Fort Hertz, British military outpost in Putao, Myanmar
Fort Hertz is a British military post in northeastern Myanmar, situated roughly 354 kilometers north of Myitkyina. The compound includes barracks, storage buildings, and a landing strip that functioned as a key supply point for the surrounding region.
The post was established in 1914 as a British military installation and named in 1925 to honor William Axel Hertz, who had led exploration expeditions into northern Burma in the 1880s. It became an important facility for British colonial interests in this remote region.
The local population called this fort Hkamti Long, meaning 'Great Place of Gold' in the regional language. This name reflects how the site held special importance in the community's understanding of the area.
The site is accessible only by air or through challenging jungle paths, so visitors should prepare for warm and humid conditions. The best time to visit is during drier months when access is most straightforward.
The garrison depended entirely on air supply between 1942 and 1944 because the surrounding terrain and geography made any other supply route impossible. This isolation made the landing strip a vital lifeline for food, ammunition, and fuel at this remote military installation.
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