Battery Way

For me these stubby mortars will never be as sexy as the big coastal rifles. However, no one can argue that both of Corregidor’s mortar batteries certainly earned their place in history. They are well worth a visit.

Considering all the pounding Battery Way received in WWII it is still quite intact. Exterior battle scars are everywhere but interior magazines and passageways are in very good condition.

Since Battery Way is on the day tour, the grounds are swept daily plus vegetation and garbage are kept in check. I hate to say it but I feel a slight artificial feeling to the place when comparing it to un-groomed locations.

I notice that the mortars have been painted a dark green in the last year or two. My photos were taken in different seasons and even different years so you will notice slight changes in the same scene. In the rainy season the battery has moss growing in many areas.

Detailed battery history is on Corregidor.org so I will not repeat it here.

A pre-war view of Battery Way’s gun pit.

Here is an unlabeled photo of a battery shell room. The room is far too deep to be from Battery Way but I expect they all looked similar. Note the rail and winch system to move the shells. The rails still exist in many part of the this battery as you will soon see.

Another view of a shell room.

Mortar right side view

Mortar left side view

Mortar front view

Powder charge view

700 lb deck piercing shell

700 lb high explosive shell

1046 lb deck piercing shell

Mortar specs

Mortar specs (cont’d)

Have you ever wondered what these mortars looked like when being loaded and fired? Here is a short video for you.

Configuration sketch of Battery Way