|
Post by mapmaster on Nov 25, 2009 17:44:06 GMT 8
Hi fots2
I'm guessing the 75 paired cable is a telephone cable? If I'm correct, Manhole 43 should be P.Ex. 43, but it's not on the 1936 map. The nearest P.Ex. are #26-28 south of the Senior Officers Quarters. There may have been others added after 1936.
By reading all the text on Corregidor, that contains references to structures, it appear we are only getting about 50% of the story. As an example, Moore reported to Wainwright that the HDHQ Tunnel started in 1922 was nearly complete. Maybe he should have reported that it was roughly complete, with the emphasis on rough, which it is - a roughly blasted series of tunnels way short of what was originally planned. And far from habitable.
It might be probable that the Kitchen Tunnel was more like a cave and it collapsed after 1942. Having a bombproof kitchen near the above ground Kitchen Building would seem logical, especially for the transfer of equipment when the tunnel was completed. So the position on the sketch map could be correct.
The so called C1 Tunnel would be a "Grand Design" for just a Kitchen, but again the description by Bunker does not fit what survives today if that tunnel was Bunker's Bunker.
Regards
mapmaster
|
|
|
Post by fots2 on Nov 25, 2009 19:46:01 GMT 8
You are quite correct in that we are trying to sort through some information with much of it missing. I was hoping that manhole 43 would be recognizable as they would most likely use the closest manhole to the tunnel and that would help to determine its location. Hey, if this was too easy it wouldn’t be any fun. Your comments on the Kitchen Tunnel are certainly possible. I still have a feeling that Bunker is talking about a few tunnels, what he says cannot apply to only one. I would agree the idea that “what we call C1 Tunnel” being used for only a kitchen is somewhere between very unlikely and ridiculous. Did they continue the tunnel for additional shelter? Emergency storage? All this is speculation and speculation is useless in what we are trying to do here. Hopefully we will stumble onto more clues or better yet, stumble over an airshaft or collapsed tunnel entrance… Lets go Phantom. Thanks for the ideas. It keeps me thinking.
|
|
|
Post by The Phantom on Dec 4, 2009 2:51:24 GMT 8
Thursday, 9 April 1942
"Japs fire from Bataan!"
"Up at 7:00 and to C1. Two Philippine Army Q-boats and 2 motor boats which had been ordered to go from Mariveles to Mills north wharf, turned deserters and threaded the minefields, escaped to sea. We fired a few rounds over their bow in a vain attempt to stop them to no avail.
A Japanese captive balloon up near Cabcaben.
We are evacuating soldiers from Bataan to Corregidor. Air raid at 9:40, probably at Mariveles.
We have been ordered not to fire on Bataan shore until further orders!
At 10:00am we were all excited by cannonading at sea toward Fortune island but were deflated to learn that it was caused by a Japanese Destroyer firing at our deserting Q-boat, which came back into our harbor.I hope they shot the skipper.The other Q-boat evidently discouraged, also put back into harbor! SKUNKS!
At 4:00 pm the Japs started shelling us from Bataan-a crucial point in our operations-a milestone. Fire was accurately aimed at Topside, between H.Q. Btry. Mess and Parade ground. We set to work to spot flashes around Cabcaben, but we are still prohibited from firing over there!
At 4:40 bombs fell near C1, in front, also to the east. The 5:00 P.M. bombing landed just as Simmonds and I got to Battery Wheeler for our dinner!
This P.M. the "Tai Ping" loaded with with bombs, exploded in Mariveles Harbor. A burning oil barge over there cast a bright light. Numerous small boats have been arriving all day---and try to land here. Some with fleeing members of the 31st, or other soldiers and some civilians.
Shooting died down near sundown, and then , from many miles out to sea, a Japanese ship turned her searchlight on us!
Edison today got his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel-as I recommended-and, no silver leaves being available, wrapped some tin foil around his gold ones!
