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 guided missile with a range and speed that met the desired criteria. It utilized contra-rotating propellers, powered by wires pulled from internal drums, to propel itself forward. Operating at a constant depth of 12 feet, the torpedo featured an indicator mast for monitoring. Its twin propellers were connected to steel drums via a differential gear, achieving speeds of 20 knots (23 mph) initially and 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 Forst 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 Redoubt has 14 casemates and an open courtyard, and has two gun emplacements with the longest effective range. The Lyemun Pass, situated at the eastern approach to Victoria Harbour, holds strategic importance. The Redoubt is a defensive structure with bomb-proof walls, a ditch, and several other structures. The Redoubt was built in the 1910s as living quarters for the British Royal Artillery and was a strategic location for the British to build batteries and a redoubt. 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 a crucial facility for transporting torpedoes and supplies to the Torpedo Station. The anchor, which was left in Admiralty after WWII, was later placed in Admiralty. The Pass Battery, armed with two 6-pounder Quick-Firing Hotchkiss guns, was armed against torpedo boats. The Drawbridge and Stony Slope were 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.
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) 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.
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.
