Back in the 50's, was there a set of wartime shelters on this road, possibly near the junction with Tai Tam Road? I've seen the War crimes testimony of a Canadian named Pryce, and he says that his company ('C' Company, RRC) manned these shelters during the battle. If you remember this, can you give some detail about the look and location of these shelters?
I am pretty certain that there were no wartime shelters close to the place from which Jim took his photograph. I placed quite an accurate pin on the map and it is towards the top of the long hill coming up from Shaukiwan, not too far below where the 'new' road leads down into Chai Wan. The only shelters along the Tai Tam road that I recall from the 1950s (and which are still extant) are those much further along the Tai Tam road, below a bend in that road and just before the Shek O junction. Check the 9 pins in that locality on the map and you will see that just below the bend in the Tai Tam Road there are (or were until the last few years) quite a few war time shelters and bunkers which several Gwulo contributors, have explored. They were the headquarters of the Eastern Brigade.
I believe that there was a significant Canadian presence there prior to the withdrawal towards Stanley. Other contributors, who have superb local knowledge of that area, will add to and possibly correct anything in my reply.
Several books including Tony Banham's 'Not the Slightest Chance' detail events there. Regards, Andrew
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shelters
Hi Andrew
Back in the 50's, was there a set of wartime shelters on this road, possibly near the junction with Tai Tam Road? I've seen the War crimes testimony of a Canadian named Pryce, and he says that his company ('C' Company, RRC) manned these shelters during the battle. If you remember this, can you give some detail about the look and location of these shelters?
Thank you very much
Lewis
Hi LewisI am pretty certain…
Hi Lewis
I am pretty certain that there were no wartime shelters close to the place from which Jim took his photograph. I placed quite an accurate pin on the map and it is towards the top of the long hill coming up from Shaukiwan, not too far below where the 'new' road leads down into Chai Wan. The only shelters along the Tai Tam road that I recall from the 1950s (and which are still extant) are those much further along the Tai Tam road, below a bend in that road and just before the Shek O junction. Check the 9 pins in that locality on the map and you will see that just below the bend in the Tai Tam Road there are (or were until the last few years) quite a few war time shelters and bunkers which several Gwulo contributors, have explored. They were the headquarters of the Eastern Brigade.
I believe that there was a significant Canadian presence there prior to the withdrawal towards Stanley. Other contributors, who have superb local knowledge of that area, will add to and possibly correct anything in my reply.
Several books including Tony Banham's 'Not the Slightest Chance' detail events there. Regards, Andrew