police observation posts in the frontier closed area at the border of

Title

The fortified line: police observation posts in the frontier closed area at the border of Hong Kong and Shenzhen

Author(s) Tse, Ching-kan, Curry.; 謝正勤

Citation

Issued Date 2006

URL

Rights http://hdl.handle.net/10722/56063

The author retains all proprietary rights, (such as patent rights) and the right to use in future works.

The Fortified Line:

Police Observation Posts in the Frontier Closed Area at the Border of Hong Kong and Shenzhen

By

TSE Ching Kan Curry

B.A.(A.S.) M.Arch

Registered Architect (HK)

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the

Degree of Master of Science in Conservation at the University of Hong Kong

October 2006

The Fortified Line:

Police Observation Posts in the Frontier Closed Area at the Border of Hong Kong and Shenzhen

Police Observation Post at Nga Yiu, has been guarding at the border of Hong Kong since 1949

Tse Ching Kan, Curry [1993158903]

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Abstract

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Police Observation Posts in the Frontier Closed Area at the Border of Hong Kong and Shenzhen

The land frontier of Hong Kong extends 16 miles from Mirs Bay in the East to

Deep Bay in the West, following the Shum Chun River. Frontier defense for

Hong Kong Police was severely challenged during the 1948-1949 period when there was a large influx of refugees from Mainland China due to civil war.

The border was once guarded by the operation of a chain of Police Observation

Posts constructed in the period of 1949 to 1953. There are seven of these Posts in a chain, covering whole of the land frontier. Each was within sight of one or more of its neighbouring Posts and they were so sited at prominent hill features, which gave them excellent field of observation. They were of similar design and were called “MacIntosh’s Cathedrals” after their designer Sir Duncan William

MacIntosh C.M.G., O.B.E., the Commissioner of Police from 1946 to 1953.

The seven Observation Posts provided Hong Kong Police Force a strong physical presence along the territory’s first line of defense and they are the only surviving tangible features to remind us the once closely guarded border.

The open up of the frontier closed area in the near future will impose opportunities and threats to the conservation of the Police Observation Posts.

Tse Ching Kan, Curry [1993158903] i

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Declaration

I declare that that this dissertation represents my own work, except where due acknowledgement is made, and that it has not been previously included in a thesis, dissertation or report submitted to this University or to any other institution for a degree, diploma or other qualification. All illustration (drawings and photographs) reproduced in this dissertation, except where due acknowledgement is made, are the original work of the author.

Signed _____________________________________

TSE Ching Kan, Curry

Tse Ching Kan, Curry [1993158903] ii

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Acknowledgement

I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of the following advisors, specialists and individuals. They all provide generous help, guidance and offer critical comments during the course of my preparation of this dissertation.

Without their assistance and encouragement, this dissertation could not be made possible.

Dissertation supervisors: Dr. Ho-yin Lee and Dr. Lynne DiStefano

Professional conservation advisors: Dr. Wah-sang Wong and Mr. Howard Tanner

Antiquities and Monument Office: Mr. Bob Horsnell

Hong Kong Police Force

Hong Kong Police Museum

Architectural Services Department – Property Section

Tse Ching Kan, Curry [1993158903] iii

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Table of Contents Page

Abstract i

Declaration ii

Acknowledgement iii

1.

Introduction 1

1.1

Background

1.2

Objectives

1.3

Scope

1.4

Definition of Terms

1.5

Theoretical Framework

1.6

Hypothesis

1.7

Methodology

1.8

Organization of the Study

2.

The Military Architecture of the Frontier Closed Area 13

2.1

Historical and Political Background

2.1.1

The Sino-British Border

2.1.2

The Nga Yiu Incident

2.1.3

Sir Duncan William MacIntosh

2.2

The Military Architecture

2.2.1

A Military Defense System

2.2.2

Pillbox Principle

2.2.3

The Linear Operation System


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2.2.4

The Architecture of Police Observation Posts

2.2.5

Current Conditions

2.3

Cultural Significance of Police Observation Posts

3.

The of

3.1

Conservation Policies

3.2

The Challenges

3.3

The Way Forward

Bibliography

39


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1

Introduction


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1.

Introduction

1.1

Background

The land frontier of Hong Kong extends 16 miles from Mirs Bay in the East to

Deep Bay in the West (Figure 1.1), following the Shenzhen River. Frontier defence for Hong Kong Police was severely challenged during the 1948-1949 period when there was a large influx of refugees from Mainland China due to civil war.

One of the most important border control was the operation of a chain of Police

Observation Posts.

There are seven of these Posts in a chain, covering whole of the land frontier.

Each was within sight of one or more of its neighbouring Posts and they were so sited at prominent hill features, which gave them excellent field of observation.

They were of similar design and were called “MacIntosh’s Cathedrals” after their designer Sir Duncan William MacIntosh C.M.G., O.B.E., the Commissioner of

Police from 1946 to 1953.

The seven Observation Posts were constructed up to 1953 and they provided

Hong Kong Police Force a strong physical presence along the territory’s first line of defence.

The Observation Posts are still under the administration and use by Hong Kong

Police but they are no longer manned. Physical observation is replaced by

Infra-red photographic and telecommunication system.

The fenced-off areas of the posts are restricted from public access and entry to the Frontier Closed Area requires application of special permit.

