Japanese Auxiliary Gunboats

KOKAI HOKAN!

(KAZAN MARU, prewar)

IJN KAZAN MARU:
Tabular Record of Movement

© 2022 Gilbert Casse, Berend van der Wal and Peter Cundall

E 1926:
Osaka. Laid down by Osaka Tekkosho K.K. Sakurajima Shipyard as a 2,089-tons for Nisshin Kisen K.K.
23 February 1926:
Launched and named KAZAN (HUASHAN) MARU. [1]
30 March 1926:
Completed and registered at Tokyo, with a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 2,089-tons and a Net Registered Tonnage (NRT) of 1,284 tons. Her call sign is JEJB. [2]
1926:
In service in China on the Shanghai, Tsintao (now Qingdao), Tanjin route.
April 1934:
In service in China on the Tanjin, Shanghai, Canton (now Guangdong) route.
1937:
Her GRT and NRT are respectively changed to 2,103-tons and 1,293-tons. [2]
4 September 1937:
Requisitioned by the IJN.
11 September 1937:
Registered as an auxiliary gunboat attached to the Kure Naval district. Navy Cdr Shimizu Ryutaro (36) is appointed CO. Aioi, conversion for military duty begins at Harima Zosensho K.K. shipyard. Called KAZAN MARU by the Navy Department only.
17 September 1937:
Attached to the 1st Gunboat Division under wireless No. 604.
20 September 1937:
Warship flag raising ceremony. At 1220, detaches from the shore due to docking of auxiliary gunboat ROZAN MARU. At 1320, ROZAN MARU casts off the land shore. At 1510, moors to the shore.
30 September 1937:
1600 ~1700: guns are fitted.
4 October 1937:
Completes installation work. At 1150, moves away from the shore for a center of gravity assessment. At 1450, moors.
5 October 1937:
Departs Harima Zosensho K.K, Aioi. At 0743, dropping of starboard depth charge begins. At 0748, dropping of port depth charge begins. At 0820, begins compas-correction. At 1050 completes compas-correction. At 1108, begins a speed test. At 1211, completes speed test. At 1311, begins shooting. At 1433, finishes shooting. At 1455, begins MG shooting. At 1449, finishes MG shooting. Arrives back at Aioi later this day.
6 October 1937:
0800 ~ 1115: undergoes steering repairs. Departs Aioi later that day.
7 October 1937:
Arrives at extra buoy No. 1, Kure.
8 October 1937:
0730 ~ 1700: loads coal. 1120 ~ 1210: loads food. 1145 ~ 1530: lies alongside a water boat.
9 October 1937:
At 0620, lies alongside a water boat. 0930 ~ 1120: loads ammunition. Departs Kure later this day.
10 October 1937:
Arrives at Karatsu Bay.
11 October 1937:
Departs Karatsu Bay and arrives at buoy No. 16, Sasebo. At 1535, changes mooring.
12 October 1937:
1835 ~ 1935: irradiation training.
15 October 1937:
Departs Sasebo and calls at Madarashima. Departs there and arrives at Yobuko later that same day.
16 October 1937:
Departs Yobuko and arrives at Gonoura later this day.
17 October 1937:
Departs Gonoura and arrives at Yobuko later that day.
18 October 1937:
Departs Yobuko and calls at Madarashima. Departs there and arrives at Nagoya castle later that same day.
19 October 1937:
Departs Nagoya castle and calls at Yobuko. Departs there and arrives at Oshima, Karatsu later that same day.
21 October 1937:
Departs Oshima and calls at Okishima.
22 October 1937:
Departs Okishima and arrives at Sasebo later that same day.
29 October 1937:
Departs Sasebo for Wusong (Woosung), entrance of Shanghai, China.
4 November 1937:
1720 ~ 1743: auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 lies alongside and replenishes fresh food.
9 November 1937:
1030 ~ 1105: auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 lies alongside and replenishes fresh food.
12 November 1937:
1640 ~ 1705: auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 lies alongside to starboard and replenishes fresh food.
13 November 1937:
Departs Wusong and arrives off Wusong. Departs there and arrives at Railway No. 1 pier, Shanghai later that same day. 1910 ~ 2235: loads army munitions. At 2015, lies alongside to a tugboat’s starboard.
14 November 1937:
0621 ~ 0800: loads army goods. 0700 ~ 0800: embarks 296 members of Army 11th Division. Departs Shanghai and arrives off Wusong. At 1655, transfers to the Fifth Fleet. Departs off Wusong. At 1830, goes out of line due to a steering failure. At 1919, steering failure is solved. At 1944, runs on a sandbank. At 2106, frees itself from the sandbank.
15 November 1937:
Arrives off Baimao River’s coast.
16 November 1937:
Departs off Baimao River’s coast. At 1104, at 208° and 1,500m of center upper fights enemy land units with her port gun. At 1114, fires first shot. At 1532, engages in starboard artillery combat. At 1602, begins test firing MGs. At 1634, finishes shooting. Type 3 MGs fired 30 rounds, ordinary guns fired 92 rounds and main guns fired 103 rounds. Arrives at 40° and 770m of Clover buoy, Xu Liu Quan Kou later this day.
17 November 1937:
Anchors 295° and 1,310m of Clover buoy.
18 November 1937:
Departs Xu Liu Quan Kou and arrives at Xu Pukou later this day.
19 November 1937:
1850 ~ 2000: unloads Army munitions.
20 November 1937:
1636 ~ 2000: unloads Army munitions.
22 November 1937:
1000 ~ 1400: unloads Army munitions. Thereafter departs Xu Pukou. At 1427, calls at Zuo Zou. At 1520, calls at Zili Li Zhou. Arrives Off Baoshan later that day.
23 November 1937:
Departs off Baoshan coast and arrives at Shanghai 3rd and 4th buoys. 1400 ~ 1555: lies alongside a water boat and replenishes boiler water.
24 November 1937:
0805 ~ 1045: lies alongside a water boat and replenishes boiler water. At 0820, a coal ship lies along both sides. 1125 ~ 1450: loads ammunition. 1155 ~ 1530: loads food.
25 November 1937:
At 1545, a coal ship lies alongside.
26 November 1937:
Departs Shanghai and arrives S Xio Ban Island, Zoushan Islands later this day.
27 November 1937:
Departs S Xio Ban Island and arrives at S Zhu Jia Jian later that day.
28 November 1937:
Departs S Zhu Jia Jian and arrives at Niubi Shan Channel. Departs 40° and 6,850m S Wenzhou Island, Niubi Shan Channel. At 1637, tracks a Chinese merchant ship. At 1708, fires a blank gun. At 1811, reverses course and heads for anchorage. Arrives at 53° north and 5.7 nautical miles east of Damo Shan, Niubi Shan Channel later that day.
29 November 1937:
Departs Niubi Shan Channel and calls at Mei Gan Islands. Departs there and arrives S Fudo Shan later this same day.
30 November 1937:
Departs S Fudo Shan and arrives at Sanmen Bay later this day.
1 December 1937:
Attached to Vice Admiral (later Admiral) Hasegawa Kiyoshi (31) Third Fleet’s 1st Gunboat Division.
E 1 ~ 6 December 1937:
Departs Sanmen Bay.
6 December 1937:
Arrives at Kirun, Formosa (now Keelung, Taiwan).
7 December 1937:
Departs Kirun for southern Chinese waters.
25 December 1937:
Arrives at Mako, Pescadores (now Magong, Penghu Islands).
27 December 1937:
Departs Mako for southern Chinese waters.
17 January 1938:
Arrives at Kirun.
20 January 1938:
Departs Kirun.
1 February 1938:
Attached to Vice Admiral (later Admiral) Shiozawa Koichi (32) Fifth Fleet’s, 1st Gunboat Division.
14 February 1938:
Captures Greek passenger/cargo ship ANO VATHY (renamed ASEI MARU in 1941) at Qi Kou Yang (28-02N, 121-05E), off Wenchow (now Wenzhou) coast. ANO VATHY was one of a number of Chinese owned ships that was using European Flags (such as Portugal, Germany, Greece and Italy) to escape seizure.
25 February 1938:
Arrives at Kirun.
28 February 1938:
Departs Kirun.
29 February 1938:
Enters drydock.
16 March 1938:
Undocked.
E 16 ~ 20 March 1938:
Departs Kirun.
20 March 1938:
Arrives at Kinmen (Quemoy) Island, China.
28 March 1938:
Anchors at Kinmen Island.
E 28 ~ 29 March 1938:
Departs Kinmen Island.
29 March 1938:
Arrives at Mako.
2 April 1938:
Navy Capt. Tomomura Senzaburo (40) is appointed CO.
13 April 1938:
Undocked at Kirun.
15 April 1938:
Departs Kirun for Mako.
16 April 1938:
Departs Mako for Kinmen Island.
5 May 1938:
Departs Kinmen Island.
