Japanese Subchasers

KUSENTEI!

IJN Subchaser CH-17 Tabular Record of Movement
© 2005-2017 Bob Hackett, Sander Kingsepp and Peter Cundall
Revision 13

1941:
Tokyo. Laid down at Tokyo Ishikawajima Zosen’s Fukagawa Yard. Initially designated as subchaser No. 184.
3 May 1941:
Launched and numbered CH-17.
31 July 1941:
Completed and registered in the IJN at the Sasebo Naval District..
1 October 1941:
Reassigned to SubChasDiv 21.
24 October 1941:
Designated as the flagship of SubChasDiv 21.
8 December 1941:
Takao, Formosa. Assigned to Rear Admiral (later Vice Admiral) Hirose Sueto's (39) (former CO of AOBA) 2nd Base Force of Vice Admiral Takahashi Ibo's (36) (former CO of KIRISHIMA) Third Fleet. Attached to the Philippines Seizure Force in Cdr Ota's SubChasDiv 21 with CH-4, CH-5, CH-6, CH-16 and CH-18.
23 December 1941:
CH-17 and DesDiv 5's HATAKAZE escort freighter SHOHEI MARU carrying 656 construction troops to Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands.
24 February 1942: Operation "J" - The Invasion of Java, Netherlands East Indies:
Participates in the landings at Bantam Bay, near Batavia (Jakarta), Java.
14 March 1942:
At Staring Bay supplied with healthcare products by hospital ship ASAHI MARU.
1 May 1942:
SubChasDiv 21 is attached directly to HQ, Combined Fleet.
May 1942: Operation “MI” – The Battle of Midway:
CH-17 is attached to Vice Admiral (later Admiral) Kondo Nobutake’s (35) (former CO of KONGO) Midway Invasion Force in Captain (Rear Admiral, posthumously) Miyamoto Sadachika's (39)(former CO of YAEYAMA) 16th Minesweeper Unit consisting of auxiliary minesweepers TAMA MARU No. 3, SHONAN MARUs No. 7 and No 8, subchasers CH-16 and CH-18. Departs Saipan for Wake, enroute to Midway.
4 June 1942:
At 0843, a PBY "Catalina" flying boat discovers Captain Miyamoto's minesweeper group heading towards Midway.
5 June 1942:
At 0255, after receiving word that the occupation of Midway has been canceled, retires north.
10 June 1942:
At 0940 CH-17 and CH-18 arrive at Nagaura.
12 June 1942:
At 1200 CH-17 and CH-18 depart Nagaura.
15 June 1942:
At 1655 CH-17 and CH-18 arrives at Nagaura.
16 June 1942:
At 0810 CH-17 departs Nagaura. CH-18 departs soon adfter at 0900.
23 June 1942:
At 1900 CH-17 and CH-18 arrive at Nagaura.
24 June 1942:
At 1440 CH-17 and CH-18 departs Nagaura and soon after CH-17 only arrives at Uraga.
28 June 1942:
At 2345 departs Uraga.
1 July 1942:
At 1800 departs Nagaura.
5 July 1942:
At 1820 arrives at Nagaura.
6 July 1942:
At 1820 departs Nagaura.
14 July 1942:
Reassigned to Vice Admiral Mikawa Gunichi's (38) 8th Fleet with the 8th Base Force's SubChasDiv 21 at Rabaul with CH-4, CH-5, CH-6, CH-16 and CH-18.
16 July 1942:
At 2300 arrives at Nagaura.
26 July 1942:
At 1320 arrives at Nagaura.
29 July 1942:
At 1300 CH-17and CH-18 depart Nagaura.
1 August 1942:
CH-17 departs Mutsure escorting convoy No. 144 consisting of NICHIAI MARU and three unidentified merchant ships.
6 August 1942:
Arrives at Mako.
August 1942:
Reassigned to Rabaul.
14 August 1942:
Participates in the seizure of Gizo, New Georgia, Solomons.
14 October 1942:
At 2300 arrives at Rabaul escorting unknown vessel/s.
17 October 1942:
At 1630 departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
20 October 1942:
At 1750 arrives back at Rabaul.
23 October 1942:
At 1900 CH-17 and CH-18 depart Rabaul on an escort mission.
29 October 1942:
At 1200 both CH-17 and CH-18 arrive back at Rabaul.
30 October 1942:
At 1145 CH-17 and CH-18 depart on an escort mission.
3 November 1942:
At 1720 CH-17 and CH-18 depart Rabaul on an escort mission to Shortland, possibly YAMASHIMO MARU that was also escorted by CH-28.
7 November 1942:
At 1100 CH-17 and CH-18 arrive back at Rabaul.
10 November 1942:
At 1100 departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
13 November 1942:
At 1345 arrives back at Rabaul.
