Home Page World War II Armed Forces — Orders of Battle and Organizations Last Updated 12.12.2014
Imperial Japanese Navy
River Gunboats
In cooperation with Jeff Donahoo and Matthew Jones
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 theNaval 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.
Atami   熱海  ミタア  
Atami Hot Springs, Shizuoka Prefecture  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Improved Sata)  
   Call Sign: JVWA (JVXA?)  
   Builder: Fujinagata Heavy Industries, Osaka  
   Ordered under the 1927 Program  
   Laid Down: 06.11.1928
   Launched: 30.03.1929
   Completed: 30.06.1929
   Service:  
      ? 1929–1939
      PG-Div 11, 3rd Fleet 15.11.39–
      1st China ExpFleet, China Area Fleet 12.41–20.08.43
      Yangtze Base Force, China Area Fleet 20.08.43–
Fate:  02.09.45 surrendered at Shanghai. Handed over 08.45 to China as Yung Ping. Taken over in 1949 by Communists. Scrapped 1960’s.
   Removed from Navy List 30.09.1945
   Commanding Officers:  
      LtCdr Imamura Yoshihiko (42)今村幸彦1929–11.12.30
      LtCdr Kojima Hideo (44)小島秀雄01.12.30–10.03.32
      LtCdr Fukuda Isamu (44)福田 勇10.03.32–01.12.32
      Cdr Kimura Masatomi (41)木村昌福01.12.32–10.03.34
      Cdr Monzen Tei (42)門前 鼎10.03.34–21.10.35
      Cdr Kase Saburo (44)加瀬三郎21.10.35–01.06.37
      LtCdr Mori Keisaku (49)森 圭作01.06.37–15.10.39
      LtCdr Yamagamachi (Yamaka) Tetsuo (51)山香哲雄15.10.39–15.12.39
      *Cdr Mori Keisaku (49)森 圭作01.06.37–
      LtCdr Kumabe Tsutae (50)隈部 伝15.12.38–15.10.39
      Cdr Yamaka Tetsuo (51)山香哲雄15.10.39–15.12.39
      Cdr Kumabe Tsutae (50)隈部 伝15.12.39–15.10.40
      Cdr Fukusumi Junzo (55)福寿十蔵15.10.40–20.08.41
      LtCdr Araki Masatomi (56)荒木政臣20.08.41–26.03.43
      ??26.03.43-06.43
      Cdr Kamisawa Takeshi神沢彪一06.43–10.10.44
      LtCdr Onishi Yuji (57)大西勇治10.10.44–02.09.45
Fushimi   伏見  ミシフ  
    Fushimi Castle  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Fushimi)  
   Call Sign: JVZA  
   Builder: Fujinagata Heavy Industries, Osaka  
   Ordered under the 1937 Program  
   Laid Down: 15.07.1938
   Launched: 26.03.1939
   Completed: 15.07.1939
   Service:  
      Yokosuka ND 15.07.39–15.11.39
      1st China ExpFleet, China Area Fleet 15.11.39–20.08.43
      Yangtze Base Force.China Area Fleet 20.08.43–02.09.45
Fate:  Sunk 26.11.1944 by Chinese aircraft on the Yangtze River near Anking (30°30'N, 117°00'E). Salvaged and towed to Shanghai. Surrendered there 02.09.45. Handed over to Chinese as Kiang Hsi. Captured by Cumminsts in 1949 and renamed Chiang Feng.
