Japanese Auxiliary Netlayers

KYUSETSUMOKAN!

HOKAKUMOTEI!

(KATSURA MARU, sistership of KOKAI MARU, in wartime)

IJN KOKAI MARU :
Tabular Record of Movement

© 2018 Gilbert Casse, Berend van der Wal and Peter Cundall

25 December 1938:
Osaka. Laid down by Sanoyasu Dock K.K. for Sanko Kisen K.K. as a 540 GRT cargo ship.
19 March 1939:
Launched and named KOKAI MARU. [1]
30 April 1939:
Completed and registered at Amagasaki.
26 August 1941:
Requisitioned by the IJN.
12 September 1941:
Registered as an auxiliary netlayer in the Yokosuka Naval District under instruction No. 1049.
22 September 1941:
Conversion to military duty at Uragasenkyo K.K. shipyard is completed.
E September 1941:
Navy Lieutenant Imai Masao is appointed CO.
15 October 1941:
Attached to Yokosuka Guard Force under instruction No. 1253.
6 December 1941:
Attached to Yokosuka Guard Force, Yokosuka Coastal Guard Squadron under Yokosuka Naval District instruction No. 14.
10 December 1941:
Attached to Yokosuka Guard Force, Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron.
11 December 1941:
Arrives in assigned patrol zone.
18 December 1941:
Escorts auxiliary destroyer tender SHINSHO MARU from Uraga to Yokosuka.
1 ~ 7 January 1942:
Patrols in Tokyo Bay.
8 January 1942:
Departs Uraga for Izu Peninsula.
18 January 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
19 January 1942:
Departs Uraga.
28 January 1942:
Attached to Yokosuka Guard Force, Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron under Yokosuka Naval District instruction No. 45.
29 January 1942:
Arrives at Nagaura.
1 ~ 8 February 1942:
Patrols off Shimoda, Hachijojima and Nojimazaki.
9 February 1942:
Departs Nagaura for Niijima.
11 February 1942:
Arrives off Nojima and carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
13 February 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
15 February 1942:
Departs Uraga and arrives off Nojima later that day.
19 February 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
22 February 1942:
Departs Uraga, carries out a net laying exercise and returns back to Uraga later that same day.
23 February 1942:
Departs Uraga and arrives off Nojima later that day.
25 February 1942:
Arrives at Nagaura.
26 February 1942:
Departs Nagaura and arrives at Uraga later this day.
27 February 1942:
Departs Uraga and arrives off Nojima later that day.
1 March 1942:
Arrives at Nagaura.
Departs Nagaura and arrives at O zone for an anti-submarine sweep.
5 March 1942:
Arrives at Nagaura.
E 6 March 1942:
Departs Nagaura and arrives at Uraga later that day.
8 March 1942:
Departs Uraga and arrives in O patrol zone.
11 March 1942:
Arrives at Shimoda.
12 March 1942:
Departs Shimoda and arrives in O patrol zone.
13 March 1942:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep five nautical miles SW Mikurajima.
18 March 1942:
Arrives at Yokosuka.
20 March 1942:
Arrives at Uraga. Departs later this day on patrol between O zone and Nojima.
23 March 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
24 March 1942:
Departs Uraga and arrives off Tokyo Bay. Thereafter, arrives at Uraga later that day.
25 March 1942:
Departs Uraga for an anti-submarine sweep N Inubo-saki under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron wireless instruction No. 35. Returns at Uraga later this day.
26 March 1942:
Departs Uraga for a gunnery exercise. At 1115, the gunnery exercise ends. Departs towards her patrol zone. Arrives off Nojima later that day.
27 March 1942:
Arrives N Inubo-Saki for an anti-submarine sweep. Arrives at Ishinomaki Bay later this day.
29 March 1942:
Patrols between Kinkasan and Inubo-Saki.
31 March 1942:
At Kinkasan, carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
1 April 1942:
Attached to Yokosuka Guard Force, Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron under Yokosuka Naval District instruction No. 72. Arrives at Onahama.
2 April 1942:
Departs Onahama on patrol to Shioya Saki and Ishinomaki.
3 April 1942:
Arrives at Ogatsu Bay.
4 April 1942:
Departs Ogatsu Bay on patrol N Inubo-Saki. Ordered to return to Uraga after completing anti-submarine sweep under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 818.
5 April 1942:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep. Thereafter, assigned to search crashed Yokosuka 11th Naval Air Flotilla Aichi Type 99 ‘Val’ bomber around the Nojima lighthouse under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 826. The patrol is then moved towards Tokyo Bay and search is resumed. Rescue mission is aborted later that same day under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 828 and anti-submarine sweep is resumed.
6 April 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
9 April 1942:
Departs Uraga on training mission towards Nakata under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 854. Returns to Uraga later this day.
10 April 1942:
Attached to Yokosuka Guard Force, Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron under Yokosuka Naval District instruction No. 74.
11 April 1942:
Departs Uraga for an anti-submarine sweep.
12 April 1942:
Arrives at Oginohama, Ishinomaki Bay.
13 April 1942:
Departs Oginohama on patrol and arrives at Samenoura later that day.
14 April 1942:
Departs Samenoura for a patrol and arrives at Hisanohama. Departs there on patrol later that day.
15 April 1942:
Arrives at Shiogama.
16 April 1942:
Departs Shiogama on patrol between Kinkasan and Shioya Saki.
17 April 1942:
Arrives at Momonoura, Ishinomaki Bay.
18 April 1942:
Departs Momonoura. Assigned to patrol and search for enemy aircraft towards first zone, location SE Inubo Saki under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 930. [2]
23 April 1942:
Arrives at Nagaura.
24 April 1942:
Departs Nagaura. Together with auxiliary gunboat KEISHIN MARU assists auxiliary patrol boat MANJU MARU which stranded on a reef. Arrives at Uraga later that day.
25 April 1942:
Departs Uraga on patrol N Inubo Saki.