15 November 1942:
Departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
21 November 1942:
At 0840 arrives back at Rabaul.
25 November 1942:
At 0600 departs Rabaul for Palau in a convoy consiting of TEIYO, OIGAWA, TAIHEI, SOURABAYA, MACASSAR and TAIKO MARUs escorted by submarine chasers CH-17 and CH-21.
29 November 1942:
At 0645 arrives back at Rabaul.
7 December 1942:
At 2140 departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
9 December 1942:
At 1610 arrives back at Rabaul.
13 December 1942:
At 0310 departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
15 December 1942:
At 0800 arrives back at Rabaul.
19 December 1942:
At 1755 departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
23 December 1942:
At 0200 CH-16, CH-17 and CH-18 all arrive back at Rabaul together.
25 December 1942:
At 2035 CH-17 and CH-18 depart Rabaul on an escort mission.
29 December 1942:
At 0200 CH-17 returns to Rabaul.
1 January 1943:
Departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
3 January 1943:
At 1450 arrives back at Rabaul.
5 January 1943:
At 0435 departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
10 January 1943: At 0730 arrives back at Rabaul.
11 January 1943:
At 0700 CH-16, CH-17 and CH-18 depart Rabaul on an anti submarine sweep.
12 January 1943:
At 2100 CH-16 and CH-17 arrive back at Rabaul (CH-18 had already arrived back earlier that day).
16 January 1943:
At 0440 departs Rabaul with minesweeper W-21 on an escort mission. Later that day W of Kavieng. LtCdr (later Rear Admiral) Henry C. Bruton's (USNA ’26) USS GREENLING (SS-213) sinks transport KIMPOSAN MARU at 02-47S, 149-10E. 31 crewmen are KIA. CH-17 is returning to Rabaul after picket duty. She counterattacks and forces USS GREENLING deep, then rescues KIMPOSAN MARU's survivors.
20 January 1943:
At 0830 arrives back at Rabaul.
24 January 1943:
At 1555 CH-16 and CH-17 depart Rabaul on a convoy escort mission likely escorting transport SEIA MARU to Shortland.
27 January 1943:
CH-17 escorts MIKAGE MARU No. 20 to Kolombangara.
29 January 1943:
At 1100 both CH-16 and CH-17 arrive back at Rabaul.
3 February 1943:
At 0440 departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
8 February 1943:
At 0220 arrives back at Rabaul.
12 February 1943:
At 0550 departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
16 February 1943:
Joins torpedo boat HIYODORI escorting NOSHIRO MARU.
18 February 1943:
At 0700 arrives back at Rabaul.
22 February 1943:
At 1700 CH-16 and CH-17 depart Rabaul on an escort mission, possibly of Naval transport YAMAFUKU MARU part way to Palau.
27 February 1943:
At 0745 both CH-16 and CH-17 arrive back at Rabaul.
1 March 1943:
Departs Rabaul on patrol.
2 March 1943:
At 2050 arrives back at Rabaul.
6 March 1943:
At 0630 departs Rabaul on patrol.
7 March 1943:
At 0800 arrives back at Rabaul.
9 March 1943:
At 0635 departs Rabaul on patrol.
10 March 1943:
At 0900 arrives back at Rabaul.
11 March 1943:
At 0615 departs Rabaul on patrol.
12 March 1943:
At 0730 arrives back at Rabaul.
14 March 1943:
At 0730 departs Rabaul on patrol.
15 March 1943:
At 0735 arrives back at Rabaul.
16 March 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
17 March 1943:
At 0742 arrives back at Rabaul.
19 March 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
20 March 1943:
At 0735 arrives back at Rabaul.
21 March 1943:
At 0725 departs Rabaul on patrol.
22 March 1943:
At 0800 arrives back at Rabaul.
25 March 1943:
At 0600 departs Rabaul on patrol.
26 March 1943:
At 0730 arrives back at Rabaul.
27 March 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
28 March 1943:
At 0700 arrives back at Rabaul.
29 March 1943:
At 0655 departs Rabaul on patrol.
30 March 1943:
At 0800 arrives back at Rabaul.
4 April 1943:
At 1200 departs Rabaul on patrol.
6 April 1943:
At 0635 arrives back at Rabaul.
7 April 1943:
At 0635 departs Rabaul on patrol.
8 April 1943:
At 0800 arrives back at Rabaul.
9 April 1943:
At 1210 departs Rabaul for unspecified reason, possibly an escort mission (a convoy left Rabaul for Truk this day).
11 April 1943:
At 0545 arrives back at Rabaul.
13 April 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
14 April 1943:
At 1400 arrives back at Rabaul.
22 April 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
23 April 1943:
At 0735 arrives back at Rabaul.
