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.
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
Comments
Hiking Book
Hello!
I was wondering if you knew any places where we could buy that book?
Thank You!
re: Hiking Book
Hi, this is a long thread now, so please could you let us know the title of the book you're looking for?
Regards, David
Hiking Book
Hello!
I believe it is called Hong Kong WWII Military Sites by Mr Joe Yip.
From Tyson
Joe Yip
Tyson
Both of Joe Yip's books can still be found in bookstores - usually in the local travel section. Here is what the HK one looks like:https://rightman.net/zh_hk/shop/product/275
NT one here: https://rightman.net/zh_hk/shop/product/917
violet hill tunnel
Hello
I'm trying to find instructions to access the Japanese tunnel on violet hill that was home to an AA gun during the Jap occupation. The article is https://gwulo.com/node/17914#17~22.24856~114.19893~Map_by_GovHK-Markers…
Please let me know
Thanks
Lewis
Tried to find it
Hey, I tried to walk up the ribbon trail at Violet Hill. Tried to find the AA tunnel, but with no success. Can you please give me proper directions and possible photos.
Thanks
Lewis
how to find this tunnel
hello
do you guys know how to access #1 tunnel on Blacks Link? I mean this one: https://gwulo.com/node/8292#17~22.25870~114.18209~Map_by_GovHK-Markers~…
Please respond quickly as I am heading there tommorow.
Thank you
how to find this tunnel
hello
do you guys know how to access #1 tunnel on Blacks Link? I mean this one: https://gwulo.com/node/8292#17~22.25870~114.18209~Map_by_GovHK-Markers~…
Please respond quickly as I am heading there tommorow.
Thank you