|  |
|
| |
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
U.S. Army 1938  May 1942  c1945  Bill Bartsch 1975  Justin Taylan 2004 |
Location Battery Way is located on Corregidor Island to defend Manila Bay. Construction Built by the U.S. Army between 1904–1914 at a cost of $112,969. Named Battery Way in honor of 2nd Lt. Henry N. Way who died in the Philippines in 1900. Emplaced four mortars 12" (305mm) M1890 mortars on M1896M1 Mortar carriages built at Watervliet Arsenal, each capable of firing in any direction, firing either High Explosive (HE) or Armor Piercing (AP) shells a maximum of 8.3 miles, A mortar crew of fourteen men was required per mortar, capable of firing one round per minute at best crew performance. Wartime History Battery Way was unmanned until April 17, 1942 manned by personnel from Battery E, 60th Coast Artillery commanded by Major William Massello. On May 2, mortar No. 3 and No. 4 were disabled by direct hits to their barrels. On May 6, 1942 between 4:00am to 6:00am, the last 12" mortar began firing at Japanese landing craft in the North Channel. The battery came under fire and sustained 70% casualties. By 11:00am the breech block of the remaining mortar froze from continuous firing. This mortar was the last gun firing before the island surrendered. Before the surrendering, the crew removed all breech blocks rendering the mortars useless. Today The Philippine military cleared the area of danger in preparation for the area being opened for tourism. Battery Way is one of the main tourist attractions on the guided tour of Corregidor. Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