   Removed from Navy List 03.05.47
   Commanding Officers:  
      Cdr Fujitani Ataka (46)藤谷安宅01.12.38–15.07.39
      Cdr Taniguchi Hidetaka (49)谷口秀志15.07.39–01.08.42
      LtCdr Tsugi Hajime (52)継  一01.08.42–23.12.44
      ??23.12.44–02.09.45
Futami   二見  ミタフ  
Town of Futami , Ehime Prefecture  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Improved Sata)  
   Call Sign: JVYA  
   Builder: Fujinagata Heavy Industries, Osaka  
   Ordered under the 1927 Program  
   Laid Down: 25.06.1929
   Launched: 20.11.1929
   Completed: 28.03.1930
   Service:  
      PG-Div 11.China Area Fleet 08.08.39–11.08.41
      1st China Exp Fleet, China Area Fleet 11.08.41–20.08.43
      Yangtze Base Force, China Area Fleet 20.08.43–30.09.45
Fate:  02.09.45 surrendered at Shanghai. Handed over to Chinese as Yung An. Captured by Communists in 1949.
   Removed from Navy List 30.09.1945
   Commanding Officers:  
      LtCdr Horie Yugoro (41)堀 勇五郎30.11.29–20.08.31
      LtCdr Nakahara Saburo (40)中原三郎20.08.31–20.05.32
      Cdr Furuki Hiyakuzo (41)古木百蔵20.05.32–15.11.33
      Cdr Onishi Kenshiro (42)大西新蔵15.11.33–15.11.34
      LtCdr Kon Yasushi (47)丸安金兎15.11.34–10.10.35
      Cdr Kuranaga Tsuneki (46)倉永恒記10.10.35–10.03.36
      Cdr Arita Mitsugu (44)有田 貢10.03.36–15.11.37
      Cdr Sawa Isamu (47)沢 勇夫15.11.37–01.39
      Cdr Mizoguchi Yasumaro (51)渓口泰麿01.39–10.09.41
      Cdr Okumura Saburo (50)奥村三郎10.09.41–01.08.42
      *LtCdr Kanei Hiroshi (55) [?]金井 博01.08.42–02.45
      Cdr Sakamoto Akira坂元 正02.45–02.09.45
Hira   比良  ラヒ  
Hira Mountains  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Hira)  
   Call Sign: JVVA  
   Builder: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kobe  
   Ordered under the Fleet Building Program of 1920–8  
   Laid Down: 15.08.1921
   Launched: 14.03.1922
   Completed: 24.08.1923
   Service:  
      ?    1923–1941
      1st China ExpFleet, China Area Fleet 12.41–20.08.43
      Yangtze Base Force, China Area Fleet 20.08.43–10.05.45
Fate:  Sunk 26.11.44 by Chinese aircraft on the Yangtze River near Anking, China (30°30'N, 117°00'E).
   Removed from Navy List 10.05.1945
   Commanding Officers:  
      LtCdr Suzuki Kozo (36)鈴木幸三20.01.23–01.12.23
      LtCdr Kobayashi Masami (38)小林 仁01.12.23–06.01.25
      LtCdr Miura Tomosaburo (38)三浦友三郎06.01.25–15.06.26
      LtCdr Okano Shunkichi (38)岡野俊吉15.06.26–20.06.27
      LtCdr Hirose Sueto (39)広瀬末人20.06.27–01.11.28
      LtCdr Maeda Minoru (41)前田 稔01.11.28–01.05.30
      LtCdr Yamazumi Teijiro (44)山澄貞次郎01.05.30–01.04.32
      Cdr Itakura Tokushi (42)板倉得止20.10.33–15.11.34
      Cdr Oda Tamekiyo (43)小田為清15.11.34–15.11.35
      Cdr Motoi Yuuji (47)本告唯次15.11.35–09.01.37
      Cdr Doi Shinji (45)土井申二09.01.37–25.12.38
      Cdr Shimauchi Yoshiji (49)島内吉次25.12.38–25.09.39
      Cdr Kubota Toshi (46)久保田 智25.09.39–15.10.40
      Cdr Dobashi Takeyoshi (50)土橋豪実15.10.40–20.08.41
      *Cdr Sakamoto Tsuneo (52)坂元常男20.08.41–31.05.43
      LtCdr Murakami Tadaomi (57)村上忠臣06.43–04.44
      LtCdr Kawata Yoshio (48)川田義雄04.44–26.11.44
Hozu   保津  ヅホ  
Hozu River  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Hira)  
   Call Sign: JVWA  
   Builder: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kobe  
   Ordered under the Fleet Building Program of 1920–8  
   Laid Down: 15.08.1921
   Launched: 19.04.1922
   Completed: 07.11.1923
   Service:  
      ?    1923–1941
      1st China Exp Fleet, China Area Fleet 12.41–20.08.43
      Yangtze Base Force, China Area Fleet 20.08.43–10.05.45
Fate:  Sunk 26.11.44 by Chinese aircraft on the Yangtze River near Anking, China (30°30'N, 117°00'E).
