Hanyang II

Sister of the ship Hoihow II - Hunan II class.

History
December 1941. The Anshun I suffered an engine breakdown and was towed 1,127 nautical miles to Freemantle by the Hanyang II arriving there in early January 1942. The officers of the Hanyang II subsequently tried to claim salvage for the towage,- they were unsuccessful.

1942 - 1945. Australian gov't supply vessel, operated Australian / T.P.N.G. waters. The vessel was operated by the United States Army, The officers Britsh (CNCo.), the crew Australian and defensively equipped with a 12 pound gun on the stern and an Oerlikon gun on each wing of the bridge, with the U.S.Army gunners to operate the guns.

'''April 11th. 1943.''' While on a voyage to Oro Bay in TPNG carrying a cargo of ammunition,fuel and coal, the "Hanyang II" and escort vessels, when about 12 miles from Oro Bay, were attacked by twelve Japanese dive bombers and some fighters. (In total there were 22 bombers and 72 fighters attacking the convoy.) The "Hanyang II" was raked with machine gun and cannon fire, and two bombs pierced the deck exploding in the tween decks, one of which was in a coal bunker, causing moderate damage, staring several fires, and putting the steering gear out of action. Two crew members and one American, were killed and five injured during the attack. The ship safely discharged her cargo, the crew did a good job of repairs to the steering gear, and the ship departed under escort at 03.00hrs. on 18th. April for Townsville.

N.B. Oro Bay, now known as Dyke Ackland Bay, situated about 12 miles south of Buna, was an advanced landing place for The United States forces during WW2 in 1942-3.

1946. The vessel returned to the China Navigation Co.

July 31st.1950. The following report appeared in "The West Australian". Hong Kong, July 30th. The Chinese authorities in Swatow boarded the British steamer Hanyang II when she arrived there on Wednesday and disarmed and detained seven Chinese anti-piracy gaurds, members of the ship's crew crew said today. The crew also said that neither the British officers nor the Chinese crew were allowed ashore. The Master of the vessel refused to comment on the incident. - A.A.P.-Reuters. .

Jan 1964, Sold to Hemisphere Shipping Co. Ltd.,(Controlled by the Peoples Republic of China)- Ocean Tramping Co. Hong Kong. managers. Renamed "Bidford".

'''May 25th. 1969.''' Departed Kudamatsu for Whampoa to be broken up.