Mount Davis and Jubilee Artillery Batteries
Mount Davis and Jubilee Artillery Batteries
Hong Kong Island
Dominating the western approaches to Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong Island stands Mount Davis, towering 270 metres above sea level.
This dominance did not go unnoticed by British military planners in the early years of the 20th century, in the face of aggrandisement from other European nations. It was with this perceived threat in mind that the authorities constructed what was then called Fort Davis, in 1912, consisting of five 9.2 inch guns, for coastal defence.
As part of a re-vamped defence plan for the colony drawn up in the 1930’s due to Japanese aggression, 2 of these guns were withdrawn to Stanley Fort. In December 1941, at the time of the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong, the coastal defence battery on Mount Davis was part of Western Fire Command and the headquarters of the latter was located there.
We start our walk at the summit of Mount Davis, taking in the various gun positions and battery buildings including observation posts, accommodation blocks and magazines. (The guns themselves, unfortunately, have long gone!)
We descend Mount Davis, before crossing Victoria Road to visit part of the restored Jubilee Battery which was completed in 1939 – also part of Hong Kong’s coastal defence. The battery, consisting of three 6 inch guns, was part of Western Fire Command.
The Mount Davis and Jubilee batteries came under intense Japanese fire during the battle for Hong Kong, before the defenders were withdrawn just before the British surrender on Christmas Day – the majority to fight as infantry. During this tour your guide will recount the history of the batteries, together with the story of the battle during those dark days of December 1941.
Highlights: Historical artefacts, views over the harbour
Summary
Cost: HKD500 per person, includes transport
Time: Half-day
Tour starts: 9.00am
Tour ends: 13.00 in Central
Meeting point: Outside the General Post Office (beside the green stamp-vending machines), 2 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong Island
Walk grade: Easy
Facilities: Toilets along route
Note: Please note that our tours run on demand. You have to make a booking in order to participate.
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