Corregidor Island: Battery Way

Corregidor Island in the Philippines is packed with artillery batteries used during World War II. One of the artillery batteries is Battery Way, named after Lt. Henry N Way of the 4th U.S. Artillery who died in service in the Philippines. It was constructed in 1904 and was completed 1914 at an estimated cost of $112,969.

Battery Way is a battery of 4 12-inch mortars of M1890 type and are mounted on M1896 Mortar Carriages. It could lob a 1,000 lb deck piercing shell or a 700 lb high explosive shell 8.3 miles (13.35 km) in any direction. The vertical plunging trajectory of these mortars was originally intended to be used for deck piercing purposes, but it was soon realized that the nature of the vertical trajectory made them ideal against enemy entrenchments on the higher ground in Bataan. This is because Corregidor is located southeast of Manila right on the entrance to Manila Bay.

Battery Way’s tactic was to load and lay two mortars at a time, and then to fire them as a salvo, giving them a ‘shotgun’ effect. These mortars were manned by a crew of fourteen and during World War II, Battery Way was part of the group of guns that kept on firing to the northeast, since its mortars were the only artillery on Corregidor capable of firing in any direction (360 degrees).

Battery Way Mortar

Battery Way Mortar

Battery Way continued firing all morning of May 6 1942, the day Corregidor surrender to the Japanese. It stopped firing only when the breech block of its last gun and froze at 11 a.m. warped by the heat due to constant firing. It was the last of Corregidor’s “concrete artillery” to cease fire before the surrender at 12 noon.

After the fall of Corregidor, Battery Way was manned by the Japanese and the guns were permanently damaged during the retaking of the island by the American and Filipino troops in 1945.

Ammunition Storage

Ammunition Storage

Armand (Tour Guide) Showing an Old Coca Cola Bottle

Armand (Tour Guide) Showing an Old Coca Cola Bottle

At the bus

At the bus

Batteries in Battery Way

Batteries in Battery Way

Jim2x, Bouying, RC, Lisa in Battery Way

Jim2x, Bouying, RC, Lisa in Battery Way

Showing some old coins

Showing some old coins

Close up of American Coins

Close up of American Coins

Close-up of Philippine Coins

Close-up of Philippine Coins

Lisa

Lisa

Bouying

Bouying

Ammo Loader

Ammo Loader

Major William Wild Bell Massello Jr

Major William Wild Bell Massello Jr

Mark and Lisa in Battery Way

Mark and Lisa in Battery Way

Mark in Battery Way

Mark in Battery Way

Surroundings

Surroundings

In Battery Way

In Battery Way


This page is last updated on Jun 16, 2011 @ 1:33 pm
About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga 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.

  1. ruby cresencio says:

    please be our guide on how to go to corrigedor, bataan. thanks. like all your pics.

  2. Faith says:

    i’ve been here few years ago. i love the rich history! going there is a good experience.

  3. Ms_Mars says:

    hello there Mark! how are you?
    im back, hehe… thanks again for your help, my CEBU trip was a blast! gotta go back!

    my long time dream to visit this next location recently came true — just last Feb 24 – 25, 2011 i was at CORREGIDOR Island for an overnight stay to get to know one of the many historic war torn islands here in our Pinas. we have similar photo snaps which have been uploaded in my FB acct already.Mr Ramon Alonzo, 84 yrs old was our group tour guide who was amazing and terrific as a guide. being a WW2 baby, the guy lived thru the war and his lectures to us were very heartfelt and with conviction. he has his very personal opinions abt Gen McArthur and Lt Gen Jonathan Weinright.

    i took advantage of the overnight activities which included sunset viewing at Battery Grubbs, a tour one of (2) hospital ruins, and the lateral tunnel exploration inside Malinta Tunnel. i believe i felt some cold spots (ghost presence) in one of the laterals. package also include very cold sunrise viewing near the Eternal Flame monument cliff and exploring the Japanese Tunnel. guided by Kuya Gener and our shuttle driver was Kuya James. wow i could go on and on with my storytelling!

    overall, my 1st time at Coregidor Island was super fantastic, mega fun and utmost memorable! a fitting tribute to the men and women of the war that taught us lots of lessons abt historic freedom. also worth coming back to! for their 2nd time with my mom and sister.

  4. cheap flights philippines says:

    Astig! Battery Way – powering up mortars.. that’s just cool. Didn’t realize that a lot has been preserve still in Bataan, I should really get travelling as a hobby, it sure does pays off knowing the different places around your country.


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