25 April 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
26 April 1943:
At 0750 arrives back at Rabaul.
28 April 1943:
At 0650 departs Rabaul on patrol.
29 April 1943:
At 0740 arrives back at Rabaul.
3 May 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
4 May 1943:
At 1248 arrives back at Rabaul.
5 May 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
7 May 1943:
At 0800 arrives back at Rabaul.
8 May 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol and to carry out a survey or investigation.
9 May 1943:
At 2010 arrives back at Rabaul.
10 May 1943:
At 0640 departs Rabaul on patrol.
11 May 1943:
At 0810 arrives back at Rabaul.
17 May 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
19 May 1943:
At 0800 arrives back at Rabaul.
21 May 1943:
At 0425 departs Rabaul on patrol.
23 May 1943:
At 0615 arrives back at Rabaul.
25 May 1943:
At 0530 departs Rabaul on patrol.
27 May 1943:
At 1600 arrives back at Rabaul.
28 May 1943:
At 2335 departs Rabaul on an escort mission. This terminates at an unknown date and time.
2 June 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
4 June 1943:
At 0835 arrives back at Rabaul.
6 June 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
8 June 1943:
At 0810 arrives back at Rabaul.
10 June 1943:
At 0645 departs Rabaul on patrol.
12 June 1943:
At 0805 arrives back at Rabaul.
14 June 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
16 June 1943:
At 0900 arrives back at Rabaul.
17 June 1943:
At 0700 departs Rabaul on patrol.
19 June 1943:
At 0810 arrives back at Rabaul.
21 June 1943:
At 0720 departs Rabaul on patrol.
23 June 1943:
At 1845 arrives back at Rabaul.
26 June 1943:
At 0635 departs Rabaul on patrol.
28 June 1943:
At 0800 arrives back at Rabaul.
30 June 1943:
At 0710 departs Rabaul on patrol.
2 July 1943:
At 0810 arrives back at Rabaul.
4 July 1943:
At 2400 departs Rabaul on patrol.
5 July 1943:
At 1400 arrives back at Rabaul.
6 July 1943:
At 1610 CH-17 and CH-18 depart Rabaul on an escort mission.
11 July 1943:
At 0630 CH-17 arrives back at Rabaul (CH-18 had returned earlier).
14 July 1943:
At 1110 departs Rabaul on an escort mission.
19 July 1943:
At 1150 arrives back at Rabaul.
25 July 1943:
At 1200 departs Rabaul with CH-17 in a convoy consisting of IJA Landing Craft Depot Ship NIGITSU MARU, and transports HOKKO, TOKO, KANAYAMASAN, RYOYO MARUs and one unidentified Navy transport. [1]
1 August 1943:
Arrives Palau.
5 August 1943:
CH-16 and CH-17 depart Palau escorting a convoy consisting of KINE, KAZUURA, NISHIYAMA (SEIZAN) MARUs and one unidentified merchant ship.
12 August 1943:
At 1400 CH-16 and CH-17 and the convoy arrive at Rabaul.
17 August 1943:
At 1530 CH-16 and CH-17 departs Rabaul with CH-16 escorting convoy No. O-703 consisting of SEIZAN (NISHIYAMA), KAZUURA and EHIME MARUs.
22 August 1943:
At 1138, SEIZAN (NISHIYAMA) MARU in O-703 is torpedoed and sunk by LtCdr (later Rear Admiral) Frank M. Parker's (USNA ’32) USS SWORDFISH (SS-193) at 02-53N 136-21E. Three passengers and four crewmen are killed. Later that day the remainder of the convoy arrives at Palau.
27 August 1943:
Convoy So-705 consisting of SHICHISEI, HIBI, MATSUE, MOJI and UMEKAWA MARUs departs Palau escorted by CH-17.
3 September 1943:
At 0700 CH-17 and the convoy arrive at Rabaul.
7 September 1943:
At 1500 CH-17 departs Rabaul for Palau with CH-39 escorting convoy No. 704 consisting of HIBI, SHICHISEI, MATSUE, KINE and UMEKAWA MARUs.
13 September 1943:
The convoy arrives at Palau. It is likely the escorts detached before arrival to conduct an anti submarine sweep.
15 September 1943:
At 0900 CH-17 and CH-39 arrive at Palau.
18 September 1943:
At 0500 CH-39 and CH-17 departs Palau escorting convoy So-806 consisting of KYOEI, YURI, PACIFIC, TAKAOKA, TAMASHIMA and YAMAYURI MARUs.
25 September 1943:
At 0900 arrives at Rabaul.
3 October 1943:
CH-17 and CH-40 depart Rabaul escorting convoy O-302 consisting of two unidentified merchant ships.
11 October 1943:
Arrives at Palau.