Tse Ching Kan, Curry [1993158903] 1

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<Figure 1.1 Map showing the extent of Frontier Closed Area of Hong Kong>


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1.2

Objectives

The study aims to achieve the following objectives:

(a) to investigate the historical and political background of Police Observation

Posts in the context of the Frontier Closed Area;

(b) to assess the cultural significance for the Police Observation Posts;

(c) to analyze issues regarding the conservation of Police Observation Posts;

(d) to formulate conservation policies for the Cultural Landscape of the Police

Observation Posts in Frontier Closed Area.

(e) To address challenges to the conservation of the Police Observation Posts in the new future.


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1.3

Scope

The focus of this dissertation is conservation of the cultural landscape for the seven Police Observation Posts initiated by Sir D. W. MacIntosh for Hong Kong

Frontier Closed Area in the period from 1949 to 1953.

The Police Observation Posts are located at (Figure 1.2):

(1) Pak Kung Au ( 伯公坳 )

(2) Kong Shan ( 缸山 )

(3) Pak Fu Shan ( 白虎山 )

Yiu )

Nam 南坑 )

(6) Ma Tso Lung ( 馬草壟 )

(7) Pak Hok Chau ( 白鶴洲 )

The Nga Yiu Observation Post is selected for detailed description of the architectural and landscape features.

<Figure 1.2 Locations of the seven Police Observation Posts within the FCA>


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The scope on conservation of the Police Observation Posts includes the followings:

Establishment of significance for the cultural landscape of the Posts, with special regard to their historical background and context.

Summary of affecting issues

Establishment of Conservation Policies


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1.4

Definition of Terms

Throughout this study a number of terminologies will be used repeatedly to define the fundamental concepts related to this research.

Definitions are reproduced from the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter , 1999, as follows:

Place means site, area, land, landscape, building or other work, group of buildings or other works, and may include components, contents, spaces and views.

Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific or social value for past, present or future generations.

Fabric means all the physical material of the place , including components, fixtures, contents, and objects.

Conservation means all the processes of looking after a place so as to retain its cultural significance .

Maintenance means the continuous protective care of the fabric and setting of a place , and is to be distinguished from repair. Repair involves restoration or reconstruction .

Preservation means maintaining the fabric of a place in its existing state and retarding deterioration.

Restoration means returning the existing fabric of a place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing components without the introduction of new material.


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Reconstruction means returning a place to a known earlier state and is distinguished from restoration by the introduction of materials [new or old] into the fabric .

Adaptation means modifying a place to suit the existing use or a proposed use.

Use means the functions of a place, as well as the activities and practices that may occur at the place .

Compatible use means a use which respects the cultural significance of the place . Such a use involves no, or minimal, impact on cultural significance.

Setting means the area around a place , which may include the visual catchment.

Related place means a place that contributes to the cultural significance of another place.

Related object means an object that contributes to the cultural significance of a place but is not at the place.

Associations mean the special connections that exist between people and a place .

Meanings denote what a place signifies, indicates, evokes or expresses.

Interpretation means all the ways of presenting the cultural significance of a place .


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Definitions connected with Cultural Landscape are reproduced from UNESCO

Operational Guidelines: Establishment of the World Heritage List 2000, as follows:

Cultural Landscapes represent the combined works of nature and of man...They are illustrative of the evolution of human society and settlement over time, under the influence of the physical constraints and/or opportunities presented by their natural environment and of successive social, economic and cultural forces, both external and internal... the term cultural landscape embraces a diversity of manifestations of the interaction between humankind and its natural environment.

Organically evolved landscape results from an initial social, economic, administrative, and/or religious imperative and has developed its present form by association with and in response to its natural environment. Such landscapes reflect that process of evolution in their form and component features. they fall into two sub-categories... relict (or fossil) landscape... and continuing landscape.

Relic landscape is one which an evolutionary came to an end at some time in the past, either abruptly or over a period of time. its significant distinguishing features are however still visible in the material form.

Continuing landscape is one that retains an active social role in contempary society closely associated with the traditional way of life, and in which the evolutionary process is still in progress. At the same time it exhibits significant material evidence of its evolution over time.


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1.5

Theoretical Framework

(a) Conservation Process

The conservation process adopted in this study is based on Kerr's (2000) model of conservation plan and the 'Conservation Plans for Historic Places' by

Heritage Lottery Fund, UK (no date). They are described briefly below:

Kerr gives the definition of a conservation plan as "a document which set out what is significant in a place and, consequently, what polices are appropriate to enable that significance to be retained in its future use and development" (2000, p.1). He identifies two stages to carry out a conservation plan. This model emphasizes the importance of the collection of evidence and information on the place in question with details and the understanding of requirements concerning with the place. Then conservation policies can be formulated. Chapter 3 broadly follows this model.

(b) Assessment of Cultural Significance

The assessment of the cultural significance of the Police Observation Posts, with special focus on their architectural and contextual significance in the

Frontier Closed Area is based on the criteria defined by Kerr (2000) and the

Burra Charter (Australia ICOMOS, 1999).

(c) Formulation of Conservation Policies

“Once the significance of a place is understood, informed policy decisions can be made which will enable that significance to be retained, revealed or, at least, impaired as little as possible.”