We all gathered at C1 for a time and then turned in to get some rest against tomorrow.
Our artillery on Bataan, though furiously active last night, has been quiet all day.
Our Captain Thompson arrived on this morning's boat, and reports our forces in Bataan as routed, and the defense (except the west coast) collapsed!
|
|
|
Post by The Phantom on Dec 8, 2009 1:14:08 GMT 8
Friday, 10 April 1942
" Up at 6:00 and shaved in semi darkness. Then early to breakfast. Told Rutherford I want him to turn in to Hospital. He is a broken old man and cannot seem to recover.
Then to C1 and could plainly see the shameful things at Mariveles; truck after truck of men pouring into town and concentrating there. Our observers swore each truck was waving a white flag! Japanese flags also visible.
Looked later in the day, like many men marching into town from up the west coast way.
Higher H.Q. finally said we could fire upon Bataan, but only against definitely located Battery positions and, even then, no searching would be done.
Air attacks are practically continuous throughout the day.
Chow in our tunnel for the first time, with H.Q. Battery Mess. It was a swell meal of Chile beans, cold ham and cold salami in vinegar.
Looked over the progress in our tunnel and it is coming along fine. Dined on Chet Elme's fine dining table. Came up to my azatea, but they promptly pulled another air raid and dropped more bombs on us.
Welch is to bring Chong back with him this evening, so he can be handy; then Welch won't have to go to Middleside daily. He is also to take Rutherford to the hospital.
Lt. Gibbons got back from Bataan last night- and lucky to make his escape. He tells tales of scandalous cowardice over there, especially the Philippine Army. The Scouts, contemptuous of the P.A., tried to make up for their cowardice, and were cut to pieces.
Hung around C1 for awhile and then turned in early- but could not sleep. Dugout air is close.
At about 2:00 AM Lt Moore phoned a message from Cruze - that the Japs had prepared 6 boats with machine guns and 75 MM and would attempt a landing on Corregidor tomorrow.
A Lt. Strong of the 31st Infantry is hanging around and wants to attach himself to us. I told him to get the hell away from us and report to harbor Defense H.Q.
Lt Ellis also phoned me- How he got here from Bataan I don't know."
|
|
|
Post by The Phantom on Dec 12, 2009 7:56:03 GMT 8
Saturday, 11 April 1942
Cigarettes P1.00 Won P3.00
"Day dawned clear. Shaved before breakfast and went DOWN to C1 Tunnel. Was astonished, even at the entrance, by the poor air coming out---worse BELOW. (my caps.) (A stairway down into C1 tunnel?)
"Caused partly by use of the curtains, during the night, to hid lights.
Waited around entrance for quite awhile before breakfast was ready; cracked wheat, rice and gravy, coffee and some marvelous ice water! Walked UP to C1 all was quiet.
One of our mine Yawls went over to Monja to rescue the party that had landed there yesterday. Glad we did not shoot them up yesterday. I hope it is our Pucot Hill detail.
Mariveles this morning is still crowded with men and trucks, Evidently the enemy is evacuating prisoners. The place is crowded.
More bombs for us at 11:15 and again at 12:15 while I was in our tunnel inhaling some soup. Then again at 12:35 and this time the post power to Battery Wheeler evidently went out, for the lights in my dugout slowly faded.
Our C1 Tunnel is a welter of many bunks and belongings, at the main entrance is the same. Not enough space!
The 12:35 bombs evidently landed in our Post Power Plant, raising hell with the diesel engine that was running, and cutting a fuel line, but not hurting the other one which was sandbagged. However post power is out for awhile---and now we are not permitted to wash our face and hands, as there is no power to push water to topside.
As yesterday the enemy took a siesta from 12:00 to 2:00m at which time he dropped 2 loads. A pair of planes came in lower that usual and many of our machine guns opened up on them. Very hot in station this afternoon, so I finally gave up and went to my dugout. Edison and Simmonds came DOWN and we had a couple of snorts of Foster's bottle of Bourbon. A treat.