14 October 1943:
CH-17 departs Palau with CH-40 escorting convoy So-406 consisting of ASUKA, RYUOSAN, TAGA, FUKKO, TAIRIN and HOKKAI MARUs.
18 October 1943:
At 0345, TAIRIN MARU is torpedoed and sunk by LtCdr (later Rear Admiral) John S. Coye's (USNA ’33) USS SILVERSIDES (SS-236) at 00-22N 143-23. The ship was on Army war service carrying Army tanks and vehicles and 2100 tons of foodstuffs. Two gunners, and one Watchman and one crewman were killed.
21 October 1943:
The remainder of convoy arrives at Rabaul.
25 October 1943:
CH-17 and CH-18 depart Rabaul escorting convoy O-505 consisting of KOSEI, SAN FRANCISCO, TAITO, TAGA and NITTAI MARUs.
2 November 1943:
Arrives at Palau.
20 November 1943:
CH-17 departs Rabaul with CH-18 escorting a convoy consisting of HOZUGAWA, TESHIO MARUs and DAIGEN MARU No. 3 as well as 5,824 GRT cargo ship NAPLES MARU.
N of New Ireland. Later that day, USN PBY "Catalina" flying boats sink NAPLES MARU at 03-21S, 151-41E. The ship is carrying 517 troops making up a section each of the 4th Air Force and 51st Army Division. 121 of these troops and 5 of the crew are killed. CH-17 and CH-18 rescue the survivors.
1 December 1943:
FRUMEL identifies CH-17 as the only escort of the 9,625-ton BUENOS AIRES MARU en route from Kavieng to Lorengau on 1-5 December.
8 January 1944:
CH-17 departs Rabaul with CH-18 escorting convoy O-805 consisting of KOYO, PACIFIC, MEXICO, CEYLON and NAGISAN MARUs .
15 January 1944:
At 1230, the convoy arrives at Palau.
19 January 1944:
At 1200, CH-17 and CH-18 depart Palau for Rabaul escorting convoy SO-903 consisting of TONEI and NIPPONKAI MARUs and TAKATORI MARU No. 2 towing a target barge .
26 January 1944:
Arrives at Rabaul.
February 1944:
Assigned to the 5th Base Force. Escorts convoys between Saipan and the mainland.
14 March 1944:
At 1540, CH-17 departs Saipan with CH-18 and minesweeper W-21 escorting convoy No. 4313-B consisting of JUZAN and SHIRANE MARUs and SEIKAI MARU No. 1. JUZAN MARU is towing damaged SANTO MARU.
17 March 1944:
At 1200, CH-17 and CH-18 are detached from convoy No. 4313-B that arrives safely at Chichi-Jima on 20 March 1944.
24 March 1944:
At 0700, CH-17 departs Saipan with CH-31, CH-32, destroyers NOWAKI, ASAKAZE, kaibokan MANJU and minelayer KYOSAI escorting convoy HIGASHI MATSU No.2 (return) consisting of storeship SOYA, TAKUNAN, NACHI AWA (ex-WAWA), DAITEN, MIHO, BINGO, RYUKA, TAKAOKA, HIBI, TAMAHOKO, TATSUHARU, TAJIMA and SHINFUKU MARUs.
1 April 1944:
At 1000, the convoy arrives at Tokyo.
April 1944:
Assigned to the Okinawa Base Force. Escorts convoys.
22 May 1944:
Departs Tateyama with minesweeper W-25 apparently escorting convoy No. 3523 possibly consisting of EDOGAWA, KYUSHU MARUs and tanker No.3998 and possibly others. At some point CH-17 is detached and returns to Tokyo Bay.
29 May 1944:
At dawn, CH-17 departs Tokyo with CH-33, CH-50 and torpedo boat OTORI escorting convoy No. 3530 consisting of TAKAOKA, SHINROKU, TAMAHIME, KASHIMASAN, HAVRE, SUGIYAMA, KATSUKAWA, KATORI MARUs and two other unidentified ships carrying troops of the 43rd Infantry Division.
4 June 1944:
At 1530, LtCdr (later KIA) Edward N. Blakely's (USNA ’34) USS SHARK (SS-314) (later lost on patrol) torpedoes and sinks KATSUKAWA MARU at 19-45N, 138-15E. The transport is carrying 2,884 soldiers of the IJA's 43rd Infantry Division to bolster Saipan's defenses. About half of them are KIA as well as 10 guards and 77 crew.
5 June 1944:
At 1645, Blakely torpedoes and sinks TAKAOKA MARU transporting 3,500 reinforcements to the defenders of Saipan, at 18-40N, 140-35E. 115 troops and 29 of the crew are killed. Immediately afterwards, Blakely torpedoes and sinks TAMAHIME MARU in the same position. 52 of her crew are killed.
