Japanese Auxiliary Gunboats

KOKAI HOKAN!

(NISSHO MARU No. 12 – Berend van der Wal Collection)

IJN NISSHO MARU No. 12:
Tabular Record of Movement

© 2024 Gilbert Casse, Berend van der Wal and Peter Cundall

July 1936:
Osaka. Laid down by Ohara Zosen Tekkosho K.K. for Marusho Kaiun K.K. as a 1,199-tons cargo ship.
24 October 1936:
Launched and named NISSHO MARU No. 12.
28 December 1936:
Completed and registered at Osaka with a GRT (registered gross tonnage) of 1,199-ton and a NRT (registered net tonnage) of 681-ton. Her call sign is JJNL. [1]
10 July 1937:
Her registered port is changed to Ura, Hyogo Prefecture.
26 September 1938:
Arrives at Zhenjiang, China.
29 October 1938:
Requisitioned by the IJN.
18 November 1938:
Registered as an auxiliary gunboat attached to the Sasebo Naval District under instruction No. 967. Navy (Resv) Lt Suzuki Kiyoshi is appointed CO.
20 November 1938:
Attached to the Fifth Gunboat Division under instruction No. 970.
24 November 1938:
Departs Sasebo and returns to base later this day.
28 November 1938:
Departs Sasebo and returns there later that day.
30 November 1938:
Departs Sasebo.
15 December 1938:
Attached to Vice Admiral (later Admiral) Oikawa Koshiro’s (31) Third Fleet, First Base Force, Fifth Gunboat Division.
21 December 1938:
28 December 1938:
Departs Datong, China.
8 January 1938:
Arrives at Wuhu, China.
9 January 1939:
Arrives at Nanjing, China. Departs there and arrives at Wuhu later this day.
16 February 1939:
Departs Wuhu.
27 February 1939:
Arrives at Wuhu.
28 February 1939:
Departs Wuhu and arrives at Anqing, China.
20 March 1939:
Departs Anqing.
April 1939:
Rated as gunboat No. 52 (second gunboat in Fifth Gunboat Division).
11 May 1939:
Arrives at Shanghai, China. Departs later.
28 May 1939:
Arrives at Nanjing.
1 June 1939:
Navy (Resv) Lt Arima Kunio is appointed CO.
3 June 1939:
Departs Nanjing.
6 June 1939:
Arrives at Nanjing. Departs later.
4 July 1939:
Arrives at Nanjing. Departs later.
22 July 1939:
Arrives at Nanjing.
E 23 ~ 31 July 1939:
Departs Nanjing.
1 August 1939:
Arrives at Kou An, China. Departs later.
6 August 1939:
Arrives at Nanjing.
15 November 1939:
Gunboat division reorganization: The Fifth Gunboat Division is renamed the Fifteenth Gunboat Division under instruction No. 850.
12 December 1939:
Arrives at Zhenjiang.
13 December 1939:
CO of Thirteenth Division and CO of auxiliary torpedo boat tender NIPPONKAI MARU arrive for ship’s inspection.
15 December 1939:
Arrives at Shanghai for repairs.
29 December 1939:
Repairs are completed.
15 September 1940:
Navy (Resv) Lt (Jg) Murakami Yuki is appointed CO.
15 November 1940:
Attached to Kure Naval District under ordinance instruction No. 830. Detached from Fifteenth Gunboat Division under instruction No. 837. Attached to Fourteenth Gunboat Division.
1 May 1941:
Arrives at Central China waters.
22 August 1941:
Navy (Resv) Lt Kawano Osamu is appointed CO.
28 September 1941:
Enters drydock.
15 October 1941:
Assigned to Vice Admiral Makita Kakusaburo’s (38) Shanghai Special Base Force in Captain (later Rear Admiral) Ohashi Tatsuo’s (40) 14th Gunboat Division also consisting of auxiliary gunboats SHINKO MARU No. 1 GO and TOSHO MARU, under Navy’s instruction No. 1250.
E15 ~ 31 October 1941:
Rated as Gunboat No. 142 (2nd gunboat in Fourteenth Gunboat Division).
1 December 1941:
Fitted with a bomb arrester.
3 December 1941:
At 0900, departs Shipu, China with auxiliary gun boat SHINKO MARU NO. 1 GO for a gunnery practice. Returns there later that day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
4 December 1941:
IJA transport DAINICHI MARU and lighter TOYOKUNI MARU supply fresh water. Departs Shipu and arrives at Taizhou Islands (Taichow Liehdao or Tachen Islands or Ta Chen Shan) later this day. Departs Taizhou Islands later that day.
5 December 1941:
Arrives at Le Qing Bay (Yueqing Bay or Lo Ching Bay or Yotsing Bay). Departs there and, at 1640, attempts to inspect British ship HSIN FOO LEE but this is impossible due to stormy weather. HSIN FOO LEE is ordered to sail to Taizhou Islands. Both arrive there later that day. Inspects HSIN FOO LEE and thereafter, releases her and departs.
