SHINYO!

(Captured EMB under test by an American soldier)

Explosive Motorboats based at
Saishu-To (Quelpart), Island, Korea 1945

© 2011 Bob Hackett and Sander Kingsepp

East China Sea showing Saishu-to (Quelpart) Island


Jeju Island is Korea's largest island located about 50 miles south of the peninsula. Before its annexation by the Japanese in 1910, Jeju Island was known as “Quelpart Island” by the Dutch since as early as the 15th century. After Korea’s annexation, Jeju was known as Saishu-to, Japanese for Jeju Island. [1]

1944-1945:
"Ketsu-Go"(Decisive Operation) is the Japanese plan for defeating the Allied invasion of the home islands. Since the only beaches suitable for amphibious assaults are on southernmost main island Kyushu and the Kanto plain of Honshu, south of Tokyo, Japanese intelligence predicts the invasion will take place in southern Kyushu at Miyazaki, Ariake Bay and the Satsuma Peninsula.

A problem for Japanese planners is whether the Allied Forces will conduct operations on the coast of China prior to their landing on the home islands, or whether Saishu-to and southern Korea will be used as intermediary battle points when the home islands are attacked.

25 January 1945:
The 45th Shinyo Squadron (SS) is organized with an authorized strength of 50 Shinyo Explosive Motorboats (EMB) and 188 men.

25 March 1945:
The 119th SS is organized with an authorized strength of 26 EMBs and 187 men. That same day, the 120th SS is organized with 26 authorized EMBs and 191 men.

(EMB in training)

15 August 1945: Cessation of Hostilities:
Imperial Palace, Tokyo. At noon, the Emperor announces Japan's surrender that is broadcast by radio all over the Japanese Empire.

(Surrender ceremonies at Seoul)

9 September 1945: Surrender of Japanese Forces in Southern Korea:
Keijo (Seoul), Korea. At 1630, in ceremonies at the Government Building, Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, USN, Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet and LtGen John R. Hodge, USA, CG, USA Forces Korea, accept the surrender of Japanese Forces in Southern Korea from the acting Governor of Korea Gen Abe Nobuyuki (former Japanese Prime Minister, '39-'40).

Authors’ Notes:
[1] Now known as Cheju-do, Korea.

-Bob Hackett and Sander Kingsepp

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