AOP at the end of Harlech Road (High West) [????- ]
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Submitted by Unknown user (not verified) on Thu, 2008-06-19 12:08
15 May 2009 Update: Originally this was listed as a pillbox. Now we know it was an Artillery Observation Post (AOP), so I've updated the title.
Comments
re: Pillbox
Thanks for adding this one. I must get up there and take a look, as I've walked past there several times over the years, never realising it was there. To find it, the AFCD website notes it's under a picnic site, and more specifically under an information plate. Also note that Google's got a bit lost - the road incorrectly labelled 'Chatham Path' on this map is really part of Harlech Road.
As to its use, I think it was an observation post, rather than a pillbox with machine guns. It's a great location for an observation post, as there are great views of the harbour, and out to the west of HK Island.
There is a possible confirmation of its use in the entry #93 for 21st Dec 1941, from part 3 of Maltby's report on Operations in Hong Kong:
This pillbox / observation post lies on the slope of the hill named High West.
Pillbox/observation post on the slope of the High West
re: Pillbox at the end of Chatham Path, the Peak.
re: Pillbox/observation post on the slope of the High West
Thanks to Thomas for pointing out that the information plate marking the site of the building is visible in the panorama. Scroll to the right edge of the panorama, and you'll see it behind two benches.
MrB
re: Pillbox/observation post on the slope of the High West
Thanks to Thomas for sending in these photos of how it looks today:
And copies of the notes and photos on the information board:
The notes on the information board describe it as a pillbox: "The layout was similar to other pillboxes of the time, with three loopholes for the machine guns." I'm not convinced, and still think it is more likely to have been a lookout.
MrB
Re: High West AOP as seen from the Harbour
AOP below High West
Walked past this AOP again today and noticed that someone has made a small hole in the top of the right-side observation window (looking from the front). It's just big enough to get the camera through to see what's inside.
That's the other blocked up observation window on the far wall.
The front is full of mainly earth and rocks with the back filled with rusting cans and other garbage. A few old San Mig bottles stand out. The tide of rubbish rises up to the single entrance in the middle of the rear wall.
Finally, the right side of the AOP.
View inside
Thanks for posting these. I'd wondered if there would be a tunnel down through the floor like we've seen at other AOPs, but even if there was it'd be hidden under all that earth & debris.