6 December 1941:
Arrives at Shipu. Departs there on patrol later this day.
8 December 1941:
Attached to Vice Admiral (Fleet Admiral posthumously) Koga Mineichi’s (34) China Theater Fleet, Shanghai Special Base Force, Fourteenth Gunboat Division under China Theater Fleet Instruction No. 153.
9 December 1941:
Arrives at Shipu. IJA transport KANAN MARU (3,380 GRT, ’31) supplies fresh water. Seized British ship CHEKIANG (ZHEJIANG) is handed over by auxiliary gunboat SHINKO MARU No. 1 GO. Departs Shipu later that day.
10 December 1941:
Arrives at Dinghai. Auxiliary stores ship SHENSHO MARU provisions food.
12 December 1941:
Departs Dinghai and calls at Shipu. Departs there on patrol later that day.
13 December 1941:
Arrives at Shipu.
15 December 1941:
Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
16 December 1941:
Departs Shipu with destroyer HASU escorting IJA transports TEIYO (ex-German SAARLAND), CALCUTTA and HIBURI MARUs. At 1530, auxiliary gunboat SHINKO MARU No. 1 GO joins the escort. At 2230, SHINKO MARU No. 1 GO detaches. Arrives at Jiu Shan Islands (Kue Shan Islands or Chiu Shan Lieh Dao) later this day and detaches.
17 December 1941:
Departs Jiu Shan Islands escorting IJA transports TOBA and TOTTORI MARUs and 1 unidentified merchant ship .
18 December 1941:
At 0800, hands over escort to auxiliary gunboat SHINKO MARU No. 1 GO. Arrives at Le Qing Bay. Departs there later that day.
19 December 1941:
At 0830, begins escorting IJA transports MEIU, TAMON and KOAN MARUs. At 1215, auxiliary gunboat SHINKO MARU No. 1 GO joins the escort. At 1300, detaches and arrives at Taizhou Islands.
20 December 1941:
Departs Taizhou Islands and arrives at Shipu later this day. Lighter SUZUHEI MARU supplies fresh water.
21 December 1941:
At 0830, begins escorting IJA transports BOSTON, FUKUSHO, SHUNSEI and TAIAN MARUs. Arrives at Shipu later that day.
22 December 1941:
Auxiliary stores ship SENSHO MARU provisions food.
23 December 1941:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Dinghai later this day. Auxiliary oiler KORYU MARU supplies fresh water.
26 December 1941: BR> Departs Dinghai and arrives at Shipu later that day.
27 December 1941:
Departs Shipu and calls at Nantian Bay (Nantien Bay) later this day. Departs there and arrives at Shipu later that day.
28 December 1941:
Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
30 December 1941:
Departs Shipu towing a target. Arrives at Dinghai later this day.
31 December 1941:
Departs Dinghai and arrives at Niubishan Channel (Niubishan Shuidao or Niupishan Shuitao or Liu Heng Island) later that day.
1 January 1942:
Departs Niubishan Channel and arrives at Shipu later this day.
2 January 1942:
Auxiliary stores ships BANSHU MARU No. 16 supplies fresh food.
3 January 1942:
Lighters HEISHICHI and TOYOKUNI MARUs supply fresh water.
4 January 1942:
Departs Shipu on depth charge projection training and returns there later that day.
5 January 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship SENSHO MARU supplies food.
7 January 1942:
Auxiliary oiler KORYU MARU supplies fresh water.
8 January 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Dinghai later this day. IJA transport DAINICHI MARU and lighter TOYOKUNI MARU supply fresh water.
9 January 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 supplies fresh food.
11 January 1942:
Departs Dinghai and arrives at Shipu later that day.
14 January 1942:
Departs Shipu on a depth charge protection training. Calls at Jiu Shan Islands and departs there later that day.
15 January 1942:
Escorts KIRI MARU and SUMATRA MARU from Dong Fushan (Dongfu Shan or Tungfu Shan) to the Yu Shan Islands (Yushan Island or Beiyu Shan or Hei Shan Chun Tao or Hieshan Islands).
16 January 1942:
Escorts IJA transports RISSHUN (ex-Austrian IDA), INDIA and ASO MARUs from Dong Fushan, to the Yu Shan Islands. Arrives at Shipu later this day.
17 January 1942:
Lighters HEISHICHI and TOYOKUNI MARUs supply fresh water. Later that day, loads coal.
18 January 1942:
Lighter SENSHO MARU supply fresh food.
19 January 1942:
Departs Shipu. At 1308, begins escorting BORNEO, MEXICO and HAGUE MARUs. At 2200, ends escort.
20 January 1942:
Arrives at Dinghai. Later this day, loads coal.