   Removed from Navy List 10.05.1945
   Commanding Officers:  
      ? 07.11.23–01.12.30
      LtCdr Horie Yugoro (41)堀 勇五郎01.05.27–01.11.28
      ? 01.11.28–30.11.29
      LtCdr Kamata Michiaki (39)鎌田道章30.11.29–01.12.30
      ? 01.12.30–01.11.33
      LtCdr Nagai Mitsuru (45)長井 満01.11.33–15.05.34
      LtCdr Nakatsu Seiki (44)中津成基15.05.34–15.11.35
      Cdr Takao Yoshimi (46)高尾儀六15.11.35–01.03.37
      Cdr Ueda Mitsuharu (45)上田光治01.03.37–01.03.38
      Cdr Ohashi Kyozo (48)大橋恭三01.03.38–15.11.38
      Cdr Kawano Yasushi (47)河野 康15.11.38–15.10.40
      ? 15.10.40–20.06.43
      Cdr Koyo Keiji (57)小屋増男20.06.43–26.11.44
Karatsu   唐津  
City of Karatsu , Saga Prefecture  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Luzon)  
   Builder: Kiangnan Dock, Shanghai  
   Authorized in Fiscal Year 1925  
   Laid Down: 20.11.1926
   Launched: 12.09.1927
   Completed as US Navy USS Luzon (PR-7): 01.06.1928
   Service:  
     US Navy 1927–1942
      Sunk at Corregidor, Luzon. 05.05.1942
      Salvaged and renamed Karatsu: 01.08.1942
      3rd Southern Exp Fleet, SW Area Fleet 01.08.42–10.04.45
Fate:  Badly damaged 03.03.44 by USS Narwhal (SS-167) 20 miles NE of Dapitan, Mindanao (08°25'N, 123°23'E). Towed to Manila for repairs, scuttled 03.02.45 at Manila. Scrapped 10.05.45 in Manila.
   Removed from Navy List 10.04.1945
   Commanding Officers:  
      ?    01.08.42–07.08.43
      * LtCdr Magoshi Masahiro (57)馬越正博07.08.43–03.03.44
      ?    03.03.44–05.02.45
Kataka   堅田  カタカ  
Shinto Shrine of Kataka  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Hira)  
   Call Sign: JVUA  
   Builder: Harima Sosensho, Harima  
   Ordered under the Fleet Building Program of 1920–8  
   Laid Down: 29.04.1922
   Launched: 16.07.1922
   Completed: 20.10.1923
   Service:  
      ?    1923–1941
      1st China ExpFleet, China Area Fleet 12.41–20.08.43
      Yangtze Base Force, China Area Fleet 20.08.43–02.09.45
Fate:  Surrendered damaged 02.09.45 at Shanghai. Scrapped 1947.
   Removed from Navy List ?