26 April 1942:
After providing additional assistance to auxiliary patrol boat MANJU MARU carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
27 April 1942:
Arrives again at position where auxiliary patrol boat MANJU MARU is stranded.
28 April 1942:
Together with auxiliary gunboat KEISHIN MARU engaged in salvage work. In cooperation with submarine tender KOMAHASHI unloads auxiliary patrol boat MANJU MARU.
29 April 1942:
At 1400, salvage work of auxiliary patrol boat MANJU MARU is completed successfully. Departs on patrol between N Inubo Saki and Onahama.
30 April 1942:
Departs Onahama on patrol N Inubo Saki.
1 May 1942:
Engages in preventive anti-submarine sweep off Kinkasan. Arrives at Kamaishi later that day.
2 May 1942:
Assigned to anti-submarine sweep mission under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 63. Departs Kamaishi. Drops two depth charges.
3 May 1942:
Assigned to resupply mission under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 69. Heads towards Nagaura while continues with anti-submarine sweeping. Arrives at Nagaura later that day.
6 May 1942:
Departs Nagaura and arrives at Uraga later this day.
8 May 1942:
Assigned to anti-submarine sweep mission under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 125. Departs Uraga. Carries out mission at Tateyama Bay’s entrance. Then patrols the third zone. Thereafter, heads to Nojima Saki to escort auxiliary aircraft transport KEIYO MARU.
10 May 1942:
Arrives off Minato. Departs there later that day and arrives off Futtsu, Tokyo Bay. At 1730, departs there with destroyer OKIKAZE escorting TAKUNAN MARU and TONAN MARU No. 2. At 2030, at position bearing 90 degrees of Mihara Mountain the escorts detach and TONAN MARU No. 2 and TAKUNAN MARU head S to Ponape, Carolines.
11 May 1942:
Arrives off Minato.
13 May 1942:
Departs Minato waters with auxiliary minelayer TAKACHIHO MARU escorting auxiliary oiler SAN DIEGO MARU.
14 May 1942:
At 1400, departs off Futtsu. Arrives at the west line later this day and starts escorting auxiliary oiler HAKUYO MARU and passenger/cargo (B-APK) ISSEI MARU.
15 May 1942:
Attached to Tokyo Bay Guard Force as an auxiliary netlayer under Navy’s instruction No. 39. Assigned to patrol sixth zone from 0800 to sunset and then to depart for Uraga under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 187.
16 May 1942:
Departs sixth zone and arrives at Uraga later that day.
E 17 May 1942:
Departs Uraga.
18 May 1942:
At 1430, departs Futtsu as convoy escort of auxiliary stores ship TENYO MARU No. 2 GO.
21 May 1942:
Patrols sixth zone and arrives at Tateyama later this day.
22 May 1942:
Departs Tateyama to patrol sixth zone.
24 May 1942:
Departs Sagami-Nada on patrol and anti-submarine sweep.
26 May 1942:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep off Nojima. Arrives at Uraga later that day
28 May 1942:
Depart Uraga for an anti-submarine sweep at Sagami-Nada before auxiliary aircraft transport KATSURAGI MARU passes through there.
29 May 1942:
At 0530, departs Yokosuka with auxiliary netlayer KASHI MARU escorting aircraft transport KATSURAGI MARU bound for Sasebo.
Thereafter together with auxiliary netlayers KASHI and MATSU MARUs carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
In cooperation with a Tateyama Navy Air Corps Aircraft at position bearing 240 degrees 13 nautical miles of Kaze Hayashi, carries out an anti-submarine sweep. Drops 3 depth charges. At 2300, discovers a periscope. Carries out another anti-submarine sweep. Drops 5 depth charges. Arrives at Shimoda later this day.
30 May 1942:
Assigned to anti-submarine sweep mission under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 320. Departs Shimoda. At 1500, together with auxiliary gunboat HIYOSHI MARU No. 2 GO carries out assigned mission.
31 May 1942:
Assigned to anti-submarine sweep mission under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 334. Arrives at Kaze Hayashi and carries out assigned mission.
1 June 1942:
Arrives at Nagaura.
2 June 1942:
Departs Nagaura on patrol between Shimoda and Oshima. Arrives off Motomura, Oshima later that day.
4 June 1942:
Arrives at Shimoda.
5 June 1942:
Departs Shimoda.
6 ~ 8 June 1942:
Patrols between Shimoda and Oshima with Shimoda as base.
10 June 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
12 June 1942:
Departs Uraga.
13 June 1942:
Assigned to search for a boat wrecked in fourth patrol zone during auxiliary hospital ship HIKAWA MARU escort under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 422.
15 June 1942:
Attached to Yokosuka Guard Force, Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron under Yokosuka Naval District instruction No. 99. Attached to Tokyo Bay Guard Force as an auxiliary netlayer under Navy’s instruction No. 42.
17 June 1942:
Relieved by auxiliary minelayer TAKACHIHO MARU.
18 June 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
E 19 June 1942:
Departs Uraga for Nagaura.
20 June 1942:
Departs Nagaura.
22 June 1942:
Patrols between Ishimuro and Shimama. Calls at Uraga and departs there later this day.
23 June 1942:
Patrols between Ishimuro and Shimama.
25 June 1942:
Patrols off Shimoda.
26 June 1942:
Patrols off Shimoda. Arrives there later in the day.
27 June 1942:
Patrols off Shimoda. Assigned to return 29 June to Uraga for resupply under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 524.
29 June 1942:
Arrives at Uraga for resupply.
1 July 1942:
Departs Uraga and arrives at Suraga Bay area later that day.
2 July 1942:
Arrives at Shimuzu.
4 July 1942:
Departs Shimuzu on patrol in Suruga Bay.
5 ~ 6 July 1942:
Patrols Suruga Bay waters.
6 July 1942:
Ordered to repair generator at Nagaura under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 603.
8 July 1942:
Arrives at Uraga and undergoes repairs.
