Unveiling the History of Lyemun Fort: A Symbol of Hong Kong’s Coastal Defence
Introduction
Perched on the eastern side of the channel that separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon, Lyemun Fort stands as a testament to the city’s strategic efforts to protect its shores. Built in 1887 by the British, this formidable coastal defence fort played a crucial role in safeguarding Hong Kong’s eastern approaches to Victoria Harbour. Let’s dive into the captivating history of Lyemun Fort and its significance in Hong Kong’s military heritage.
Brennan and Defence
Constructed to defend against potential threats from European powers, Lyemun Fort consisted of various fortifications strategically positioned to deter any encroachment on Hong Kong Island. Its impressive array of defences included coastal defence batteries, the Redoubt, Central, West, Pass, and Reverse Batteries, as well as a Brennan Torpedo station.
The Brennan torpedo, invented by Louis Brennan in 1877, was a wire-guided torpedo, controlled by a land-based operator. It utilized contra-rotating propellers, powered by wires pulled from internal drums mounted at the fort, to propel itself forward. Operating at a constant depth of 12 foot, the torpedo featured an indicator mast for monitoring. The torpedo could achieve speeds of 20 knots (23 mph) initially that later increased to 27 knots (31 mph). The operator controlled the torpedo from a 40-foot (12 m) tall telescopic steel tower, equipped with binoculars and controls to manage the winding engines’ speeds. Originally, plans were made for 15 stations, but only seven were completed including at Lei Yue Mun.
The Site
The Fort consists of many highly identifiable features. The Lyemun Barracks, located on A Kung Ngam hillside, was the garrison’s residence and training ground and contains a central battery, field gun, drawbridge, main gate, and a Redoubt, a rare example of Victorian fortifications in Hong Kong.
The Lyemun Pass, situated at the eastern approach to Victoria Harbour, holds strategic importance as it controls the entrance to the Harbour. Built in the 1910s as living quarters for the British Royal Artillery the Redoubt was built to take advantage of this strategic location so the British could construct batteries that could fire into the strait. The Redoubt, which can be thought of as a fort within a fort, has 14 casemates, that is to say, heavily reinforced niches for storage and protection, and an open courtyard. It was built as a defensive structure with bomb-proof walls, a ditch, and several other structures. The Redoubt, for example, also houses two of the largest gun emplacements at the fort. The Redoubt also houses the West Battery, which began service in 1887 and was used to locate enemy ships during the 1941 Battle for Hong Kong.
The pier was also a crucial facility used for transporting torpedoes and supplies to the Torpedo Station. The Pass Battery, armed with two 6-pounder Quick-Firing Hotchkiss guns, was used against torpedo boats. The Drawbridge and Stony Slope had retractable wooden bridges used to deny access to intruders. The Proof Yard, built between 1940 and 1941, was responsible for inspecting and handling explosive stocks.
Perhaps most poignant of all is the anchor from HMS Tamar found by the water line at the fort. This anchor is widely thought to have come from the HMS Tamar, christened after the River Tamar in Cornwall. The troopship started its career in 1863 when it was used in many campaigns including the Ashanti War and the Zulu War. However, in 1897 it was repurposed as a base or receiving ship in Hong Kong, being permanently stationed in Victoria Harbour. As World War II approached, the HMS Tamar was scuttled on the 12th of December 1941 to prevent capture by the Japanese. The anchor now stands as a silent witness at the museum, or does it? To this day there is still disagreement about exactly whose anchor stands on the foreshow at the Coastal Defence Museum.
Battle for Hong Kong
The fort’s strategic significance was put to the test during the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941. The Battle of Hong Kong (8–25 December 1941) that took place during WW2 saw Japan attack Hong Kong, causing the British colony to surrender. The defenders, including British, Indian, and Canadian units, abandoned Kowloon and New Territories within a week, and Hong Kong Island was eventually surrendered.
During the Battle Japanese troops strategically utilized Devil’s Peak, located near Lyemun, as an observation post to launch relentless artillery and air attacks on British fortifications. The ensuing battle witnessed the fall of Lyemun Fort, as the defenders succumbed to the overwhelming Japanese forces. This pivotal moment allowed the Japanese to gain control of the eastern entrance to Victoria Harbour, paving the way for their subsequent invasion of Hong Kong Island.
After the battle, the fortifications of Lyemun Fort lay in ruins, bearing witness to the fierce struggle that took place within its walls. The fort was eventually vacated in 1987, marking the end of an era in Hong Kong’s coastal defence efforts. However, the historical significance of Lyemun Fort did not go unnoticed.
Fort as Museum
In 1993, the fort was returned to the government, which recognized its historical value and decided to conserve and develop it into a museum dedicated to coastal defence. Thus, the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence was born, opening its doors to the public in 2000. The museum now stands as a vital guardian of the fort’s history, preserving the memory of its crucial role in Hong Kong’s military past.
Although the museum showcases the fort’s history, it is Lyemun Fort itself that truly captures the imagination. Walking through its remnants, visitors can envision the strategic positioning of the coastal defence batteries, the Redoubt’s central stronghold, and other key fortifications that once stood tall in the face of potential threats. The fort’s physical presence provides a tangible connection to the past and a glimpse into the challenges faced by those who defended Hong Kong’s shores.
Legacy
Today, Lyemun Fort stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s coastal defence history. Its weathered walls and remaining structures bear witness to the battles fought and the fortitude displayed within its confines. For history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the city’s past, a visit to Lyemun Fort offers a captivating journey back in time, immersing visitors in the stories and struggles that shaped Hong Kong’s coastal defence efforts.
As we explore the history of Lyemun Fort, we gain a deeper appreciation for the fort’s significance in Hong Kong’s military heritage. It serves as a lasting symbol of the city’s determination to protect its shores and preserve its sovereignty. Lyemun Fort stands tall, reminding us of the courage and sacrifices of those who defended Hong Kong’s eastern approaches to Victoria Harbour.
