 |
World War II Armed Forces — Orders of Battle and Organizations | Last Updated 14.11.2014 |
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World War II Armed Forces — Orders of Battle and Organizations | Last Updated 14.11.2014 |
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The format for names is Japanese style: rank; last name, first name; Japanese name in Kaji;
(and in brackets the officer's graduating class of the Naval Academy at Etajima, if applicable). (M) Behind the name indicates a merchant marine (civilian) officer. Rank as was at the date he took command, whether as supervisor or captain. If an officer is shown as being in command before the ship was commissioned, he was Chief Equipping Officer, becoming Commanding Officer on the date the ship was commissioned. Dates are given thus: day.month.year Commanders marked with * are known to have died. | ||
| Aikoku Maru 愛国丸 ルマクコイア | ||
| Class: Hokoku Maru | ||
| Call Sign: JZZN | ||
| Builder: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, Tamano | ||
| Ordered: | 1937 | |
| Laid Down: | 29.12.1938 | |
| Launched as passenger-cargo ship Aikoku Maru (10,438 GRT): | 25.08.1940 | |
| Completed: | 31.08.1941 | |
| Service: | ||
| Requisitioned | 01.09.1941 | |
| Kure ND, converting to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 05.09.41–10.10.41 | |
| 24th Squadron, Combined Fleet | 10.10.41–10.03.42 | |
| 6th Fleet | 10.03.42–16.12.42 | |
| 8th Fleet | 16.12.42–01.10.43 | |
| Kure ND (after re-rating as transport)(AP) | 01.10.43–17.02.44 | |
|
Fate: 17.02.44 sunk at 08:32 by US aircraft at Truk (07°22'N, 151°56'E). 1000+ dead; ? saved. | ||
| Removed from Navy List | 30.03.1944 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| Capt Okamura Masao (38) | 岡村政夫 | 05.09.41–25.08.42 |
| Capt Oishi Tamotsu (48) | 大石 保 | 25.08.42–05.04.43 |
| Capt Mizusaki Shojiro (38) | 水崎正次郎 | 05.04.43–17.09.43 |
| *Capt Nakamaruo Yoshizo (36) | 中円尾義三 | 17.09.43–17.02.44 |
| Akagi Maru 赤城丸 ルマギカア | ||
| Class: Akagi Maru | ||
| Call Sign: JIQK | ||
| Builder: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki | ||
| Ordered: | ? | |
| Laid Down: | 02.12.1935 | |
| Launched as high-speed cargo ship Akagi Maru (7,387 GRT) | 06.06.1936 | |
| Completed: | 10.09.1936 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Nippon Yusan Kaisen (NYK) Line | 10.09.36–23.11.41 | |
| Requisitioned | 23.11.1941 | |
| Osaka, converting to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 25.11.41–30.12.41 | |
| Kure ND | 30.12.41–29.01.42 | |
| 22nd Squadron, 5th Fleet | 29.01.42–05.08.43 | |
| 22nd Squadron, 5th Fleet, NE Area Fleet | 05.08.43–21.02.44 | |
| 22nd Squadron, NE Area Fleet | 21.02.44–31.03.44 | |
|
Fate:
17.02.44 sunk at 10:47 by US aircraft off Truk (07°50'N, 151°25'E). 1300 dead; ? saved.
