We then progress onto one of the battalion areas which included the fresh water supply system, supply bunkers, Gun emplacements and Arsenals. Not being a great military expert, the Artillery pieces there were pretty large, the calibre being big enough to fit my large fat head inside the barrel, God alone knows what sound it would have made. Some of the Guns were mounted on an ingenious cantilever system which allowed them to be pulled underground after firing, or during bombardment. Again, one can walk around the buildings which still sport evidence of heavy calibre weapons fire. There was a railway system throughout the Island for transporting goods and ammunition, most of which has been removed but there is still the remains of some of it. The oppressive heat, jungle and humidity here must have made it hard work to live, let alone fight a determined enemy. Several of the buildings are still cool inside however, but that must have been small comfort when coming under serious ordnance.

 

 

To the North of the Island we come upon the area known as “Battery Hearn”, the weapons are still in place and were able to lob a 1000lb shell 17 miles every 55 seconds, being on the receiving end of such firepower one must have thought that Hell itself was raining down. On may 6th 1942 it was dismantled after the men of the 59th coast Artillery were ordered to surrender.

 

Battery Hearn

 

Large Shell, unsure of the size/ weight

 

Spare Barrel, notice schrapnel damage

 

Battery Hearn memorial and info plaque

 

Part Two to follow.

 

Cheers

Butch

[firth1974]

Great report. I'm a bit of a history/military buff myself and I'm enjoying your writing and photos.

[Butch]

Thanks firth, your comments are apprecieted mate!.

 

I've got a bit more to post, but time's against me so hopefully during the week i can put my Intramuros for pics up, and my Manila Bay cafe report for the mongers out there!

 

Cheers mate,

Butch

[bratpack]

Great post Butch,love to read and see pics of places like this

[Butch]

Hi Bratpack,

Thanks for the compliments!. The buildings are fully accessible, with the exception of maybe one or two, you can climb, walk and take as many pics as you wish, the bus stays in each venue for about 10 mins. there is an alternative 2/3 day trip whereby there are extended guided tours (such as down to the airfield), or you can go off on your own. I've been twice and each time the bus tour was slightly different.

 

As I mentioned, there are several uncovered bunkers / foxholes littered around, live ordnance, weapons and discarded ammunition boxes etc are still being discovered as are human remains. Once you get off the beaten track the jungle is very thick, to the best of my knowledge nowhere is out of bounds apart from the Malinta Tunnel Experience which is locked between tours.

 

The guides are very knowledgable. My first visit was made all the more interesting as we had a Veteran of the Bataan March as a guide who gave an insight and examples of his experience.

 

I've got a Malinta tunnel TR somewhere, which I'll be posting hopefully sometime soon.

 

Cheers again,

butch

[Sinistersinner]

What a spectacular report. It must have been Hell experiencing what the brave Men and Women were forced to endure all for the fight of freedom...

 

Thank you.. It was awesome