Fort Drum, also known as the “Concrete Battleship,” is a heavily fortified island fortress built by the United States in the Philippines before World War II. Located at the mouth of Manila Bay, near Corregidor Island, it was designed to defend against naval invasions. Key Facts: 1. Origins and Construction: • Built between 1909 and 1914, Fort Drum was constructed on the naturally small island of El Fraile. • The original island was leveled and expanded with reinforced concrete to resemble the shape of a battleship. • The structure was equipped with thick reinforced concrete walls up to 36 feet (11 meters) thick, making it resistant to heavy artillery bombardments. 2. Armament: • Fort Drum was armed with four 14-inch guns mounted in two twin turrets (similar to a real battleship’s main guns). These were capable of firing shells over 19 miles. • Secondary armaments included anti-aircraft guns and smaller-caliber weapons to defend against air and sea attacks. • The fort also had a concrete superstructure, resembling a ship’s deck, complete with observation posts and fire-control systems. 3. Role in World War II: • Fort Drum played a critical role during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1941-42. • It withstood repeated Japanese aerial and naval bombardments during the Battle of Corregidor and was one of the last Allied positions to fall. • In 1945, during the liberation of the Philippines, U.S. forces retook the fort from the Japanese. The operation included pumping fuel into the fort’s interior and igniting it, effectively neutralizing the remaining enemy forces inside. 4. Legacy: • After the war, Fort Drum was abandoned and remains in its ruined state. • Its unique design and history as a “stationary battleship” make it a fascinating relic of military engineering and strategy. Current Condition: • The fort still stands as a rusted and overgrown concrete shell. It is a popular destination for history buffs and adventure seekers exploring Manila Bay, though access is limited due to its dilapidated state and safety concerns. #fortdrum #navy #ww2 #fy #fyp #foryou #fypシ - @abyssmadness