21 January 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 supplies fresh food. Departs Dinghai later that day.
22 January 1942:
At 30-51N, 122-21E joins IJA transport KITANO, NAGATO, BENGAL, RYOGA, RYUYO and TOYOHASHI MARUs and TAMON MARU No. 5 escorted by destroyer HASU. Begins escorting these ships.
23 January 1942:
At 1645, at 23-N, 71E off Tongyin (Dongyin) Island lighthouse ends escort.
24 January 1942:
Arrives at Shipu.
25 January 1942:
Civilian cargo ship (C-AK) KAIYO MARU and IJA transport DAINICHI MARU supply fresh water.
26 January 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Dinghai later this day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
27 January 1942:
Departs Dinghai escorting seized ships CHEKIANG and KIANGSU.
28 January 1942:
Arrives at Wusong. Hands over seized ships to the police. Departs Wusong and arrives at Jiangnan, Shanghai later that day.
29 January 1942:
Repairs of a bridge glass door, rangefinder station and upper deck leakage. and construction of a new chart room.
2 February 1942:
Loads groceries.
6 February 1942:
Loads fresh food and fresh water.
8 February 1942:
Departs Jiangnan and arrives at Mitsui Coal Reservoir Navy pier, Shanghai. Loads coal and boiler water. Departs Shanghai later this day.
9 February 1942:
Arrives at Shipu.
10 February 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives W Xiao Lu Island (Xiaolu Shan or Hsiao Lu shan).
11 February 1942:
Departs Xiao Lu Island waters and arrives at Le Qing Bay later that day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
12 February 1942:
Departs Le Qing Bay and arrives at Taizhou Islands later this day. Assists stranded auxiliary patrol boat MYOJIN MARU No. 2.
13 February 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 supplies fresh food
16 February 1942:
Lighter SUZUHEI MARU supplies fresh water.
18 February 1942:
Lighter TOYOKUNI MARU supplies fresh water and loads salvage drums.
19 February 1942:
Auxiliary gunboat DAIGEN MARU No. 7 supplies salvage drums and wood.
22 February 1942:
IJA transport KANAN MARU (3,380 GRT, ‘31) supplies fresh water. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food and general requisitioned oiler (B-AO) TAKATORI MARU No. 1 supplies salvage drums.
25 February 1942:
General requisitioned service ship KURE No. 2 supplies salvage drums and emergency materials.
26 February 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 supplies fresh food
27 February 1942:
Ends assistance and salvage work. Auxiliary oiler KORYU MARU supplies fresh water. Departs Taizhou Islands later this day.
28 February 1942:
Arrives at Fu Du channel (Futo Channel or Chitou Yang or Fodo Shuidao or Tingtze Kiang). Departs there and arrives at Dinghai. Loads coal later this day.
1 March 1942:
Lighter TOYOKUNI MARU supplies fresh water.
2 March 1942:
Loads coal.
3 March 1942:
Departs Dinghai and arrives at Jiu Shan Islands.
4 March 1942:
Departs Jiu Shan Islands and arrives at Shipu later that day.
5 March 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
9 March 1942:
General requisitioned oiler (B-AO) TAKATORI MARU No. 1 supplies fresh water, clothing and various goods and supplies. Departs Shipu later this day.
10 March 1942:
Arrives at Niubishan Channel. Departs there and arrives off Ermu Shan (Erh mu Shan). Departs and returns there later this day. Auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 supplies fresh food.
11 March 1942:
Departs Ermu Shan waters and returns there later that day.
12 March 1942:
Departs Ermu Shan waters.
13 March 1942:
Arrives at Beiji Shan (Beiji Dao or Pei Chi Shan or Peiki Shan or Pehki shan). Departs there later this day.
14 March 1942:
Arrives at Shipu.
15 March 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Yu Shan Islands later that day. At 1300, the Combined Land Force lands. At 1900, the Combined Land Force returns. Departs Yu Shan Islands and arrives at Jiu Shan Islands later this day.
16 March 1942:
Instructed to remove ship’s number under instruction No. 843. Departs Jiu Shan Islands and arrives at Dinghai later that day. Loads coal. IJA transport KANAN MARU (3,380 GRT, ‘31) supplies fresh water.
17 March 1942:
Civilian cargo ship (C-AK) KAIYO MARU supplies fresh water. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
19 March 1942:
Departs Dinghai and arrives at Shipu later this day.
20 March 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Yu Shan Islands later that day. At 1030, the Marines Squadron lands. At 1720, the Marines Squadron returns. Departs Yu Shan Islands and arrives at Taizhou Islands later this day.
23 March 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 supplies fresh food.
24 March 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands and arrives at Shipu later that day. Lighter TOYOKUNI MARU supplies fresh water.
25 March 1942:
Departs Shipu. At 0940, begins escorting a convoy.
