Battery MONJA (NO.1)

Battery Monja is two guns, one a 155 GPF Model 1918 unlimbered on a Casemated 155mm Gun Carriage (Block) M1917; the No. 2 gun was a 155mm GPF M1917 / M1918 of M1917 / M1918 Carriage semi-fixed to  “Panama Mount” concrete gun block.  It is situate towards the terminus of the South Shore Road as it arrives at Wheeler Point, though due to bombardment, erosion and the jungle, this route has been impassable for several years.  During the siege, it was manned by Philippine Scouts of G-92nd CA, under command of Lt. Ulanowitz.  Due to its isolated location on an outcrop of the steep cliffs, it was the scene of multiple attempts by members  of the 503rd PRCT to retake it from the Japanese Marines, and it alone amongst the Batteries was never reoccupied.   For the stories of these attacks, see Don Abbott's  "E" Company attack on Btty. Monja and Tony Sierra's description of the attack by "D" Company on 24 February 1945 in the page dedicated to S/Sgt Robert V. Holt - KIA. It is believed that many of the "New Year's Day 20" ( a group of Japanese holdouts who surrendered on 1 January 1946) sheltered there.   It's also been the scene of some more recent attempts by treasure hunters, though some consider it more likely that a Japanese survivor had returned to locate human remains. The only means to view Monja is by an approach over the beach, and to climb the cliffs. We have visited the tunnels and the powder magazine and there's nothing there, except adventure and a difficult climb.