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보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 4445

FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS FWD 0022)　28 November 1950

PW was very cooperative. Despite his lack of education, he appeared to be intelligent. He was observant only in certain aspects. Information obtained seems to be reliable.

1 Jan 50: Conscripted in MANCHURIA and assigned to CHAL NO-HA (忩路河) Security Unit.

10 Feb 50: Departed CHAL NO-HA by train.

20 Feb 50: Arrived SHO FUNG MAN (少豊滿). Received basic training for one month. Assigned as guard of SHO FUNG MAN H/E Power Plant.

22 Jun 50: Transferred to the People’s Emancipation Army and departed SHO FUNG MAN.

26 Jun 50: Arrived MUKDEN (奉天).

30 Jun 50: Departed MUKDEN with 3,000 other men by train.

25 Jul 50: After making frequent stops, the train finally arrived at PYONGYANG. Assigned to 17th Div, 33d Regt, 1st Bn, 1st Co.

20 Aug 50: 33d Regt departed PYONGYANG (平壤) and arrived KAECHON (介川) two weeks later. Stayed overnight at KAECHON and departed.

20 Sep 50: Arrived vicinity 16 km SE of SEOUL (서울).

30 Sep 50: 33d Regt departed above place and arrived at KUMHWA a few days later.

5 Oct 50: Engaged in combat with UN Forces. 33d Regt was completely dispersed. PW fled to the mountains.

22 Oct 50: Surrendered to a ROK unit at SUNCEON (順天).

H/E POKWER PLANT - SHO FUNG MAN (少豊滿), MANCHURIA - 20 Feb 50 to 21 Jun 50

Summary:

A large (formerly Japanese) hydro-electric power-plant and dam are located in the vicinity of SHO FUNG MAN (少豊滿), MANCHURIA. The plant is usually referred to as the SHO FUNG MAN Hydro­electric power plant. It is reported to be the largest one in MANCHURIA.

Observation:

As a member of SHO FUNG MAN Security Unit, assigned as a guard of the dam site with about 300 others. He held this position from 20 Fen 50 to 21 Jan 50 and made almost daily observations of the target.

Location:

The power plant was located approximately 400 meters S of SHO FUNG MAN (少豊滿) and 16 km SSE of YUNGKI City (延吉市) (126° E x 44° N). The plant utilized the water from the SUNGARI Reservoir as it’s source of power.

Area:

(Refer to attached sketch #1)

Facilities:

Dam: This dam, which held back the water of SUNGARI Reservoir, was situated in a narrow natural valley with mountain ranges on both sides. It was approx 1,100 meters long, 90 meters high (from bottom of reservoir) and 10 meters wide (at the top). Along the length of this dam were 11 separate spillways and 8 penstocks (large steel tubes, which fed the reservoir water to the turbines in the plant). Each spillway opening was kicated about 15 meters from the top of the dam and was 10 meters in diameter. The length of each tube was unknown. Individual valves (manually operated) located near the top of the dam controlled the flow of water into the penstocks. On the (10 meters wide) top of the dam was a single track RR line. This line was to be utilized only by 2 (one on each end of dam) mobile rail derrick-cranes. Powered by individual diesel engines, these cranes moved back and forth on the top of the dam and hauled heavy equipment. (See sketch for further details).

H/E Power Plant: This building was located flat against the dam on the opposite side of the reservoir. It was located to one side of the dam. Like the dam, the power plant was constructed of concrete and measured approx 100 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 20 meters high. It was 6 stories high with numerous windows on each floor. The roof was slightly gabled and covered with cement. 3 separate short (3 meter high) steel towers were, evenly spaced (10 meters apart) on the roof of the plant. The towers ware equipped with numerous thick copper cables and porcelain insulators. These towers served the purpose of transporting electrical current from the power plant to the huge transformers located nearby.

Production:

The capacity of this power plant was unknown. During his observation period of the dam site from Feb 50 to Jun 50, hardly, if ever, saw the power plant break down. It was the PW opinion that all 8 generators were being operated at full capacities night and day.