7 May 1938:
At 1254, detaches from auxiliary oiler TOEN MARU . Departs Kinmen Island and returns there later this day.
17 May 1938:
At 1110, casts of auxiliary gunboat DELHI MARU.
E 17 May ~ 28 May 1938:
Departs Kinmen Island.
28 May 1938:
Arrives at Mako.
1 June 1938:
Departs Mako.
3 June 1938:
Arrives Off Wenchow.
4 June 1938:
Receives consignment items (3 mail and 1 clothing) from auxiliary transport KINUGASA MARU.
11 June 1938:
0900 ~ 1725: lies alongside auxiliary transport MANKO MARU (4,471 GRT). At 1746, anchors at 35° S and 800m W Wenchow.
12 June 1938:
Departs Wenchow waters.
23 June 1938:
Off Swatow (now Shantou), lies alongside auxiliary transport KINUGASA MARU and loads boiler water and coal. Arrives at Nanao Island later this day.
1 July 1938:
Departs Nanao Island.
12 July 1938:
Arrives at Kirun.
15 July 1938:
Departs Kirun for southern Chinese waters.
9 September 1938:
Arrives at Sasebo. Enters drydock.
15 September 1938:
Released from 1st Gunboat Division under wireless No. 785. Attached to Vice Admiral (later Admiral) Oikawa Koshiro’s (32) China Area Fleet, Fifth Fleet, 2nd Base Squadron.
21 September 1938:
Undocked.
22 September 1938:
Departs Sasebo for Changshan harbor, China.
14 October 1938:
Anchors in Changshan anchorage.
E 14 ~ 18 October 1938:
Departs Changshan anchorage.
18 October 1938:
Arrives at Daya Bay, W anchorage, China.
21 October 1938:
Departs Daya Bay W anchorage.
22 October 1938:
Arrives at Ling Ting Tao (Lintin Is .) and subsequently anchors.
E 22 October ~ 1 November
Departs Ling Ting Tao for San Hu anchorage.
1 November 1938:
Lies alongside auxiliary transport MANKO MARU (4,471 GRT).
10 November 1938:
Departs San Hu anchorage for Dao Ling Island.
15 November 1938:
Departs Dao Ling Island.
30 November 1938:
At Humen, Pearl River estuary, southern China, near Canton, lies alongside auxiliary transport KINUGASA MARU’s port bow and loads cargo and 200–tons of boiler water.
23 December 1938:
Arrives at Sasebo.
26 December 1938:
Removed from the Navy’ list under Instruction No. 1170.
8 January 1939:
Released to her owners.
1 September 1939:
Her ownership is changed to Toa Kaiun K.K.
17 August 1941:
Requisitioned again by the IJN.
5 September 1941:
Registered as an auxiliary gunboat attached to the Sasebo Naval district under instruction No. 1025. Attached to the Sasebo Naval District, Sasebo Guard Squadron. Navy Capt. Tomita Kenshiro (37) is appointed CO. Hikoshima, conversion for military duty begins at Osaka Tekkosho K.K shipyard. Called KAZAN MARU by the Navy Department.
1 October 1941:
Navy Capt. Iwahara Morie (36) is appointed CO.
11 October 1941:
Conversion for military duty is completed.
11 December 1941:
Arrives at Sasebo.
13 December 1941:
Departs Sasebo.
28 December 1941:
Arrives at Sasebo.
31 December 1941:
Navy LtCdr. Ichitsubo Masao (45) is appointed CO.
6 January 1942:
Departs Sasebo and arrives at Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait later this day.
8 January 1942:
Departs Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait and arrives at Sasebo later that day.
15 January 1942:
Attached to the Sasebo Naval District, Sasebo Defense Squadron under instruction No. 80. Rated as a Sea Surface Defense Unit, Security Unit under Sasebo Naval District order No. 14. Attached to the Security Force under Sasebo Naval Defense Command No. 31.
27 January 1942:
Departs Sasebo and arrives at Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait later this day.
29 January 1942:
Departs Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait and returns there later that day.
30 January 1942:
Departs Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait and arives at Sasebo later this day.
5 February 1942:
Attached to the Security Force under Sasebo Naval Defense Command No. 32.
14 February 1942:
Departs Sasebo and arrives at Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait later this day.
15 February 1942:
Departs Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait and returns there later that day.
16 February 1942:
Departs Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait and arives at Sasebo later this day. Assigned to submarine sweeping in Eastern Sea under Sasebo wireless instruction No. 32. Assigned to prepare for action for about 5 days to guard the route ahead of the convoy arriving at 0800 Tomie Bay on 17 Feb ‘42 under Sasebo wireless instruction No. 34. Departs Sasebo on anti-submarine sweep.
17 February 1942:
Arrives at Tomie. Departs on anti-submarine sweeping later that day.
18 February 1942:
Assigned to anti-submarine sweeping from the morning of 19 Feb ‘42 under instruction No. 218.
21 February 1942:
Arrives at Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait. Departs there and arrives at Sasebo later that same day.
22 February 1942:
Departs Sasebo and arrives at Tomie later this day.
23 February 1942:
Departs Tomie.
24 February 1942:
Arrives at Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait.
25 February 1942:
Departs Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait and arrives at Sasebo later that day.
E 25 ~ 28 February 1942:
Rated as the 1st Gunboat Division, Second Platoon’s 3rd ship.
11 March 1942:
Departs Sasebo.
19 March 1942:
Arrives at Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait.
20 March 1942:
Departs Terashima (Yobukonoseto) Strait and arrives at Sasebo later this day.
26 March 1942:
Departs Sasebo.
3 April 1942:
Raises Commander Flag.
4 April 1942:
Arrives at Sasebo. Transfers Commander Flag to auxiliary gunboat MANYO MARU.
10 April 1942:
Attached to Vice Admiral Takahashi Ibo’s (36) Southwestern Area Fleet’s 1st Surface Escort Squadron. Attached to the 1st Surface Escort Squadron’s, 1st platoon. Rated as Escort 1st Unit.
14 April 1942:
Departs Sasebo and arrives at Nagasaki later this day. Enters drydock.
17 April 1942:
Undocked. Departs Nagasaki and arrives at Sasebo later this same day.
18 April 1942:
Departs Sasebo.
19 April 1942:
Arrives at Mutsure.
23 April 1942:
At 1200, departs Mutsure escorting convoy No. 102 consisting only of Army transport TAIAN MARU.
28 April 1942:
At 1200, arrives at Mako.
30 April 1942:
Departs Mako escorting convoy No. 202 consisting of four unidentified merchant ships.
5 May 1942:
At 1400, arrives at Mutsure.
11 May 1942:
At 1200 , departs Mutsure escorting convoy No. 111 consisting of auxiliary transport SHOEI MARU (3,099 GRT) and eight unidentified merchant ships.
16 May 1942:
Arrives at Mako. Rated as the 2nd Escort Unit.
18 May 1942:
At 1200, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 306 consisting of Army transport NICHIRAN MARU, auxiliary transport HOKUAN MARU and four unidentified merchant ships.
23 May 1942:
At 2000, arrives at St. Jacques, French Indochina (now Vung Tau, Vietnam).
28 May 1942:
At 1200, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 406 consisting of Army transports DAISHO and KINRYU MARUs, and four unidentified merchant ships.
4 June 1942:
At 0800, arrives at Mako.
E 4 ~ 9 June 1942:
Attached to Second Unit’s First section.
9 June 1942:
At 1400, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 312 consisting of NIYO MARU (ex Norwegian HAFTHOR) and four unidentified merchant ships.
15 June 1942:
At 2000, arrives at St. Jacques.
21 June 1942:
At 1200, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 414 consisting of YASUKUNI MARU and three unidentified merchant ships.
27 June 1942:
At 0800, arrives at Mako.
29 June 1942:
At 1200, departs Mako escorting convoy No . 317 consisting of Army transports NAPLES, OYO. TAIHEI and KANTO MARUs and two unidentified merchant ships.
5 July 1942:
At 1200, arrives at St. Jacques. Army transport TAIHEI MARU had already detached for Haiphong.
11 July 1942:
At 1100, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 512 consisting of Army transports NAPLES and OYO MARUs and Army tanker OGURA MARU No. 1.
15 July 1942:
At 1700, arrives at Singapore. OGURA MARU No. 1 had detached en route for Palembang, Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia).
17 July 1942:
At 1000, departs Singapore escorting convoy No. 617 consisting of YAMAYURI MARU and six unidentified merchant ships.
20 July 1942:
At 2000, arrives at St. Jacques.
22 July 1942:
At 1500, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 422 consisting of KAYO MARU and six unidentified merchant ships.
28 July 1942:
At 1700, arrives at Mako.
2 August 1942:
At 1300, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 325 consisting of six unidentified merchant ships.
9 August 1942:
At 1600, arrives at St. Jacques.
