Violet Hill Obelisk by the Japanese Troops

supersonic
Tue, 09/23/2014 - 00:50
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Violet Hill Obelisk by the Japanese Troops

Violet Hill Obelisk by the Japanese Troops 2
Violet Hill Obelisk by the Japanese Troops 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, I encountered an old article covering a broken obelisk at Violet Hill. (arm size long I guess?)

According to the article, the words on obelisk were carved by the Japanese Troops during WWII, written " 紫羅蘭山觀測所 昭和 17年" (Violet Hill Observation Station, Year 1942 in English) , laying on the North side peak of Violet Hill. It was lastly seen in 1980's. The obelisk was broken in half and both abandoned a hundred feet South side down the Peak.

The obelisk was photographed and published in a local travelers' magazine in late 1970's. I am pretty sure it's still there. It would be good if this important piece of history could be revealed. Attached the article for you guys' thoughts and sharing

Date picture taken
unknown
Tags
Japanese
WWII Hong Kong
Violet Hill

Comments

Hi Supersonic,

            That sounds very interesting. From your description, I know that area quite well and I have been there a number of times having a look around, it is pretty easy to access after you have walked up. There are a number of clear cuttings and earthworks into the hillside which look like an old camp and there is also a small tunnel and what I thought was a AA gun platform, but it might have had observation equipment now that you have supporting information.

I would be interested it going along with you, please let me know.

My email is: Mitchell_craig@hotmail.com 

PS: Where did you get that information from the guide and does it contain any other related stuff about the Japanese in HK?

hi guys

I went on the HKMaps website and looked at a 1949 aerial photo. I looked at Violet Hill and spotted at least one "donut" shaped AA position on the north side, and a  tunnel network near the summit. Has anyone visited this areas?

Lewis

Hello 

I explored the area under the summit, and to my honest shock, I found a large tunnel. The tunnel had a long access trench leading from it, but was silted up so i couldn't go in. I explored the surrounding areas, and found an enormous amount of cuttings and foxholes around the surrounding area.   I went back today, and decided to head up higher up the slope. In the middle of extremely thick vegetation, I discovered stone walls and foundations of similar design to the Tai Mo Shan AA sites. Could you guys help me find out why there are stone ruins up there. I have photographic evidence if you guys need some.