In 1938, the defence works for Hong Kong included proposed new stations at Hatsuen (Ha Tsuen) and Patheung (Pat Heung). The landing field at Pat Heung betwen Kam Tin and Tai Mo Shan was constructed in 1938. Similar to Kai Tak, I think the Japanese followed up on British plans for expansion of the aerodromes.
Kam Tin Airfield - BAAG Reports (1942-1944). Extracted from here . May not be complete.
30 December 1942 - This Aerodrome remains untouched from pre-war days. Trenches remain and there are no signs of proposed use. (Source: A trader from Kam Tin Village).
12 May 1943 - The Aerodrome has never been used by the Japanese, neither is it being used at present. No hangars or store houses could be seen on or nearby the aerodrome, nor are there any Japanaese troops stationed by. On 28 March 1943, the Japanese took away all the wodden poles (or pillars) that used to round the aerodrome (as a fence). These wooden poles were removed to Kowloon by truck. (Source: J Group).
Before the War, the Air Ministry decided to site an airport in the Kam Tin Valley. A section of land three miles from the border was chosen and levelled off, and a road leading to it was made. But this has since has been dug up for agricultural production and is not being reconsidered as a suitable spot for the new airport.
"Situated in the heart of the New Territories in the centre of Pat Heung plain, north of Taimoshan, is an area which was purchased and levelled in 1936 to serve as an airfield. It consists of 277 acres with a regular slope 1/60 from east to west. This area was never used as an airfield; it is too small for modern aircraft and is in a pocket of hills. Early in 1947, it was taken over by the Agricultural Department to be developed as an experimental and demonstration station."
Known as the Kam Tin Experimental Station, the irrigated land was used to demonstrate to farmers the growing of different types of grass and vegetables, rice farming, fish farming etc..
Comments
Re: Kam Tin
In 1938, the defence works for Hong Kong included proposed new stations at Hatsuen (Ha Tsuen) and Patheung (Pat Heung). The landing field at Pat Heung betwen Kam Tin and Tai Mo Shan was constructed in 1938. Similar to Kai Tak, I think the Japanese followed up on British plans for expansion of the aerodromes.
Kam Tin Airfield - BAAG Reports (1942-1944)
Kam Tin Airfield - BAAG Reports (1942-1944). Extracted from here . May not be complete.
30 December 1942 - This Aerodrome remains untouched from pre-war days. Trenches remain and there are no signs of proposed use. (Source: A trader from Kam Tin Village).
12 May 1943 - The Aerodrome has never been used by the Japanese, neither is it being used at present. No hangars or store houses could be seen on or nearby the aerodrome, nor are there any Japanaese troops stationed by. On 28 March 1943, the Japanese took away all the wodden poles (or pillars) that used to round the aerodrome (as a fence). These wooden poles were removed to Kowloon by truck. (Source: J Group).
Kam Tin - 1947 Update on Options for a New Airport
HK Sunday Herald 2 February 1947
Before the War, the Air Ministry decided to site an airport in the Kam Tin Valley. A section of land three miles from the border was chosen and levelled off, and a road leading to it was made. But this has since has been dug up for agricultural production and is not being reconsidered as a suitable spot for the new airport.
Re: Kam Tin/Pat Heung Airfield
"Situated in the heart of the New Territories in the centre of Pat Heung plain, north of Taimoshan, is an area which was purchased and levelled in 1936 to serve as an airfield. It consists of 277 acres with a regular slope 1/60 from east to west. This area was never used as an airfield; it is too small for modern aircraft and is in a pocket of hills. Early in 1947, it was taken over by the Agricultural Department to be developed as an experimental and demonstration station."
Known as the Kam Tin Experimental Station, the irrigated land was used to demonstrate to farmers the growing of different types of grass and vegetables, rice farming, fish farming etc..
Source: Hong Kong Annual Report 1947.