Thunder over Cavite and heat lightning over Mariveles. Wish the wet season were here.
Our baffle plates for entrances of our tunnel are coming along and we started moving desks, etc. into C1 and G1 laterals today.The phone hookup is still not fully crystallized.
Played poker tonight in our tunnel and made P3.00.
Returned, with collin,( his dog) to my dugout and turned in at 11:00 P.M.
Pvt. Welch brought Chong, my houseboy, up from G91 to me, and I had Welch install him in our tunnel as mess attendant."
|
|
|
Post by The Phantom on Dec 19, 2009 21:36:35 GMT 8
Sunday, 12 April 1942
" A rough day all day. The Japs started at 6:00 AM, shelling us from Bataan side weith numerous guns, probably mostly 105mm but with some 150 mm mixed in. Maj. Julian and Capt. Schenck were right on the job with their Flash Ranging and we cut loose with Battery Geary at a Japanese concentration near Lokanin Pt. After destroying an enemy battery here, we shifted to another Battery, got it and it's adjacent ammunition dump and then landed a few in a buch of tanks and set them afire. Observers said the fire was perfect and the Japs were hurriedly leaving the area."
|
|
|
Post by The Phantom on Dec 21, 2009 2:54:17 GMT 8
Same day...........
"More Japanese guns opened up and we started counter-battery with our 155mm, 6" disappearing, and all other small and medium caliber guns which would come to bear on the Bataan shore.
Because of our inexperienced personnel it took so long to get corrections applied to the guns that the enemy had time to bring lots of fire to bear upon our guns. Our guns and emplacements are very vulnerable.
Two men were killed at Btry. Kysor (an officer, Arnold, had to have his leg amputated this afternoon) at Fort Hughes.
Many of our guns suffered direct hits and other damage.The only gun at Battery Sunset which bears an Bataan, will be out of action for days.
This artillery duel lasted all day and we worked furiously to combat the Japanese accurate fire. In the afternoon they started firing at us from the Cavite side also, aiming at Fort Hughes, Kindley Field, and at our shipping.
There were air raids and bombings throughout the day, aiming mostly at James ravine and the Post power plant which has already been hit hard. Some say that the plant has lost all it's ammonia. There is no post power now at most of our Batteries and we have to run our emergency 25-kw sets--and the staff won't give us enough gas for that! In our C1-G1 set up, we use my little 6-kw Air Corps alternator.
Edison never did get his breakfast this morning, but Chong brought us up some fine tomato soup about 1:00pm.
Today I renewed my former recommendation: that they take some of their war reserve of aviation gasoline and use it for diluting our present low-octane gas, thus about doubling the amount on hand-instead of (as they are doing) holding back the airplane gas as sacred and then finding out, when our "Issue" gas is gone, that they can't use the sacred gas in our engines without burning them up!
Was the last man of our mess to get dinner.Tough Carabao, but it tasted good. Soon I expect we'll be on preserved meats, if any.
Lay down on my cot for awhile.
The "Bodegas" are going slowly, and i doubt if we'll ever use them. We have no drilling or blasting facilities.
I feel awfully crummy, being unable to shave, lack of water. And how I'd enjoy a shower bath! There has been no quorum for a poker game, I returned to my dugout and read myself to sleep.
It's not going to be so good when the Japs start using against us those ten 240mm guns which, we are told, are coming down from the north.
This evening I gave Welch the job of going to Crockett ( Bunker stored a lot of his possessions at Battery Crockett) and retrieving my chifforobe and leather desk chair."
|
|
|
Post by The Phantom on Dec 23, 2009 9:03:39 GMT 8
Monday, 13 April 1942 Won P4.00
"Up at 7:00am and smoked on my Azatea, pondered and enjoyed the peaceful quiet of daybreak, the fine coolness among the trees, the fresh morning smell of morning, the birds piping--and then the harsh rattle of corrigated iron, down on the south shore road, as of someone shielding his dugout. This was another day of artillery activity. The japs plastered us with shells from morning to night. We are still prohibited from firing road interdiction! Haven't the BRASS hats learned anything yet!
