An unusual chapel

An unusual chapel

The Gunners Roll of Hong Kong was founded in 1947. The Roll flourished with plenty of dinners and social activities. As time moved on, however, the requirement for artillery in Hong Kong vanished, with the likelihood of conflict evaporating and the focus turning to the return of the British colony to China in 1997.

As there were few, or no, gunners left in Hong Kong in the final years of British rule, I found myself president of the Gunners Roll, despite never having served with the Royal Artillery. Although membership was dropping, we still had a damn fine gathering each year for St Barbara’s Day, with formal dress and plenty of port and toasts.

There was a St Barbara’s Chapel on Stonecutters Island. This island situated in the middle of the harbour, had been in military hands since its acquisition by the British in the middle of the 19th century. At one time, it had been thought a good idea to construct a prison there but, after a batch of prisoners drowned, chained together, while being brought ashore, this was soon closed.

The structure, however, survived and one of the corner houses of the walls survived. There is a similar structure at the junction of Arbuthnot Road and Chancery Lane, on Hong Kong Island.

This little fort became the St Barbara´s Chapel. No doubt the building is still there, although being used for some other purpose. The Chinese navy now has its Hong Kong base at Stonecutters´Island.

Does The Gunners Roll of Hong Kong still exist and is St Barbara´s Day still celebrated?

***

©Phillip Bruce 2009.