11 August 1942:
At 1400, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 427 consisting of TAISHO and MONTREAL MARUs and five unidentified merchant ships.
17 August 1942:
At 1900, arrives at Mako.
23 August 1942:
At 1300, departs Mako with minelayer SOKUTEN escorting convoy No. 330 consisting of auxiliary oiler OGURA MARU No. 2, Army transports NICHIRAN and KOGANE MARUs and nine unidentified merchant ships.
30 August 1942:
At 1600, arrives at St. Jacques.
1 September 1942:
At 1400, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 432 consisting of TERUKAWA and SEKIHO MARUs and seven unidentified merchant ships.
7 September 1942:
At 1400, arrives at Mako.
8 September 1942:
At 1200, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 260 consisting of Army transport AKASHI MARU, civilian ship TERUKAWA MARU and four unidentified merchant ships.
13 September 1942:
Arrives at Sasebo. Enters drydock. The convoy sails on to Moji.
1 October 1942:
Departs Sasebo for Mutsure.
2 October 1942:
At 1700, departs Mutsure escorting convoy No. 170 consisting of auxiliary oilers TAKASAGO and PALEMBANG MARUs and Army tanker OGURA MARU No . 1, auxiliary transports TOA MARU No. 2 GO and HIROTA MARU and Army transport SUGIYAMA MARU.
7 October 1942:
Arrives at Mako. HIROTA and SUGIYAMA MARUs had detached to Kirun.
13 October 1942:
At 1400, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 342 consisting of Auxiliary transport NASUSAN MARU and Army transport MIE MARU.
19 October 1942:
At 2000, arrives at St. Jacques.
22 October 1942:
At 1200, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 445 consisting of Army transport GYOKO MARU and four unidentified merchant ships.
23 October 1942:
Ends escort.
26 October 1942:
Arrives at St. Jacques.
30 October 1942:
At 1000, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 447 consisting of Army transport CHINA MARU and six unidentified merchant ships.
2 November 1942:
Arrives at Mako.
At 1800, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 345 consisting of auxiliary oiler MANJU MARU and one unidentified merchant ship.
6 November 1942:
At 11-58N, 112-18E during an anti-submarine sweep drops depth charges.
8 November 1942:
At 2345, arrives at St. Jacques .
10 November 1942:
At 0700, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 537 consisting of one unidentified merchant ship.
12 November 1942:
At 1943, arrives at Singapore.
19 November 1942:
At 1050, departs Singapore escorting convoy No. 646 consisting of auxiliary oiler MANJU MARU and one unidentified merchant ship.
22 November 1942:
At 0400, arrives at St. Jacques.
27 November 1942:
Departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 453 consisting of Army transports TEIBI (ex French BERNARDIN DE ST PIERRE), SADO and BATAVIA MARUs, civilian ship HIBARI MARU and one unidentified merchant ship.
1 December 1942:
Attached to the West Escort Force.
6 December 1942:
At 1020, arrives at Takao, Formosa (now Kaoshiung, Taiwan).
10 December 1942:
Departs Takao and arrives at Mako later this day.
12 December 1942:
At 1200, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 354 consisting of Army transports MATSUKAWA and KAYO MARUs and three unidentified merchant ships.
17 December 1942:
At 1730, arrives at St. Jacques.
21 December 1942:
At 1200, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 459 consisting of Army transport TAIKAI MARU and two unidentified merchant ships.
28 December 1942:
At 0103, arrives at Takao.
29 December 1942:
Attached to the East Escort Force.
1 January 1943:
Attached to the West Escort Force.
8 January 1943:
At 1330, departs Takao escorting convoy No. 733 consisting of Army transport NICHIRAN MARU.
11 January 1943:
At 1210, arrives at Manila, Luzon, Philippines.
18 January 1943:
At 1500, departs Manila escorting convoy No. 823 consisting of Army transport AMAGI MARU and five unidentified merchant ships.
22 January 1943:
At 1000, arrives at Takao.
24 January 1943:
Attached to the East Escort Force.
1 February 1943:
At 1650, departs Takao escorting convoy No. 735 consisting of auxiliary transport TARUSHIMA MARU and two unidentified merchant ships.
4 February 1943:
At 1300, arrives at Manila.
6 February 1943:
At 1130, departs Manila escorting convoy No. 833 consisting of Army transports SHINWA, HOFUKU, KOSO and ERIE MARUs.
10 February 1943:
At 1100, arrives at Takao.
11 February 1943:
Departs Takao escorting convoy No. 230 consisting of auxiliary oilers MANJU, NICHIRIN, SHOYU and SHUNTEN MARUs and OGURA MARU No. 2, Army transports KAYO, HOFUKU, DURBAN and SHINWA MARUs and one unidentified merchant ship. Ends escort later this day.
12 February 1943:
Arrives at Takao.
19 February 1943:
At 1100, departs Takao escorting convoy No. 737 consisting of Army tanker KOSHIN MARU, Army transport ERIE MARU and two unidentified merchant ships.
22 February 1943:
At 1530, arrives at Manila.
26 February 1943:
Attached to the West Escort Force.
1 March 1943:
At 1100, departs Manila escorting convoy No. 836, consisting of auxiliary transport KENRYU MARU, Army transports FUKUYO and ERIE MARUs and two unidentified merchant ships.
4 March 1943:
At 0900, arrives at Takao.
9 March 1943:
At 1500, departs Takao escorting convoy No. 740 consisting of Army transports TATSUNO and NANKO MARUs and one unidentified ship.
12 March 1943:
At 1300, arrives at Manila.
18 March 1943:
At 1000, departs Manila escorting convoy No. 838 consisting of Army transports PANAMA, BRAZIL and MACASSAR MARUs and one unidentified ship.
22 March 1943:
At 1500, arrives at Takao.
29 March 1943:
Departs Takao and arrives at Mako later this day.
30 March 1943:
At 1400, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 381 consisting of Army transports MIE, KAISHO and HOKUTAI MARUs.
1 April 1943:
Attached to the West Escort Force.
5 April 1943:
At 0830, arrives at St. Jacques.
10 April 1943:
At 1104, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 571 consisting of Army transport FUKKAI MARU only.
13 April 1943:
At 1545, arrives at Singapore.
18 April 1943:
At 1000, departs Singapore escorting convoy No. 683 consisting of Army tanker SEISHIN MARU and Army transport TEIHOKU (ex-French PERSEE) and RASHIN MARUs.
21 April 1943:
At 0945, arrives at St. Jacques.
24 April 1943:
At 1400, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 490 consisting of Army transport TEIHOKU MARU (ex-French PERSEE) and two unidentified merchant ships.
30 April 1943:
At 0830, arrives at Takao.
1 May 1943:
Departs Takao and arrives at Mako later that day.
3 May 1943:
Enters drydock.
17 May 1943:
Undocked. At 1540, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 392 consisting of Army transports LIVERPOOL, TAMAHOKO and KOGANE MARUs, auxiliary oilers HOKUAN, NITTATSU and SAN LUIS MARUs, fleet oiler TSURUMI and two unidentified merchant ships. At some point midway, auxiliary oilers NITTATSU and HOKUAN MARUs are detached from the convoy for Miri, Sarawak, British Borneo, (now Malaysia).
22 May 1943:
At 0300 auxiliary oilers NITTATSU and HOKUAN MARUs detach for Miri.
At 1500 SAN LUIS MARU is detached for Palembang and TSURUMI is detached for Surabaya, Java, Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia).
23 May 1943:
At 1230, arrives at St. Jacques.
29 May 1943:
At 1300, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 499 consisting of general requisitioned ship (B-AK) KEMBU MARU, auxiliary emergency tanker HOKUAN MARU, civilian tanker (C-AO) NITTATSU MARU and Army transport NAGATO MARU .
4 June 1943:
At 1900, arrives at Takao.
6 June 1943:
Attached to the North Escort Force. At 0900, departs Takao escorting convoy No. 269 consisting of auxiliary emergency tanker HOKUAN MARU , auxiliary oiler OGURA MARU No. 3, civilian tanker (C-AO) NITTATSU MARU, auxiliary transports TATSUWA and NACHISAN MARUs, general requisitioned ship (B-APK) NEKKA MARU, passenger ship KASHIMA MARU and three unidentified merchant ships.
7 June 1943:
Auxiliary oiler OGURA MARU No. 3 collides with auxiliary transport TATSUWA MARU at 24-05N, 122-59E. However, damage is light and both ships resume their course to Kirun where they arrive at 1600.
10 June 1943:
At 1400, arrives at Moji.
16 June 1943:
Departs Moji escorting convoy No. 167 consisting of Navy shared ore carrier (B/C-AC) YASUKUNI MARU (5,794 GRT ), general requisitioned ship (B-APK) NEKKA MARU, Army tanker OGURA MARU No. 1, fleet oiler ONDO and seven unidentified merchant ships.
