Secret of Shing Mun Redoubt

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What is Shing Mun Redoubt

Location of shing mun redoubt

Shing Mun Redoubt is a Grade 2 Historic Building in Hong Kong. It located at the south of Shing Mun Reservoir, which is covering 12 acres. It built on 1938. It is the headquarter of the Gin Drinkers Line. British troops use steel and cement to build the redoubt on the hillside. It is because the location of the redoubt is the relatively weak part of the Gin Drinkers Line, which was a string of defense points to defend the invasion of the Japanese army.

History 

the road to go to the shing mun redoubt

The Gin Drinker’s Line was a string of defense points to defense the Japanese invasion. It is 18 kilometer long, comprising a string of trenched, pillboxes and bunkers. Shing Mun Redoubt is located on this defensive line.

In 1941 the Japanese launched the attack, the redoubt was defended by 30 Royal Regiment of Scotland soldier. On December 9, the Japanese troops (228th Regiment) attacked the Shing Mun Reservoir and occupied the redoubt on the same day. When the redoubt fall, it means the inland defense fail, the Japanese long drive straight thus able to continue the attack.

Importance

The loss of the Redoubt marked the failure of the mainland defense, as it is the headquarter of the Gin Drinker’s Line, and General Maltby withdrew his troops from mainland on 11th December 1941. It causes the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Mark Young, surrendered the British Crown colony of Hong Kong to Imperial Japan on 25 December 1941, 15 days after the loss of the Redoubt. Entering the period of Japanese occupation. 


On the eve of the fall of Hong Kong, the British troops had set up defensive positions many to prepare for fighting against Japanese, but most have been destroyed or removed during the wartime or after the war. Nowadays, the Shing Mun Redoubt is the only one of the defensive positions that is still existing wholely.

Other photos

You will see this notice many time through the road Danger! Desolate trench Do not enter!

Tall people! Be careful!

Branch path Do not get lost

Muddy Road

Observation in the Redoubt

Video

How to go

1. From Tsuen Wan MTR Station B2 Exit (Shiu Wo Street)
2. Take the Mini bus No. 82 to the final station
3. Go through MacLehose Trail (Stage 6)
Time needed: 1.5hours (From Tsuen Wan Station to Shing Mun Redoubt)

Note

Remember to wear 
1. Good shoes
2. Clothing (long pants)


Remember to bring
1. Mosquito repellent
2. Flashlight for the trenches
3. And also...


   Some food (for monkeys=))

I am waiting for your food =)

Further Reading
http://gwulo.com/shing-mun-redoubt
http://hksw.org/Shing%20Mun.htm