The island of Corregidor is surrounded by different kinds of artillery batteries used during World War II. Aside from Battery Way, Battery Geary also plays a vital role during the war in defending the island.
Battery Geary had a battery of eight 13-ton, 12-inch mortars. It is being kept in a hollow part on Corregidor’s Southern coast so it would be well protected from the Japanese bombardment. By then, Japanese couldn’t pin point as to where the bombs were coming from. However, under the command of Capt. Ben Ewing King on January 6, 1942, a Japanese bomb landed on a military bunker leaving 31 of Battery Geary’s NCOs and cannoneers dead.
Later on, Battery Geary was nailed by the Japanese ordnance and was subjected to heavy bombardment. Capt. Thomas W. Davis was the person in-charge of Battery Geary. On May 1942, a direct hit of a 240-mm shell blew up the magazines of this battery and was considered as the most disabling shot during the entire military blockade of the island. The incident left 27 of the battery crew dead and large chunks of steel were blown as far as Malinta Tunnel.
Battery Geary
Today, one of Battery Geary’s mortars still has a live round in its breech as it was in the process of firing the shell when the magazine was hit in 1942. This fascinates tourists whenever they visit Battery Geary in Corregidor.
More Information about Battery Geary
Dismantled Mortars at Battery Geary
Preggy wife Lisa, RC, Bouying & Jim2x on the way to Battery Geary
Stuck shell inside the Mortar lit by flashlight
One of the Mortars at Battery Geary
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About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.