21 June 1943:
At 24-15N 120-15E, during an anti-submarine sweep drops depth charges.
22 June 1943:
At 1400, arrives at Takao.
30 June 1943:
At 1300, departs Takao escorting convoy No. 304 consisting of auxiliary emergency tankers HOKUAN and NASUSAN MARUs, Army shared tanker (A/C-AO) SEISHIN MARU, civilian passenger/cargo ship (C-APK) BISAN (ex-British MING SANG) MARU, Army transport (A/C-APK) HAKUROKU (HAKUSHIKA) MARU, general requisitioned ship (B-AK) RYUOSAN MARU and five unidentified merchant ships. Shortly after 1300, Army tanker OTOWASAN MARU coming from Mako, joins the convoy.
6 July 1943:
At 2350, arrives at St . Jacques.
7 July 1943:
Departs St. Jacques and arrives at Saigon, French Indochina (now Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) later in the day.
10 July 1943:
Departs Saigon and arrives at St. Jacques later this day.
11 July 1943:
At 2030, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 592 consisting of Army transport SYDNEY MARU and general requisitioned ship (B-AK) HEIWA MARU.
14 July 1943:
At 1615, arrives at Singapore.
19 July 1943:
At 1200, departs Singapore escorting convoy No. 606 consisting of Army shared transport (A/C-APK) GYOKO MARU and one unidentified ship.
22 July 1943:
At 0720, arrives at St. Jacques.
29 July 1943:
At 1400, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 414 consisting of Army transport JUYO MARU, civilian cargo ships SAINEI, YULIN (ex-Norwegian HERLEIK) and SANA (ex-Panamanian NORSE CARRIER) MARUs and general shared requisitioned ship (B/C-APK) ANKO MARU.
3 August 1943:
Arrives at Takao.
10 August 1943:
At 1100, departs Takao escorting convoy No. 291 consisting of IJA transports SYDNEY, TSUKIKAWA and TSUYAMA MARUs, Army shared (A/C-AO) oiler KOKUEI MARU and seven unidentified merchant ships.
11 August 1943:
Auxiliary transport SHOKEI MARU coming from Mako, joins the convoy.
15 August 1943:
Fleet Division and allotted ship No. 25 are abolished under First Maritime Escort Instruction No. 20.
16 August 1943:
At an unknown time and position, auxiliary transport SHOKEI MARU is detached for Ebisu Bay, S Sasebo. Arrives at Moji later that day.
24 August 1943:
Departs Moji escorting convoy No. 190 consisting of Army shared transport (A/C-APK) GYOKO MARU and six unidentified merchant ships.
31 August 1943:
Arrives at Mako. Army shared transport (A/C-APK) GYOKO MARU and one unidentified ship have already been detached to Kirun.
2 September 1943:
At 1200, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 320 consisting of general requisitioned shared oiler (B/C-AO) NICHIYOKU MARU, civilian ore carrier HIDA MARU, auxiliary emergency tanker KIRISHIMA MARU, Army transports NORWAY and SHINNO MARUs, general requisitioned cargo ship (B-AK) BOKUYO MARU and two unidentified merchant ships. At 0800, auxiliary transport KOSEI MARU (2,170 GRT) departs Takao Naval base and joins the convoy.
6 September 1943:
HIDA MARU and KOSEI MARU (2,170 GRT) are detached from the convoy and arrive at Yulin at 1600.
8 September 1943:
At 1840, in 11-04N, 110-27E the convoy is attacked by Cdr Frederick Lucas’ (USNA ’30) USS BILLFISH (SS-286) which misses NORWAY MARU with three torpedoes. At 15-05N, 110-25E attacked with torpedoes by submarines but sustains no damage. During anti-submarine sweeping, drops depth charges. At 2145, patrol boat PB-2 arrives for assistance from convoy No. 424. Detaches to escort convoy No. 424 and later that evening attacks an enemy submarine, without success. At 2240, patrol boat PB-2 stops anti-submarine sweeping without detecting enemy activity in the neighborhood and heads towards convoy 424.
9 September 1943:
At 1700, convoy No. 320 arrives at St. Jacques. KAZAN MARU arrives back at an unknown date.
15 September 1943:
At 0915, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 426 consisting of Army transport KENWA and YAMAHAGI MARUs and nine unidentified merchant ships.
2 September 1943:
At 1015, arrives at Mako. Six ships later sail on to Amoy.
21 September 1943:
Departs Mako and arrives at Takao later this day.
25 September 1943:
At 1700, departs Takao escorting convoy No. 325 consisting of civilian passenger/cargo ship (C-APK) BISAN (ex-British MING SANG) MARU, Army transport WAKO MARU (ex-WAKO GO), Army shared tanker (A/C-AO) YAMAMIZU MARU No. 3 and three unidentified merchant ships.
1 October 1943:
At 1600, arrives at St. Jacques.
8 October 1943:
At 1300, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 432 consisting of Army shared transport (A/C-AK) KENEI MARU, civilian cargo ship (C-AK) ISUZUGAWA MARU and Army transport TEIBI (ex-French BERNARDIN DE ST PIERRE) MARU.
10 October 1943:
At 1402 LtCdr (later Cdr) Thomas W. Hogan’s (USNA ’31) USS BONEFISH (SS-223) attacks the convoy. Hogan fires a spread of four torpedoes at two ships in the convoy. ISUZUGAWA MARU loaded with 7,000-tons of rice is hit and sinks. Two crewmen and two passengers are KIA. TEIBI MARU is hit by two torpedoes of which one is a dud. During anti-submarine sweeping drops many depth charges. In the meantime, TEIBI MARU’s captain manages to beach her on Mysury coast at 14-40, 110-12E. After beaching, TEIBI MARU with 254 passengers, 4,289-tons of cargo, 70 package of mail and ashes of 92 dead sinks by the stern. Six passengers and eight crewmen are KIA.
12 October 1943:
Arrives at Samah (Sanya) Hainan Island, China.
13 October 1943:
Departs Samah.
18 October 1943:
At 0100, arrives at Takao.
20 October 1943:
At 1700, departs Takao escorting convoy No. 213 consisting of auxiliary transport FUKUYAMA MARU, civilian emergency tanker TAKETSU MARU and three unidentified merchant ships. The convoy sails at 8.5 knots.
27 October 1943:
At 0830, calls at Mutsure. Departs there and arrives at Wakamatsu later that same day.
29 October 1943:
Departs Wakamatsu and arrives at Moji later this day.
30 October 1943:
Departs Moji and calls at Mutsure. At 1600, departs there with patrol boat PB-2 escorting convoy No. 110 consisting of auxiliary transport ASAHISAN MARU, Army transports MALTA, YOZAN, TAINAN, TOYO and SHINKOKU MARUs, general requisitioned shared transport (B/C-AK) HANAKAWA MARU, Army shared transports (A/C-AK) TEIKA (ex-French CAP VARELLA), KIZAN, SEIZAN and SEIWA MARUs, civilian cargo ships OSHIMA and YULIN (ex-Norwegian HERLEIK) MARUs, Army tanker TEIKON (ex-German WINNETOU), auxiliary emergency tanker TERUKAWA MARU and auxiliary collier/oiler SANKO MARU. At 1740, patrol boat PB-2 rescues a person who fell from Army transport YOZAN MARU W Futaoi Island.
1 November 1943:
At 0925, YOZAN MARU test fires her armament. At 1240, SEIZAN MARU’s engine breaks down and leaves the column with PB-2 as escort. At 1310, SEIZAN MARU has restored its engine failure.
2 November 1943:
At 0809, ASAHISAN MARU fires on an enemy submarine and immediately makes a port 45° turn. At 0815, PB-2 drops 2 Type 95 DCs. At 0821, she once more drops 2 Type 95 DCs. At 0923, the target turns out to be a misidentification of a shark. At 1107, Army transport CHINKAI MARU joins the convoy.
4 November 1943:
At 1410, arrives at Takao.
11 November 1943:
Departs Takao and arrives at Mako later this day.
12 November 1943:
At 1300, departs Mako escorting convoy No. 337 consisting of auxiliary transport OTORI MARU , Army transport FUKUYO and TOHO MARU s, general requisitioned cargo ship (B-AK) DAIHO MARU, civilian emergency tanker (C-AO) TAKETSU (BUTSU) MARU and one unidentified merchant ship.
15 November 1943:
Attached to Admiral Oikawa Koshiro’s (31) Maritime Escort Fleet, General Headquarters, 1st Maritime Escort Force.
18 November 1943 :
Arrives at St. Jacques. Departs there and arrives at Saigon later that day.
24 November 1943:
At 1300, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 444 consisting of Army shared passenger/cargo transport (A/C-APK) TEIRITSU MARU (ex-French LECONTE DE LISLE), auxiliary transports MANKO (4,471 GRT) , TARUSHIMA, (ex-submarine tender) and SANTOS MARUs, Army shared tanker (A/C-AO) OGURASAN MARU, general requisitioned tanker (B-AO) TAINAN MARU and three unidentified ships.