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- James Semple Kerr’s Conservation Plan (Kerr, 4)

The policies for conserving the Police Observation Posts will set out in Chapter 3.

The Burra Charter (Australia ICOMOS, 1999) will be used as reference. These policies will set the framework to facilitate future decisions on what and how to proceed with the conservation and any possible development for or near to the

Police Observation Posts in the Frontier Closed Area.

1.6 Hypothesis

The establishment of historical, contextual and architectural significance of the cultural landscape of Police Observation Posts in Frontier Closed Area of Hong

Kong and will help formulating a sound Conservation Policy.

This may help conserving the Police Observation Posts within the long-term development framework of Frontier Closed Area.


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1.7 Methodology

Both primary and secondary information sources were used to gather information regarding the historical development of Police Observation Posts in Frontier

Closed Area of Hong Kong. The primary source of information was obtained from site visits to the Posts. Several interviews with appropriate personnel were arranged and recorded.

The secondary sources of the research include the following:

(a) Survey sheets and aerial photographs from Survey and Mapping Office of

Lands Department;

(b) Historic archive files of Colonial Office from Public Record Office;

(c) Previous research record from Antiquities and Monuments Office;

(d) Exhibits of Police Museum;

(e) Publications such as books, internet articles and newspapers;

(f) Record of interviews.


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1.8 Organization of the Study

Chapter 2 describes and assess the historical, architectural and contextual significance of the Police Observation Posts in the Frontier Closed Area. These aspects of significance will be summarized in terms of cultural significance of the identified cultural landscape that forms the core value in subsequent stages of the research.

Chapter 3 formulates the conservation policies based on the established statement of cultural significance of Chapter 2. These policies will guide future actions concerning the cultural landscape of Police Observation Posts. It further identifies challenges to the conservation of the Police Observation Posts in the near future. The way forward for these Observation Posts and their cultural landscape will be presented as a conclusion of the study.


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2

The Military Architecture of

The Frontier Closed Area


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2. The Military Architecture of the Frontier Closed Area

2.1 Historical and Political Background

2.1.1 The Sino-British Border

History of the chain of Police Observation Posts is closely related to the history of the Sino-British border. By the Convention between Great Britain and China signed at Beijing on 9 th

of June, 1898 regarding the extension of the Hong Kong territory, the area which came to be known as the New Territories comprising the area north of

Kowloon up to Sham Chun River, Mirs Bay, Deep Bay and 235 islands were leased for a term of 99 years.

<Figure 2.1 1898 map showing the Shenzhen river and the nearby hill tops>

The border was a vague border and people migrate in and out constantly from 1898 to 1954 when the Frontier Closed Area was established (Figure 2.1).

After World War II, the turbulence in mainland China due to civil war, there was a


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Police Observation Posts in the Frontier Closed Area at the Border of Hong Kong and Shenzhen vast influx of refugees from mainland China into Hong Kong. In 1945 when Hong

Kong was liberated, the population was estimated at 500,000. As the territory regrouped and settled there was an upsurge in immigration and by the end of 1947 the population had increased to about 1,800,000. In the period of 1948 to 1949, as a result of unsettled conditions in China due to civil war and the increasing successes of communist armies, a large influx of refugees from the mainland started.

Approximately 750,000, mainly from Kwantung Province, Shanghai and other commercial centres entered Hong Kong during 1949 and early 1950. This reached its climax in early 1950 when Hong Kong population reached 2,360,000.

Amongst the refugees were the defeated remnants of the Kuo Min Tang Nationalist armies and also some common criminals. Crime was not uncommon along the border.

Arms of all descriptions were available and gangs of armed men raided villages near the border. There were even frequent gun battles between police and gangsters and there were several cases of policemen being killed and the guns stolen.

Since 1947, there was a five year plan to construct new stations near the border to strengthen defense. The new stations were constructed in various designs from

Nissen Huts to Blockhouse. The final design was a permanent-type brick blockhouse.

However, an incident occurred in the border, leaded to an evaluation of post design and defense strategy along the border.


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2.1.2 The Nga Yiu Incident

On May 2 1949, a four-man police patrol left Ta Ku Ling Police Station and shortly after midnight was ambushed at Chung Tuen Ha on the Border Road between Ta

Kwu Ling and Lin Ma Hang. The attackers, a gang of more than ten men, fired on the officers and one police constable was killed instantly, while another was slightly wounded. The culprits escaped, taking with them the dead constable’s service revolver. The same gang struck again fifteen days later on the night of May 17 with an attack on Nga Yiu Post near Ta Ku Ling, where four constables were on duty.

<Figure 2.2 Single storey Block Houses – Type A & Type B built in1947. Source:

Public Record Office>


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<Figure 2.3 Single storey smaller Block House – Type C built in 1947. Source:

Public Record Office>

In those days the posts were only brick structures of two to three rooms without any form of perimeter fence or facilities of any kind (Figure 2.2 and Figure 2.3). Two constables left the post to visit a local tea house situated about 100 yards away, but out of sight of the post. A third constable decided to take a bath, leaving the fourth constable on guard duty outside the post. Whilst away from the post the there constables heard the sound of shots being fired. Three men were seen running from the post carrying weapons and the body of the constable who had been left on duty was found outside the post where he had been shot twice from the back. The two constables in the teahouse were prevented from taking action by two armed men in what was obviously a well planned operation.