6 June 1944:
At 1000, LtCdr (later Admiral, CINCPACFLT) Bernard A. Clarey's (USNA ’34) USS PINTADO (USS-387) torpedoes and sinks KASHIMASAN MARU loaded with aviation gasoline, ammunition, weapons and boatsat 16-28N, 142-16E. 43 of the crew are killed. At 1010, Clarey torpedoes and sinks HAVRE MARU in the same position. Seven out of the 2816 troops aboard and 91 crewmen are KIA.
7 June 1944:
N of Chichi-Jima. At about 2300, LtCdr (later Captain) James B. Grady's (USNA ’33) USS WHALE (SS-239) makes contact with the convoy traveling in two parallel columns. Four freighters in the starboard column and two in the port screened by three escorts. Grady makes a night surface radar attack on the largest ship, transport SUGIYAMA MARU. He fires a three-torpedo spread, then shifts to a second freighter and fires another three-torpedo spread. A hit under the stack of SUGIYAMA MARU at 31-06N, 142-34E is followed by two timed hits on SHINROKU MARU that inflict unknown, if any, damage. Depth charges are dropped immediately. USS WHALE clears the area to the SE. SUGIYAMA MARU escapes the area and is towed back to Yokosuka. Later that day, the remaining ships arrive at Saipan.
July 1944:
Assigned directly to the Combined Fleet and transfers to the Philippines. Participates in the Leyte transport operations.
1 July 1944:
At 1500, CH-17 departs Naha, Okinawa with minelayer SARUSHIMA, auxiliary minesweepers HIMESHIMA and HOEI MARUs and BANSHU MARU No.51, auxiliary submarine chasers CHa-67 and CHIKUTO MARU, auxiliary YUKO MARU, fleet supply ship KINEZAKI and torpedo boat MANAZURU escorting convoy TAKA-604 consisting of TAISHIN, NICHIRIN, MATSUURA, TAIRIN, RYUKYU, AMAKUSA, TATSUGI, MIYAKO MARUs and NISSHO MARU No. 1.
3 July 1944:
At 0300, the convoy departs Koniya, Amami Oshima. At 1322, DAIRIN MARU sights a periscope to starboard and promptly charges. LtCdr Charleton L. Murphy's (USNA ’33) USS STURGEON (SS-187) avoids the attack and in a counter-attack torpedoes and sinks DAIRIN MARU that goes down in three minutes at 28-53N, 129-51E. One gunner and 18 of the crew are killed. The ship was carrying a full load of sugar and copper ore. The convoy then seeks temporary shelter in Kasari Wan, Amami Oshima.
5 July 1944:
At 1530, the convoy arrives at Kagoshima.
6 August 1944:
At 0900, CH-17 departs Kagoshima, Kyushu for Keelung, Formosa with CH-18 escorting 15-ship convoy KATA-626. Other escorts include torpedo boats TOMOZURU and MANAZURU, minelayers NUWAJIMA, TSUBAME, NIIZAKI, auxiliary minesweepers SHONAN MARU No. 16, HAKATA MARU No. 6, TAIAN, HIMESHIMA and SEKI MARUs.
9 August 1944:
At 1830, arrives at Naha, Okinawa. CH-18 returns to Kagoshima.
11 August 1944:
At 1400, departs Naha.
17 August 1944:
CH-17 and CH-49 depart Keelung with torpedo boat convoy MANAZURU, minelayers NIIZAKI (met en route), TSUBAME and auxiliary minesweepers SEKI MARU, HIMESHIMA MARU, CHOUN MARU No.8, TOSHI MARU No. 7, SHONAN MARU No. 16 and TAKUNAN MARU No.1 and auxiliary patrol boats CHOUN MARU No. 13, TAISEI MARU No. 5 and TAIAN MARU escorting convoy TAKA-708 consisting of TAIKAI and SEKIHO MARUs and 21 unidentified merchant ships.
19 August 1944:
Arrives at Naha. Later part of the convoy proceeds to Kagoshima.
21 August 1944:
DAIYA, HOKUYU and WASHIN MARUs the remnants of convoy KATA-717 depart Naha with an unknown escort proobably including CH-17 and CH-18.
22 August 1944:
DAIYA MARU is detached at Miyako-Jima.
23 August 1944:
The convoy arrives at Keelung.
28 August 1944:
At 1200, CH-17, CH-18 and CH-49 depart Kagoshima for Keelung escorting convoy KATA-827 consisting of TSUKUSHI MARU No. 3, DOSHI, DAISHIN, ISSHIN, KONZAN, NANYO, HAKUYO, AMOY, KEIZAN, KEIUN, KOTSU and SHOKYU MARUs, NANKO MARU No. 1, HORAI MARU No. 6, HORAI MARU No. 7 and 17 other unidentified ships. Other escorts include torpedo boat MANAZURU, minelayer NIIZAKI, auxiliary netlayer SHINTO MARU No. 2, auxiliary subchaser CHIKUTO MARU, auxiliary minesweepers SHONAN MARU No. 16, HOEI MARU and auxiliary HOKOKU MARI No. 3.