18 July 1942:
Departs Uraga on patrol in Sagami Bay. Calls at Ito. Departs there escorting LEUTHEN (ex-Australian passenger/cargo ship NANKIN) and arrives at Tateyama later that day. [3]
19 July 1942:
Patrols seventh and eighth zones. That same day, assigned to escort mission under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 716.
20 July 1942:
Patrols seventh and eighth zones. Thereafter, escorts German refrigerated passenger/cargo ship REGENSBURG from Manazuru to Funataka. [4]
21 July 1942:
Patrols seventh and eighth zones.
23 July 1942:
Guards Suruga Bay. Arrives at Tateyama later that day.
24 July 1942:
Departs Tateyama.
25 ~ 28 July 1942:
Patrols Sagami Bay.
28 July 1942:
Ordered to resupply at Nagaura under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 796.
29 July 1942:
Resupplied in the morning at Nagaura. Assigned to patrol mission under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 801. Departs later that day for Uraga.
30 July 1942:
Departs Uraga. Patrols Sagami Bay. Assigned to escort IJN requisitioned liner (B-AP) TATSUTA (TATUTA) MARU under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 803.
31 July 1942:
Arrives at Ito. Departs there on patrol in Sagami Bay and thereafter escorts TATSUTA MARU on her first Japanese-English diplomatic exchange voyage.
3 August 1942:
Departs Tateyama on patrol.
3 ~ 7 August 1942:
Patrols in Sagami Bay.
7 August 1942:
Assigned to meet auxiliary gunboat KASAGI MARU under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 848. At 1300, meets up with KASAGI MARU. They patrol and exercise together.
8 ~ 10 August 1942:
Patrols in Sagami Bay.
11 August 1942:
Assigned to anti-submarine sweep in N zone under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 893. Patrols N zone and thereafter carries out assigned mission in O zone.
12 August 1942:
Departs Toshima for Mikomoto-Jima. While carrying out an anti-submarine sweep discovers a drifting mine which is towed to Shimoda, arriving there later in the day.
13 August 1942:
Assigned to patrol in O zone under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron instruction No. 918. Departs Shimoda.
13 ~ 22 August 1942:
Patrols O zone.
17 August 1942:
Assigned from 18 August to escort German auxiliary minelayer and blockade runner DOGGERBANK (ex-British SPEYBANK) under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron wireless message No. 2155.
18 August 1942:
At position bearing 160 degrees 35 minutes off Omaezaki starts escorting German DOGGERBANK to Funataka.
22 August 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
E 23 August 1942:
Departs Uraga escorting ‘Saigyo’ convoy.
24 August 1942:
At 1030, departs Futtsu and later Arrives at Seiko escorting WAKATAKE, KUSUYAMA, KOJUN and GOSEI MARUs with auxiliary gunboat HIYOSHI MARU No. 2 GO.
25 August 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
29 August 1942:
Departs Uraga on patrol.
29 August ~ 10 September 1942:
Patrols Suruga Bay.
9 September 1942:
Ordered to resupply at Nagaura under Yokosuka Local Defense Squadron wireless message No. 1625.
10 September 1942:
At 1800, arrives at Nagaura for resupply. Thereafter, departs Nagaura on patrol in Suruga Bay.
11 September 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
13 September 1942:
Departs Uraga.
16 September 1942:
Arrives at Uraga.
23 September 1942:
Departs Uraga. At 2030, as the westbound convoy passes off Ishimuro Saki, ends escort and heads towards patrol zone.
24 September 1942:
Patrols Suruga Bay.
25 September 1942:
Attached to Tokyo Bay Guard Force as an auxiliary netlayer under Navy’s instruction No. 126. Carries out an anti-submarine sweep in Suruga Bay.
26 September ~ 12 October 1942:
Patrols Suruga Bay.
14 October 1942:
Arrives at Nagaura.
17 October 1942:
Departs Nagaura.
18 October 1943:
At 0600, escorts a northbound convoy from Funakata to Katsuura. At 1000, detaches and head towards KA zone.
21 October 1942:
At 2230, escorts the northbound convoy from Tateyama to Katsuura waters.
24 ~ 30 October 1942:
Guard ship for NANYO MARU near Hachijojima.
5 ~ 21 November 1942:
Patrols Suruga Bay.
22 November 1942:
Patrols the Ishiro Saki ~ Omaezaki shipping lane.
23 November 1942:
Relieved by auxiliary netlayer TATSU MARU and heads for Nagaura. Arrives there later this day.
E 2 December 1942:
Departs Nagaura.
2 ~ 14 December 1942:
Patrols N zone.
5 December 1942:
Departs N zone for an anti-submarine sweep.
6 December 1942:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
9 December 1942:
Tests an experimental underwater magnetic detector.
12 December 1942:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
15 December 1942:
Escorts IJA transport KURETAKE MARU from W Ukishima to S Omaezaki.
16 ~ 19 December 1942:
Patrols Suruga Bay.
20 December 1942:
Joins search and rescue of Army transport MITSUKI MARU wrecked off Oyazaki. Thereafter returns to Suruga Bay and continues with her patrol. [5]
21 ~ 29 December 1942:
Patrols Suruga Bay.
29 December 1942:
Patrols Suruga Bay.
30 December 1942:
Escorts German blockade runner RIO GRANDE from W Oshima to Tateyama.
1 January 1943:
Stays at Nagaura during the night.
5 January 1943:
Departs Nagaura on patrol in N zone.
6 January 1943:
Rescue of HIMORI MARU which stranded on the southern tip of Mikomotojima. Arrives at Shimoda later that day.
7 January 1943:
Departs Shimoda to guard HIMORI MARU.
8 January 1943:
Patrols N zone and carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
9 January 1943:
Arrives at Tateyama. Provisioned with fresh food. Departs later that day on patrol in N zone.
10 January 1943:
Heads S for an anti-submarine sweep off Katsuura lighthouse.
11 January 1943:
Heads towards Nozaki to escort battleship MUTSU.
13 January 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura.
15 January 1943:
Enters Yokosuka’s third drydock.