Machinery:

Since PW never entered the plant itself, the type of machinery utilized to generate electricity was unknown. He heard that the reservoir rater coming through the penstocks turned the turbines (located on the second or third floors, were connected directly to the turbines. Heard that the majority, if not all, of the machinery was of Japanese origin. Machinery could possibly have been manufactured in MANCHURIA with Japanese supervision.

Destination of Electricity:

In the immediate vicinity of the power plant were 3 large oil-bath transformers in a cluster. Numerous very-thick cables were connected to these transformers from the 3 steel towers located on the roof of the power plant. From these transformers another series of thick insulated wires emerged and were carried by line of steel towers. Actually there were only 3 thick insulated wires on the high line. Towers were constructed of steel and were about 20 meters high. The towers were placed approx 500 meters apart. Did not observe any markings or numbers on these towers.

The line of towers led to YUNGKI (延吉市) City, which was located about 16 km to the NW of the dam site. Heard that the central transformer station was located in this city. From here the stepped-up voltage of electrical current is distributed to the cities of YUNGKI, MUKDEN (奉天), and CHANGCHUN (長春).

Heard that destruction of this dam and power plant would directly cut off the above cities from light and power.

Accessibility:

From YUNGKI City a single track RR line led past the dam site and ended at TAE FUNG MAN (大豊滿) a total length of 18 km. RR line did not go beyond the above town, due to impassable mountain grades. The RR line is mostly, if not always, traversed by passenger trains. At times freight cars were believed to stop near the dam and unload unidentified machinery.

A 4 meter wide dirt mountain road led to the dam site from YUNGKI City. It did not go beyond TAE FUNG MAN, which was located 2 km past the dam. Periodically a few trucks would utilize this road to bring unidentified small crates and boxes to the power plant. This road was in fairly good condition as of Jun 50.

Approx 450 meters N of the dam a concrete bridge, which spanned the SUNGARI River, was located. It ran parallel with the length of the dam. The bridge was approx 700 meters long and supported by concrete trestles. Except for a waist-high concrete hand-rail, there was nothing above the bridge surface level. The bridge was about 6 meters wide and capable of carrying heavy loads. This bridge was utilized by both dam site workers and city people. There were no restrictions on its use.

Personnel:

Heard that approx 200 to 300 persons (mostly Chinese) were employed at the dam and power plant on three 8-hour shifts. Of this number 4 were Russian technicians, whose work status was unknown. There were also 10 Japanese engineers employed here. Heard that they were being forced to stay, and their movements were restricted. Heard rumors that the Chinese Communist Government, which controlled the operation of the dam and power plant, also employed a few (member unknown) US engineers.

Security:

There were several police (Security Unit) check-points in the near vicinity of the dam site. All “suspicious” persons with bundles were checked before being allowed to pass.

There were 3 AA Gun positions and 1 HMG position near the dam site. These positions were manned 24 hours a day like the check-points. (Refer to No. 7 - ARMED FORCES for further information).

During night the entire dam site and power plants were completely illuminated by bright overhead lights. The Chinese mostly feared a possible air attack or sabotage on the dam and power plant. The Chinese guards were frequently reminded that the US, Japanese, and even CNA aircraft way someday bomb this target. On several occasions, during the period Feb 50 to Jun 50 rumors were head that US and Japanese planes were going to attack at night. The entire dam site was darkened. Even the generators were stopped, and the nearby cities and towns were plunged in total darkness. The rumored attack did not materialize. This type of incident last occurred in Apr 50 and lasted for over 2 hours.

Russian Officers:

During the period 20 Feb 50 to 21 Jun 50, periodically observed numerous Russian military officers closely inspecting and taking pictures of the dam and power plant. Normally, taking pictures of dam with cameras is strictly forbidden. At each appearance of the Russian officers (usually 5 or 6), a large number of Chinese and Korean officers (who have no connections with the dam site) accompany the group. Believed that the Russians were senior grade officers. Last observed them inspecting the dam and taking pictures in late May 50.

General Information:

Plant Dismantling: As far as PW knows the Russians did not dismantle SHO FUNG MAN dam and power plant. However, he heard that the power plant did not operate for a long time immediately after the termination of World War II. Whether this was due to missing vital machinery or lack of good engineers was unknown.

