Stanley Fort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stanley Fort |
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Former site of the Fort in October 2013
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 Stanley Fort
Location within Hong Kong
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| Coordinates | 22°12′04″N 114°13′05″E / 22.201°N 114.218°E |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site history | |
| Built | circa 1841 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1841-Present |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | People's Liberation Army Ground Force |
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| Traditional Chinese | 赤柱炮台 | ||||||||
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Stanley Fort is a military base located on the south side of Hong Kong Island. It was first built for the British Armed Forces. Today, it is home to the Hong Kong troops of China's People's Liberation Army Ground Force. The fort has also been used as a children's center and a rehabilitation center.
Contents
What is Stanley Fort?
Stanley Fort is a military base. It is found on the Stanley Peninsula. This area is on the southern part of Hong Kong Island. The fort was built in 1841. It included buildings for soldiers to live in, called barracks. There were also homes for officers.
Protecting the Coast
The fort had special coastal batteries. These were places with large guns. They were named Stanley Battery and Bluff Head Battery. Their job was to protect the southern coast. They guarded the area from attacks by sea.
Stanley Fort During World War II
During the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941, Stanley Fort was very important. British and Canadian soldiers used it. They launched a final counterattack from the fort. This was against Japanese forces at St Stephen's College. Sadly, soldiers who died were buried nearby. Their resting place is the Stanley Military Cemetery.
After the battle, the Japanese took control of the fort. They made changes to it. These changes helped make the fort stronger. It was made more resistant to bombs during the Second World War.
After the War
In the late 1940s, Stanley Fort became a British Army barracks again. By the early 1950s, it was a base for an anti-aircraft regiment. This group used guns to shoot down enemy planes. There was also a small workshop at the fort. This workshop fixed military equipment.
The fort had three-story barracks buildings. It also had a two-story NAAFI. This was a shop and recreation area for soldiers. There were medical facilities too. A building for the Company Headquarters was also present. The fort had a parade ground. This is where soldiers would gather. There was also a park for vehicles and equipment.
Handover to China
In 1997, Hong Kong's control changed. It was handed over from Britain to China. This event is known as the Transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong. After this, the People's Liberation Army took control of Stanley Fort.
Historic Importance
The Stanley Battery Gun Emplacement is a part of Stanley Fort. It is a very old and important structure. It is listed as a Grade I historic building. This means it is protected by law. The Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance helps keep it safe.
See also
- List of Grade I historic buildings in Hong Kong