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The gang escaped in the direction of the Shum Chun River and took with them a Sten gun and two rifles, and the dead constable’s revolver. Three days later, acting on in formation provided by New Territories officers, a body of Chinese troops mounted an attack on the gang’s hideout in a village four miles north of Shum Chun. In the encounter three of the gang was killed and five were captured. Seized in the raid were all weapons stolen from the post, including the revolver taken from the constable killed in the previous ambush on the Border Road.

At the same period of time, there was a change of British Policy towards the new

Communist China. There was a threat of the Communist force to extend into Hong

Kong as they had made substantial progress towards the Southern coast of China.

The Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Alexander Grantham, pointed out that he had already been given the authority to expand the police, for which he had asked the

Colonial Office to begin recruiting European officers due to the worry of mass influx of communists into the colony. The chain of fortified posts was then designed at auspicious locations such as hill top to define an obvious British side of military control while at the same time, provide excellent guarding position towards the entry of communist troops.

In such consideration, the Observation Posts have been occupied by the “home guard” army from Britain for some years before they were fully operated by Royal

Hong Kong Police to suppress illegal entry.


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2.1.3 Sir Duncan William MacIntosh

After the Nga Yiu incident, the two storey brick posts were proved to be insufficient in protecting the officers who were on duty in the post. Commissioner of Police, Sir

Duncan William MacIntosh, C.M.G., O.B.E. (Figure 2.4) commanded evaluation of the design and the overall strategy for border defense.

Sir Duncan William MacIntosh assumed command of Hong Kong Police Force on

November 22 1946. The police force he took over was decimated, its equipment lost or looted, its stations largely destroyed during Japanese occupation. At age of sixteen he joined the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1920 and served with that force until 1922 when he joined Airdrie Burgh Police. In 1929 he was appointed an Inspector of

Police in the Straits Settlements and was interned in Singapore during the occupation.

After the war he became Acting Commissioner of Singapore Police, from where he was posted as Commissioner of Hong Kong in 1946.

<Figure 2.4 Commissioner of Police, Sir Duncan William MacIntosh, C.M.G.,

O.B.E.>


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The Police Observation Posts was later called as “MacIntosh Cathedral” due to its distinctive appearance, outline against the sky and named after Sir Duncan William

MacIntosh, C.M.G., O.B.E.

Commissioner MacIntosh was responsible for reorganizing the Hong Kong Police

Force after the liberation and he laid strong foundations for a force meant to last. One of the most important tasks he took was to improve the low morale among his men in the force by beginning a long battle with the government to upgrade police pay, conditions of service, above all living accommodation. He also concentrated on improving professional standards and reorganized the Police Training School. He succeeded in his efforts in boosting morale, improving recruitment and establishing an efficient Police Force of Hong Kong.


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2.2 The Military Architecture

2.2.1 A Military Defense System

The protection of the whole border of 35 kilometres in length is not achieved by a single device but a collaboration of different military defense agents, both physically and operationally. The construction of the Posts was regarded as one of these agents, which also included the Primary Fence along the Shum Chun River to Sha Tau Kok village. The so-called “snake fence” and the Main Fence were later constructed to enhance the whole system to prevent illegal immigration.

There were thermal imagers set up in five of the seven Observation Posts which have to be manned during the hour of darkness. An imager was still housed in the observation tower of Nga Yiu Post.

The frontier of Hong Kong is divided into three sections which is Sha Tau Kok (

沙頭

角

), Ta Ku Leng (

打鼓嶺

) and Lok Ma Chau (

落馬州

), each with its complement of

Observation Posts and controlled by a parent station in each section.

Sha Tau Kok (

沙頭角

) section controls the Pak Kung Au (

伯公坳

) Post;

Ta Ku Leng (

打鼓嶺

) section, the central and largest one, has four Posts at Kong

Shan (

缸山

), Pak Fu Shan (

白虎山

), Nga Yiu (

瓦瑤

) and Nam Hang(

南坑

);

Lok Ma Chau (

落馬州

) section controls Ma Tso Lung (

馬草壟

) and Pak Hok Chau

(

白鶴洲

) Posts.

These Posts were placed as eyes and ears of the British along the border with


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Communist China during early years of their operation. In actual operation, each of these hill-top “satellites” report to their mother station by radio signal while they maintain a visual link to the neighboring post.

Frontier Battalion was the actual military presence in the Border. Battalion

Headquarter was located at Sheung Shui. There were usually three companies manning the border from Sha Tau Kok, Man Kam To to Sandy Spur and one company held at reserve. Operational Military Commanders were able to deploy their manpower in response to prevailing condition, including manning observation posts for a prolonged operation. In such way, anti-illegal immigration operations at border were carried out in military fashion especially during late 1940s when the situation of border was tense.

The military involvement in the border security has been gradually replaced by the establishment of Field Patrol Detachment (F.P.D.) of Hong Kong Police Force in

1990.


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2.2.2 Pillbox Principle

The system of observation posts was designed according to the pillbox principle but built using concepts from Blockhouse construction

“Each of these posts, which are now well known as ‘MacIntosh Cathedrals’ to the

N.T. Police, are built on the W.D. (War Department) ‘pill-box’ principle though on a much larger scale and are sufficient to house the personnel who operate the post.”