   Commanding Officers:  
      LtCdr Tsuchiya M. (??)?20.10.23–05.02.24
      LtCdr Suga Hikojiro (38)須賀彦次郎05.02.24–21.06.24
      LtCdr Goto Eiji (37)後藤英次21.06.24–15.07.24
      ??15.07.24–10.05.28
      Cdr Suga Hikojiro (38)須賀彦次郎10.05.28–15.01.30
      Cdr Ito Kenzo (41)伊藤賢三15.01.30–28.01.32
      LtCdr Kimura Masatomi (41)木村昌福28.01.32–20.09.32
      Cdr Matsura Tadayuki (40)松良祐宏20.09.32–15.11.33
      ??15.11.33–01.12.35
      Cdr Kamata Shoichi (43)鎌田正一01.12.35–01.01.37
      LtCdr Kawase Kaoru (50)川瀬 薫01.01.37–01.10.37
      Cdr Fujitani Ataka (46)藤谷安宅01.10.37–01.12.38
      Cdr Saito Taizo (46)斉藤泰蔵01.12.38–15.04.40
      Cdr Tadano Sashichiro (48)多田野佐七郎15.04.40–10.09.40
      Cdr Matsuzaki Tatsuji (52)松崎辰治10.09.40–01.07.43
      ??01.07.43–02.09.45
Kotaka   小鷹  コタカ  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Kotaka)  
   Call Sign: ?
   Builder: Mitsui, Tamano  
   Ordered under the 1927 Program:  
   Laid Down: 09.09.1929
   Launched: 18.01.1930
   Completed: 30.11.1930
   Service:  
      ?    1930–1944
Fate:  Sunk 31.05.44 by Chinese aircraft on the Upper Yangtze River.
   Removed from Navy List 1944
   Commanding Officers:  
      ?    01.11.30–31.05.44
Maiko   舞子  マイコ  
   Type: River Gunboat  
   Builder: Yarrow, Scotstoun  
   Ordered: ?
   Laid Down: ?
   Launched: 1909
   Completed for Portuguese Navy as River Gunboat Macau 1909
   Service:  
      Portugese Navy at Macau  
      Bought by Japan and commissioned as Maiko15.08.1943
      2nd China Exp Fleet, China Area Fleet 17.08.43–02.09.45
Fate:  02.09.45 surrendered at Canton. Handed over to China 1946 as Wu Feng . Captured by Communists in 1949.
   Removed from Navy List 30.09.1945
   Commanding Officers:  
      ?    15.08.43–04.45
      Capt Masao Doi土居正雄04.45–02.09.45
Narumi   鳥海  ミルナ  
   Class: River Gunboat  
   Builder: Shanghai Docks and Engineering Co.  
   Ordered:1913
   Laid Down: ?
   Launched: 19.06.1918
   Completed asItalian Ermanno Carlotto: 03.21
   Service:  
     Italian Service 1921–1943
      Scuttled at Shanghai 09.09.1943
      Salvaged and transferred to Mitsubishi Shipbuilding's Konan (Kiangnan) Dockyard for repairs and refit.
15.10.1943
      Sasebo ND as River Gunboat Narumi 01.11.43–05.11.44
      Yangtze Base Force, China Area Fleet 05.11.43–10.10.44
      24th Gunbat Div, China Area Fleet 10.10.44–02.09.45
Fate:  02.09.45 surrendered at Shanghai. Handed over to the Chinese in 1947 as Kiang Kun. Captured by the Communists in 1949.
   Removed from Navy List 30.09.1945
   Commanding Officers:  
      ?    15.10.43–01.11.43
      Lt Yoshida Komao吉田駒男01.11.43–08.03.45
      Lt Koike Mitsuo小池三雄08.03.45–02.09.45
Seta   勢多  タセ  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Hira)  
   Call Sign: JVTA  
   Builder: Harima Heavy Industries, Harima  
   Ordered under the Fleet Building Program of 1920–8  
   Laid Down: 29.04.1922
   Launched: 30.06.1922
   Completed: 06.10.1923
   Service:  
      ?    1923–1941
      1st China Exp Fleet, China Area Fleet 11.08.41–20.08.43
      Yangtze Base Force, China Area Fleet 20.08.43–02.09.45
Fate:  02.09.45 surrendered. Handed over to China as Chang The. Captured by Communists in 1949.
   Removed from Navy List: ?
