"A long and bloody history." Corregidor Island by planxty

I remember as a child being fascinated by all things military and the Second World War in particular. Various names were connected with bloody battles, valour and, unfotunately, the huge dath toll that accompanies such things. land of Corregidor was one such name, having been about the last place to fall to the invading Japanese after fierce fighting. General Douglas MacArthur is a name that is synonymous with the place, and he figures heavily in any history of Corregidor.

What I was unaware of, however, was the much older history involving the Spanish occupiers from centuries ago. I suppose they realised, as did the Americans much later, the strategic value of the Corregidor controlling, as it does, Manila Bay and thus Manila itself.

I do not intend to go into too much detail in this introduction as I have constructed a series of seven travelogues where I will attempt to explain more fully what I saw and learnt on what was a fascintaing day trip, albeit a rather damp one as it rained continuously.

Statue, Corregidor Island, Philippines.

I spoke of Gen. MacArthure and here is his statue close to the place where he took ship when leaving the Philippines.

Tunnel, Corregidor Island, Philippines.

This is the hugely impressive Malinta Tunnel complex, initially the American HQ on the island and temporarily the seat of Government for the Philippines.

• Pros:A fascinating historical tour.
• Cons:Unfortunately, not all the island is accessible.
• In a nutshell:If you are in Manila, you really should see this.