19 January 1943:
Undocked.
20 January 1943:
Stays at Nagaura for the night.
27 January 1943:
Departs Nagaura. Patrols fifth zone. While heading towards sixth zone, sustains an engine breakdown and returns to Nagaura.
28 January 1943:
Undergoes engine repairs.
29 January 1943:
Engine repairs are completed. Departs Nagaura on patrol in fifth and sixth zones.
30 January 1943:
Patrols Suruga Bay.
1 February 1942:
Assigned to rescue survivors of torpedoed civilian passenger/cargo FUSHIMI MARU, S of Omaezaki and anti-submarine sweep under Yokosuka Naval District instruction No. 120. [6]
2 February 1942:
At 0145, heads towards the sinking location of FUSHIMI MARU. At 0630, starts rescuing survivors. At 0934, has rescued 214 survivors. At 1047, drops 4 depth charges. At 1530, at position bearing 260 degrees and 13 nautical miles off Kazahaya, drops 2 depth charges. At 2210, arrives at Yokohama outer harbor.
3 February 1943:
At 0700, arrives at Yokohama C quay and starts disembarking FUSHIMI MARU survivors. At 0900, disembarking operations are completed. Departs Yokohama and arrives at Nagaura later that day.
6 ~ 8 February 1943:
Resupplied and undergoes maintenance.
11 February 1943:
Departs Nagaura escorting O convoy consisting of fishing boats.
12 February 1943:
Arrives at Shimoda.
13 Febreuary 1943:
Departs Shimoda and arrives at Shimizu later this day.
17 February 1943:
Depart Shimizu escorting O convoy. Returns there later that day due to stormy weather.
20 February 1943:
Depart Shimizu escorting O convoy. Returns there again later that day due to persistent stormy weather.
24 February 1943:
Arrives at Futami, Chichi-Jima.
1 March 1943:
Departs Futami.
4 March 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura.
7 March 1943:
Departs Nagaura for various exercises. Arrives at Uraga later this day.
8 March 1943:
Departs Uraga and arrives at Shimizu later that day.
11 March 1943:
Depart Shimizu escorting O convoy. Returns there later that day due to stormy weather.
14 March 1943:
Depart Shimizu on patrol in Shimizu outer harbor.
15 March 1943:
Joins O convoy.
19 March 1943:
Arrives at Futami.
21 March 1943:
Departs Futami.
25 March 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura.
27 March 1943:
Departs Nagaura for an anti-submarine sweep in fourth, fifth and sixth zones. Arrives at Nagaura later that day.
April 1943:
Tactically assigned to Tokyo Bay Guard Force as an auxiliary netlayer in First Minesweeper Division.
2 April 1943:
Departs Nagaura.
3 April 1943:
Arrives at Onahama. Departs there on patrol in XA zone later this day.
4 April 1943:
Arrives at Onahama.
5 April 1943:
Departs Onahama.
5 ~8 April 1943:
Patrols XA zone.
8 April 1943:
Arrives at Onahama and is resupplied.
9 April 1943:
Departs Onahama on patrol in XA zone.
10 April 1943:
Arrives at Tateyama.
11 April 1943:
Departs Tateyama and arrives at Nagaura later that day for resupply.
15 April 1943:
Departs Nagaura for an anti-submarine sweep in fifth and sixth zones.
17 April 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura.
19 April 1943:
Departs Nagaura on patrol in YA and XA zones.
21 April 1943:
Searches for survivors of auxiliary gunboat MEIJI MARU No. 1 GO torpedoed off Shioyazaki. [7]
22 April 1943:
Arrives at Onahama.
23 April 1943:
Departs Onahama for an anti-submarine sweep.
25 April 1943:
At 0050, in position bearing 55 degrees, 24.5 miles off Shioyazaki, drops 22 depth charges. At 0300, in position bearing 100 degrees, 20 nautical miles off Shioyazaki, drops one depth charge. Arrives at Onahama later that day.
26 April 1943:
Departs Onahama.
27 April 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura for resupply.
27 ~ 30 April 1943:
Resupplied.
1 May 1943:
Departs Nagaura for an anti-submarine sweep.
2 May 1943:
Escorts a convoy and calls at Nagaura. Departs there and arrives at Koumi later this day.
3 ~ 19 May 1943:
Undergoes hull and engine repairs.
20 May 1943:
Departs Koumi and arrives at Nagaura later that day.
21 May 1943:
Departs Nagaura on patrol in O zone.
22 May 1943:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
23 May 1943:
Patrols O zone.
24 May 1943:
Arrives at Shimoda.
25 May 1943:
Departs Shimoda on patrol in O zone.
27 May 1943:
Patrols O zone.
28 May 1943:
Arrives at Yokosuka outer harbor.
29 May 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura.
30 May 1943:
Departs Nagaura on patrol in O zone.
1 June 1943:
At Katsuura, carries out an anti-submarine sweep and drops 3 depth charges.
3 June 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura for resupply.
5 June 1943:
Departs Nagaura and arrives at Koumi later this day. Undergoes hull and weapons maintenance.
6 ~ 11 June 1943:
Undergoes hull maintenance.
11 June 1943:
Departs Koumi and arrives at Nagaura later that day.
12 June 1943:
Resupplied.
13 June 1943:
Departs Nagaura and arrives at Ito later this day.
14 June 1943:
Departs Ito and arrives at Shimoda later that day.
15 June 1943:
Resupplied.
16 June 1943:
Departs Shimoda escorting a convoy of motorized sailboats.
18 June 1943:
Arrives at Torishima, Izu Shoto (Islands).
22 June 1943:
Departs Torishima.
24 June 1943:
Arrives at Chichi-Jima for resupply.
27 June 1943:
Departs Chichi-Jima.
30 June 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura for resupply.
3 July 1943:
Departs Nagaura. At position bearing 245 degrees, 8 nautical miles off Sunosaki, carries out an anti-submarine sweep and later at position bearing 320 degrees, 10 nautical miles off Kazahayazaki, carries out another anti-submarine sweep.
