Corregidor - Battery Wheeler

This battery is named after Capt. David Porter Wheeler, killed in the Philippines 1904. It was built between 1911-1919 and armed with two 12-inch (305 mm) M1895 guns on Model 1901 disappearing carriages.

During the battle of Corregidor (1941-1942), the battery was manned by Battery C, 59th Coast Artillery commanded by Captain Harry W. Schenck. It actively took part in the defence and fired its 1,000 lbs shells against Japanese targets. No. 1 gun was damaged by a bomb on March 24 1942, but remained operational throughout April 1942. Both guns were disabled by their crews prior to surrender. Its tunnel was used as first aid station during the fighting on the island in 1942.

The Japanese forced American POW's to dismantle No. 1 gun for parts used to restore the no. 2 gun.

The Japanese occupied battery Wheeler until february 1945, when it was finally cleared of enemy elements after three days of fighting.

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Source

• Text: Kaj Metz
• Photos: Rik amar (Flickr: Shutter wide shut)
• Pacific Wrecks