26 March 1942:
Arrives at Taizhou Islands.
29 March 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
30 March 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands.
31 March 1942:
Arrives at Shipu. Departs there and arrives at Fu Du Channel later this day.
1 April 1942:
Departs Fu Du Channel and arrives at Dinghai later that day. Loads coal. IJA transport KANAN MARU (3,380 GRT, ‘31) and lighter SUZUHEI MARU supply fresh water.
2 April 1942:
Anchors. Auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 supplies fresh food.
3 April 1942:
Departs Dinghai and arrives NW She Shan Island (Shang Rock or Sheshan Dao) later this day.
4 April 1942:
Departs She Shan Island waters and arrives at Taizhou Islands later that day.
6 April 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands on anti-submarine sweep.
7 April 1942:
Arrives at Shipu.
8 April 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives off Wusong later this day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
9 April 1942:
Departs Wusong waters and arrives at Jiangnan later that day. Repairs of hull, engine and weapons start at First Navy Engineering Department.
11 April 1942:
Loads grain products.
12 April 1942:
Loads food.
13 April 1942:
Repairs are completed. Departs Jiangnan and arrives at Mitsui pier, Shanghai later this day. Loads coal. Thereafter, moors at a buoy.
15 April 1942:
Departs Shanghai.
16 April 1942:
Arrives at Shipu. Auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 supplies fresh food.
17 April 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Sanmen Bay later this day. Inside the bay, exposed to land based searchlight irradiation.
20 April 1942:
Departs Sanmen Bay and arrives at Jue Xi later this day.
21 April 1942:
Departs Jue Xi and calls at Shipu. Departs there and arrives at Sanmen Bay later this day.
22 April 1942:
ü Departs Sanmen Bay and arrives at Shipu later that day. IJA transport KANAN MARU (3,380 GRT, ‘31) supplies fresh water. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
23 April 1942:
Departs Shipu on gunnery drill by auxiliary gunboats DAIGEN MARU No. 7, SHINKO MARU No. 1 GO and TOSHO MARU. SHINKO MARU No. 1 Go tows a gunnery target. Thereafter, returns to Shipu. Departs there and arrives at Jue Xi later that same day. The Marines Squadron lands on an US aircraft search and ground reconnaissance.
25 April 1942:
Changes anchorage. US aircraft crash is located. Proceeds to buoy location installation.
26 ~ 28 April 1942:
Prepares for recovery of crash US aircraft items.
27 April 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship KOSOKU MARU No. 3 supplies fresh food. IJA transport MANJU MARU supplies fresh water.
29 April 1942:
Departs off Jue Xi and arrives at Dinghai later this day.
1 May 1942:
Prepares for towing a junk.
2 May 1942:
Departs Dinghai towing a junk and arrives off Jue Xi later that day. Prepares for hoisting US aircraft items.
7 May 1942:
Completion of hoisting US aircraft items. Departs off Jue Xi towing a junk and arrives at Dinghai later this day.
8 May 1942:
Loads coal and thereafter, anchors. Civilian cargo ship (C-AK) KATSUYAMA MARU supplies fresh water.
9 May 1942:
Departs Dinghai and arrives at Shipu later that day. Auxiliary stores ship ZUIHO MARU supplies fresh food.
11 May 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Taizhou Islands.
13 May 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands on a depth charge protection and a gunnery battle training and returns there later this day.
14 May 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands and calls at Le Qing Bay. Departs there later this day.
15 May 1942:
Arrives at Taizhou Islands. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
19 May 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands and arrives at Shipu later that day. Escorts convoy No. 211 consisting of eleven unidentified merchant ships escorted by torpedo boat SAGI.
20 May 1942:
Rated as a Sei Go Operation Diversionary Unit, Second Diversionary Unit. [2]
21 May 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship ZUIHO MARU supplies fresh food. Departs Shipu later this day.
22 May 1942:
Arrives at Shanghai.
23 May 1942:
Loads coal and food products.
24 May 1942:
Embarks 60 Nanjing Police and coast defense ship IZUMO Marines Squadron members, and loads cooking equipment for land battles. Departs Shanghai later that day.
25 May 1942:
Arrives at Shipu.
26 May 1942:
At 1300, departs Shipu with auxiliary gunboats DAIGEN MARU No. 7 and SHINKO MARU No. 1 GO and arrives at Sanmen Bay later this day. Coast defense ship IZUMO Marines Squadron members transfer to auxiliary gunboat DAIGEN MARU No. 7.
27 May 1942:
Shells land. Departs Sanmen Bay later this day.
28 May 1942:
Shells Langji Shan (Lang Chi Shan or Lanki Shan) lookout station. Arrives at Taizhou Islands later that day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
29 May 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands and arrives at Xua Men (Suan men or Hsuan men) Bay later this day. Shells Songmen Island. Auxiliary oiler KORYU MARU supplies fresh water.