4 July 1943:
At position nearing 255 degrees, 2.5 nautical miles of Ishizuzaki, carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
6 July 1943:
Arrives at Shimikzu for resupply.
7 July 1943:
Departs Shimizu on patrol.
8 July 1943:
Escorts a convoy.
9 July 1943:
Arrives at Shimoda for resupply. Departs there later that day. At position bearing 241 degrees, 5.2 nautical miles off Simazaki lighthouse, carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
10 July 1943:
Arrives at Shimoda.
11 July 1943:
Departs Shimoda and arrives at Nagaura later this day for resupply.
15 July 1943:
Departs Nagaura on patrol in N zone.
16 July 1943:
At position bearing 295 degrees off Sanzaki, carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
17 July 1943:
On patrol duty.
18 July 1943:
After completion of auxiliary transport IMIZU MARU escort, patrols KA zone.
19 July 1943: Arrives at Tateyama for resupply.
20 July 1943:
Departs Tateyama on patrol.
24 July 1943:
Arrives at Tateyama for resupply.
25 July 1943:
Departs Tateyama on patrol.
26 July 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura for resupply.
27 July 1943:
Departs Nagaura and searches for a missing aircraft between Nagaura and Zenisu Bank.
28 July 1943:
Arrives at Habu Minato, Oshima.
30 July 1943:
Departs Habu Minato for a crashed aircraft search.
1 August 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura.
8 August 1943:
Departs Nagaura for an anti-submarine patrol.
10 August 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura.
13 August 1943:
Departs Nagaura for anti-submarine patrol and sweep.
17 August 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura.
18 August 1943:
Departs Nagaura for an anti-submarine patrol.
19 August 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura
21 August 1943:
Departs Nagaura for an anti-submarine sweep.
22 August 1943:
Arrives at Onahama.
23 August 1943:
Departs Onahama for an anti-submarine patrol.
26 August 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura.
29 August 1943:
Departs Nagaura for an anti-submarine patrol.
1 September 1943:
Escorts a convoy.
2 September 1943:
At position bearing 192 degrees, 5 nautical miles of Shioyazaki, disposes of a floating mine with gunfire. Arrives at Onahama later that day.
3 September 1943:
Departs Onahama.
4 September 1943:
Arrives at Nagaura.
4 ~6 September 1943:
Resupplied. Departs Nagaura for an anti-submarine patrol in JA zone.
September 1943:
Departs Nagaura for an anti-submarine patrol in JA zone.
7 September 1943:
Performs distant escort of capital warships (likely escort aircraft carriers CHUYO and TAIYO). Thereafter, patrols N, second and third zones.
9 September 1943:
At position bearing 210 degrees, 26 nautical miles off Inubo Saki lighthouse, carries out an anti-submarine sweep. Thereafter, patrols IA5 zone.
11 September 1943:
The anti-submarine sweep is ended.
12 September 1943:
Arrives at Uraga.
13 September 1943:
Departs Uraga. At position bearing 270 degrees, 3 nautical miles off Murosaki lighthouse, carries out an anti-submarine sweep. Thereafter, patrols LA zone.
14 September 1943:
Directed by a Tateyama IJNAF aircraft, drops 10 depth charges. Thereafter, patrols MA, second and third zones.
15 September 1943:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
17 September 1943:
Performs distant escort of an unidentified ship.
18 September 1943:
Due to main engine failure, speed has to be reduced. Arrives at Tateyama later that day.
19 September 1943:
Departs Tateyama and calls at Uraga for resupply. Departs there and arrives at Nagaura later that day.
22 September 1943:
Departs Nagaura and arrives at Tateyama later this day. Meets up with OGASAWARA MARU for joint work.
23 September 1943:
Departs Tateyama. Joins auxiliary subchaser HINAN MARU.
24 September 1943:
Carries out an anti-submarine patrol in Hachiyo waters. Arrives at Konominato later that day.
27 September 1943:
Departs Konominato.
28 September 1943:
Arrives at Konominato.
30 September 1943:
Departs Konominato.
October 1943:
Tactically assigned to Tokyo Bay Guard Force as an auxiliary netlayer in Second Minesweeper Division, second squad. Navy Lt (Res) Nagao Akira is appointed CO.
2 October 1943:
Arrives at Uraga.
3 October 1943:
Departs Uraga and arrives at Nagaura later this day.
18 October 1943:
Departs Nagaura and returns there later that day.
21 October 1943:
Departs Nagaura and arrives at Uraga later this day.
22 October 1943:
Departs Uraga for various exercises. Returns there later that day.
22 ~ 23 October 1943:
Resupplied.
25 October 1943:
Departs Uraga on patrol in Q and R zones.
30 October 1943:
Arrives at Uraga for resupply.
5 November 1943:
Departs Uraga on patrol in O and P zones. Arrives at Tateyama later this day.
6 November 1943:
Departs Tateyama on patrol and thereafter, convoy escort.
7 November 1943:
Arrives at Tateyama.
8 November 1943:
Departs Tateyama on patrol. Arrives at Katsuura later that day.
9 November 1943:
Departs Katsuura on patrol. Arrives at Tateyama later this day.
10 November 1943:
Departs Tateyama on patrol.
11 November 1943:
Escorts a convoy.
13 November 1943:
Arrives at Tateyama.
14 November 1943:
Departs Tateyama on patrol. Arrives at Katsuura later that day.
15 November 1943:
Departs Katsuura on patrol.
16 November 1943:
Escorts auxiliary subchaser DAIKO MARU. Arrives at Uraga later this day for resupply.
18 November 1943:
Resupplied.
22 November 1943:
Departs Uraga on patrol in O and P zones. Arrives at Shimoda later that day.
23 November 1943:
Departs Shimoda on patrol. Arrives at Shimoda later this day.
24 November 1943:
Departs Shimoda on patrol and thereafter, escorts auxiliary transport HAKOZAKI MARU (likely in or on her way to convoy No. 7124-A). Arrives at Shimoda later this day.