| ||
| Removed from Navy List | 31.03.1944 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| Capt Kusano Kiyoshi (M) | 10.09.36–00.00.00 | |
| Capt Sakuma Takao (36) | 作間応雄 | 30.12.41–01.03.43 |
| *Capt Kurosaki Rinzo (37) | 黒崎林蔵 | 02.03.43–02.03.44 |
| Asaka Maru 浅香 ルマカサア | ||
| Class: Asaka MAru | ||
| Call Sign: JWUL | ||
| Builder: Mitsubishi, Nagasaki | ||
| Ordered: | ? | |
| Laid Down: | 18.02.1937 | |
| Launched as refrigerated cargo ship Asaka Maru (7,399 GRT): | 07.07.1937 | |
| Completed: | 30.11.1937 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Nippon Yusen Kaisen (NYK) Line | 30.11.37–10.04.40 | |
| Requisitioned | 10.04.1940 | |
| Yokosuka ND | 10.04.40–06.07.40 | |
| Civillian Nippon Yusen Kaisen (NYK) Line | 06.07.40–24.12.40 | |
| Yokosuka Navy Yard, converting to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 26.12.40–15.01.41 | |
| Yokosuka ND | 16.01.41–05.09.41 | |
| 22nd Squadron, 5th Fleet | 05.09.41–05.08.43 | |
| 22nd Squadron, 5th Fleet, NE Area Fleet | 05.08.43–01.10.43 | |
| Kure ND (after re-rating as transport)(AP) | 01.10.43–01.11.43 | |
| Assigned to Navy Ministry's Supply Force | 01.11.1943 | |
| Yokohama, converting to transport (AP) | 27.11.43–28.12.43 | |
| Navy Ministry's Supply Force | 28.12.43–10.01.45 | |
| Removed from Navy List | 10.01.1945 | |
|
Fate:
12.10.44 sunk by US aircraft off Pescadore Islands (23°33'N, 119°43'E). 2 dead;? saved.
| ||
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| Capt Ryusawa Kuranosuke | 15.04.40–06.07.40 | |
| Capt Miura Hayao (45) | 三浦速雄 | 24.12.40–11.09.41 |
| Capt Ban Jiro (33) | 伴 次郎 | 11.09.41–02.03.43 |
| Capt Sakuma Takao (36) | 作間応雄 | 02.03.43–15.04.43 |
| Capt Yamazaki Makoto (42) | 15.04.43–00.00.00 | |
| Awata Maru 粟田丸 ルマタワア | ||
| Class: Asaka Maru | ||
| Call Sign: JWWL | ||
| Builder: Mitsubishi, Nagasaki | ||
| Ordered: | ? | |
| Laid Down: | 02.03.1937 | |
| Launched as passenger-cargo ship Awata Maru (7,399 GRT): | 05.08.1937 | |
| Completed: | 23.12.1937 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Nippon Yusen Kaisen (NYK) Line | 23.12.37–16.08.41 | |
| Requisitioned | 16.08.1941 | |
| 22nd Squadron, 5th Fleet | 06.09.41–05.08.43 | |
| 22nd Squadron, 5th Fleet, NE Area Fleet | 05.08.43–01.10.43 | |
| Kure ND (after re-rating as transport)(AP) 01.10.43–05.01.44 | ||
|
Fate:
23.10.43 sunk at 03:47 by USS Grayback (SS-208) N of Miyako Jima (26°32'N, 125°05'E). 1210 dead; 164 saved.
| ||
| Removed from Navy List | 05.01.1944 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| Capt Maki Kaneyuki (34) | 牧 兼幸 | 05.09.41–03.43 |
| Capt Takeuchi Heisichi (41) | 竹内平七 | 03.43–22.10.43 |
| Bangkok Maru 盤谷丸 クコンバ | ||
| Class: Bangkok Maru | ||
| Call Sign: JSIL | ||
| Builder: Mitsubishi, Kobe | ||
| Laid Down: | 11.11.1936 | |
| Launched as cargo ship Bangkok Maru (5,351 GRT): | 30.03.1937 | |
| Completed: | 20.09.1937 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Osaka Shosen KK (OSK) Line | 20.09.37–15.08.41 | |
| Requisitioned | 15.08.1941 | |
| Hiroshima, converting to armed merchant cruiser | 15.08.41–12.10.41 | |
| Kure ND | 12.10.41–15.07.43 | |
|
Fate:
20.05.43 sunk at 15:00 by USS Pollack (SS-180) SE of Jaluit Atoll (06°47'N, 169°42'E). 502 dead; ? saved.