30 May 1942:
Departs Xua Men Bay. The Combined Marines Division lands on Yu Huan Island later that day. Arrives at Le Qing Bay later this day. Shells Puqi (Puki or Puqi Zhen or Pu Chi).
31 May 1942:
The Marines Squadron returns.
2 June 1942:
Departs Le Qing Bay and calls at Le Qing Ao (Yueqing Ao). The Nanjing Police Marines Squadron lands. Departs Le Qing Ao and arrives off Xiaomen Shan later this day. Lighter HEISHICHI MARU supplies fresh water.
3 June 1942:
Combined Marines Squadron lands. Departs Xiaomen Shan and arrives at Heiniu Bay later that day. Auxiliary stores ship SHENSHO MARU provisions food.
4 June 1942:
Departs Heiniu Bay and calls at Nan Jishan (Nanji Dao). The Combined Marines Squadron lands. Provides artillery support. At 1630, the Combined Marines Squadron returns. Departs Nan Jishan and arrives at Da Yugang later that day.
5 June 1942:
Departs Da Yugang and arrives at Dian Xia Guan later this day. The Combined Marines Squadron lands. Provides artillery support. Loads confiscated goods later that day.
6 June 1942:
Departs Dian Xia Guan and arrives at Qi Kou Yang, Le Qing Bay.
7 June 1942:
Rated as part of operation Sei Go Assault Unit, Second Assault Unit under operation Sei Go Assault Force Order No. 4. General requisitioned oiler (B-AO) TAKATORI MARU No. 1 supplies coal. Auxiliary oiler KORYU MARU supplies fresh water. [2]
8 June 1942:
Departs Le Qing Bay towing an unknown auxiliary transport and arrives at Fu Yao Island later this day.
9 June 1942:
Departs Fu Yao Island and arrives at Fu Ning Bay (Fu Yao Bay) later that day. The Combined Marines Squadron lands.
10 June 1942:
Departs Fu Ning Bay and arrives at Bei (Pei) Shuang Lieh Island (Ssu Shuang Lieh Tao or Sishuang Liedao) later this day. The Nanjing Police Suadron lands.
11 June 1942:
Departs Bei Shuang Lieh Island towing an unknown auxiliary transport and arrives at Fu Ning Bay later that day. The Combined Marines Squadron lands. Departs Fu Ning Bay and arrives at Fu Yao Island later this day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
12 June 1942:
Civilian cargo ship (C-AK) KATSUYAMA MARU supplies fresh water and seized materials are transferred to KATSUYAMA MARU.
13 June 1942:
Departs Fu Yao Island and arrives at Ki Yao Yang later that day.
14 June 1942:
Sweeps mines.
15 June 1942:
The Combined Marines Squadron departs. Departs Ki Yao Yang towing a gunboat. Arrives at Taizhou Islands later this day. Loads fresh water. Auxiliary stores ship SHENSHO MARU provisions food.
16 June 1942:
General requisitioned oiler (B-AO) TAKATORI MARU No. 1 supplies fresh water.
17 June 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands.
18 June 1942:
Arrives at Niujiao Men. The Combined Marines Squadron lands at Bai Dai Men. At 1520, the Combined Marines Squadron returns. Departs Niujiao Men towing a gunboat and arrives at Shipu later that day.
19 June 1942:
Coast defense ship IZUMO’s Marines Squadron members come aboard.
20 June 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Qiqu Lie Islands later this day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
21 June 1942:
Departs Qiqu Lie Islands and calls at Si Jiao Shan. Departs there and arrives at Wusong later this day.
22 June 1942:
Departs Wusong and arrives at the Military Pier, Shanghai. Nanjing Police and coast defense ship Izumo’s Marines Squadron depart. Departs Shanghai and arrives at Jiangnang later this day.
23 June 1942:
Alongside a pier. Undergoes repairs and loads ammunition.
24 June 1942:
Undergoes hull coating.
25 June 1942:
Loads consumables.
26 June 1942:
Hull coating is completed. Loads goods and supplies.
27 June 1942: Underdoes hull painting maintenance.
1 July 1942:
Loads supplies.
2 July 1942:
Loads boiler water.
3 July 1942:
Departs Jiangnang and arrives at the Mitsui Navy Pier, Shanghai later that day. Loads coal. Thereafter, tethers to the Munitions Pier. Loads supplies.
4 July 1942:
Begins loading a minesweeping device.
5 July 1942:
Loading of minesweeping device is completed. Loads food.
6 July 1942:
The Marines Squadron embarks. Departs Shanghai and arrives at Yu Xing Nao later this day.
7 July 1942:
Departs Yu Xing Nao and arrives at Taizhou Islands later that day.