25 November 1943:
Departs Shimoda on patrol. Calls at Shimizu for resupply. Departs there later this day.
26 November 1943:
Arrives at Motomura, Oshima. Departs Motomura escorting OGASAWARA MARU. Thereafter, detaches and starts a patrol. Arrives at Shimoda later this day.
27 November 1943:
Departs Shimoda escorting OGASAWARA MARU. Arrives at Shimoda later that day.
28 November 1943:
Departs Shimoda escorting OGASAWARA MARU. Arrives at Shimoda later that same day.
29 November 1943:
Departs Shimoda escorting OGASAWARA MARU. Off Nojima Saki, carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
30 November 1943:
Departs Shimoda escorting OGASAWARA MARU. Arrives at Shimoda later that day.
1 December 1943:
Departs Shimoda on patrol. Arrives at Uraga later this day.
4 December 1943:
Departs Uraga on patrol.
5 December 1943:
Arrives at Uraga.
7 December 1943:
Departs Uraga on patrol. Arrives at Shimoda later that day.
9 December 1943:
Departs Shimoda on patrol. Arrives at Shimizu later this day.
10 December 1943:
Departs Shimizu for an anti-submarine sweep.
12 December 1943:
Arrives at Tateyama.
13 December 1943:
Departs Tateyama. Arrives at Nagaura later that day.
26 December 1943:
Departs Nagaura for an anti-submarine sweep.
30 December 1943: BR> Arrives at Owase Bay.
31 December 1943:
Departs Owase Bay on patrol.
1 January 1944:
Arrives at Uraga.
4 January 1944:
Departs Uraga on patrol. Arrives at Tateyama later this day.
5 January 1944:
Departs Tateyama. Arrives at Uraga later that day for resupply.
6 January 1944:
Departs Uraga. Arrives at Tateyama later in the day.
7 January 1944:
Departs Tateyama. Arrives at Shimoda later that same day.
8 January 1944:
Departs Shimoda escorting OGASAWARA MARU. Arrives at Nijima later this day.
9 January 1944:
Departs Nijima. Arrives at Hachijo-Jima later that day.
13 January 1944:
Departs Hachijo-Jima on rescue mission of auxiliary repair ship YAMABIKO MARU. [8]
14 January 1944:
In Hachijo waters.
15 January 1944:
Departs Hachijo waters.
16 January 1944:
Arrives at Yokosuka. Disembarks YAMABIKO MARU survivors. Departs Yokosuka later that day for the position where anti-submarine "Q"ship DELHI MARU was torpedoed and sunk, and carries out an anti-submarine sweep. Arrives at Tateyama later this day. [9]
17 January 1944:
Departs Tateyama for LA zone.
18 January 1944:
Arrives at Uraga.
19 January 1944:
Resupplied.
22 January 1944:
Departs Uraga to sweep the harbor entrance lane ahead of light aircraft carrier ZUIHO arrival.
23 January 1944:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep. Drops 18 depth charges.
25 January 1944:
Provides indirect escort for an important convoy consisting of OGASAWARA MARU escorted by auxiliary minesweeper Wa-12.
26 January 1944:
Arrives at Uraga.
26 ~ 27 January 1944:
Resupplied.
28 January 1944:
Departs Uraga for the sinking position of auxiliary gunboat KASAGI MARU and carries out an anti-submarine sweep. [10]
30 January 1944:
Arrives at Shimoda.
31 January 1944:
Departs Shimoda. Arrives at Uraga later this day for resupply.
3 February 1944:
Departs Uraga for an anti-submarine sweep in LA and LB zones.
4 February 1944:
Arrives at Shimoda.
5 February 1944:
Departs Shimoda for an anti-submarine sweep in LA and LB zones.
8 February 1944:
Arrives at Uraga.
8 ~ 9 February 1944:
Resupplied.
10 February 1944:
Departs Uraga escorting auxiliary subchaser DAIKO MARU on transport mission. At 1620, escort ends. Heads E towards Oshima.
11 February 1944:
At 0100, begins escorting a convoy. At 0300, escort ends. At 1130, arrives at Uraga.
11 ~ 13 February 1944:
Resupplied.
14 February 1944:
Departs Uraga for an anti-submarine sweep in KA zone.
15 February 1944:
Provides indirect escort of the MUSASHI convoy, consisting of battleship MUSASHI, light cruiser OYODO and destroyers HATSUHARU, MICHISHIO, SHIRATSUYU and TAMANAMI, entering the Yokosuka harbor. Thereafter, arrives at Tateyama later this day.
16 February 1944:
Departs Tateyama. Arrives at Uraga later that day.
16 ~ 17 February 1944:
Resupplied.
18 February 1944:
Departs Uraga on patrol.
20 February 1944:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep in JA zone.
21 February 1944:
Patrols and carries out an anti-submarine sweep in EN and KA zones.
23 February 1944:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep in KA zone.
25 February 1944:
Arrives at Nagaura.
25 February ~ 2 March 1944:
Undergoes engine repairs and is resupplied.
2 March 1944:
Departs Nagaura and arrives at Yokohama later this day.
9 ~ 24 March Moored off Asano Zosensho K.K. for repairs and maintenance.
25 March 1944:
Departs Yokohama. Arrives at Nagaura.
10 April 1944:
Departs Nagaura for an exercise. Arrives back there later that day.
13 April 1944:
Departs Nagaura for an exercise. Calls at Uraga. Departs there later this day on patrol and anti-submarine sweep in LB zone.
16 April 1944:
Arrives at Uraga.
16 ~ 18 April 1944:
Resupplied.
19 April 1944:
Departs Uraga on patrol in P zone.
20 April 1944:
Arrives at Uraga.
23 April 1944:
Departs Uraga on patrol in OP zone. Arrives at Shimoda later that day.
24 April 1944:
Installation work of tethered buoy.
