Can you imagine soldiers drilling here? This is Gun Club Hill Barracks. It stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s colonial past and its present. Let’s explore its story.
Gun Club Hill Barracks is located in King’s Park Kowloon. It occupies a significant place in Hong Kong’s military history. The British Army first used this area shortly after 1860. This followed the acquisition of Kowloon.
Its name origin remains somewhat mysterious. It likely came from a gun club. Perhaps it was named after the King’s Park gun range.
Initially troops rotated from Wellington and Victoria Barracks. These barracks were on Hong Kong Island. Over time Gun Club Hill Barracks evolved. Tents and matsheds initially housed soldiers. They carried out shooting practice here.
Permanent structures were built between 1903 and 1904. These buildings housed the Asiatic Artillery. This unit consisted of Sikh and Punjabi Mussulman Companies. They were called Gun Lascars.
Four companies of soldiers were billeted here. New barrack blocks flanked the parade ground. These blocks were completed in 1905. According to records the construction used brick and granite. It also featured the best Manilla Hardwood. Outlet walls were made of Amoy Brick. Inner walls used Canton Brick.
By 1909 additional buildings appeared. The layout included an Infants School. There was also a Followers Hut. A Sikh or Muslim cook-house was also added. Other buildings included NCOs Quarters. There was a Guard House plus a Sergeants Mess. An Officers Mess and small Medical Centre completed the site.
Gun Club Hill Barracks saw the organisation of its first battalion in 1910. It comprised around 446 soldiers. This included eight staff sergeants and 43 mounted troops. The battalion had 312 soldiers from artillery companies. Sixty came from engineer companies. Twenty-three band members completed the unit.
The Officers’ Mess had a facelift. An annex was added to the south elevation facing Chatham Road. A new remodelled entrance wing was added by 1930. It still stands today.
During the Japanese occupation equipment was abandoned. This occurred during the withdrawal to Hong Kong Island. British guns on the island silenced Japanese artillery.
After the war a number of regiments were stationed here. The United Services Recreation Club also shared the compound. The Intelligence and Security Company occupied the old Colony Club building.
In 1977 some older buildings were demolished. This made way for new Gurkha MQs. They also built a Temple Clinic and School. The Gurkha Transport Regiment and Gurkha Signal moved here. Victoria Junior School also relocated.
Excavations in 1986 unearthed a skeleton. It was said to date from the Japanese occupation.
In 1997 a new chapter began. Hong Kong’s sovereignty transferred to China. The People’s Liberation Army PLA garrisoned the barracks. A hospital was constructed around this time for the PLA.
Today the PLA still occupies Gun Club Hill Barracks. Some buildings within the complex are listed. They have Grade II and III status.
From Gun Lascars to the PLA this site has seen it all. Gun Club Hill Barracks stands silently now. It watches over the city’s evolving story. It connects colonial history with Hong Kong’s modern era.