8 July 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands. At 28-04N, 121-44E engine breakdowns. At 0600, taken in tow by salvage and repair tug KASASHIMA. At 1525, arrives at Qi Kou Yang.
9 July 1942:
Departs Qi Kou Yang and arrives at Le Qing Bay later that day. Dispatches the waterway clearance team. Switches on searchlights as intimidation measure.
10 July 1942:
Depart Le Qing Bay and arrives off Fei Yun river later this day.
11 July 1942:
Departs Fei Yun river waters and arrives off Duan An later that day. Dispatches waterway clearance team and the Marines Squadron
12 July 1942:
Departs Duan An waters and arrives at Hei Niu Bay later this day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 22 supplies fresh food.
14 July 1942:
Departs Hei Niu Bay and arrives at Le Qing Bay later that day. Lighter SUZUHEI MARU supplies fresh water.
16 July 1942:
Dispatches the waterway clearance team. It returns later this day.
17 July 1942:
Dispatches the waterway clearance team. The Combined Marines Squadron lands. General requisitioned oiler (B-AO) TAKATORI MARU No. 1 supplies coal. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
19 July 1942:
The Marines Squadron returns.
22 July 1942:
The waterway clearance team returns.
24 July 1942:
Dispatches the waterway clearance team.
25 July 1942:
The waterway clearance team returns.
26 July 1942:
Departs Le Qing Bay escorting a convoy. Arrives at Pingyang Zui later that day.
27 July 1942:
The Combined Marines Squadron lands. Inspects and then captures one junk and later this day, captures a small steamer.
28 July 1942:
Departs Pingyang Zui escorting a convoy. Arrives at Le Quing Bay later that day. Lighters No. 84 and TOYOKUNI MARU supply fresh water.
29 July 1942:
General requisitioned oiler (B-AO) TAKATORI MARU No. 1 supplies coal. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
1 August 1942:
Departs Le Qing Bay escorting a convoy.
3 August 1942:
Arrives off Wusong. Departs there and arrives at the Munitions Pier, Shanghai later this day.
4 August 1942:
Loads fresh food and fresh water.
6 August 1942:
Moors at the Mitsui Coal Pier. Loads coal. Departs Shanghai later that day.
7 August 1942:
Arrives at Jinmen Island (Kinmen Island). Switches on searchlights as an intimidation measure.
8 August 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
9 August 1942:
Departs Jinmen Island and arrives at Sanmen Bay later this day. Inspects 10 ships.
11 August 1942:
Departs Sanmen Bay and arrives at Taizhou Islands later that day.
12 August 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands and arrives at Le Qing Bay later this day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
13 August 1942:
Auxiliary oiler KORYU MARU supplies fresh water.
14 August 1942:
General requisitioned oiler (B-AO) TAKATORI MARU No. 1 supplies coal. Departs Le Qing Bay and arrives at Heiniu Bay later that day.
15 August 1942:
Departs Heiniu Bay and arrives off Ryan Chong (Rui’an, Wenchow, now Wenzhou) later this day. Auxiliary stores ship SUMIYOSHI MARU supplies fresh food. Switches on searchlights as an intimidation measure.
16 August 1942:
Departs Ryan Chong waters and arrives at Sha harbor later that day. Inspects 12 ships.
17 August 1942:
Provides artillery support for Marines Squadron landing. Fires 11 rounds.
18 August 1942:
Departs Sha harbor and arrives at Fu Yao Island later this day. Inspects one junk.
20 August 1942:
Departs Fu Yao Islands and arrives at Qi Kou Yang later that day. Inspects three ships. IJA transport KANAN MARU (3,380 GRT, ‘31) supplies fresh water.
21 August 1942:
Departs Qi Kou Yang and arrives at Taizhou Islands later this day. Inspect one junk. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
22 August 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands and arrives at Shipu later that day.
24 August 1942:
Dispatches Marines troops and inspects two ships.
25 August 1942:
Auxiliary oiler KORYU MARU supplies fresh water.
26 August 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship SUMIYOSHI MARU supplies fresh food. Inspects 12 ships.
28 August 1942:
Departs Shipu on anti-submarine sweep.
29 August 1942:
Arrives at Shipu. Inspects one ship.
30 August 1942:
Lighter SUZUHEI MARU supplies fresh water.
31 August 1942:
Inspects one ship. Departs Shipu on anti-submarine sweep later this day.
1 September 1942:
Arrives at Dinghai. Loads coal. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food. Auxiliary oiler KORYU MARU supplies fresh water.
4 September 1942:
Departs Dinghai on anti-submarine sweep.
5 September 1942:
Arrives at Shipu.
7 September 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Yu Shan later that day. At 0805, the Marines Squadron departs. At 1530, the Marines Squadron returns. Departs Yu Shan and arrives at Shipu later this day.