25 April 1944:
Departs Shimoda for an anti-submarine sweep. Arrives back there later this day.
27 April 1944:
Departs Shimoda on patrol in P zone. Arrives at Shimizu later that day.
28 April 1944:
Resupplied.
29 April 1944:
Departs Shimizu on patrol in P zone. Arrives at Shimoda later this day.
30 April 1944:
Departs Shimoda on patrol in P zone. Arrives back there later that day.
1 May 1944:
Departs Shimoda on patrol in P zone. Arrives at Shimizu later that day.
1 ~ 2 May 1944:
Resupplied.
3 May 1944:
Departs Shimizu on patrol in KA zone. Carries out a depth charge attack.
4 May 1944:
Arrives at Shimoda for resupply.
5 May 1944:
Departs Shimoda for an anti-submarine sweep. Arrives at Uraga later this day.
8 May 1944:
Departs Uraga on patrol and anti-submarine sweep in OP zone. Thereafter, escorts a convoy.
11 May 1944:
Arrives at Shimoda.
12 May 1944:
Departs Shimoda on patrol and anti-submarine sweep.
15 May 1944:
Arrives at Shimizu for resupply.
16 May 1944:
Departs Shimizu on patrol and anti-submarine sweep in NA zone. Thereafter, escorts a convoy. Arrives at Shimoda later that day.
17 May 1944:
Departs Shimoda. Arrives at Shimizu later this day.
18 May 1944.
Departs Shimizu on patrol in P zone. Thereafter, escorts a convoy and surveys the stranding position of civilian cargo KINRYUZAN MARU.
19 May 1944:
Patrols O zone and carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
20 May 1944:
Escort a convoy. Arrives at Shimoda later that day.
21 May 1944:
Departs Shimoda for an anti-submarine sweep in Zenisu Bank and thereafter, escorts a convoy.
22 May 1944:
Arrives at Uraga. Departs there for an anti-submarine sweep later in the day.
23 May 1944:
Arrives at Uraga for resupply.
26 May 1944:
Departs Uraga. Arrives at Yokohama later that day.
27 May 1944:
At 1227, departs Yokohama with auxiliary minesweeper Wa-12 escorting convoy No. 3527 consisting of HYAKUFUKU and KUMANOSAN MARUs, ASAHI MARU No. 2 and BANEI MARU No. 6.
31 May 1944:
At 1630, arrives at Chichi-Jima.
1 June 1944:
At 0600, departs Chichi-Jima with auxiliary minesweeper Wa-12 escorting auxiliary transport HYAKUFUKU MARU.
2 June 1944:
At 0550, arrives at Iwo-Jima.
3 June 1944:
At 1245, departs Iwo-Jima with auxiliary minesweeper Wa-12 escorting auxiliary transport HYAKUFUKU MARU.
4 June 1944:
At 0942, arrives at Chichi-Jima.
5 June 1944:
Departs Chichi-Jima with auxiliary subchaser SEKI MARU No. 2 and auxiliary minesweepers Wa-12 and Wa-13 escorting convoy No 4605-B consisting of IJA transports ASAHI MARU No. 2 and BANEI MARU No. 6 and auxiliary transport HYAKUFUKU MARU.
8 June 1944:
Escort ends. Arrives at Uraga later that day.
9 ~ 14 June 1944:
Undergoes maintenance.
15 June 1944:
Departs Uraga.
16 June 1944:
Arrives at outer Yokosuka harbor. Departs there and arrives at Minato later this day.
17 June 1944:
Departs Minato. Calls at Uraga. Departs there and arrives at Yokosuka later in the day. Loads equipment for Hachijo Jima base.
18 June 1944:
Departs Yokosuka and arrives at Tateyama later that day.
19 June 1944:
Departs Tateyama and arrives at Hachijo Jima later this day.
20 June 1944:
Departs Hachijo Jima for a security action.
21 June 1944:
Arrives at Hachijo Jima.
22 June 1944:
Unloads Hachijo Jima base equipment.
24 June 1944:
Departs Hachijo Jima for an anti-submarine sweep off Habuminato harbor.
26 June 1944:
Arrives at Uraga. Resupplied.
28 June 1944:
Departs Uraga on patrol and anti-submarine sweep in KA zone.
29 June 1944:
Patrols JA zone.
1 July 1944:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep in KA zone.
2 July 1944:
Arrives at Uraga.
4 July 1944:
Departs Uraga and arrives at Minato later this day.
5 July 1944:
Departs Minato on patrol in LA zone and thereafter, escorts a convoy. Arrives at Shimoda later that day.
6 July 1944:
Departs Shimoda on patrol in LA zone.
8 July 1944:
Arrives at Shimoda.
10 July 1944:
Departs Shimoda on patrol in fourth zone and thereafter, escorts a convoy.
11 July 1944:
Patrols LA zone and carries out an anti-submarine sweep.
12 July 1944:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep in first zone.
13 July 1944:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep in LA zone.
15 July 1944:
Escorts a convoy.
16 July 1944:
Arrives at Shimoda.
17 July 1944:
Departs Shimoda on patrol in sixth zone. Arrives at Uraga later that day.
23 July 1944:
Departs Uraga on patrol in sixth zone. Arrives at Tateyama later this day.
24 July 1944:
Departs Tateyama on patrol in sixth and ninth zones. Arrives at Uraga later that same day.
27 July 1944:
Departs Uraga for an anti-submarine sweep in seventh and eighth zones. Arrives at Uraga later in the day.
29 July 1944:
Departs Uraga on patrol in fourth and fifth zones.
30 July 1944:
Arrives at Uraga for resupply.
August 1944:
Tactically assigned to Tokyo Bay Guard Force as an auxiliary netlayer in First Sailing Craft Division.
1 August 1944:
At 0830, departs Uraga escorting a convoy with kaibokan AMAKUSA and auxiliary subchasers TAKUNAN MARU No. 10 and CHa-159 and auxiliary minesweepers TAKUNAN MARU No. 1 and Wa-11 and Wa-14 consisting of YAEI, TAISEI MARUs and nine MTBs (Gyoraitei) towed by converted auxiliary subchasers SEKI MARU No. 3 and KYO MARU No. 7.
