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Post by tomasctt on Oct 12, 2010 10:24:46 GMT 8
Reading up on the 1942 siege, I wonder if there were any plans to fortify or defend the mountains of Cavite? Bataan served as the northern flank of Corregidor, and obviously troops were there to defend that area. But how about the mountains of Cavite? If there were no plans, why didn't they take into account those mountains? I'm just puzzled as to why the mountains of Cavite remained undefended, and the Japanese "allowed" to occupy it and rain artillery on Frank, Drum, and Corregidor.
I'm going to Mt. Pico de Loro on 31 October. While the primary objective is to climb the mountain, I'm also interested in knowing where the Japanese emplaced their guns thereat. Anyone here has explored that area WRT the guns?
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Post by batteryboy on Oct 12, 2010 17:54:09 GMT 8
The Japanese guns were emplaced in Barrio Sapong (Sapang) and near the present Phil Marine camp. 15 years ago, we still saw two positions in Sapang that offered good defilades. These could have been for 240mms. Near the Patungan area (where the small dam that held the fresh water supply for Frank) , the Japanese had lighter guns of 75mm and possible a few 105mms on the latter part. The 240s were transferred to Bataan when it fell on April 9.
It was also said that a few guns were in the Halag valley as CA records show a few salvos were fired there. The Japanese moved their guns so as not to have their positions zeroed in by Franks 12-inch mortars and 155mms.
HTH,
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Post by okla on Oct 12, 2010 23:11:04 GMT 8
Hey Guys...Somewhere in the back of my fast failing mind, it seems as if I have read that in the original defense plans (Orange? ) for the defense of the harbor,etc that an Infantry regiment (US) was ticketed for defending Cavite Province or portions thereof, similar to what was planned for Bataan. I don't remember reading why this plan got side tracked or just when it happened. Also I am not sure whether this Infantry Regiment would be provided from the Philippine Division or would be sent from the US. Seems like the additional troops would, indeed, come from stateside. I suppose this event would qualify for "the best laid plans of mice and men",etc category. Holding portions of Cavite would have made things easier for the guys on the "Rock", certainly in regard to those monster mortars the Japs emplaced in the Cavite hills. Battery, I betcha you could clue us in on all this, post haste. My ancient memory isn't a thing to depend on at crunch time. Cheers.
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Post by tomasctt on Oct 13, 2010 9:15:29 GMT 8
Thanks Battery for the info. If it's along the route or near it to serve as a side trip, I'll try to go there after the climb.
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Post by munson on May 28, 2012 7:13:43 GMT 8
Yes, the war plans called for a battalion to defend the Pico De Loro Hills. However, MacArthur, who was all wise, decided to use the battalion elsewhere.
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