26 November 1943:
At 0445, LtCdr (later Rear Admiral-Ret) Walter T. Griffith's (USNA ’34) USS BOWFIN (SS-287) torpedoes and sinks OGURASAN MARU carrying aviation gasoline, at 13-25N, 109-30E. 30 crewmen are KIA, only two survive. That same morning, at about 1000, USS BOWFIN (SS-287) torpedoes and sinks TAINAN MARU in the same vicinity. 24 crewmen are KIA.
1 December 1943:
At 1100, auxiliary transports TARUSHIMA and SANTOS MARUs and army shared passenger/cargo transport TEIRITSU MARU with KAZAN MARU arrive at Takao. Auxiliary transport MANKO MARU arrives at 1520. It is probable the three unidentified ships were detached for Yulin or Hong Kong.
9 December 1943:
Departs Takao escorting convoy No. 344 consisting of general requisitioned cargo ships (B-AK) HAKKO and KONSAN MARUs, civilian ore carrier (C-AC) TOYOKUNI MARU, auxiliary transport TATSUWA MARU, Army transports TAIJIN, CHINA and DURBAN MARUs, Army shared transport (A/C-APK) TEIFU (ex-French BOUGAINVILLE), and Army shared tanker (A/C-AO) KYOEI MARU No. 6.
10 December 1943:
Auxiliary gunboats CHOJUSAN, KAZAN and PEKING MARUs receive instructions for installation of two Type 93 13mm single MGs, two Type 93 13mm MGs side ammo boxes, 2,000 normal ammunition cartridges, 2,000 ammunition packages and 1,000 armor piercing ammunition cartridges, at appropriate positions by the Sasebo Navy Yard as soon as possible under Secretary Cabinet instruction No. 6162. After installation, each MG has to be tested by firing 10 shots.
15 December 1943:
Arrives at St. Jacques.
18 December 1943:
At 1200, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 533 consisting of Army transports TAIJIN, CHINA and DURBAN MARUs and possibly others.
21 December 1943:
At 1930, arrives at Singapore.
27 December 1943:
At 0900, departs Singapore escorting convoy No. 646 consisting of civilian tanker NISSHIN MARU and possibly others.
30 December 1943:
At 1830, arrives at St. Jacques.
3 January 1944:
At 1300, departs St. Jacques escorting convoy No. 454 consisting of auxiliary emergency tanker SHUNTEN MARU, Army shared transport (A/C-APK) TEIFU (ex-French BOUGAINVILLE) MARU, civilian cargo ships SUZAN (SUNGSHAN) and BISAN MARUs, Army shared tanker SHOEI MARU and one unidentified merchant ship.
8 January 1944:
BISAN and SUZAN MARUs are detached from the convoy for Hong Kong.
11 January 1944:
SHUNTEN and TEIFU MARUs both run aground at Taisha Shoal (East Pratas area), South China Sea . Both are later refloated. Carries out convoy rescue work.
15 January 1944:
Completes convoy rescue work.
17 January 1944:
Arrives at Takao.
20 January 1944:
SHUNTEN MARU is refloated. Departs Takao.
21 January 1944:
Carries out convoy rescue work.
26 January 1944:
Escorts SHUNTEN and TEIFU MARUs, though the latter remains aground.
28 January 1944:
At 1830, arrives at Takao.
31 January 1944:
At 1200, departs Takao with subchasers CH-41 and CH-43 escorting convoy No. 357 consisting of general requisitioned cargo ship TOTTORI MARU, Army shared transports NORFOLK and HAWAII MARUs, Army transports ARABIA, AKAGISAN, TSUKUBA and USSURI MARUs, general requisitioned passenger/cargo ship ANKO GO (ex-Chinese AN SHING) and four unidentified merchant ships.
4 February 1944:
Arrives at Yulin, Hainan Island. At this point KAZAN MARU is detached . 6 February 1944:
Departs Yulin now escorting convoy SATA-01 consisting of auxiliary transports TATSUWA and RAKUTO MARUs, Army transport SHORYU MARU and two unidentified merchant ships.
10 February 1944:
At about 2200, TATSUWA MARU is torpedoed and damaged by LtCdr (later Cdr) Joseph W. Williams' (USNA ’33) USS SPEARFISH (SS-190) at 21-55N, 119-30E. Begins anti-submarine sweeping.
12 February 1944:
At 0200, arrives at Takao with convoy SATA-01.
16 February 1944:
At 1200, departs from Saei (Tsoying), Formosa (now Zuoying, Taiwan), near Takao with auxiliary minesweeper TAKUNAN MARU No. 3 escorting convoy TAMO-04 consisting of auxiliary transport RAKUTO MARU, Army transport SHORYU MARU and three unidentified merchant ships.
25 February 1944:
At 1300, arrives at Moji. RAKUTO MARU detached for Kure earlier this day.
26 February 1944:
Departs Moji and arrives at Sasebo later this day.
29 February 1944:
Enters drydock at Sasebo Navy Yard.
29 February ~ 3 April 1944:
Equipped with two Type 93 13mm single MGs, two additional Type 6 12cm binocular telescopes, a radio detector, a Type 93 probe, a Type 3 hydrophone and additional DCs and DC racks.
3 April 1944:
Departs Sasebo and arrives at Moji later this day.
5 April 1944:
At 0530, departs Moji with kaibokan CD-1, torpedo boat HATSUKARI and minesweeper W-18. escorting convoy TE-03 consisting of ore carriers KINREI, SHORYU, DAIBU, YULIN, DAIYOKU and TOYOHI MARUs and non-ore ships ASO, JINJU, NARUO (ex-Panamanian ESTERO), SORACHI, BRAZIL MARUs and YOSHIDA MARU No. 3 together with five unidentified merchant ships.
14 April 1944:
At 1700 arrives at Takao. Most of the non-ore carrying ships are detached.
19 April 1944:
At 0800, departs Takao with kaibokan CD-1, torpedo boat HATSUKARI and minesweeper W-18 escorting an amalgamation of three convoys TASA-17, TE-03 and No. 82 consisting of oiler TENSHIN MARU and cargo ships FRANCE, KINREI, SHORYU, DAIBU, YULIN, TOYOHI, HOKKA, NARUO, DAIYOKU, WAKO GO, JINJU, RAKUZAN, SEISHO, IKOMASAN, KAIKO, OAKITA, YOSHUN, HIROTA and NINGPO MARUs. At 0730, gunboat HASHIDATE joins the escort on the northeastern sea of Dongsha Island.
21 April 1944:
At 0740, at 20-27, 116-08E the convoys split. Convoy No. 82 detaches for Hong Kong escorted by torpedo boat HATSUKARI and gunboat HASHIDATE. At 1000, the remaining two convoys split. Convoy TASA-17 detaches for St. Jacques escorted by minesweeper W-18 and ore convoy TE-03 escorted by kaibokan CD-1 and auxiliary gunboat KAZAN MARU heads towards Yulin.
23 April 1944:
At 1655, arrives at Yulin.
30 April 1944:
At 1700, departs Yulin with kaibokan CD-1 for Yawata, Kyushu escorting convoy TE-04 (renumbered convoy TE-03) consisting of iron ore carriers KINREI, YULIN, SHORYU, DAIYOKU, TOYOHI and DAIBU MARUs. Thereafter carries out anti-submarine sweeps.
3 May 1944:
Minelayer MAESHIMA arrives and joins the convoy escort.
4 May 1944:
At 0008, LtCdr Donald F. Weiss' (USNA ’29) USS TINOSA (SS-283) torpedoes and sinks TOYOHI MARU at 20-50N, 118-00E. At 0106, LtCdr Anton R.Gallaher's (USNA ’33) USS BANG (SS-385) torpedoes and sinks KINREI MARU at 20-50N, 117-55E. At 0113, Weiss' USS TINOSA torpedoes and sinks the aft part of DAIBU MARU at 20-50N, 117-55E with iron ore and ammonia in gas cylinders. At about 0300, LtCdr (later Vice Admiral/MOH) Lawson P. Ramage's USS PARCHE (SS-384) torpedoes and sinks SHORYU and DAIYOKU MARUs at 20-50N, 117-55E. There are fairly heavy casualties: TOYOHI MARU sinks with 16 gunners, 15 watchmen and 56 crewmen, KINREI MARU with six crewmen KIA; DAIBU MARU with one gunner only missing, presumed drowned after KAZAN (HUASHAN) MARU took the crew off and unsuccessfully attempted to tow the wreck; SHORYU MARU with two gunners, 20 passengers and 42 crewmen KIA and DAIYOKU MARU with 15 gunners, two passengers and 20 of the crew KIA.