2 August 1944:
At 0400 (ETA), arrives at Hachijo Jima.
6 August 1944:
At 1700, departs Hachijo Jima with auxiliary subchaser CHa-159 escorting a convoy consisting of YAEI, SEIAN and TAISEI MARUs.
7 August 1944:
At 1230, arrives at Uraga.
10 August 1944:
Departs Uraga for an anti-submarine sweep in LA zone.
11 August 1944:
Carries out an anti-submarine sweep in KA zone.
14 August 1944:
Arrives at Uraga.
15 August 1944:
Departs Uraga. Covers a torpedo boat advance. Thereafter, patrols the KA zone.
16 August 1944:
Arrives at Miyakejima.
17 August 1944:
Departs Miyakejima escorting a convoy.
18 August 1944:
Arrives at Uraga.
19 August 1944:
Departs Uraga and arrives at Nagaura later this day. Starts weapons and engine repairs.
20 August 1944:
Tactically assigned to Ogasawara Gunto (Bonins) troops as an auxiliary netlayer under Yokosuka naval District instruction No. 430.
21 ~ 26 August 1944:
Undergoes weapons and engine repairs.
21 August 1944:
Scheduled to be modified and be suitable for strategic transport under Yokosuka naval District instruction No. 612.
26 August 1944:
Departs Nagaura and arrives at Yokosuka later that day.
26 ~ 31 August 1944:
Undergoes repairs and renovation works. Fitted with three additional Type 96 25mm guns.
September 1944:
Navy Lieutenant Imai Masao is appointed CO.
20 September 1944:
Assigned to escort mission under Hokkaido Troop Command instruction No. 252. At 1200, departs Yokosuka and joins kaibokan OKI which escorts convoy No. 3920 consisting of YONEYAMA MARU I GO and KAIKO MARU which departed Yokohama at 1200. The convoy stops at Tateyama.
21 September 1944:
At 0700, departs Tateyama.
26 September 1944:
At 1200, arrives at Chichi-Jima.
E 27 September 1944:
Assigned to escort Base personnel from Chichi-Jima to Iwo Jima under Chichi-Jima Base order No. 120.
28 September 1944:
Departs Chichi-Jima.
29 September 1944:
Arrives at Iwo Jima.
30 September 1944:
Departs Iwo Jima.
1 October 1944:
Arrives at Chichi-Jima.
E 2 October 1944:
Assigned to escort Base personnel from Chichi-Jima to Iwo Jima under Chichi-Jima Base order No. 121.
3 October 1944:
Departs Chichi-Jima.
4 October 1944:
Arrives at Iwo Jima. Departs later that day with damaged landing transport T-134 and scuttles ship offshore.
5 October 1944:
Departs Iwo-Jima.
7 October 1944:
Arrives at Chichi-Jima.
11 October 1944:
Assigned to escort Base personnel from Chichi-Jima to Iwo Jima under Chichi-Jima Base order No. 125. Loads 150t aviation oil, 40 m3 food and construction materials. Departs Chichi-Jima and arrives at Hahajima east harbor later that day. Departs Hahajima. At 2300, loses sight of SHIRAKAMI MARU No. 3.
12 October 1944:
At 0300, arrives at Hahajima east harbor. Departs there later in the morning and at 1015, at position N25-56N, 141-46E bearing 200 degrees, 35 nautical miles off Hahajima undergoes an air attack by Consolidated B-24 ‘Liberator’ aircraft. Two bomb hits cause large holes in starboard engine room, main engine room and rear cargo hold. As a result lists 45 degrees to starboard. At 1050, sinks with the loss of 58 crewmen.
3 May 1947:
Removed from the Navy’s list under instruction No. 327.

Authors' Notes:
[1] Not to be confused with auxiliary transport (3,871 GRT, ’39) or IJA transport (1,272 GRT, ’18).
[2] Day of LtCol (later General, MOH) James H. Doolittle’s Raid on Japan.
[3] Passenger/cargo ship NANKIN (6,853 GRT, ’39) was renamed LEUTHEN after her capture by German auxiliary cruiser THOR, 10 May ’42.
[4] After her capture, LEUTHEN rendezvoused with REGENSBURG. Following resupply and prisoner transfer, both ships sailed to Japanese ports.
[5] MITSUKI MARU hit a mine laid by laid by LtCdr (later Rear Admiral) Roy S. Benson's (USNA '29) USS TRIGGER (SS-237).
[6] FUSHIMI MARU was torpedoed by LtCdr (later Cdr) Thomas L. Wogan's (USNA '30) old USS TARPON (SS-175). Only one crewman was KIA.
[7] MEIJI MARU No. 1 GO was torpedoed and sunk by LtCdr William N. Wylie’s (USNA ’30) USS SCORPION (SS-278) with the loss of nine crewmen.
[8] YAMABIKO MARU was first torpedoed and damaged, 10 Jan ’44 by LtCdr (later Captain) David L. Whelchel's (USNA '30) USS STEELHEAD (SS-280), and ultimately torpedoed and sunk 14 Jan ’44 by Captain (later Rear Admiral) Karl G. Hensel's (USNA '23) USS SWORDFISH (SS-193) with the loss of her Captain (Rear Admiral posthumously) Doi Takashi (42) and four crewmen.
[9] DELHI MARU was torpedoed and sunk 16 Jan ’44 by Captain (later Rear Admiral) Karl G. Hensel's (USNA '23) USS SWORDFISH (SS-193) with the loss of five crewmen and 135 troops.
[10] KASAGI MARU was torpedoed and sunk 28 Jan ’44 by Captain (later Rear Admiral) Karl G. Hensel's (USNA '23) USS SWORDFISH (SS-193) with the loss of six crewmen and 468 troops.
Thanks go to Gengoro S. Toda of Japan.

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

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