1

The most apparent British Second World War defence structure is the pillbox, a low concrete building with openings known as loopholes for firing weapons from. They are sometimes referred as ‘blockhouses’, ‘strong posts’ or ‘machine-gun nests’, these buildings are simply known today as ‘bunkers’ or ‘pillboxes’ (Figure 2.5).

<Figure 2.5 British coastal artillery casemate, an example of pillbox construction.

Source: Walls of War p.128 >

1

p.26 The Hong Kong Police Magazine, December, 1951


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The idea of a small defensive position from which a garrison of soldiers could keep an attacking enemy at bay is not unique to the Second World War. Direct comparisons can be made to the Roman mile forts positioned along Hadrian’s Wall in the North of England almost 2000 years ago.

The Roman army constructed towers for signaling and observation. Mauch has been written on Roman signal stations and methods of communication, but little can be proved. Chains of closely spaced towers for observation of the frontier first appear in the late first century in Britain and Germany. In Britain it seems possible that the towers along the road running north from Ardoch to Bertha in Perthshire were constructed between 79 and 86. The closeness of the towers from half a mile to a mile apart – emphasizes that the occupants were not concerned with sending messages, but with the observation of the movement of people across the frontier line

( – From Roman Forts in Britain p.45)

<Figure 2.6 View-line study of a pillbox. Source: Geogorian>


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Another ancestor of the pillbox are the larger Martello Towers, built between 1805 and 1812 to guard the coast of England against any possible invasion by French armies. Various designs and patterns of blockhouses were constructed by the British during the Second Boer War of South Africa (1899-1902), during which the British erected an elaborate network of nine thousand blockhouses linked by eight thousand kilometers of barbed-wire entanglements. There were variations in shapes for the adaptation to site condition and construction materials in which the “Magaliesgerg” pattern also has the chevron or obtuse arrowhead shaped plan (Figure 2.7). They were also constructed on a round hill top with a leveled terrace.

< Figure 2.7 Floor plan of the Magaliesberg pattern blockhouse>


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Similar extensive construction of over six thousand blockhouses was also applied by the British troop along the Palestine and Transjordan border under the British

Mandate in the period of 1940-1946 for the purpose of stopping the extensive illegal immigration of Jews.

It coincides with the descriptions from the special display case dedicated to

Commissioner MacIntosh in the Force Museum in Coombe Road, Hong Kong, which written as “These small police posts are believed to have been modeled on a similar design of police post constructed in the Middle East during and after the

Second World War” (Figure 2.8). These precedent events and strategic solutions provided sufficient resources when the British came into consideration of border defence of Hong Kong.

<Figure 2.8 Historic photo of Nga Yiu post and the model of the post on display at the Force Museum. Source: Sinclair, Asia’s Finest March On>


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2.2.3 The Linear Operation System

The operation of pillbox has particular rule to follow, otherwise it will become a death trap. “The narrow loopholes limited the defender’s vision, meaning that the pillbox had major blind spots. This vulnerability meant that pillboxes would very rarely be positioned on their own. For maximum defence, they would all be interlinked in a form of linear defence that provided mutual cover. The ultimate example of this was the defence line”

2

(Figure 2.9).

The seven observation posts were constructed at strategic locations in relation to the

Sino-British border. Such strategic locations were hilltops and slopes towards certain defensive spots.

< Figure 2.9 Map showing the relationship of the seven posts operating in a line >

The body of posts was lime-washed in white and posted with British flag, expressed obviously their presence on hilltops and regime of the British. Such prominence was also read as a strong political gesture in the stage of border (Figure 2.8).

2

p.11Pillbox pocket guide


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<Figure 2.10 Nga Yiu (shown as “Ma Yu”) post at its prominent location.>


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<Figure 2.11 Location Plan of Pak Hok Chau Police Observation Post>


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<Figure 2.12 Location Plan of Ma Tso Lung Police Observation Post>


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<Figure 2.13 Location Plan of Nam Hang Police Observation Post>


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<Figure 2.14 Location Plan of Nga Yiu Police Observation Post>


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<Figure 2.15 Location Plan of Pak Fu Shan Police Observation Post>


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<Figure 2.16 Location Plan of Kong Shan Police Observation Post>


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<Figure 2.17 Location Plan of Pak Kung Au Police Observation Post>


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2.2.4 The Architecture of Police Observation Posts

All the posts were in reinforced concrete to the same method of construction and design. It was pillbox construction with their military significance of fast construction, low cost and robust. Centrally, there is a round, two-storied observation tower and jutting from its sides are two long, one-storied arms. The plan of the post is in a shape of a chevron with an angle of 30 degree and such configuration is also known as the “butterfly” plan.

For all seven posts in the F.C.A., their front face the North (Shum Chun River) and the gorges at the rear face the South with slight adjustment of angles to cover the whole visual catchments (Figure 2.11 to Figure 2.17). The two single-storied arms have flat roofs and battlemented parapet walls. The observation towers are constructed with octagonal flat roofs and a 4-foot wide overhang at the eaves (Figure

2.18).

