Location
Lat 25°02′N Long 121°38′E Taipei (Taipei City) is located in the northern central portion of Taiwan (Formosa) in the Northern Taiwan Region. Known as Taihoku during the Japanese colonial era and during the Pacific War.
Prewar
In 1895, under the Treaty of Shimonoseki Taiwan became a colony of Japan with Taihoku as the capital. During the Japanese colonial era, urban planning and extensive railroad infrastructure was developed. In 1920, Taihoku was incorporated
into Taihoku Prefecture.
After the surrender of the Japan, renamed Taipei City.
Wartime History
During the Pacific war, the Taipei city jail was used by the Japanese Army Kempeitai
(military police) as a headquarters for the Formosa Military Command. Allied prisoners were detained in the jail cells. On May 30, 1945 pilot Hart was interrogated by Captain Yoshino Nakano and
his guards who tortured him by water boarding, beat him up and threatened him before he gave a confession Major Kiyoshi Aoki. During Allied air raids against the city, the guards went to air raid shelters, allowing the prisoners to communicate. Prisoners Beck and Shott who were both radio operators, were able communicate tapping with Morse code. After Japan surrendered, the prisoners were transported to a main camp where they met other Allied prisoners and were repatriated.
Allied Prisoners Of War (POW) detained at the Taipei city jail included:
Cpl John Shott radio-gunner aboard B-25J 44-30164 crashed May 17, 1945
2nd Lt. Ted U. Hart pilot B-25J 43-28152 crashed May 27, 1945
2nd Lt. Henry Gatewood co-pilot B-25J 43-28152 crashed May 27, 1945
2nd Lt. Karl L. Ehlers navigator B-25J 43-28152 crashed May 27, 1945
Cpl Calvin C. Beck radio B-25J 43-28152 crashed May 27, 1945
Two B-24 crew members
Australian Army officer
Postwar
The Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party) assumed control of Taiwan and established their government in Taipei City.
Today
Taipei City is consider a Special municipality and capital of Taiwan.
Matsuyama Airfield
Built by the Japanese
Taihoku Airfield (Chaing Kai Shek Airport, Taoyuan International Airport)
Lat 25° 4' 40N Long 121° 13' 58E
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Last Updated
November 4, 2023
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