5 May 1944:
Assigned to anti-submarine sweeping and convoy TE-4 rescue under Mako Guard District wireless No. 182. At 2315, gunboat HASHIDATE and torpedo boat HATSUKARI arrive and begin escorting. Cuts the towing rope of DAIBU MARU later that day with the wreck being left to sink.
6 May 1944:
At 1230, CD-1 arrives at Takao, ahead of the decimated convoy.
7 May 1944:
Arrives at Takao. Repairs begin.
17 May 1944:
Repairs are completed. At 1730, departs Takao with destroyers ASAKAZE, HARUKAZE and TSUGA, auxiliary subchaser CHa-75, auxiliary minesweeper MISAGO MARU No. 8 and auxiliary minelayer CHOAN MARU escorting convoy TAMA-18 consisting of Army transports ASO and SHINNO MARUs, Army landing craft depot ship MAYASAN MARU and general requisitioned cargo ships NICHIZUI and TETSUYO MARUs. Carries out anti-submarine sweeps.
18 May 1944:
A submarine contact is reported.
19 May 1944:
While carrying out an anti-submarine sweep, CHOAN MARU drops three depth charges.
20 May 1944:
A further submarine contact is reported. The convoy seeks shelter at N San Fernando anchorage.
21 May 1944:
Late afternoon. Departs San Fernando, Philippines.
22 May 1944:
Kaibokan CD-11 meets up with convoy TAMA-18 and joins escort.
23 May 1944:
At 1200, arrives at Manila.
28 May 1944:
At 0600, departs Manila with kaibokan HIRADO and minelayer SHIRATAKA escorting convoy MAYU-02 consisting of Army transports ATLAS and TOYOOKA MARUs and four unidentified merchant ships.
1 June 1944:
At 0000, arrives at Yulin.
3 June 1944:
At 1900, departs Yulin with kaibokan HIRADO, minelayer SHIRATAKA and three unidentified warships escorting convoy TE-06A consisting of general requisitioned cargo ship (B-AK) TATSUURA MARU, Army transports ATLAS and TOYOOKA MARUs and five unidentified merchant ships. Auxiliary transport YAMADORI MARU which departed Samah earlier this day joins the convoy.
7 June 1944:
Auxiliary transport MANKO MARU (4,471 GRT ) departs Takao for Sasebo and joins convoy TE-06A and Army transport TOYOOKA MARU is detached that day to Takao.
13 June 1944:
At 1300, arrives at Moji.
14 June 1944:
Departs Moji.
15 June 1944:
Arrives at Sasebo.
15 June 1944:
Begins hydrophone repairs at the Sasebo Navy Yard.
20 June 1944:
Hydrophone repairs are completed. Navy (Resv) Lt Ishii Tomekichi is appointed CO that same day.
24 June 1944:
Departs Sasebo. Joins escort of convoy MI-09 /MOMA-09 consisting of SAIHO, SAINEI, CHILE, SHIROUMA (HAKUBA), KENSEI, NORFOLK, KINRYO, KYOKUZAN, UGA, NATSUKAWA, TATSUHARU, BINGO, NIKKO, MISAKI, AMAHI MARUs and tankers SHIMOTSU, CHIYODA, SHUNTEN, EIYO, YOKO MARUs, KYOEI MARU No. 3, KYOEI MARU No. 10 and two unidentified merchant ships escorted by kaibokan CD-9, torpedo boats HATO and TOMOZURU, minelayer NUWAJIMA and auxiliary gunboat PEKING MARU.
28 June 1944:
Minelayer NUWAJIMA and MISAKI, AMAHI and TEIKA (ex-Vichy French CAP VARELLA) MARUs are detached for Kirun.
29 June 1944:
At 1300, arrives at Takao. YOKO MARU and HIROTA MARU are detached.
30 June 1944:
At 1800, departs Takao escorting convoy MI-09.
3 July 1944:
At 2000, arrives at Manila. Detaches from the convoy. SAIHO, SAINEI, SHIROUMA (HAKUBA) and CHILE MARUs and the six unidentified ships , Kaibokan CD-9 and torpedo boats HATO and TOMOZURU also are detached.
7 July 1944:
At 0600, departs Manila with auxiliary gunboat PEKING MARU escorting convoy MAYU-05 consisting of auxiliary transport TATSUWA MARU and Army transports MACASSAR and JUNPO MARUs. At an unknown date, KAZAN MARU is detached.
11 July 1944:
Arrives at Yulin.
15 July 1944:
At 1210, departs Yulin with destroyer KURETAKE and auxiliary gunboat PEKING MARU escorting convoy YUTA-09 consisting of auxiliary transport TATSUWA MARU, Army transports (A-AK) TEIRYU (ex-German AUGSBURG), PACIFIC, MURORAN, MACASSAR and JUNPO MARUs and two unidentified merchant ships.
19 July 1944:
At 0945, LtCdr (later Rear Admiral) Norvell G. Ward’s (USNA ’35) USS GUARDFISH (SS-217) torpedoes Army transport (A-AK) TEIRYU MARU (ex-German AUGSBURG). Hit in her port side boiler room, she breaks in half and sinks at 20-50N, 118-27E taking down 108 passengers, three gunners and 38 crewmen. At an unknown time and position, detaches from the convoy on anti-submarine sweeping.
20 July 1944:
Arrives at Takao.

29 July 1944:
Departs Takao escorting convoy MI-11 with minesweepers W-28, W-38 and W-39, kaibokan SHIMUSHU and CD-28, and subchaser CH-55, consisting of cargo/transports EIKYU, YOSHINO, MIHO, ENOSHIMA, MANKO, HACHIJIN, DAKAR, FUSO, TEIRITSU (ex-French LECONTE DE LISLE), and FUKUJU MARUs, BANSHU MARU No. 16 and tankers KOEI, TAKETOYO, AYAYUKI, SHICHIYO, AYAGUMO and ZUIYO MARUs and OGURA MARU No. 1. with convoy supplemented by auxiliary transport MANKO MARU and Army shared tanker (A/C-AO) HARIMA MARU.
30 July 1944:
At 2200, after rudder failure auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 16 collides with auxiliary transport MANKO MARU. MANKO MARU damages her bow. Both are able to proceed.
31 July 1944:
Luzon Strait. A wolfpack patrols the Strait under Captain (later Rear Admiral) Lewis S. Parks ( USNA '25) consisting of LtCdr (later Vice Admiral/MOH/COMSUBLANT) Lawson P. Ramage's (USNA ’31) USS PARCHE (SS-384)(F), LtCdr (later Captain) David L. Whelchel's (USNA ’30) USS STEELHEAD (SS-280) and LtCdr John C. Martin's (USNA ’34) USS HAMMERHEAD (SS-364). 280 miles NNW of Cape Mayraira, Luzon. At 0332, LtCdr Ramage's USS PARCHE torpedoes and sinks Army shared tanker KOEI MARU carrying 1,050 Army troops of whom 150 along with nine crewmen are KIA. About the same time, oiler OGURA MARU No. 1 is hit by a torpedo, but does not sink. Five crewmen are KIA. At 0340, at 19-05N, 120-55E, Ramage torpedoes and sinks Army transport YOSHINO MARU carrying 5,012 soldiers of the Kwantung Army. She carries down 2,442 soldiers, 18 naval gunners and 35 sailors and 400 m3 of ammunition. At 0420, Whelchel's USS STEELHEAD torpedoes Army transport DAKAR MARU, but she does not sink. Army shared transport FUKUJU MARU takes the ship in tow escorted by KAZAN MARU.
At 0455, Whelchel torpedoes and sinks Army transport FUSO MARU. She takes down 1,384 troops and crewmen and a cargo of 36 railway carriages and 1,120-tons of other military supplies.
At 0514, Ramage's USS PARCHE torpedoes and sinks auxiliary transport MANKO MARU. She carries down several hundred naval personnel, 17 escort troops and 20 crewmen and a cargo of ammunition.
Remaining ships head to Bangui Bay for shelter.
CD-28 is ordered out of Takao to find DAKAR MARU by Rear Admiral (Vice Admiral, posthumously) Kajioka Sadamichi (39), CO of the 6th Convoy Squadron of the First Surface Escort Division. Kajioka also orders AYAKUMO, TEIRITSU (ex-French LECONTE DE LISLE) and TAKETOYO MARUs to pick up survivors. The three ships pull over 3,000 men out of the water. CD-28 also finds more survivors. Somehow, the small vessel takes aboard 2,000 men. Finally, CD-28 locates the drifting DAKAR MARU and transfers the survivors to her, then the kaibokan is ordered to tow DAKAR MARU, carrying a cargo of badly needed construction supplies, to Calayan Island, 35 miles to the east. Kajioka also orders a pair of flying boats to provide air cover.
1 August 1944:
Arrives in Bangui Bay, Philippines. Departs later this day escorting Army tanker OGURA MARU No. 1.