   Commanding Officers:  
      LtCdr Suzuki Kozo (36)鈴木幸三20.01.23–01.12.24
      ??01.12.24–01.06.26
      LtCdr Yamazaki Sukeichi (39)山崎助一01.06.26–01.12.26
      ??01.12.26–15.11.27
      LtCdr Shibata Yaichiro (40)柴田弥一郎15.11.27–10.10.29
      LtCdr Otani Yusuke (42)大谷雄介10.10.29–01.07.31
      LtCdr Kurushima Shigeo (??)?01.07.31–01.12.32
      Cdr Sugimoto Michio (41)杉本道雄01.12.32–01.11.33
      Cdr Nakao Hachiro (40)中尾八郎01.11.33–01.11.34
      Cdr Kamijo Fukashi (39)上条深志01.11.34–15.11.35
      Cdr Yoshimi Nobuichi (43)吉見信一15.11.35–07.10.37
      LtCdr Terasaki Takaharu (??)?07.10.37–27.07.38
      Cdr Kondo Saburo (46)近藤三郎27.07.38–01.06.40
      Cdr Kishi Yoshiyuki (47)岸 良幸01.06.40–05.10.40
      ??05.10.40–
      *Capt. Matsumoto Masami (52)岸 良幸–06.06.43   
      ??06.06.43–26.11.44
Suma   須磨  すま  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Insect)  
   Builder: Sunderland Shipbuilding, Sunderland, Britain  
   Ordered: 09.02.1915
   Laid Down: 1915
   Launched: 09.10.1915
   Completed as British RN HMS Moth (T.70): 05.01.1916
   Service:  
      British Royal Navy 05.01.16–12.12.41
      Scuttled: 12.12.1941
      Salvaged and renamed Suma: 01.07.1942
      2nd China Exp Fleet, China Area Fleet 01.07.42–20.08.43
      Yangtze Base Force.China Area Fleet 20.08.43–10.05.45
Fate:  Sunk 19.03.45 by mine 51 miles above Kiangyin, China on Yangtze River (32°00'N, 120°00'E). 8 dead; 76 saved.
   Removed from Navy List 10.05.1945
   Commanding Officers:  
      British Cdr Charles H.A. Cartwright, R.N. 05.01.16–
      British Lt Frank L. Tongue, R.N.R. 02.05.18–
      British LtCdr Andrew Johnstone, R.N. 24.12.18–
      British Cdr R.C.F. Creer, R.A.N. 17.11.41–12.12.41
      Resv Lt Haba Akira (Acting) 06.42–01.07.42
      LtCdr Asai Tatsuo (53)旭 竜雄01.07.42–19.03.45
Sumida   隅田  ダミス  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Fushimi)  
   Call Sign: JWAA  
   Builder: Fujinagata Heavy Industries, Osaka  
   Ordered under the 1937 Program  
   Laid Down: 13.04.1939
   Launched: 30.10.1939
   Completed: 31.05.1940
   Service:  
      11th Squadron, China Area Fleet 31.05.40–11.08.41
      1st China Exp Fleet, China Area Fleet 11.08.41–20.08.43
      Yangtze Base Force, China Area Fleet 20.08.43–02.09.45
Fate:  02.09.45 surrendered in Shanghai. Handed over to China as Nan Chang. Captured by Communists 1949 and renamed Chiang Hsi.
   Commanding Officers:  
      ??31.05.40–15.10.40
      LtCdr Morita Kazuharu (50)森田秀一15.08.40–20.08.41
      Cdr Kodota [?] (50)門田一治15.10.40–
      *Cdr Yamazaki Kakichi (50)山崎嘉吉20.08.41–22.06.42
      No captain appointed22.06.42–27.06.42
      LtCdr Hashimoto Masao (56)橋本正雄27.06.42–26.08.43
      ??26.08.43–05.11.43
      LtCdr Onishi Yuji (57)大西勇治05.11.43–10.10.44
      ??10.10.44–02.09.45
Tatara   多々良  タタラ  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Wake)  
   Builder: Kiangnan Dock, Shanghai  
   Authorized in Fiscal Year 1925  
   Laid Down: 17.10.1926
   Launched: 28.05.1927
   Completed for US Navy as River Boat USS Wake (PR-3): 28.12.1927
   Service:  
      US Navy 1926–1941
      Captured at Shanghai 08.12.1941
      Renamed Tatara 15.12.1941
      Shanghai Base Force, China Area Fleet 08.12.41–20.08.43
      Yangtze Base Force, China Area Fleet 20.08.43–02.09.45
Fate:  02.09.45 surrendered at Shanghai. Handed over to Chinese as Tai Yüan in 1946. Captured by Communists in 1949.