Reservoir Freezing: Heard that SUNGARI reservoir and river are frozen from late Nov to early Mar. However, this condition did not prevent the dam and power plant from operating. The water in the reservoir was frozen only on the surface (depth of 1 to 2 meters). Water flowed freely underneath this thick layer of ice. The dam was constructed in such a manner that freezing temperature did not affect its operation. The penstock openings or mouths were located well below the ice level of the water; and the penstocks themselves were insulated with thick layers of concrete. The constant flow of reservoir water into the penstocks during the frozen season appeared to be same as in the war seasons.

DAM SECURITY UNIT (AA-GUN) - SHO FUNG MAN (少豊滿), MANCHURIA - 20 Feb 50 to 21 Jun 50

Summary:

A CCF SHO FUNG MAN Dam Security Unit (Bn) was located in SHD FUNG MAN vicinity. It had the duty of guarding the dam from aerial attack. Three (3) AA-Gun positions were named by the personnel of this unit.

Observations:

During the period 20 Feb 50 to 21 Jun 50, PW almost daily observed this unit and its personnel, while he was engaged as the hydro-electric power plant guard. (Separate from the above unit).

Location (Refer to Sketch #1)

The unit headquarters was located in West SHO FUNG MAN (town was divided into two parts by the SUNGARI River) area approx 1 km W of SHO FUNG MAN RR sta (sta was in East SHO FUNG MAN) and 150 meters from the west banks of SUNGARI River.

Unit Hq:

In the above mentioned location, the unit Hq occupied a single-story concrete building with gabled cement-tile roof. The building was approx 30 meters long by 10 meters wide. Its interior was subdivided into several rooms. Besides serving as a headquarters building, it quartered about 50 officers and soldiers.

The above building was situated among numerous residential houses. It was not set apart from these houses by any type of fence. Heard that this building was constructed and used by the Japanese Security Unit prior to the end of World War II.

Personnel:

Estimated that the SHO FUNG MAN Dam Security Unit was composed of 300 officers and men. Of this number approx 228 men manned the 3 separate AA Gun positions. The remaining 72 men carried out their numerous duties (guards, cooks, supply, messengers, etc.) at the unit headquarters building.

The above 300 men (13 officers and 287 soldiers) were all Chinese, who were all true CCF members, who had never been attached to CNA previously. The average age of the soldiers was 25 years. That of the officers was 27 years. Whether they were experienced combat men or not was not known.

AA-GUN Position #1:

#1 AA-Gun Position, which was manned by 1st Co of the Security Unit (Bn), was located on the crest of a 150 meters high mountain. This position was situated approx 40 meters from the E end of the dam, thus commanding an excellent view of the target area.

1st Co was composed of 3 plat of 25 men each (24 soldiers and 1 plat ldr). The plat were controlled by a company commander, who received orders directly from the unit (Bn) commander.

#1 AA-Gun position consisted of 3 emplacements, which were grouped together to form a semi-circle. Each emplacement was about 9 meters in diameter and 1 meter deep. There was a space of 15 meters between each emplacement. 1 x 75 mm AA-Gun of unidentified type and origin was set up in a firing position in each emplacement, which was supplied with 700 rd of ammo (2 rd to a wooden box). Ammo was stored in tunnels located at each emplacement.

#1 AA-Gun Position was equipped with 1 field telephone and 1 pair binoculars. This equipment was utilized mostly by the company commander or plat ldr. The telephone was connected to other gun-positions and to unit headquarters.

Each AA-gun was named by 1 plat (25 men) on two 12-hour shifts. The AA-gun position was not camouflaged. No attempts were made to conceal the position from aerial observations. In inclement weather the 3 emplacements were individually protected by water-proof canvas. Sleeping and eating quarters were located within each emplacement in the form of shallow tunnels.

AA-GUN Position #2:

This position was identical in every aspect with #1 position, except for its location. #2 was located on the crest of a 150 meters high mountain bridge, which was situated approx 150 to 200 meters S of the west end of the concrete dam. It commanded an excellent view of the dam on its western sections.

