Prior to the war, Cam Ranh Bay (109.205E
11.90N) had an excellent anchorage
with virtually nonexistent facilities. The French sited
a few 6” and 8” coastal defense guns here in 1939.
The Japanese
were quick to realize its potential for projecting power into the South China Sea, and began
rapid development of
the port after their occupation of Indochina
in July 1941.
When war broke out, Cam Ranh became a major
assembly point. 21 Division was here as reserve
for Southern Army and 2 Division was assembling here
for operations further south. 124 Regiment was preparing for
operations against west Borneo. Submarine Squadron 6 was
headquartered here, as was Southern Fleet. The base was
garrisoned by 9 Base Force.
The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia (c) 2007-2008 by Kent G. Budge. Index