   Removed from Navy List 30.09.1945
   Commanding Officers:  
      Lt Yasumura Taiichi (55)安村対一15.12.41–02.43
      Lt Akagi Toshio (58)赤木敏郎02.43–02.09.45
Toba   鳥羽  バト  
   Type (Class): River Gunboat (Toba)  
   Call Sign: JVQA  
   Builder: Sasebo Navy Yard  
   Ordered under the 1910 Budget  
   Laid Down: 07.07.1911
   Launched: 07.11.1911
   Completed: 17.11.1911
   Service:  
      Shanghai Base Force.China Area Fleet 17.11.11–08.19
      1st Fleet 08.19–
      ?    ?
      3rd Fleet 02.02.32–20.05.33
      PG-Div 11, 3rd Fleet 20.05.33–20.09.41
      Shanghai Base Force, China Area Fleet 20.09.41–02.09.45
Fate:  02.09.45 surrendered at Shanghai. Handed over to China as Yang Chi. Captured by Communists as Ho Hsiieh [?].
   Removed from Navy List 02.09.1945
   Commanding Officers:  
      ??17.11.11–1.12.12
      LtCdr Mimura Toshio (28)三村俊夫01.12.12–
      ??–16.08.17   
      LtCdr Fujiyoshi Akira (31)藤吉 晙16.08.17–03.06.18
      LtCdr Imagawa Makane (31)今川真金03.06.18–26.03.19
      LtCdr Inose Otohiko (33)猪瀬乙彦26.03.19–06.10.21
      LtCdr Suzuki Kozo (36)鈴木幸三06.10.21–20.04.22
      LtCdr Suzuki Kiyoshi (35)鈴木 清20.04.22–13.08.23
      LtCdr Sano Tetsu (36)佐野 哲13.08.23–01.05.24
      LtCdr Goto Eiji (37)後藤英次01.05.24–21.06.24
      LtCdr Suga Hikojiro (38)須賀彦次郎21.06.24–01.12.25
      LtCdr Kumabe Isamu (42)隈部 勇01.12.25–01.12.27
      LtCdr Katsuno Minoru (40)勝野 実01.12.27–30.11.29
      LtCdr Torii Takuya (45)鳥居卓哉30.11.29–01.12.30
      LtCdr Ishikawa Kancho (44)石河 淡01.12.30–02.05.32
      LtCdr Kase Saburo (44)加瀬三郎02.05.32–01.12.32
      LtCdr Katayama Tsukasa (46)片山司吾六01.12.32–01.11.34
      LtCdr Mutaguchi Kakuro (44)牟田口格郎01.11.34–15.10.35
      LtCdr Miyasaka Yoshito (47)宮坂義登15.10.35–01.11.35
      LtCdr Yamashiro Katsumori (47)山代勝守01.11.35–01.12.36
      LtCdr Kubota Toshi (46)久保田 智01.12.36–01.12.37
      Cdr Shimizu Toshio (46)清水利夫01.12.37–15.12.38
      LtCdr Akazawa Shizuo (49)赤沢次寿雄15.12.38–20.10.39
      Cdr Oishi Shinichi (49)大石新一20.10.39–20.08.41
      Cdr Matsuda Kuro (55)松田明夫20.08.41–20.06.43
      Cdr Yoshida Kengo (58)吉田謙吾20.06.43–02.09.45
 

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Abbreviations and Terms used