#2 position was manned by 2 Co of the Security Unit (Bn). This Co was composed of 3 plat of 25 men each. Each plat was in charge of 1 emplacement. Details are identical with #1 position.

AA-GUN Position #3:

#3 position also possessed 3 emplacements, which were manned by the 3d Co of the Security Unit (Bn). This position was located on the crest of a 20 meter high mountain, which was situated approx 150 meters NW from the west end of the concrete bridge and 70 meters N of the Unit Hq building.

All other details are identical with those of #1 AA-Gun position.

Training:

During the period 20 Feb 50 to 21 Jun 50, PW periodically (4 or 5 times) observed the above AA-gun position receive gunnery training. Enemy air-attacks on the dam were apparently simulated. The guns (all guns in the 5 positions firing simultaneously) did not fire at any fired targets. The number of rounds expended at each practice period is uniform. The training usually lasted about 30 minutes and was conducted during the noon hour. Believed that this firing practice did not accomplish much toward improving the aim as no visible targets were used. The shells usually burst a few thousand feet above the dam area.

Duties:

The AA-gun positions’ primary mission was to guard the dam site 24 hours a day against possible enemy air attacks. The dam officials feared possible US or Japanese aircraft raids.

General Information:

Believed that supplies and ammunition were brought by trucks from YONGKI City.

The 75mm AA-guns were fairly obsolete and battered in appearance. It is his opinion that these weapons were abandoned by the Japanese after Aug 45, whet the war ended. The pieces were fired singly one round at a time. There were no arty aids, such as radar sets end rangefinders, in or near the AA-gun positions.

On the ammo boxes, observed both Chinese printed characters and Roman letters. Illiterate, and was not able to decipher the printing.

Did not know which unit or section, this Security Unit (Bn) was subordinate to.

Visibility over the dam area was very good from Feb 50 to Jun 50. He did not observe low-hanging clouds or fogs. Visibility conditions for the latter part of 1950 were unknown.

CCF DAM SECURITY UNIT (KOREA) - SHOFUNGMAN (少豊滿), MANCHURIA - 20 Feb 50 to 21 Jun 50.

Summary:

Korean soldiers (conscripted by CCF MANCHURIA) arrived a few at time during Feb 50 in the vicinity of SHOFUNGMAN Town and were formed into the Security Unit (plat strength). The newly organized unit was assigned the task of safeguarding the SHO FUNG MAN Dam and Power plant. It was independent of the Chinese Security Unit (Bn), which also guarded the dam.

Observation:

Since PW was member of the nearly organized unit, during the period 20 Feb 50 to 21 Jun 50, he was able to observe and follow its activities fairly closely.

Location:

The unit was assigned to a HMG position located on the crest of a 100 meters high mountain, which was situated in the vicinity of the dam (east end).

HMG Position:

The HMG position was composed of 3 emplacements situated close together. Each emplacement was equipped with 1 HMG mounted on a tripod. HMG were the air cooled type and were manufactured in JAPAN. Several boxes of HMG ammo were located at each emplacement.

The HMG position was manned by 14 men on two 6 hours shift daily. No one was on duty during night. A 7 men relief team was daily rotated with the two duty teams.

Personnel:

The unit consisted of 26 soldiers and 1 officer. All were Koreans, who were conscripted by the CCF in MANCHURIA. Did not know why the Koreans were not intermingled with Chinese.

Training:

Once in Apr 50 the HMG unit held firing practice. Approx 70 rd were expended by the 2 HMG. The weapons were aimed at a certain spot on a distant mountain side. Aiming was very poor, since this was the first time the unit was able to practice.

Duties:

The Security Units primary mission was to safeguard the dam and power plant from-aerial raids. It received its orders directly from the Chinese civilian head of the power plant. This unit was not subordinate to the Chinese Security (AA-Gun) Unit, which was also located nearby.

General Information:

The Korean Security Unit returned to KOREA (location unknown) 21 Jun 50. Heard that nearly organized Chinese platoon took over the HMG positions.

No further information.

For the Commanding Officer:

SKETCH 1 SHOFUNGMAN DAM, H/E POWER PLANT & AA GUN POSITIONS AS OF 21 JUN 50