| ||
| Fate: | ||
| Removed from Navy List | 15.07.1943 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ? | |
| Gokoku Maru 護国丸 ルマクコゴ | ||
| Class: Hokoku Maru | ||
| Call Sign: JYYQ | ||
| Builder: Tama Shipyard, Tamano | ||
| Laid Down: | 31.07.1939 | |
| Launched as passenger-cargo vessel Gokoku Maru (10,438 GRT): | 02.04.1942 | |
| Service: | ||
| Requisitioned: | 27.07.1942 | |
| Converting at Mitsui, Tamano to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 10.08.42–25.09.42 | |
| Combined Fleet | 01.10.42–01.10.43 | |
| Kure ND (after re-rating as transport)(AP) | 01.10.43–10.11.44 | |
|
Fate:
11.11.44 sunk at 04:10 by USS Barb (SS-220) off Goto Rotto (33°31'N, 129°19'E). 326 dead; ? saved.
| ||
| Removed from Navy List | 10.01.1945 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| *Capt Mizuno Kokichi (37) | 水野孝吉 | 10.08.42–10.11.44 |
| Hokoku Maru 報国丸 ルマクコウホ | ||
| Class: Hokoku Maru | ||
| Call Sign: ? | ||
| Builder: Tama Shipyard, Tamano | ||
| Ordered: | ? | |
| Laid Down: | 18.08.1938 | |
| Launched as passenger-cargo ship Hokoku Maru (10,438 GRT): | 05.07.1939 | |
| Completed: | 22.06.1940 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Oasak Shosen Kaisha (OSK) Line | 22.06.40–29.08.41 | |
| Requisitioned | 29.08.1941 | |
| Kure ND, converting to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 20.08.41–10.10.41 | |
| 24th Squadron, Combined Fleet | 10.10.41–10.03.42 | |
| Combined Fleet | 10.03.42–10.12.42 | |
|
Fate:
11.11.42 sunk at 17:52 by Dutch tanker MV Ondina SW of Cocos Islands (19°45'S, 92°40'E). ? dead; 278 saved.
| ||
| Removed from Navy List | 10.12.1942 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| Capt Aihara Aritaka (38) | 藍原有孝 | 20.09.41–25.08.42 |
| *Capt Imazato Hiroshi (45) | 今里 博 | 25.08.42–11.11.42 |
| Kinjosan Maru 金城山丸 | ||
| Call Sign | ? | |
| Ordered: | ? | |
| Builder: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, Tamano | ||
| Laid Down: | 10.03.1936 | |
| Launched as passenger-cargo ship Kinjosan Maru (3,252 GRT): | 01.08.1936 | |
| Completed: | 30.09.1936 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Mitsui Line, Kobe | 30.09.1936–03.02.1941 | |
| Requisitioned | 03.02.1941 | |
| Kure ND, converting to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 01.03.41–09.05.41 | |
| Kure Guard Force | 09.05.41–10.04.42 | |
| 24th Escort, 4th Fleet | 10.04.42–20.05.42 | |
|
Fate:
04.05.42 sunk at 1827 by USS Greenling (SS-214) near Truk, Caroline Islands (08°44'N, 150°56'E). ? dead; 3 saved.
| ||
| Removed from Navy List | 20.05.1942 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| LtCdr Sabi Yutaka | 01.03.41–12.08.41 | |
| *Capt Todo Isao (35) | 藤堂 功 | 12.08.41–04.05.42 |
| Kinryu Maru 金龍丸 ルマリュンキ | ||
| Class: Kinryu Maru | ||
| Call Sign: JQGM | ||
| Builder: Kawasaki Shipbuilding Co, Kobe | ||
| Laid Down: | 18.11.1937 | |
| Launched as cargo ship Kinryu Maru (9,310 GRT): | 16.08.1938 | |
| Completed | 31.08.1938 | |
| Service: | ||
| Requisitioned | 01.09.1938 | |
| Kure ND | 01.09.38–00.12.41 | |
| Kure Iron Works, converting to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 05.09.41–20.10.41 | |
| 4th Fleet | 00.12.41–14.07.42 | |
| Combined Fleet | 14.07.42–01.10.42 | |
|
Fate:
25.08.42 sunk by US aircraft 40 miles NE of Santa Isabel Island (07°47'S, 160°13'E). ? dead; ? saved.
