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Post by cbuehler on Nov 14, 2012 1:17:19 GMT 8
I always find myself wondering just how the evidence of battle has so completely disappeared from Bataan today. Bataan to me is one of my favorite provinces, not only for its history, but natural beauty. I am aware that the population of the former battlefields has of course increased enormously since the war, and cultivation has overtaken much of the former jungles that one always reads so much of. I do think however that much of Bataan even prior to the war was cultivated more than the histories give the impression of. The first line of battle at the Abucay line actually has not changed much since the war and even then it was open with mostly grass and with the only jungled areas being along the river cuts. Certainly the area around the eastern flanks of Samat and all along the eastern coast was cultivated, leaving the mountains and western portions of Bataan more jungled. I also recall seeing photos of Mt. Samat in the 70's and it was barren, just a grass covered mountain before they started the reforestation programs. I would assume that the reason it was still barren up to then was what the histories describe as the result of the bombardments and fires which denuded it during the war. The battle of Capot hill describes an area of Bamboo thickets wherein the Japanese were surrounded and finally decimated. I have often wondered just where this could have been located as there seems to be no such thickets in the general area today. The period maps show the area to have been not far south of the Pilar/Bagac road. I would love to see photos of the area from the 50's or 60's. I am sure they would be very informative.
CB
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Post by cbuehler on Nov 7, 2012 5:04:49 GMT 8
oozlefinch, I certainly agree about the value of using maps for guidance. There are so many structures hidden off-road today that finding exactly what you are looking for is darn near impossible without them. You will also come across surprises in that the last five years or so of construction is not recorded on the 1936 map. This can be a bit confusing. Today I am completely spoiled by carrying a GPS unit. Little is hidden now and it provides a great level of confidence in that I am where I think I am especially when walking alone. It also records the location of any points of interest. Your desire to wander off to find the structures you mention is impressive. It sounds like we share a fascination for Corregidor Island. After many trips I still get excited about my visits. I wonder if it is possible to have a forum members �get together� someday on Corregidor. To explore the island and then shoot the bull at McArthur�s Caf� at the end of the day would be a great time. The seat at the head of the table is reserved for okla. Hey, something to think about� Ahh! Fots, you have said it. I too dream of a big meet up on the Island someday. My wife and I are hoping to get back again this coming February, which according to Karl is when they usually meet there. I missed it last year as I was "preempted" with a little detour to Drum and Carabao. Its been 6 years since I was last on the rock and am way overdue for a visit. I am getting older as well and find myself scurrying to do all the rough stuff now while I still can. My weakness for beer has not slowed me down yet as I compensate with a lot of excercise in the hills around my house, especially now that I am unemployed At any rate, the Middleside housing area is one of several areas I still have not yet explored. Now I know what to look for thanks to this thread! CB
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Post by cbuehler on Nov 6, 2012 1:09:56 GMT 8
Well, it is back up for sale again on epay. Apparently the buyer returned it with doubts to its authenticity The seller insists it is the original sign, but of course it is not. It is probably one of several generations of post war signs put up and replaced over the years. CB
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Post by cbuehler on Nov 4, 2012 6:25:36 GMT 8
Whew! glad it is still there, thanks. I could not notice it last time. And the good old Peoples Park...we know it well as the manager (at least as of several years ago) is a friend of ours. C
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Post by cbuehler on Nov 3, 2012 1:37:02 GMT 8
nice stuff! I didn't know before that Tagaytay has a historical background. Hi Sherwino, Yes, Tagaytay does have a strong ww2 connection. It is where the first camp of the 41st Infantry Division (PA) was based and trained under General Lim before the start of ww2. There is a monument along the main road on the north side when going out of the town proper towards Batangas. This is of course in addition to the well known jump by the 511th PIR on Feb. 3, 1945. And before I forget, during the occupation the Japanese maintained a some training and propaganda units there and I believe a Kempeitai station, but not sure about this. CB
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Post by cbuehler on Nov 3, 2012 1:30:09 GMT 8
The caption of that picture is wrong! That is one of the glider regiments of the 11th Airborne at Nasugbu. They are wearing the Army camouflage jungle packs which must have given the impression that they were Marines. The only participation of ground Marines during the liberation were a brigade of Artillery loaned from FMFPAC which assisted in the landings at Leyte only. The other more important Marine participation was the First Marine Airwing (I MAW), which provided close in support for the Army on the gound througout the entire Philippines Liberation campaign. By the way Karl, when my wife and I visited our lot near Tagaytay (which just happens to be VERY close to where that "string" of troopers are landing in the photo) I noticed that the monument in the rotunda at Tagaytay has been completely changed and the plaque to the 11th AB is gone! What happened?
CB
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Post by cbuehler on Oct 31, 2012 1:21:51 GMT 8
As mentioned, the Ft. Drum picture show 6 inch projectiles stored base to base. They are armor piercing as indicated by the long pointed cap. The remaining 14 inch projos (except 1) that we photographed last February when Fireball and I were there are also armor piercing. In the Malinta photo, those may be 75 MM projectiles also stored base to base. The round nose with stubby fuses or plugs are not armor piercing and it makes sense that these would be stored with 155 as these and the 75s were used for Island defense and not against ships. I too cannot think of any projectile that was that long relative to caliber.
CB
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Post by cbuehler on Oct 30, 2012 1:21:11 GMT 8
Fortune, At least now you have an appreciation of the Island! There is so much more to learn and we all hope you continue. I try to avoid the topic, but I must disagree with Okla regarding Japanese memorials on Corregidor. We cant lose sight of the fact that the Japanese are the other half of the whole picture. None of this history would exist without them and they lay claim to it as much as any American or Filipino. It is not a matter if right or wrong, good or bad, but historical fact. The generation that is old enough to have participated in or remember ww2 are nearly all gone now and the personal feelings some of them may have had should not, indeed CAN NOT, be transferred to others, no matter how bad the experience was. It was their experience, not ours. Our duty to all of them and to the monuments that remain such as Corregdor, is to interpret history openly and honestly. Bias understandably will always be present, but at least we can be aware of it. My 2 cents anyway!
CB
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Post by cbuehler on Oct 29, 2012 7:14:55 GMT 8
The ruination of what is left of Manila by short sited developers and corrupt officials is national disaster in my opinion. I still remember my first visit in 1988 and little did I know that the city and its environs would change so fast. It was Lito Atienza who approved the destruction of the Jai Alai. Almost every old structure that remains in Metro Manila (and there are not very many any more) is either threatened or in a dilapidated state. Manila is now beginning to look like any other modern mega city with horrible towering mega structures that obliterate everything around them. Rabbit hutches in the sky. As long as the money of the privileged few is involved, I am afraid it is a lost cause. The poor dont care either as it is far from their daily concerns just to survive. I tell everyone to see it now, because it wont be there tomorrow.
CB
CB
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Post by cbuehler on Oct 29, 2012 6:44:32 GMT 8
Hi Exo. regarding restrictions thats why I am hesitant to take the time to go to Ft.Abad even in the Streets at Ayala Ave. they forbid taking photos of buildings if it is a local taking photographs but they allow tourists from Korea,USA,Canada,Japan, etc, to take Photos with out permission and I really got offended by that. Ah, Pilipinas talaga! It is true as you say that we often get different treatment. But it goes the other way too. I usually have to send my driver or friends in ahead of me to make any purchases anywhere. As soon as they see me, the price miraculously becomes higher! At the Ayala museum they even have a foreigners only rate that is double that for Filipinos. Aba! Bakit ganoon! Pilipino ako e! At any rate, even though I am aware that the fort is there, I have never seen it yet. Thanks for the pics! CB
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