Tsunan Shipyard during the Japanese Occupation, 1942-1945

Elizabeth Ride has sent this brief extract from BAAG Intelligence Summaries written during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, World War Two.

Among the smaller shipyards, the greatest activity reported in 1944 was at the Tsunan Shipyard in Tokwawan, North of Bailey´s Yard.  Between 40 and 50 small wooden auxiliary vessels were constructed during the year.  The yard also builds diesel engines, the reported output being 2 engines per month.  Work, however, is believed to have been curtailed by the restricted power supply and shortage of timber and other materials.  The yard was expanded in the course of 1944, and residential houses in the vicinity were taken over as workshops and godowns.  The Nam Tsam Flashlight Factory in Shamshuipo was also taken over as a branch factory for the manufacture of diesel engines.  In December 1944 there were 1300 workers on the payroll.  Treatment of Chinese labour here is said to be better than at other dockyards, but workers are not allowed to resign.  Working hours are 0700-1300 hrs and 1400-1800 hrs.

Elizabeth had earlier sent this specific BAAG report linking Tsunan Shipyard with the South China Iron Works. And Nam Tsam Factory about which we have no information.

Further information:

• For general information about the Elizabeth Ride collection, her father Sir Lindsay Ride, and the British Army Aid group during WW2 a very useful introduction is through http://gwulo.com/node/13968

Date of first posting: Unknown

Related Indhhk articles:

1. South China Iron Works during World War Two