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| Removed from Navy List | 01.10.1942 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| Capt Kusugawa Kiyoshi (38) | 草川 淳 | 01.09.38–10.10.40 |
| Capt Nittai Toraji | 10.10.40–15.06.41 | |
| Capt Itagaki Koichi (38) | 板垣行一 | 15.06.41–05.09.41 |
| Capt Yamada Seizo (37) | 山田省三 | 05.09.41–01.10.42 |
| Kiyozumi Maru 清澄丸 ルマミスヨキ | ||
| Class: Kiyozumi Maru | ||
| Call Sign: JWHI | ||
| Builder: Kawasaki Shipbuilding Co, Kobe | ||
| Laid Down: | 30.05.1933 | |
| Launched as cargo-passenger ship Kiyozumi Maru (8,613 GRT): | 30.06.1934 | |
| Completed: | 05.10.1934 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Kokusai Kisan Line | 30.10.34–05.09.41 | |
| Requisitioned | 01.11.1941 | |
| Kure ND, converting to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 01.12.41–18.12.41 | |
| 24th Squadron, Combined Fleet | 07.11.41–23.07.42 | |
| SW Area Fleet | 23.07.42–31.03.44 | |
|
Fate:
17.02.44 sunk at 1330 by US aircraft at Truk. 43 dead.
| ||
| Removed from Navy List | 31.03.1944 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| Capt Okamura Masao (38) | 岡村政夫 | 05.09.41–01.12.41 |
| Capt Kita Seiichiro (34) | 北 正一郎 | 01.12.41–01.04.42 |
| ? | 01.04.42–10.07.42 | |
| Capt Kurosaki Rinzo (37) | 黒崎林蔵 | 10.07.42–23.12.42 |
| Capt Hara Seitaro (35) | 原 精太郎 | 23.12.42–12.04.43 |
| Capt Kioka Arimatsu (40) | 木岡蟻志松 | 12.04.43–18.08.43 |
| *Capt Maki Kikuta (34) | 槇 喜久太 | 18.08.43–17.02.44 |
| Kongo Maru 金剛丸 ルマゴンコ | ||
| Class: Kiyozumi Maru | ||
| Call Sign: JWIJ | ||
| Builder: Harima Heavy Industries, Harima | ||
| Laid Down: | 22.02.1934 | |
| Launched as freighter Kongo Maru (8,624 GRT): | 07.12.1934 | |
| Completed: | 08.03.1935 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Kokusai Kisan Line | 08.03.35–06.08.41 | |
| Requisitioned | 06.08.1941 | |
| Harima Zosen, converting to amred merchant cruiser (CX) | 03.0941–14.10.41 | |
| 4th Fleet | 05.09.41–20.03.42 | |
|
Fate:
10.03.42 sunk by US aircraft off Lae (06°49'S, 147°02'E). ? dead; ?saved.
