Convoys to Swatow

[rjl3]

Apparently at the beginning of 1945 the Japanese ran a number of convoys to / from Swatow. This looks like it was a fairly large movement involving some 15 merchants and various escorts including kaibokan, subchasers, and at least one minesweeper (W-21). Mainly Feb and March.

Most of the convoys to Swatow departed from Shanghai and Sijiaoshan and apparently were named 光 , KO or HIKARI. I have data on KO-05, KO-06, and KO-07 but nothing on KO-01 through KO-04.

One convoy MOSU-01 went from Moji direct to Swatow with 7 merchants and 4 kaibokan escorts. I have only 3 of the merchants (Ginzan, Maoka, and Toyu). Escorts were CD-2, CD-33, CD-34, and Mikura.

I do not know how convoys from Swatow back to Shanghai were named and have little data on them at all. In early February a convoy on this run was SUSHI 01 but I do not have any data on previous convoys on this route or for March. On April 7, a convoy of 4 ships with W-21 escort made this run.

I am interested in what was the purpose of this movement. Several of the merchants had made trips to Pusan prior to Swatow. And I am especially interested in any additional info on what ships were involved and when.

Many thanks,

Ralph

[jerryasher]

Hi Ralph:
I might have something However, I wrote my narrative built around Shantou as less a hub than a staging area related to last stages of Ichi-Go and building a "land corridor," to Saigon to avoid having to rely on sea lanes. Then out of necessity a transit point in the withdrawal from south China. Have to review what I have----in general I hinge on reaction to Task Force 38th's January actions which initially were based on misreading convoy movements. I didn't see Shantou as end in itself but often just a relatively safe haven. Will reread and try to organize a TROM January --June 1945 for Shantou.

[rjl3]

Jerry,
This movement to Swatow looks very much like a small version of the larger and earlier movement to Hong Kong for ICHI-GO.
Any info that you can add would by most welcome.
Ralph

[Berend]

Ginzan maru may not have been part or only has been part briefly of convoy MOSU-01. She departs Moji before convoy MOSU-01 and arrives at Swatow later than convoy MOSU-01.

Ginzan maru (銀山丸 , 1944/2D) departs Moji on 20 January 1945. Arrives at Swatow on 7 February 1945. Departs same day. Arrives at Shanghai on 9 February 1945.

Regards,

Berend.

[rjl3]

Thanks Berend,

I have her as departing Shanghai on 10 Feb for Amoy. I think that some of the confusion about timing / ships to Swatow is due to 1. lack of enough info and 2. apparently the Japanese were using Ssu Chiao Shan as a way point between Swatow and Shanghai. It is possible that Ginzan waited there before proceeding to Swatow. Per Peter Cundall the 4 unident ships of MOSU-01 were possibly Hiratsu (Heishin) Maru, Tamon Maru No.12, Umekawa Maru and Yojo Maru. unconfirmed.

Ralph