< Figure 2.18 photo of Nga Yiu Post, showing its eave overhang and battlemented parapet walls >


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The upper storey of the tower is the Control Room, equipped with radio and telephone, which is manned continuously. The windows which are around the circumference of the tower afford 360 degree arc of vision to the duty constable. The

Control Room gives access on either side of the flat roof of the arms of the post. This roof has a low castellated parapet, and forms the Observation Bridge where petrol generator and search light are installed. The bridge is also manned throughout the twenty-four hours of the day.

The lower storey of the tower forms the men’s mess room. In one of the wings there is a sleeping accommodation for the personnel, with built in bunks and lockers. In the other wing there is a kitchen, toilet, shower and storage space. The windows of the ground floor perform the dual function of admitting light and protecting the post, since they are fitted with movable steel shutters bearing loopholes. Modern installations like room coolers, infra-red imagers, external cat ladders, safety railings, windows to upper storey and flag post used to erect British flag were later additions.

In such fenced compound of each post there is a separate ablution block and generator house and at some locations there are rainwater catchments discharging into underground water storage tanks.

Outer defenses consist of a barbed wire topped chain link fence, slit trenches, barbed wire entanglements and at some locations concrete bunkers sunk into the hillside.

Dense thickets and tangled undergrowth form a natural defense outside the perimeter.

The chains of Police Observation Posts were built by the Architectural Office

(A.O.) – Defence Works Group under the Public Works Department (P.W.D.). The main building contractor for the posts was Fook Lee Construction Company.


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2.2.5 Current Conditions

Since the construction of the Posts, the building maintenance and provision of new facilities were carried out by Public Works Department (P.W.D.) until the formation of Architectural Services Department.

In 1953 when all the seven Posts were just constructed, they were furnished with modern equipment by P.W.D. which include Arms stand to carry rifles and guns, wireless aerials and a ship’s clock. There was also request to alter the windows in the

Posts to open upwards to give the searchlight operator an uninterrupted field of vision.

When the Posts were first constructed, they were painted in lime wash for both internal and external walls. Such practice was ceased due to heavy maintenance that incurred and changed to use cement paint in 1953. The current dark-green paints were applied during recent routine maintenance by Architectural Services

Department. Besides that, Architectural Services Department has also upgraded the internal surface finishes of floor, walls, kitchen and furniture in dormitory.

Part of the fabric that was constructed in 1950s have been altered in the process but scope of such alteration have been documented by ArchSD. The most recent upgrading and maintenance works were carried out by Arch SD in 2004 with internal and external repainting, re-roofing, repairing of doors and windows, maintenance of perimeter lightings and chain-link fences.


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2.3

Cultural Significance of Police Observation Posts

A place is understood by multiple aspects from its history, architecture to its social context. According to Burra Charter, not only the physical fabric, but also the setting, use, associations, meanings and records of a place should be considered when appraising its value (Australia ICOMOS, 1999). It is by the understanding of these aspects that analysis of its cultural significance can be accomplished.

The socio-political circumstances that directly leaded to and associated with the

Police Observation Posts within the Frontier Closed Area of Hong Kong were no longer exist.

The architectural Significance of the Police Observation Posts is the key to the understanding of all other aspects of the cultural significance of this particular cultural landscape. It is a defense system for border surveillance purpose and its form reflects the physical border as well as the political boundary between

British Hong Kong and the Communist China, both political entities belong to a bygone era.

Therefore, the tangible architecture is the overriding element for conservation, without which, all intangible elements cease to have meaning.


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3

The Future

Of Police Observation Posts


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3.

The Future of Police Observation Posts

3.1

Conservation Policy

This Chapter sets out conservation policies for the conservation of the Police

Observation Posts in Frontier Closed Area of Hong Kong. These conservation policies are formulated with the focus to sustain its significance in the cultural landscape and to guide future action for its conservation.

It envisages future development within the Frontier Closed Area to coordinate with heritage value of the Police Observation Posts and the cultural landscape.

The Conservation Policies are prepared with the following purposes:

(a) To establish the seven Police Observation Posts as part of the cultural landscape for conservation;

(b) To guide future developmental planning and study regarding the Frontier Closed

Area;

(c) To provide proper documentation of heritage value of the Police Observation

Posts;

(d) To contribute to the mapping of built heritage within Frontier Closed Area and engage more attention on significance of this cultural landscape.


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For purpose of this dissertation, the following assumptions apply:

1.

No account on statutory requirement, client’s needs and financial implication when preparing these Conservation Policies.

2.

The conservation approach is rehabilitation and adaptation.

The Conservation Policies are based on the cultural significance identified in Chapter

2. References are made to James Kerr’s “Conservation Plan”, “Principles for the

Conservation of Heritage Sites in China” (China ICOMOS, 2002) and the Standard and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Place in Canada (Parks Canada,

2004). The policies have been addressed in this sequence:

1.

General Policies

2.

On Managing Changes


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General Policies

The following statements outline board Conservation Policies for the cultural landscape of Police Observation Posts in the F.C.A.

(a) The Police Observation Posts and the associated character-defining elements should be conserved.

(b) Proper recognition of cultural significance of the Police Observation Posts and associated cultural landscape should be made.

(c) The current statutory protection of the Police Observation Posts should be reviewed.

