Back to Manila Bay. Let’s go on an excursion to the island of Corregidor, which guards the entrance to the bay.

This island was the scene of bitter fighting during the Second World War, first when it was defended by the Americans and Filipinos against the invading Japanese in 1942, and then again in 1945, when the Japanese in turn defended it against the returning Americans. So desperate was the final battle that of the 6000 Japanese defenders only 20 were captured alive. All the others were either killed or committed harakiri. The tunnel at the foot of this rock contained General MacArthur’s headquarters and sickbays for the wounded.

And here are the remains of the huge American barracks, which was heavily bombed by the Japanese. Only the shell remains as a grim reminder of those terrible days.

One of several mortar batteries which helped to defend the island and a huge gun which, however, played no part in the defence because like the British guns at Singapore it was facing the wrong way.

This here used to be the American camp cinema and theatre. The proscenium arch is still just visible, but the jungle is advancing quickly… Finally the war memorial to the fallen heroes.