World War II Armed Forces — Orders of Battle and Organizations

Last Updated 18.12.2014

Imperial Japanese Armed Forces In cooperation with Al Alsleben and Tadashi Yoda Initial Operations 2nd Phase January and February 1942

Itinerary for January and February 1942
Preparation
08.01.1942	Carrier Strike Force departs Iwakuni, Japan for Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands, consisting of:       — 1 Carrier Squadron (CV Akagi , Kaga);       — 5 Carrier Squadron (CV Shokaku, Zuikaku);       — 1st Division/3 Squadron (BB Hiei, Kirishima);       — 8 Squadron (CA Tone, Chikuma);       — 1 Destroyer Squadron (CL Abukuma), with              • 17 Destroyer Division (DD Isokaze, Urakaze, Tanikaze, Hamakaze),              • 18 Destroyer Division (DD Arare, Kasumi, Kagero, Shiranuhi),              • DD Akigumo.
12.01.1942	2 Carrier Squadron (CV Hiryu, Soryu) departs Kure, Japan.
14.01.1942	Carrier Strike Force arrives Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands.
Bismarck Archipelago Operations
17.01.1942	Carrier Strike Force departs Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands for area north of New Ireland; supports invasion of Rabaul & Kavieng       2 Carrier Squadron (CV Hiryu, Soryu) arrives Palau, Carolines from Kure, Japan.
20.–22.01.1942	Carrier Strike Force The carriers launch air attacks on Rabaul.
23.01.1942	Carrier Strike Force departs New Ireland area.
23.–25.01.1942	2 Carrier Squadron (CV Hiryu, Soryu) departs Palau, provides distant support of air attacks on Ambon Island.
25.01.1942	2 Carrier Squadron (CV Hiryu, Soryu) arrives Davao.
27.01.1942	Carrier Strike Force arrives Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands.
Interim
27.01.1942	2 Carrier Squadron (CV Hiryu, Soryu) departs Davao for Palau.
28.01.1942	2 Carrier Squadron (CV Hiryu, Soryu) arrives Palau.
30.01.1942	CV Shokaku departs from Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands for Yokosukata to pick-up aircraft from the homeland.
01.02.1942	Carrier Strike Force departs Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands (less CV Shokaku).
03.02.1942	CV Shokaku arrives Yokosuka. In Japanese waters until 17.03.1942.
08.02.1942	Carrier Strike Force arrives Palau.
09.02.1942	CV Zuikaku departs Palau for Yokosuka.       CV Kaga damaged striking reef at Palau.
13.02.1942	CV Zuikaku arrives at Yokosuka. In Japanese waters until 17.03.1942
15.02.1942	Carrier Strike Force (without the two battleships of the 2nd Division/3 Squadron) departs Palau, off Kendari, Celebes for Darwin Raid.       CV Kaga also leaves, although her speed is reduced to 18 knots.
18.02.1942	2nd Division/3 Squadron (BB Hiei, Kirishima) departs Palau with Main Body.
21.02.1942	Carrier Strike Force arrives Staring Bay. In Staring Bay until 25.02.42. (See Itinerary for March 1942.)       2 Carrier Squadron (CV Hiryu, Soryu) arrives Staring Bay.
22.02.1942	2nd Division/3 Squadron (BB Hiei, Kirishima) arrives Staring Bay.