30 August 1944:
KORYU MARU joins the convoy that then departs Naha.
2 September 1944:
KORYU MARU is detached at Miyako Jima.
4 September 1944:
Arrives at Keelung.
10 October 1944:
At 0600, CH-17, CH-18, CH-23, CH-27, CH-28 and frigate KASADO depart Moji for Manila escorting convoy MOMA-05 consisting of DAIHAKU, KOMEI, TENSHO, DAISHO, TATSUURA, TAIYO, DAIZAN, ESASHI, DORYU, PACIFIC, AOKI, TAIZAN (ex British ST QUENTIN), SAIHO and SUGIYAMA MARUs. Embarked are the 54th Independent Mixed Brigade plus a detachment of IJA suicide boats. The convoy is carrying about 10,000 reinforcements for the Philippines.
16 October 1944:
At 1820 convoy MOMA-05 departs Imari Bay.
21 October 1944:
At 1600, arrives ar Takao, Formosa. KASADO is detached.
23 October 1944:
At 0900, departs Takao and sheltered in bay on S Formosa sailing at 2300.
24 October 1944:
At 1830, arrives Sabtang Island anchorage.
25 October 1944:
At 0400, departs Sabtang anchorage. At 1800 arrives at Musa.
26 October 1944:
At 0403, the convoy is attacked by LtCdr (later Rear Admiral) Maurice Rindskopf's (USNA ’38) USS DRUM (SS-228) at 19-30N, 120-44E. Rindskopf fires three torpedoes by radar bearings at DAISHO MARU and gets two hits that sink her. She takes down about 1600 men, most of whom belonged to the 57th Independent Brigade and 10th Maritime Advance Battalion. At 0655, Rindskopf torpedoes and damages DAIHAKU MARU at 19-07N, 120-42E. The forepart sinks, but the aft part remains afloat. She is successfully beached in Lapoc Bay and later abandoned. USS DRUM also attacks TATSUURA and TAIYO MARUs with uncertain results.
W of Dalupiri Island. At about 0710, LtCdr Richard W. Peterson's (USNA ’31) USS ICEFISH (SS-367) torpedoes 4,168 GRT TAIYO MARU. A cargo of kerosene she is carrying for "kaiten" human-torpedoes ignites and sends flames hundreds of feet into the air. At 0730, TAIYO MARU sinks. About 2200 troops on board together with 17 gunners and 13 crewmen are killed, also lost are 22 landing craft, 26 horses and 21 motor vehicles. The subchasers counterattack USS ICEFISH, dropping 16 depth-charges that cause moderate damage.
28 October 1944:
At 1230, anchors in Lapoc Bay.
29 October 1944:
At 0700, departs Lapoc Bay. At 1600, arrives at N San Fernando.
30 October 1944:
At 0700, departs N San Fernando. At 1600. arrives at Santa Cruz.
31 October 1944:
At 0500, departs Santa Cruz. At 0950, KOMEI MARU is torpedoed and sunk by LtCdr (later Captain) Enrique D. Haskins' USS GUITARRO (SS-363) at 15-18N, 119-50E. The ship was loaded with 3500 M3 of goods and 775 troops; 346 troops, three armed escort and 10 of the crew are killed. A few minutes later, at 1010, PACIFIC MARU is also torpedoed and sunk by USS GUITARRO at 15-15N, 119-56E. At the time the ship is carrying 300 Naval landing troops and war supplies. 24 soldiers, 27 gunners and 23 crewmen are killed.
1 November 1944:
At 0400, arrives at Manila. At 1330 CH-37 and CH-17 depart Manila on an anti submarine sweep.
2 November 1944: At 1015 arrives back at Manila. 5 November 1944:
At 0500 CH-17 departs Manila with kaibokan CD-18 and CD-26 and subchasers CH-18, CH-38, CH-23 and CH-37 escorting convoy MATA-31 consisting of TATSUHARU, KASAGISAN and DORYO MARUs and four unidentified merchant ships. In addition heavy cruisers KUMANO and already damaged AOBA sail with the convoy.

At 10,000-yards, convoy MATA-31 (15-ships with air cover) is spotted by lookouts aboard Cdr (later Rear Admiral) John K. Fyfe's USS BATFISH (SS-310). Fyfe makes a submerged approach on AOBA under the escorts, but when he comes to periscope depth, USS BATFISH is almost rammed by a destroyer. Fyfe aborts his approach and crash dives. Later, he fires six torpedoes at a large cargo ship, but they all miss.
