Post by The Phantom on Jun 20, 2009 4:45:06 GMT 8
I came across this exchange between the Stationmaster at the Railroad station in Legaspi and U.S.A.F.F.E. in Manila, as the Japanese landed troops in Legaspi, Albay, on DEC. 12 1941.
From "THE FALL OF THE PHILIPPINES"
"The initial report of the Japanese landing at Legaspi came from the railroad Stationmaster there. The apocryphal story is told that his call was switched from the Railroad Central to USAFFE Headquarters in Manila and the following conversation took place:
STATIONMASTER: "There are 4 Japanese boats in the harbor, sir, and the Japs are landing. What should I do?"
USAFFE OFFICER: Just hang onto the phone and keep reporting."
STATIONMASTER: There are about 20 Japs ashore already, sir, and more are coming." A pause, Now there are about 300 Japs outside the station, sir, What am I to do?
USAFFE OFFICER: Just sit tight."
STATIONMASTER: Sir, a few of those Japs, with an officer in front, are coming over here."
USAFFE OFFICER: "See what they want."
STATIONMASTER: "Those Japs want me to give them a train to take them to Manila, sir. What do I do?"
USAFFE OFFICER: Tell them the next train leaves a week from Sunday. Don't give it to them."
STATIONMASTER, Hanging up, "Okay Sir."
On a personal note, I took the train to Manila from that station in 1974. A great and exciting trip back then. Bumpy with tracks washed out from monsoons along the way, great people all the way.
Great food brought on the train at the various stations then, I had the fried chicken......
I hear they are presently rebuilding that section of the railroad from Manila to Legaspi, Albay?
A Chinese Company?
From "THE FALL OF THE PHILIPPINES"
"The initial report of the Japanese landing at Legaspi came from the railroad Stationmaster there. The apocryphal story is told that his call was switched from the Railroad Central to USAFFE Headquarters in Manila and the following conversation took place:
STATIONMASTER: "There are 4 Japanese boats in the harbor, sir, and the Japs are landing. What should I do?"
USAFFE OFFICER: Just hang onto the phone and keep reporting."
STATIONMASTER: There are about 20 Japs ashore already, sir, and more are coming." A pause, Now there are about 300 Japs outside the station, sir, What am I to do?
USAFFE OFFICER: Just sit tight."
STATIONMASTER: Sir, a few of those Japs, with an officer in front, are coming over here."
USAFFE OFFICER: "See what they want."
STATIONMASTER: "Those Japs want me to give them a train to take them to Manila, sir. What do I do?"
USAFFE OFFICER: Tell them the next train leaves a week from Sunday. Don't give it to them."
STATIONMASTER, Hanging up, "Okay Sir."
On a personal note, I took the train to Manila from that station in 1974. A great and exciting trip back then. Bumpy with tracks washed out from monsoons along the way, great people all the way.
Great food brought on the train at the various stations then, I had the fried chicken......
I hear they are presently rebuilding that section of the railroad from Manila to Legaspi, Albay?
A Chinese Company?