(d) The cultural significance identified in Chapter 2.3 should be accepted as reference for future conservation and development purposes. It should form part of the overall mapping exercise on built heritage in the Frontier Closed Area.

Further research and documentation of this cultural landscape should be carried out.

(e) Any adverse changes to the cultural landscape of Police Observation Posts should be avoided.

(f) The significant character-defining elements should be identified, fully documented and studied.


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On Managing Changes

This section covers attitudes, processes and advisory resources necessary for the efficient management of possible change to the cultural landscape of Police

Observation Posts in such a way that the cultural significance is retained.

Adoption of conservation policies for the Police Observation Posts

Policy 1.1

The conservation policies for the Police Observation Posts as set out in this chapter should be adopted as a mean of reference and guidance for the proponent of any sort of development that may affect their context.

Policy 1.2

The proponent of any development plan within the F.C.A. that encroach the Police Observation Posts should consult with the Antiquities Authority or relevant Authorities which concern about the cultural landscape of Police

Observation Posts before applying these conservation policies and commencement of such development.

Management of Cultural Landscape

Policy 1.3

The management of various land and features within the cultural landscape of Police Observation Posts in F.C.A. may be under purview of different stakeholders. They should be fully informed for the conservation management strategies by understanding the cultural significance of the place.

Policy 1.4

Conservation experts should form part of the management team to oversee the implementation of conservation works for the significant character-defining elements (China ICOMOS, 2002, Article 8) of the cultural landscape.


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Policy 1.5

The tasks of the management team should include, among others, the followings:

(a) Integration of conservation into the management of the character-defining elements. (China ICOMOS, 2002, Article 24)

(b) Provision of long term conservation strategy for the significant character-defining elements. (China ICOMOS, 2002, Commentary 11.3.2)

(c) Appreciation of the necessary balance between heritage conservation and economic development. (Burra Charter, Article 6, Policy 6.2)

Use of appropriate international conservation charter

Policy 1.6 The conservation of cultural landscape of Police Observation Posts should be carried out in accordance with the “Principles for the Conservation of

Heritage Sites in China” (China ICOMOS, 2002) and the Canadian Guidelines for

Landscapes (Parks Canada, 2004) where appropriate.

Approach to changes to character-defining elements of Police Observation Posts

Policy 1.7

The overall character of the cultural landscape, whether tangible or intangible, should not be compromised upon any development pressure.

On conservation of the physical fabrics and context of Police Observation Posts, the following principles should be applied (China ICOMOS, 2002; Distefano, et al,

2002):

(a) Acceptance of historical changes – Evidences of the evolution should be retained.

(b) Maximum reversibility – any addition or alteration to the tangible


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Police Observation Posts in the Frontier Closed Area at the Border of Hong Kong and Shenzhen character-defining elements, and features that are incompatible and detrimental to the overall landscape character should be removed with minimal damage to the elements’ fabric and integrity.

(c) Minimum intervention – the original landscape character should be retained as much as possible. New materials should be introduced only when necessary and should be compatible with original ones. “The main goals of conservation and management measures are to preserve the site’s existing condition and to slow deterioration” (China ICOMOS, 2002, Article 19).

Policy 1.8 The field of vision of the Observation Posts, being a significant character-defining element of the military architecture, should be maintained and should not be blocked during any future development in the Frontier Closed Area.

Documentation

Policy 1.9

All changes to the tangible and intangible character-defining elements of Police Observation Posts should be logged in details for documentation purpose.

Interpretation

Policy 1.10

The cultural landscape of Police Observation Posts should be interpreted and presented to reflect its significance as a linear defence system in the post-war period in the border area between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Future adaptive reuse of Police Observation Posts

Policy 1.11

Changes of use of Police Observation Posts are allowable, as long as the proposed change of use is compatible with the context of cultural landscape. The future uses should also maintain the appreciation of the cultural significance of the

Observation Posts.


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Community access to the conservation policies

Policy 1.12

The conservation policies should be available to the community so as to enhance the identity of Police Observation Posts and to foster public awareness towards heritage conservation and cultural significance of the Posts.

Review of the conservation policies

Policy 1.13

The conservation policies should be reviewed regularly and upon discovery of new information about the place. It should also take into account of the recent government plan concerning the future use of land as well as the dynamic of the cultural, environmental, economical and political requirements.


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The major challenge of the conservation of the linear defensive system of Police

Observation Posts comes from the opening up of the frontier closed area together with the proposed area reduction of the restricted zone between Hong Kong and

Shenzhen. The challenge to the cultural landscape can be regarded as threats and opportunities for their future:

Threats

Near future threats to the military architecture:

Lack of actual need for the post

open border discussion

economic development to the border area

Under policy address of Chief Executive in Nov 2005, certain areas within the FCA will be opened up with redrafting of the FCA restricted zone after Planning Study

2030 consultation and public review.

Consequences of opening up FCA -public access are the proposals of many planning schemes and options that may result in uncoordinated developments within the FCA

(Figure 3.1). However, it also opens up opportunity for implementation of sustainable development that should take into account of natural and built heritage holistically. Along with the 2030 planning study, twenty-four recognized villages within the existing Frontier Closed Area have been identified (Figure 3.2). Their history, architectural and contextual relationship have not been fully appreciated whereas the natural heritage have been more comprehensively identified.


