I did find the Don Jose file in the archives. There was a flurry of communications going back and forth about where the ship should go. It was decided it was best to redirect it to the Philippines instead of Hong Kong. From what I remember reading in the documents it was purposely sent there as it was felt it would not reach Hong Kong due to being south of the Philippines on December 7, 1941. I don’t believe the vehicles were seized by the US forces. The paperwork suggests that talks were made in Washington to have the vehicles go to American forces in Manila.
There is some fascinating letters going back and forth about this ship. There is also a few diagrams of the ship and he layout of the cargo.
https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/o...6/2063?r=0&s=1
__________________
Jordan Baker
RHLI Museum,
Otter LRC
C15A-Wire3, 1944
Willys MB, 1942
10cwt Canadian trailer
Last edited by Jordan Baker; 12-03-21 at 03:44.
|