Reasons For Failure
Similar to the Maginot Line, the Gin Drinkers Line was generally considered to be a complete failure. The line and the whole of Kowloon were abandoned by the British troops in just two days. There can be said to be three main reasons:
- Insufficient troops: although the hardware was sound, there just were not enough British soldiers to maximise the Line's potential. For example, the Redoubt could have fitted over 120 men but was garrisoned by only 30.
- Insufficient training: most of the Hong Kong Garrison were from India, Canada and Scotland. Most were new recruits lacking experience and training.
- Underestimation of the Japanese: the British assumed that the Japanese did not wage night battles and relaxed their guard; they were also confident in the Line's capabilities.
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