6 November 1944:
At 1055, an enemy submarine is sighted at 16-11N, 109-06E. Soon after the convoy comes under sustained submarine attack off Cape Bolinao, Luzon. The convoy is attacked by a wolf pack of composed of LtCdr (later Captain) Enrique D. Haskins' USS GUITARRO (SS-363), LtCdr W. G. Chapple's USS BREAM (SS-243), LtCdr Maurice W. Shea's USS RATON (SS-270) and LtCdr William T. Kinsella's USS RAY (SS-271).
The four submarines fire 23 torpedoes at KUMANO. At 1052, she is hit by two torpedoes. One blows off her repaired bow section. The second hits near her starboard engine room. All four engine rooms flood. She takes on an 11 degree list to starboard and becomes unnavigable. At 1930, KUMANO is taken under tow by DORYO MARU to Dasol Bay escorted by submarine chasers CH-18 and CH-37.
7 November 1944:
At 1715 the convoy puts in to Santa Cruz for shelter with KUMANO still under tow by DORYO MARU.
8 November 1944:
At 0730 CD-26 and CH-18 detach from the convoy and depart Santa Cruz.
9 November 1944:
At 0130 departs Santa Cruz and later that day at 1600 arrives at North San Fernando. DORYO MARU is detached at Santa Cruz.
11 November 1944:
At 2100 arrives at Lapoc Bay.
12 November 1944:
At 0600 departs Lapoc Bay. Later that day arrives Musa.
13 November 1944:
At 0700 departs Musa and at 2100 arrives at Sabtang.
14 November 1944:
CH-18 rejoins the convoy at 0530. Later that day the convoy departs Sabtang.
15 November 1944:
At 1200 arrives at Takao.
19 November 1944:
At 2038 CH-17, CH-18, CH-37 and CH-38 depart Takao to sweep in advance of convoy TAMA-31B departing Currimao.
20 November 1944:
At 1530 arrive back at Takao.
23 November 1944:
At 1530, CH-17 departs Takao with CH-18, CH-37 and CH-38 escorting convoy TAMA-32A consisting of AKAGISAN, HAGIKAWA, SORACHI, JINYO, NICHIYO, SHOEI (2764 gt), WAYO, MINO, SHIROUMA and SHONAN MARUs and BANSHU MARU No. 6 and kidotei (Army landing ship) SS No. 6 also escorted by old destroyer KURETAKE, kaibokan CD-1, CD-3, CD-8, CD-28 and CD-54. Anchors along the coast soon after leaving.
24 November 1944:
At 0400, departs Formosan coast.
25 November 1944:
At 2200, arrives at Musa Bay, Fuga Island.
27 November 1944:
At 0400, departs Musa Bay. At 1645, arrives at Lapoc Bay.
28 November 1944:
At 0600, departs Lapoc Bay. At 1800, arrives at N San Fernando.
29 November 1944:
At 0600, departs N San Fernando.
30 November 1944:
At 0500, arrives at Manila.
9 December 1944: Operation "TA No. 9" – The Reinforcement of Leyte, Philippines:
Captain Miyashita Makoto’s SubChasDiv 21’s CH-17 and CH-37 with DesDiv 30’s YUZUKI, UZUKI and KIRI depart for Ormoc escorting an unnamed convoy consisting of MINO, SORACHI and TASMANIA MARUs carrying 4,000 soldiers of the Takahashi Detachment (5th Infantry Regiment) plus food and ammunition. The convoy is accompanied by landing ships T. 140 and T. 159 with 400 amphibious tank-equipped marines of the Ito Naval Landing Force.
11 December 1944:
30 miles off Leyte. The convoy is attacked twice by about 40 USMC F4U "Corsair" fighter-bombers of VMFs 211, 218 and 313. In the second low level attack, TASMANIA and MINO MARUs are hit and later sink at 11-20N, 124-10E. TASMANIA MARU takes down many of the 1053 troops as well as 96 gunners and 43 crewmen. MINO MARU was loaded with war supplies, ammunition, foodstuffs and troops and sank with one gunner and 13 crewmen. SORACHI MARU is ordered to head to Palompon, while the escorts rescue survivors. UZUKI is detached to pick up another group of survivors. Shortly before midnight, YUZUKI, KIRI, T. 140, T. 159 and the Naval Landing Force are sent ashore at Ormoc in their amphibious tanks. They are engaged by the U.S. Army and USS COGHLAN (DD-606). T. 159 is hit and abandoned, but T. 140 escapes with heavy damage.
12 December 1944:
Palompon. SORACHI MARU and CH-17 and CH-37 complete their landings and depart for Manila. The remnants of TA No. 9 withdraw towards Manila.