4 August 1944:
Army tanker OGURA MARU No. 1 is damaged in a torpedo attack by LtCdr Maurice W. Shea's (USNA’37) USS RATON's (SS-270) in 16-01N, 119-43E. Later arrives at Santa Cruz.
5 August 1944:
Departs Santa Cruz.
6 August 1944:
Departs Corregidor and arrives at Manila later this day.
10 August 1944:
At 1600, departs Manila with destroyer HARUKAZE and kaibokan CD-26 escorting convoy MAYU-06 consisting of auxiliary transport SHOKEI MARU, general requisitioned collier (B/C-AC) YASUKUNI MARU and four unidentified merchant ships.
14 August 1944:
At 2130, arrives at Yulin.
18 August 1944:
At 1800, departs Yulin with destroyer HARUKAZE and kaibokan CD-26 escorting convoy YUTA-10 consisting of general requisitioned collier (B/C-AC) YASUKUNI MARU, civilian cargo ship MIYAJIMA MARU and five unidentified merchant ships.
19 August 1944:
At 0047, an enemy sub is sighted at 18-03N, 116-16E. At 0107, a sub is sighted again.
20 August 1944:
At 2120, another sub is sighted at 20-37N, 113-17E.
22 August 1944:
HARUKAZE carries out an anti-submarine sweep in the vicinity of the convoy. At 0931, USN codebreakers intercept and decrypt a message from the captain of HARUKAZE that reads: "CD-26, when visibility was confined to ----- kilometers, at 0505 collided with YASUKUNI MARU-- (blanks) ---. There was no obstacle to (blank) ---- duties and the damage to YASUKUNI MARU was very slight."
23 August 1944:
At 0105, codebreakers decrypt a message from the captain of HARUKAZE that says "in position 21-14N, 116-53E, was attacked by enemy bomber aircraft. CD-26 (blank) --- damage to echo ranging gear (sound oscillating not operating) Otherwise, no damage." At 1130, arrives at Takao.
26 August 1944:
At 1000, departs Kirun with destroyer HARUKAZE and kaibokan CD-26 escorting convoy TAMO-24 consisting of Army shared transport (A/C-AK) TEIKA (ex-Vichy French CAP VARELLA) MARU, general requisitioned collier (B/C-AC) YASUKUNI MARU and eight unidentified merchant ships.
1 September 1944:
Detaches from the convoy and arrives at Sasebo later this day.
2 September 1944:
At Sasebo Navy Yard, maintenance of hull, weapons and engine and various repair begin.
20 September 1944:
Navy (Resv.) LtCdr Mori Yamaichi is appointed CO.
23 September 1944:
Maintenance of hull, weapons and engine and various repairs are completed. At 1700, departs Sasebo with kaibokan DAITO escorting civilian oiler RYUEI MARU and general requisitioned passenger/cargo ship EIKO MARU.
Later this day, they join convoy MI-21 consisting of Army shared transports (A/C-AK) TEIKA (ex-French CAP VARELLA), FUSHIMI, CHOSAN, TATSUBATO, KENEI and YOSHU MARUs, Army transports (A-AK) TSUYAMA, EJIRI and TOYOKAWA MARUs, civilian cargo ship (C-AK) KEISHIN MARU, general requisitioned cargo ship (B-AK) KEIZAN MARU, and auxiliary oiler SAN LUIS MARU, auxiliary emergency tanker SHUNTEN MARU and general requisitioned shared tanker (B/C-AO) EIKYO MARU, escorted by patrol boat PB-104 (ex-Dutch Hr.Ms. VALK), subchaser CH-21 and auxiliary subchasers CHa-87 and CHa-92.
28 September 1944:
TEIKA MARU (ex-French CAP VARELLA) is detached and arrives at Kirun later that day.
29 September 1944:
At 1700, arrives at Takao.
1 October 1944:
At 1730, departs Takao with kaibokan DAITO and YASHIRO, patrol boat PB-104 (ex-Dutch Hr.Ms. VALK), subchaser CH-21 and auxiliary subchasers CHa-87 and CHa-92 escorting convoy TAMA-28 consisting of Army transports (A-AK) TSUYAMA, CHOSAN, MURORAN, MACASSAR and NANKING MARUs, Army shared transports (A/C-AK) FUYUKAWA, FUSHIMI and KIZAN MARUs, general requisitioned cargo ship (B-AK) SHINSEI MARU, general requisitioned passenger/cargo ship (B-APK) EIKO MARU, civilian tanker (C-AO) MITSU MARU and civilian cargo ship (C-AK) TAISEI MARU.
2 October 1944:
Luzon Strait. During a storm, LtCdr Frank C. Acker's (USNA '32) USS POMFRET (SS-391) torpedoes Army transports MACASSAR MARU and TSUYAMA MARUs at 21-02N, 121-26E. MACASSAR MARU although damaged can continue but TSUYAMA MARU sinks around 2400 at 20-50N, 121-31E with 1,600 men of the 2nd Mobile Infantry Regiment. 73 crewmen, 11 gunners and 1,200 soldiers are KIA.
3 October 1944:
At 2000, arrives at Musa, Babuyan Islands, Philippines.
4 October 1944:
At 0600, departs Musa and at 1930, arrives at Lapoc Bay, Luzon.
5 October 1944:
At 0700, departs Lapoc Bay and at 1230, arrives at San Fernando.
6 October 1944:
At 0630, departs San Fernando. At 1915, arrives and shelters in Lapoc Bay. Meanwhile kaibokan YASHIRO suffers generator problems and detaches to Aparri.
7 October 1944:
At 0600, departs Lapoc. Later LtCdr Henry C. Stevenson's (USNA '30) USS ASPRO (SS-309) torpedoes and sinks Army transport MACASSAR MARU at 17-30N, 119-53E. Three crewmen, four gunners and one passenger are KIA.
8 October 1944:
At 1745, arrives at North San Fernando, Luzon. Army shared transports (A/C-AK) FUSHIMI and FUYUKAWA MARUs and general requisitioned cargo ship (B-AK) SHINSEI MARU are detached.
11 October 1944:
At 0600, departs North San Fernando. At 1748, arrives at Masinloc anchorage, Luzon.
12 October 1944:
At 1320, departs Masinloc.
13 October 1944:
At 0400, arrives at Manila.
17 October 1944:
Manila. Japanese naval authorities, fearing another air attack by Vice Admiral (Admiral posthumously) John S. McCain's (USNA ’06) Task Force 38, order a number of ships out of Manila to relieve congestion in the harbor.
Departs Manila with destroyer SHIOKAZE, subchaser CH-21, patrol boat PB-104, auxiliary gunboat CHOUN MARU and torpedo boat HIYODORI escorting the "Taihi" (Refugee) convoy consisting of Army transports MANILA, SHIRANESAN, ARABIA and TAIKAI MARUs, Army shared transports (A/C-AK) EIMAN, TEIFU (ex-French BOUGAINVILLE), DAIIKU, KENEI, HAKUROKU (HAKUSHIKA) MARUs and NICHIYU MARU No. 2, general requisitioned cargo ship (B-AK) SHINSEI MARU, Army shared tanker (A/C-AO) KYOEI MARU No. 6 and civilian tankers (C-AO) MITSU and DAIMEI MARUs.
18 October 1944:
At 0716, LtCdr (later Captain) Eric L. Barr's (USNA ’34) USS BLUEGILL (SS-242) torpedoes and damages ARABIA MARU at 14-4N, 119-52E. CH-21 attends the casualty and is joined by patrol boat PB-104 and general requisitioned cargo ship (B-AK) HAKKO MARU from a separate small convoy.
At 1155, PB-104 drops 19 depth charges.
At 1208, USS BLUEGILL torpedoes ARABIA MARU again. She is carrying 2,635 men of whom 1870 are from the IJA's 49th Infantry Division with others from the 20th Infantry Division and 5th Division. She sinks taking down 1,658 troops and 89 crewmen and gunners. After rescuing survivors, patrol boat PB-104 and HAKKO MARU return to Manila with survivors.
At 2015, in position 14.03N 119.39E about 105 metres W of Nasugbu, Luzon Army shared transport HAKUROKU MARU is hit by two torpedoes also from USS BLUEGILL (SS-242) on the port side in hold No. 3 and the fuel bunker. Pumping operations begin but are then suspended and the ship sinks later that day. The ship was loaded with war supplies, empty drums and about 2000 troops for Java and Burma. 1156 of these troops and 30 of the crew were killed.
At 2210, LtCdr Maurice W. Shea's (USNA ’37) USS RATON (SS-270) attacks the convoy at 12-30N, 119-10E. USS RATON torpedoes and sinks Army transports SHIRANESAN and TAIKAI MARUs. SHIRANESAN MARU is carrying men of the Independent 107th Flying Corps Instructors and the 31st Aviation Repair Workshop; a total of 1318 troops, 47 gunners and 63 crewmen are killed. TAIKAI MARU is carrying aviation supplies and 495 passengers. 445 passengers, 37 gunners and 101 crewmen are killed.
