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60th anniversary of attack on Trinco

by Trincomalee correspondent

Today (April 9) marks the 60th anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Trincomalee during World War II. Around 6.30 a.m. on that day - April 9, 1942 - six in a group of Japanese aircraft flying over Trincomalee bombed several important places including the Naval Yard, Fort Frederick, Airport and the oil tanks at China Bay. Trincomalee was considered a Naval and military base with several gun points.

Several warships and cargo ships at the Trincomalee harbour were also bombed and damaged. Many people working at the China Bay airport and the Naval Yard were killed.

The air attack at the China Bay oil tank, which was part of the defence complex, was a complete failure and a suicide squad was called for. Three members of the suicide squad - Shigenor Watanabe, Tokya Gala and Sutomu Toshira - in an aircraft packed with explosives dived on to one oil tank (tank No. 91) at 6.45 a.m. There was a big explosion and the resultant fire lasted for one week.

The remnants of the oil tank, some parts of the suicide plane and the war cemetery are the only visible relics that will recall the unpleasant memories of World War II. 

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