65 miles NE of Cebu. Late in the afternoon, YUZUKI, KIRI and T. 140 are attacked by 46 USMC fighter-bombers. KIRI and YUZUKI are strafed and damaged. YUZUKI sinks a few hours later at 11-20N, 124-10E taking down 20 of her crew.
13 December 1944:
CH-17, CH-37 and SORACHI MARU arrive at Manila in the afternoon, followed by KIRI and T. 140 several hours later.
10 January 1945:
Departs Takao with subchasers CH-23 and CH-38 escorting convoy TAMO-36 consisting of YUKIKAWA MARU and one unidentified merchant ship.
19 January 1945:
Arrives at Moji.
10 February 1945:
Reserve Lt Kimura Mitsuo is appointed Commanding Officer.
26 February 1945:
At 0300 departs Mutsure in convoy MOTA-39 consisting of MASASHIMA and AKISHIMA MARUs and three unidentified merchant ships also escorted by kaibokan HABUSHI, CD-76 and CD-112.
27 February 1945:
At 1900 anchors in Maro Sea, Chosen.
28 February 1945:
At 0800 departs Maro Sea.
3 March 1945:
At 0630 arrives Ssu Chiao Shan escorting TOYO MARU No. 3 and HOKKA GO.
4 March 1945:
Departs Ssu Chiao Shan and later that day anchors in the East Chusan Islands.
5 March 1945:
Departs East Chusan Islands and later that day arrivs at Sanmen Bay.
6 March 1945:
Departs Sanmen Wan and later that day arrives at Hutou Yu.
7 March 1945:
Departs Hutou Yu and later that day arrives and anchors east of Incog Islands.
8 March 1945:
Departs Incog Islands. MASASHIMA and AKISHIMA MARUs are detached for Amoy.
9 March 1945:
At 1500 arrives at Kirun (Keelung).
24 March 1945:
Departs Ssu Chiao Shan with kaibokan CD-67 escorting convoy TAMO-50 consisting of KUMANO MARU (unconfirmed) and tanker NANKO MARU No. 3.
28 March 1945:
Arrives at Yura. In early April the ships arrived at Moji.
30 March 1945:
At 1500 arrives at Sasebo.
31 March 1945:
In the evening CH-17, CH-49 and kaibokan CD-186 depart Sasebo escorting T. 17, T. 145 and T. 146 to Amami-O-Shima. The transports are carrying various supplies and T. 17 two Koryu-type midget submarines. Enroute the convoy is attacked by aircraft and T. 145 is lost. [2]
2 April 1945:
Early in the morning the convoy arrives at Amami-O-Shima. Just after the T. 17 has disembarked her midgets, an air attack commences. T. 17 is hit by two bomb sinks. CD-186 is also sunk.
6 April 1945:
CH-17 and T. 146 depart Amami-O-Shima for Sasebo.
7 April 1945:
CH-17 escorts T. 146. Around 0700 they encounter the Surface Attack Force led by VAdm Ito Seiichi aboard the YAMATO. A brief exchange of signals ensues.
20 April 1945:
USS SPRINGER (SS-414), USS TREPANG (SS-412) and USS RATON (SS-270) sail for the Yellow Sea where they are to operate as a wolfpack.
27 April 1945:
At 1200 departs Sasebo and at 1630 arrives Tomie.
28 April 1945:
Fukue Shima, Goto archipelago. CH-17 is escorting Transport No. 146 and both ships are hugging the coastline. The wolfpack checks out Tomie Harbour. At 0515, LtCdr Russell Kefauver’s (USNA ’33) USS SPRINGER sights both ships, but cannot close nearer than 6,500 yards.
Cdr Allen R. Faust's (USNA ’36) USS TREPANG makes a successful approach, sets up and fires six torpedoes at the two ships. One hits and sinks T. 146. At about 0630, CH-17 counterattacks and drops 14 depth charges on USS TREPANG. Kefauver’s crew hears the explosions and he heads out of the harbor. USS SPRINGER’s crew sights CH-17 returning alone. At 0830, Kefauver fires three torpedoes and CH-17 is hit and goes dead in the water. As the crew abandons ship, Kefauver fires another torpedo. It hits under CH-17's No. 1 turret and blows off her bow. Two planes and two patrol craft approach, so USS SPRINGER goes deep and clears the area. CH-17 sinks at 32-25N, 128-46E.
25 May 1945:
Removed from the Navy List.

Authors' Notes:
[1] Some sources give departure date as 1400 on 26th July 1943. It is possible that NIGITSU MARU sailed separately.
[2] It is possible that T. 145 was lost 2 Apr '45 with CD-186.

Thanks for assistance to Mr. Gilbert Casse of France and Mr. Matthew Jones of Missisippi, USA, the latter for help in identifying COs.
-Bob Hackett, Sander Kingsepp and Peter Cundall.

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