After the US took control of the island they invested a significant amount of money into developing the island as a military base as the barracks and other infrastructure that was out in place would have been impressive when new as the ruins now are still commanding. This also included building an 800' long tunnel beneath the mountain at the heart if the island which was complete with infirmary and ammunition storage. This was built of of the bedrock and was never penetrated in any conflict save for the Japanese blowing the magazine up deliberately leading to the loss of 2000 Japanese soldiers rather than surrender.
The American use of the island saw the installation of massive anti shipping guns and these were in service up until the island was overrun by Japanese soldiers during WWII. The Japanese invasion of the Philippines was anticipated to last 5 weeks but because of the efforts of US and Philippine troops resisting for 5 months at Bataan and Corregidor they successfully delayed the Japanese effort which in turn stopped the Japanese from invading Australia. It is not an understatement when I say that this small island saw and played a crucial part in WWII and I was please to see that the British flag fluttering proudly with other nations involved in the struggle at the National Pacific war memorial.
"At the going down of the sun and in the
morning, we will remember them."
As soon as I found that we were visiting this place I realised we had an opportunity to do something quite incredible and also extremely important to me. As such it was quickly arranged via Dan the man Gonzales, our man in Manila that a wreath would be available for us to lay at the National Pacific War memorial. Since I have a close connection with Remembrance service back in the UK this was something I felt we should do to honour all fallen service men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice for us to now enjoy the profound freedoms or life and liberty. This might all sound a bit deep but having placed the wreath and standing with head bowed at the monument observing a minute silence a a sign of respect I felt humbled by the place. The conflict between allied troops and the. Japanese forces saw over 6600 troops killed on the little island alone and the cost of the conflict in this part of the world was high. The Philippines surrendered to the Japanese and saw the capture of over 76000 allied troops die to a decision to send reinforcements to the European effort instead of the Pacific war theatre. This led to Gen. McCarthy leaving to Australia and uttering the words 'I will return' which he indeed did in 1945 after 3 years of Japanese occupation. The human cost was not the only one though as the damage to the island following the battle for Corregidor left it virtually razed to the ground and the US quit the island as a base. It was not until around 1986 that the Ph govt stepped in and a partnership has turned it into a memorial. This also included the repatriation of the remains of over 2000 Japanese soldiers buried in a mass grave.
The visit was a somber one but left me feeling positive that we firstly left a good impression as visitors from the UK and also positive that the scars of the past are healing but the memory of those that paid the ultimate sacrifice is maintained and passed down through the generations.
The lasting memory I will take is the absolutely beautiful island with the monument to the fallen of an upturned rifle with bayonet, with helmet balanced on the stock. The inscription below reads '
"We shall not forget" and I don't think I need say anymore. I am glad I had the opportunity to share this day with my GSE team and hope they found it as inspiring as I.
We will remember them.
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