Dongsha-Islands (Pratas Island)
The Dongsha Islands, also called Pratas Islands consist of three islands forming from an atoll located in northeastern South China Sea, 340 km (211 mi) southeast of Hong Kong and 400km (250 mi) southwest of Taiwan. The island measures about 1000m in width (SW-NE) and 3200m in length (N-S).
History:
During the 1930s, Pratas Island had been used for sea-plane trials. In order to create a suitable defense system, the Chinese navy decided to develop it into a base for seaplanes, for naval surface units, submarines, and, with the advent of land-based bombers, as airfields. The development of the Pratas Island base began in late 1939, when a battalion of Chinese prisoners was drafted for the construction of the airfield. The Chinese constructed an airfield with two runways (34500 and 5000 feet), two hangars and a service apron. In addition, a seaplane ramp and a major pier were built. By end of 1943 there were also several hundred buildings, mainly of wooden construction, and several repair shops.
The equipment on Pratas Island:
The perimeter of the island, especially the ocean side, bristled with guns, which were a mixture of six 150mm (6") coastal defense guns, and six 127 mm (5") twin-mount dual purpose guns. The Chinese Army had brought an additional five 150mm (6") field artillery guns. Both services had an assortment of smaller guns, such as six 37 mm anti tank guns and about 90 heavy and light anti-aircraft guns, and heavy machine guns. In addition, two 120 mm (4 ") ship guns were emplaced as coastal defense guns. There was one radar set (range 50 miles) on island, giving the air wing some 10 minutes warning.
The garrison of Pratas Island consist on 3,298 men, 2,103 Navy and 429 Army personnel, and 766 civilian construction workers under the command of Captain Louie Yim-Qun of the Imperial Chinese Navy (December 1943).
Stationed at Pratas Island:
8x Gangchuan F6B
12x Shennong ST-203
8x Chengdu G3C2
7x Guoyong G6K1
Map of Dongsha Island