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<Figure 3.1 Plan showing potential development areas within FCA >

<Figure 3.2 Plan showing the recognized villages within FCA >


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Such deficiency of information about the cultural landscape within the FCA may lead to inappropriate planning solutions and interference of proper conservation of the built heritage items.

The current statutory protection for the Posts is insufficient for safeguarding their significance to be protected against possible future development. These threats will cause the open field of vision which is part of defensive character of the observation posts to be obscured. If such, the architectural significance of the Posts will be diluted.

There will be difficulties for interpretation of this cultural landscape in case of these significant qualities are diminished.

Opportunities

Opportunities are identified issues that contribute positively to the conservation of the place or they provide a constructive condition towards appropriate conservation of the place.

Part of the whole landscape

The statement of cultural significance presented various aspects of the Police

Observation Posts that are valuable to the overall character of the place. The cultural landscape is defined. The line of defense is part of Hong Kong history with special contribution during the post-WWII period. Its context is unique and outstanding in

Hong Kong with its landscape still evolving and character-defining elements in their intact conditions.


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Public Appreciation

The open up of the FCA will allow public access to the originally restricted area without the need of permit application. The land will be accessible by public transport and anticipated that these heritage assets will be introduced to the general public after the long isolation. The increased understanding about the Posts will facilitate the conservation process especially regarding public views and consultation.

Continued Use

Continued use of the Posts by police since 1947 with routine maintenance and up-keeping allows them to be conserved with significant elements in intact form.

There was constant renovation works and maintenance by the Public Works Office and ASD in these years till now. These works are also documented and archived for reference in future conservation works. The conditions of the Posts are intact and pressure from internal developmental impact is minor and under control.

However, the operation of OP has been dramatically changed due to the drop in the number of illegal immigrant and the application of advanced equipment.

Interpretation

Interpretation becomes difficult without the architectural remain as O.P. is the only tangible remain of the existence of a once closely guard border


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The followings summarize the forces that have been and will be influencing the significance of the place, be they internal or external; positive or negative; past, present or future. These issues are grouped as opportunities and constraints for purpose of analysis.

A summary of the analysis is presented in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1

Opportunities Constraints

Intact conditions of the seven Non-statutory protection (only as

Observation Posts and relatively untouched immediate environment.

Presence of significance on graded buildings)

Remoteness and inaccessibility due to entry restriction of FCA and as historical, contextual and Police properties lead to architectural aspects that are under-appreciation of the buildings.

worthy of conservation.

Very strong identity of the Posts with specific function closely related to their locality.

Lack of a comprehensive mapping of built heritage in the FCA.

Opening up of the FCA that leads to opportunity for a comprehensive plan.

Continued use of the buildings as

Observation Posts


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Issues

This Chapter aims to identify the forces that have been and will be influencing the significance of the place, be they internal or external; positive or negative; past, present or future. A summary of the analysis is presented in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2 Summary of Issues

Issues

Intact conditions of the seven Observation Posts and relatively untouched immediate environment.

Presence of significance on historical, contextual and architectural aspects that are worthy of conservation.

Very strong identity of the Posts with specific function closely related to their locality.

Opening up of the FCA that leads to opportunity for a comprehensive plan.

Continued use of the buildings as Observation Posts

Non-statutory protection (only as graded buildings)

Remoteness and inaccessibility due to entry restriction of FCA and as Police properties lead to under-appreciation of the buildings.

Lack of a comprehensive mapping of built heritage in the FCA.


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3.3 The Way Forward

The cultural landscape of the Police Observation Posts in the Frontier Closed Area of

Hong Kong is unique for being the only complete military architecture designed for the purpose of defense and prevention of illegal immigration in the specific post-war period. Its architectural significance is overriding as the other aspects of cultural reference no longer exist. It should deserve more careful protection against any possible un-coordinated and incompatible development due to the opening up of the

Frontier Closed Area in the near future (Figure 3.3). However, the current statutory protection is insufficient to protect this cultural landscape.

<Figure 3.3 Plan showing the proposed FCA coverage. It shows that large areas of land will be accessible by public and several major villages will be excised from the

FCA.>


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It is understood that conservation does not necessarily means freezing of development potential. As the public is now discussing the future use of the area released from the existing Frontier Closed Area, it is the right time to foster a strategic policy on protection of our cultural landscape including other historic villages and natural habitat in the area which are also under the same threat.

For the Police Observation Posts that are the only tangible remains on the post-war defense of the colony, it bears an even higher significance to remind us the existence of a once closely guarded border.


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Bibliography


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Kong: Mandarin Publishers Limited, 1983.

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Parks Canada. “Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada:

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police observation posts in the frontier closed area at the border of

Introduction

1.

Introduction

The Military Architecture of

The Frontier Closed Area

2. The Military Architecture of the Frontier Closed Area

2.1 Historical and Political Background

2.2 The Military Architecture

The Future

Of Police Observation Posts

Bibliography

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police observation posts in the frontier closed area at the border of

Introduction

1.

Introduction

The Military Architecture of

The Frontier Closed Area

2. The Military Architecture of the Frontier Closed Area

2.1 Historical and Political Background

2.2 The Military Architecture

The Future

Of Police Observation Posts

Bibliography

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