19 October 1944:
At 0600, CH-21 is detached and makes for Manila. Soon after arrival, TF 38 attacks Manila harbor. At 0900, disembarking of survivors ends. CH-21 and patrol boat PB-104 are ordered to rejoin the convoy and depart at 0905. At 1600, auxiliary subchaser KYO MARU No. 3 and LST T-102 search the disaster site. At sunset the search ends and ships pursue the convoy.
20 October 1944:
At 1220, arrives at Bacuit Bay, Palawan, Philippines.
21 October 1944:
At 0855, departs Bacuit Bay.
22 October 1944:
Attacked by Consolidated B-24 "Liberator" heavy bombers.
23 October 1944:
Attacked by Consolidated B-24 "Liberator" bombers. Civilian tanker MITSU MARU and torpedo boat HIYODORI are detached during the day.
24 October 1944:
At 1958, arrives at Gaya Bay, Sabah, British Borneo (now Malaysia). Some ships are detached at this point.
26 October 1944:
At 0635, Departs Gaya Bay escorting convoy with patrol boat PB-104 and arrives at Labuan (Victoria), British Borneo (now Malaysia) later this day at 1835.
27 October 1944:
At 1045, departs Labuan and arrives off Brunei later that day at 1930.
28 October 1944:
At 0600, departs Brunei waters and arrives at Miri at 1650. At some point before arrival, Army shared transports EIMAN, DAIIKU MARUs and NICHIYU MARU No. 2, and civilian tanker DAIMEI MARU are detached.
30 October 1944:
At 0600, departs Miri with patrol boat PB-104 escorting convoy MISHI-12 consisting of Army transports MANILA, TASMANIA and JUNPO MARUs, Army shared transports TEIFU (ex-French BOUGAINVILLE), EIMAN and DAIIKU MARUs and NICHIYU MARU No. 2, auxiliary oiler SAN LUIS MARU, Army shared tanker (A/C-AO) KYOEI MARU No. 6 and one unidentified ship (possibly Army shared transport TATSUBATO MARU).
3 November 1944:
At 1030, arrives at Singapore.
5 November 1944:
Engages in anti-air combat.
6 November 1944:
Loads boiler water.
8 November 1944:
Departs the commercial port E anchorage and arrives at Shipyard No. 1, quay No. 1 later this day. Repairs begin.
12 November 1944:
Loads MG ammunition.
19 November 1944:
Begins loading DCs.
20 November 1944:
Completes loading DCs. Attached to the Combined Fleet’s 22nd Squadron. Loads fresh food.
26 November 1944:
Repairs are completed. Departs Shipyard No. 1, quay No. 1 for the commercial port E anchorage.
27 November 1944:
At 0205, departs Singapore with minesweeper W-34, kaibokan CD-27, subchasers CH-34 and CH-35 escorting convoy SHISA-30 consisting of Army shared transports EININ, ENRYAKU and HIKACHI (NISSHO) MARUs, Army shared tankers TOHO, FUJISAN, and DAISHU MARUs, auxiliary minelayer TATSUMIYA and civilian reefer (C-PC) YAMAKUNI MARU en route to St Jacques.
30 November 1944:
Arrives at Saigon.
1 December 1944:
Loads fresh food.
2 December 1944:
Loads coal.
3 December 1944:
Loads food.
7 December 1944:
Departs Saigon and arrives at St. Jacques later this day.
E 7 ~ 8 December 1944:
Loads 100-tons of tin and 50-tons of ilmenite mineral.
8 December 1944:
Departs St. Jacques with kaibokan CD-33, CD-8, CD-52 and CD-61 escorting convoy MI-26 consisting of two unidentified merchant ships.
9 December 1944:
At 1922, arrives at Camranh Bay, French Indochina (now Vinh Cam Ranh, Vietnam).
11 December 1944:
At 0803, departs Camranh Bay and at 1754, arrives at Ban Lon.
12 December 1944:
At 0605, departs Ban Long and at 1820, arrives at Port Dayot Bay (Qui Sande Bay), French Indochina (now Vinh Vân Phong, Vietnam).
13 December 1944:
At 0830, departs Port Dayot Bay.
15 December 1944:
At 2332, arrives at Yulin.
16 December 1944:
Loads boiler water.
17 December 1944:
Loads fresh food.
18 December 1944:
At 1737, departs Yulin still escorting with same escorts convoy MI-26. The convoy now consists of Army shared tanker DAISHU MARU, Army shared transports EININ and ENRYAKU MARUs, Army shared ore carrier HIKACHI MARU and civilian reefer YAMAKUNI MARU.
23 December 1944:
At 1708, arrives at Saei.
24 December 1944:
At 0151, the convoy departs Saei.
26 December 1944:
Arrives at Matsu Island and departs there later that day.
28 December 1944:
At 0921, arrives at Ssu Chiao Shan, Chusan Islands and at 1815, departs from there. CD-33 probably detaches at this point.
1 January 1945:
At 0800, arrives at Moji. At 1800, arrives at Futaoi Jima near Moji where the escort of convoy MI-26 ends.
2 January 1945:
Arrives at Sasebo.
10 January 1945:
Departs Sasebo and arrives at Kobe later this day.
11 January 1945:
Departs Kobe alone.
12 January 1945:
Arrives at Yokosuka later that day.
14 January 1945:
Designated a direct escort unit. In addition to escorting the transport of the Osagawara Islands campaign is carried out at the Yokosuka Transport Director’s ward office under Yokosuka Naval District wireless No. 11.
25 January 1945:
Transferred to the Sasebo Naval District as a miscellaneous auxiliary transport under wireless instruction No. 75. Attached to the Naval Department Sasebo Naval Base as a miscellaneous auxiliary transport under instruction No. 608 No. 184. Navy (Resv) LtCdr Mori Yamaichi is appointed CO. Departs Yokosuka for Shimizu that same day.
27 February 1945:
Scheduled to pass through Esuzali at 0740, and then to arrive at Tsingtao later this day.
18 March 1945:
Departs Shanghai with kaibokan UKURU, DAITO and CD-27 as a member of convoy SHIMO-01 also consisting of general requisitioned cargo ship YUKIKAWA MARU, auxiliary transport TATSUWA MARU and Army transport AZUSA MARU.
23 March 1945:
At 0900, arrives at Katoku Suido. At 1025, arrives at Chinkai, Chosen (now Jinhae, South Korea). The escorts detach.
24 March 1945:
Arrives at Moji.
30 March 1945:
At 1430, at 34-35N, 130-38E detects a submarine. Arrives at Yuya Bay later this day.
1 April 1945:
Departs Yuya Bay.
2 April 1945:
Arrives at Kobe.
3 April 1945:
Departs Kobe.
5 April 1945:
Arrives at Maizuru.
6 April 1945:
Unloads 411-tons of clothing products.
7 April 1945:
Unloads 309-tons of cargo.
9 April 1945:
Unloads 144-tons of copper and other cargo. Thereafter departs Maizuru.
11 April 1945:
Arrives at Saitozaki.
13 April 1945:
Departs Saitozaki.
14 April 1945:
Arrives at Kure.
16 April 1945:
Unloads 262-tons of aviation gasoline.
23 April 1945:
Departs Kure.
30 April 1945:
Arrives at Hesaki.
3 May 1945:
Departs Hesaki.
31 May 1945:
After hitting a mine runs aground at 19-00N, 121-42E, 152°, about 18 nautical miles of Genkai Island, Fukuoka Prefecture.
10 July 1945:
Removed from the Navy list under instruction No. 624.
1948:
Sold to Yamato Kisen K.K. Renamed KAZAN MARU. Converted back into a cargo ship.
10 February 1954:
Transferred to Nitto Shosen K.K. due to a merger.
6 November 1959:
Sold for scrapping.
1960:
Scrapped.

Authors' Notes:
[1] Not to be confused with IJA transport (1893 GRT, ’36). The ship was initially employed on the China Coast and consistent with Nisshin Kisen’s naming policy the name characters were shown with Chinese transliteration (HUA SHAN) in Chinese directed records and the name was shown with Japanese transliteration (KAZAN MARU) in Japanese records.
[2] NRT is a ship's cargo volume capacity expressed in "register tons", one of which equals to a volume of 100 cubic feet (2.83 m3). It is calculated by subtracting non-revenue-earning spaces i.e. spaces not available for carrying cargo, for example engine rooms, fuel tanks and crew quarters, from the ship's gross register tonnage (GRT). Net register tonnage (NRT) is not a measure of the weight of the ship or its cargo, and should not be confused with terms such as deadweight tonnage or displacement.
Thanks go to Gengoro S. Toda of Japan.

- Gilbert Casse, Berend van der Wal and Peter Cundall.

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