8 September 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Taizhou Islands later that day.
9 September 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship SUMIYOSHI MARU supplies fresh food.
10 September 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands and arrives at Jinmen Island. At 1000, the Combined Marines Squadron lands. At 1655, the Combined Marines Squadron returns.
11 September 1942:
Departs Jinmen Island and arrives at Shipu later that day.
14 September 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
15 September 1942:
Assault units are disassembled under Shanghai Area Unit Assault Squadron Instruction No. 43.
16 September 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Jiu Shan Lie Islands later this day. The Marines Squadron lands. At 1850, the Marines Squadron returns.
17 September 1942:
At 0800, the Marines Squadron departs. At 1500, the Marines Squadron returns. Departs Jiu Shan Lie Islands and arrives at Shipu later that day.
18 September 1942:
Loads coal.
19 September 1942:
Departs Shipu. Auxiliary stores ship SUMIYOSHI MARU supplies fresh food.
20 September 1942:
Arrives at Jiangnan.
21 September 1942:
Unloads ammunition. Moors next to drydock. Repairs begin.
22 September 1942:
Loads grain products.
23 September 1942:
Loads food.
26 September 1942:
Loads food.
29 September 1942:
Loads food.
2 October 1942:
Enters drydock. Loads food.
5 October 1942:
Loads food.
8 October 1942:
Loads food.
9 October 1942:
Undocked.
10 October 1942:
Currently attached to Shanghai Area Force, 8th Guard Force, Under China Area Fleet Secret Instruction No. 396-2.
12 October 1942:
Loads ammunition.
15 October 1942:
Departs Jiangnan and arrives at the Navy Pier, Shanghai later this day. Loads food.
16 October 1942:
Loads coal and boiler water. Departs Shanghai later that day.
17 October 1942: Arrives at Taizhou Islands.
21 October 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands and calls at Shipu. Departs there on anti-submarine sweep later that day after sinking of civilian transport NICHIHO MARU by LtCdr (later Rear Admiral-Ret) Thomas B. Klakring’s (USNA ’27) USS GUARDFISH in convoy No. 279.
22 October 1942:
Arrives at Huo You Shan. At 0700, arrives at the sinking site. Ship is later joined by Auxiliary gunboats SHINKO MARU No. 1 from 0800, and DAIGEN MARU No. 7 from 0900, and conduct anti-submarine sweeps.
23 October 1942:
Departs Huo You Shan and arrives at Qi Kou Yang later this day.
24 October 1942:
Departs Qi Kou Yang and arrives at Taizhou Islands later that day.
25 October 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
26 October 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands and arrives at Shipu later this day.
27 October 1942:
Auxiliary oiler KORYU MARU supplies fresh water.
29 October 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship SUMIYOSHI MARU supplies fresh food.
30 October 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Dinghai later that day. Loads coal.
1 November 1942:
Anchors.
2 November 1942:
Departs Dinghai and arrives at Shipu later this day.
3 November 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Sanmen Bay later that day.
4 November 1942:
Departs Sanmen Bay and arrives at Qing Tang Zui (Tsingtang Tsui or Pisu Point) later this day.
5 November 1942:
Departs Qing Tang Zui and arrives at Shipu later that day.
6 November 1942:
IJA transport KANAN MARU (3,380 GRT, ‘31) supplies fresh water. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food
13 November 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship SUMIYOSHI MARU supplies fresh food.
14 November 1942:
Auxiliary oiler KORYU MARU supplies fresh water.
15 November 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Dinghai later this Day.
16 November 1942:
Loads coal.
17 November 1942:
Anchors.
18 November 1942:
Departs Dinghai and arrives at She Pan Yang (Shepan Shuidao), Sanmen Bay later that day
22 November 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
23 November 1942:
Departs Sanmen Bay and arrives at Shipu later this day.
24 November 1942:
Auxiliary gunboat TOSHO MARU should engage in a transport mission as a Navy Ministry attached supply ship under Ocean Instruction No. 163.
25 November 1942:
Auxiliary gunboat TOSHO MARU is replaced by NISSHO MARU No. 12 in Ocean Instruction No. 163 under Ocean Instruction No. 164. Auxiliary stores ship SUMIYOSHI MARU supplies fresh food.
29 November 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Huoshan Lie Islands (Volcano Islands or Kazan Retto or Yu Shan Lie Tao) later that day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 22 supplies fresh food.
30 November 1942:
Departs Huoshan Lie Islands and arrives at Yuanyuan Sha (Grass Island or Yuan Sha) later this day.
1 December 1942:
Departs Yuanyuan Sha and arrives at the Navy Pier, Shanghai later that day. Loads coal. Departs Shanghai and arrives at Jiangnan later this day.
2 December 1942:
Repairs begin.
4 December 1942:
Loads supplies.
5 December 1942:
Loads supplies.