| ||
| Fate: | ||
| Removed from Navy List | 20.03.1942 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| Capt Mizusaki Shojiro (38) | 水崎正次郎 | 05.09.41–10.03.42 |
| Noshiro Maru 能代丸 ルマロシノ | ||
| Class: Noshiro Maru | ||
| Call Sign: JQPA | ||
| Builder: Mitsubishi, Nagasaki | ||
| Laid Down: | 08.12.1932 | |
| Launched as passenger-cargo ship Noshiro Maru (7,183 GRT): | 28.06.1934 | |
| Completed: | 30.11.1934 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Nippon Yusen Kaisen (NYK) Line | 30.11.34–08.08.37 | |
| Japanese Army | 08.08.37–07.01.39 | |
| Civilian Nippon Yusen Kaisen (NYK) Line | 07.01.39–01.05.41 | |
| Requisitioned | 01.05.1941 | |
| Yokosuka ND, converting to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 25.06.41–14.10.41 | |
| Yokosuka ND | 20.09.41–27.08.42 | |
| 2nd Maritime Escort, 4th Fleet | 27.08.42–10.11.44 | |
Fate: 21.09.44 sunk by US aircraft off Manila (14°33'N, 120°57'E). ? saved; 9 dead. | ||
| Removed from Navy List | 10.11.1944 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| Capt Yoshikawa Mamoru | 01.07.41– | |
| Capt Otsuka Miki (39) | 大塚 幹 | 29.09.41–01.02.42 |
| Capt Saeki Koji (39) | 佐伯 孝二 | 01.02.42–25.08.42 |
| Capt Sada Tokunaga | 25.08.42– | |
| Capt Hayashi Yotoki (39) | 08.07.43– | |
| Capt Yamada Yutaka | 18.06.44– | |
| Saigon Maru 西貢丸 ンゴイサ | ||
| Call Sign: ? | ||
| Builder: Mitsubishi, Kobe | ||
| Laid Down: | 09.12.1936 | |
| Launched as cargo ship Saigon Maru (5,351 GRT): | 28.04.1937 | |
| Completed: | 30.09.1937 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Osaka Shosen K. K. (O.S.K). Osaka | 30.09.19–20.08.41 | |
| Requisitioned | 20.08.1941 | |
| Kure ND | 20.09.41–20.01.44 | |
| Harima Zosen, converting to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 23.09.41–14.10.41 | |
| 18th Escort Sqdn, General Escort Command | 20.01.44–10.11.44 | |
Fate: 18.09.44 sunk at 10:48 by USS Flasher (SS-249) off Manila Bay (14°20'N, 120°05'E). 6 dead; ? saved. | ||
| Removed from Navy List | 10.11.1944 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| ? | ? | |
| *Capt Kameyama Minegoro (44) | 亀山峯五郎 | 15.08.44–18.09.44 |
| Ukishima Maru 浮島丸 ルママシキウ | ||
| Class: Ukishima Maru | ||
| Call Sign: ? | ||
| Builder: Mitsui, Tamano | ||
| Laid Down: | 07.08.1936 | |
| Launched as passenger-cargo ship Ukishima Maru (4,730 GRT): | 26.12.1936 | |
| Completed: | 15.03.1937 | |
| Service: | ||
| Civilian Osaka Shosen KK (OSK) Line | 15.03.37–03.09.41 | |
| Requisitioned | 03.09.1941 | |
| Sasebo ND, converting to armed merchant cruiser (CX) | 03.09.41–14.10.41 | |
| Sasebo ND | 20.09.41–11.11.41 | |
| Sasebo Guard Force | 11.11.41–10.04.42 | |
| 1st Maritime Escort, General Escort | 10.04.42–01.08.42 | |
| 2nd Maritime Escort, 4th Fleet | 01.08.42–15.03.43 | |
| 22nd Squadron, 1st Patrol Unit (as gunboat)(PG) | 15.03.43–01.12.43 | |
| 2nd Base Air Group, | 01.12.43–21.02.44 | |
| 22nd Squadron, 1st Patrol Unit | 21.02.44–01.09.44 | |
| 7th Base Air Unit, 1st Patrol Squadron, 1st Patrol Unit. | 01.09.44–20.02.45 | |
| Northern Area Fleet | 15.04.43–20.02.45 | |
| Yokosuka ND | 20.02.45–05.04.45 | |
| Ominato Training and Replacement Unit | 05.04.45–03.08.45 | |
|
Fate:
24.08.45 sunk at 17:20 by mine off Maizuru. 549 dead; ? saved.
| ||
| Removed from Navy List | 03.05.1947 | |
| Commanding Officers: | ||
| Capt Shiho Keijiro (M) | 1940 | |
| Capt Tsuchida Hitoshi (38) | 土田 斉 | 20.09.41–00.06.42 |
| Capt Iwaihara Fuchina (36) | 祝原不知名 | 00.006.42–00.03.43 |
| Capt Nakamura Yasuzo (39) | 仲村保造 | 00.03.43–01.04.43 |
| Capt Yano Kanji (50) | 矢野寛二 | 10.04.43–15.04.43 |
| Cdr Toriumi Kingo (R ) | 鳥海金吾 | 20.02.45–00.00.00 |
