The mount’s military past

Mount Davis was proposed as a strategic military location for British forces in 1900, and was developed for that purpose in 1911. Five 9.2-inch guns were installed at the site, though two of these were later relocated to Stanley to strengthen defences on the south of the island.

The site was heavily bombed by Japanese planes during the Battle of Hong Kong (8-25 December), which started just a few hours after the attack on Pearl Harbour. Towards the end of the battle, the remaining armaments and equipment were destroyed by British soldiers themselves.

Today, Mount Davis has a Grade 2 heritage listing (“Building of special merit; efforts should be made to selectively preserve”).