7 December 1942:
Loads supplies.
10 December 1942:
Loads food.
11 December 1942:
Departs Jiangnan and arrives at the Navy Pier, Shanghai. Loads coal.
12 December 1942:
Repairs are completed. Departs Shanghai later this day.
13 December 1942:
Arrives at Shipu.
14 December 1942:
Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
18 December 1942:
Receives Instruction No. 15557: order to reconstruct ship’s equipment.
Relationship between subordinates and the various departments.
- 1 - Construction procedure:
The following auxiliary transport ships will be reconstructed. For details consult Imperial Japanese Naval Technical Department and head of IJNAF Headquarters directly related to each naval yard, naval aviation technology arsenal and the 31st naval aviation arsenal.
Yokosuka: SAGARA MARU.
Kure: NISSHO MARU No. 12.
Sasebo: KAHOKU MARU and KATSURA MARU No. 2 GO.
Maizuru: SANTO MARU and SANUKI MARU.
- 2 - Required and returned weapons:
Head of IJN Headquarters Technical Department and head of IJNAF Headquarters Administration are directly related to Navy munitions department and heads of the second and 31st Navy Aviation Depots. To do.
- 3 - Completion period: As soon as possible.
- 4 - Expense items: Omit.
- 5 - Appendix: This work is outsourced to a subordinate shipyard.
19 December 1942:
General requisitioned oiler (B-AO) TAKATORI MARU No. 1 supplies fresh water.
20 December 1942:
Departs Shipu and arrives at Fu Du Channel later that day.
21 December 1942:
Departs Fu Du Channel and arrives at Dinghai later this day. Auxiliary stores ship SUMIYOSHI MARU supplies fresh food.
22 December 1942:
Loads coal. IJA transport KANAN MARU (3,380 GRT, ‘31) supplies fresh water.
24 December 1942:
Departs Dinghai and arrives at Taizhou Islands later that day.
29 December 1942:
Departs Taizhou Islands and arrives at She Pan Yang later this day. Auxiliary stores ship BANSHU MARU No. 21 supplies fresh food.
30 December 1942:
Departs She Pan Yang and arrives at Nantian Bay later that day. The Marines Squadron lands. Provides artillery support. Fires 4 rounds. At 1830, the Marines Squadron returns.
31 December 1942:
At 1100, the Combined Marines Squadron lands. At 1930, the Combined Marines Squadron returns.
1 January 1943:
Detached from the Shanghai Area Force under China Fleet Instruction No. 808. Detached from the Fourteenth Gunboat Division under instruction No. 2. Removed from the Navy’s list under instruction No. 3.
Registered as an auxiliary transport attached to the Kure Naval District under instruction No. 4. Rated as a general transport ship belonging to the Kure Naval Base assigned to the Ministry of Navy. Disembarks the Combined Marines Squadron.
Departs Nantian Bay and arrives at Shipu later this day.
2 January 1943:
Departs Shipu and calls at Dinghai. Departs there later this day.
4 January 1943:
Arrives at Shanghai.
8 January 1943:
Departs Shanghai.
13 January 1943:
Arrives at Kure.
14 January 1943:
Departs Kure.
1 April 1943:
12 April 1943:
Removed from the Navy’s list.
June 1943:
Departs Kamaishi.
1 July 1943:
At 1455, at 33-30N, 135-30E torpedoed by an enemy submarine. Sustains no damage. Executes anti-submarine warfare. 8cm guns fire eight rounds. The ship was sailing, apparently alone, from Kamaishi to Osaka with coal.
26 July 1943:
At 1300, departs Dairen, Manchuria (now Dalian, northern China) in convoy TE-18 also consisting of civilian cargo ship (C-AK) RYOGA MARU, IJA transports CHOZAN, TERUKUNI and YOKO MARUs escorted by minelayer NASAMI.
28 July 1943:
Arrives at Genzan, Chosen (Kunsan, now Wonsan, North Korea).
1 March 1944:
At 0130, attacked by an enemy submarine off Mishima Island. Ship suffers no damage.
16 September 1944:
At 1200, departs Muroran heading S at 8 knots.
10 August 1945:
Runs aground after hitting a mine off Cape Echizen’s coast. Later refloated and repaired.
15 August 1945:
End of hostilities. Remains in service. Allotted SCAJAP No. N-022.
1951:
Transferred to Nissho Kisen K.K., Tokyo.
November 1952:
Undergoes replacement of main engine.
1960:
Sold to Kaneo Kisen K.K., Onomichi. Renamed KINSHO MARU No. 12.
1965:
Sold to Okada Kaiun K.K., Osaka.
12 March 1966:
Onomichi. Demolition begins.

Authors' Notes:
[1] 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.
[2] Plan to prevent air attacks from Chinese territory on Japan.
Thanks go to Gengoro S. Toda of Japan.

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

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