TOKUSETSU SUIJOKI-BOKAN!
Stories and Battle Histories of the IJN's Auxiliary Seaplane
Tenders
2 September 2009
By Bob Hackett, Sander Kingsepp, Allan Alsleben and Peter
Cundall
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(NOTORO by Takeshi Yuki scanned from "Color Paintings of
Japanese Warships")
In the 1920's, NOTORO and KAMOI began their IJN service as fleet oilers. They
were later converted to seaplane carrier/tankers. Both NOTORO's and KAMOI's Type
95 Kawanishi E8N2 “Dave” floatplanes saw combat in China. NOTORO was rerated an
oiler in 1942 and KAMOI was rerated an oiler in 1944.
In 1937, in response to the Sino-Japanese conflict, three conversions of
merchant ships were ordered. These were KAMIKAWA, KAGU and KINUGASA MARUs. KAGU
and KINUGASA MARUs were in operation in as seaplane tenders in 1938. They were
rerated transports before the start of the Pacific War. KAMIKAWA MARU was
converted to seaplane tender in 1939 and remained a tender until her loss in
1943.
In 1941, five more conversions were ordered. These were KIMIKAWA,
KIYOKAWA, SANYO, SAGARA, SANUKI and KUNIKAWA MARUs. SAGARA and SANUKI MARUs were
rerated transports in 1942 while the KIYOKAWA, SANYO, KIMIKAWA and KUNIKAWA
MARUs were rerated transports in 1943.
The IJN used their floatplane types extensively. They were employed in
the traditional reconnaissance role and performed as fighters, fighter-bombers
and shell spotters, as antisubmarine escorts and carried out search and rescue
duties.
Japanese Auxiliary Seaplane Tenders: Tabular Records of
Movement (TROMs)
(Auxiliary Classes link to specifications
summaries)
Bibliography of
Sources
About the Authors
Mr. Robert Hackett is a military historian and researcher.
Retired from the United States Air Force and later from the aerospace industry,
he resides in the United States.
Mr. Sander Kingsepp, a native of Estonia, is also a military historian and
researcher. A talented linguist, Sander's translations of Japanese source
materials have greatly enhanced these TROMs.
Mr. Allan Alsleben is a military historian and researcher. He resides in
Oregon.
Mr. Peter Cundall is a historian and researcher. He specializes in merchant
ships and resides in Australia.
Questions to the authors concerning these TROMs should be posted on the
Discussion and Questions board.
