On October 6, in Quang Ninh City, the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea Veterans’ Association of Quang Ninh City presented Quang Ninh Museum with a nautical chart entitled “Quang Ninh and the Unnumbered Ships”.
The nautical chart “Quang Ninh and the Unnumbered Ships” depicts numerous locations across Quang Ninh associated with the operations of the Unnumbered Ships during the war. These include areas in Ha Long where vessels were prepared for departure, loaded with cargo, concealed, modified, camouflaged and repaired; a support station for vessels in Quang Hanh; locations in Cam Pha and Tien Yen; and Bo Nau Cave and Con Gai Cave, which were used for study and political activities.
According to the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea Veterans’ Association in Quang Ninh, the locations shown on the chart were reconstructed by Colonel Tran Phong, former captain of Ship 55, who directly participated in transporting weapons to support the southern battlefield along the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea. He also served as Acting Commander of Unit 125 and Deputy Director of the Naval Logistics Department, now the Naval Logistics and Technical Department. The reconstruction was based on his recollections, accounts from other direct participants in the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea and historical documents. These locations were associated with the preparation, concealment, logistical support and operations of the Unnumbered Ships in Quang Ninh waters.
Receiving the chart, Director of Quang Ninh Museum Do Quyet Tien expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea Veterans’ Association for donating this valuable historical resource. The chart will supplement materials used for research, exhibitions and the preparation of dossiers proposing heritage designation for sites associated with the Unnumbered Ships in Quang Ninh. The museum will continue to preserve and safeguard the chart while study ways to present and promote the value of the chart through digital platforms, helping the public gain a better understanding of the operations and contributions of the Unnumbered Ships.