Nobody had sandbagged the power plant at Battery Morrison! So a bomb fragment today put out a radiator.
After I went down to chow the Japs cannonaded us with about 50 more shots. Only a few bombings today.
We guess all the Japanese bombers are being used against our forces in Cebu. For a a big flight of them went south over us without dropping a bomb.
Corralled my fine big desk chair today and installed it at my desk in C1. Played poker tonight and won P4.00! "
|
|
|
Post by The Phantom on Dec 23, 2009 9:27:23 GMT 8
Tuesday, 14 April 1942
"Hot fight all Day! Another strenuous day though not as strenuous as yesterday.
Later: The hell it wasn't strenuous!
At 3:00 we had a duel between Battery Monja and a Japanese gun which had come into action west of Sisimon. We won, though the Japs have been registering on Monja Island for hours. Japs seem to think we have something important on Monja Island.
This evening they started something new against us-as soon as we lite our No. 2 searchlight the Japs instantly shot hell out of it. No. 8 was used for safety of back area and also brought forth much Japanese fire on it and on the Wharf area, which brought forth remonstrances from HD HQ.
As an experiment we put No. 1 in action for 15 seconds only- then the man snapped our light out and ran. Yet the man hadn't got 20 yards and turned the corner, before Japanese shells landed at the light, one ruining the light! Which proved that the Japs had their guns loaded, laid, and men at the lanyards, with orders to shoot instantly when the light showed.
Whenever we showed a light that evening the Japs cannonaded furiously.
Turned in, in my dugout."
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2009 1:10:07 GMT 8
I am very impressed and totally excited to discover this informative site about Col. Paul Bunker and his book. There are other diaries written by the colonel that predate his last one. I have not yet had an opportunity to read them as they are owned by Paul D Bunker III who is actually a nephew of the Colonel. Paul mentions about his genealogical research of the Bunker family history and disappointment about losing the material. He did send information back to the Bunker Family Association for their records and eventual publication. Paul was elected the first president of the Bunker Family Association (BFA) in 1913 and the research of our family continues as we approach our centennial celebration. We celebrated our 93rd reunion (2006) by visiting West Point with an appropriate ceremony at the graves of Paul, his wife and son, Paul Jr. Descendent's of the Colonel attended along with other members of the BFA. The museum had the flag remnant on display for us to gaze and ponder the heroic days on Corregidor. Paul and Paul Jr both graduated from The Point, Paul Sr in 1903, the same class as MacArthur, and they were on Corregidor together. Paul's diary is a fascinating read and now you gentlemen have brought the book to life. For the Bunker Family Association, I thank you for adding your personal experiences to this epic. There is so much to read on these pages and I must now re-read the colonel's book. I shall also inform our membership about your efforts and the OMG photographs. I'm blown away. I would certainly like to shake hands with those who experienced the last days in Corregidor and felt the wrath of Japanese brutality in the POW camps. I was a mere lad of seven in 1942 when Paul lowered the flag but after reading the book would like to add some personal thoughts about this particular event. Paul claims he saved a piece of the flag and sewed it under his arm patch, his secret till almost the end of his days. Knowing how the Japanese would react on finding the remnant, absolutely no one could be witness to the event including those who were there at the time the flag was lowered, and immediately retired to the flames. If he had needle and thread to hide the piece of red, surely he had a knife or razor blade to cut the piece. Just because those that attended the final ceremony didn't see the colonel save the small piece doesn't mean it didn't happened as Paul recorded it in his diary. He didn't want anyone to see it. Boy, would I ever like to walk the tunnels on Corregidor, please keep me informed of visits, maybe, just maybe... Merry Christmas and thanks for the great gift. gil
|
|