© 1998 Allyn D. Nevitt
@Updated - January 1, 2012 - Allyn Nevitt
@Enhanced Revision - Anthony Tully - February 2024
Name Translation: "Divine Wind"
Initial Command Structure:
Ship's captain: Lieutenant Commander Hashimoto Kanematsu [55] (prev. C.O. KURETAKE). Assigned to Desdiv 1 (KAMIKAZE, NAMIKAZE, NUMAKAZE, NOKAZE), Ominato Guard District.
Torpedo Officer: Lt (j.g.) Matsuo Keiji (67)
Gunnery Officer: Lt (j.g.) Ichimura Tadashi (Res.)
Navigator: Lt (j.g.) Kamisaka Taro (Res.)
Chief Engineer: Lt (j.g.) (Eng.) Takahashi Yasuo (Spec. Duty)
4 December 1941:
1000: Departed Ominato, then Hokkaido-Kuriles patrol/escort duties.
7 December 1941:
0730: Arrived at Matsuwa Island joining units of the 5th Fleet. Departed, arriving at Otomae Bay, Paramushiro Island, Northern Kuriles, at midnight.
12 December:
Departed Otomae Bay for first patrol with Desdiv 1 NAMIKAZE and NOKAZE. Patrol duties in and out of Otomae Bay between it and Musashi Bay, Paramushiro Island, hereafter through the end of the year.
20 January:
Departed Ominato for new patrol area.
21 January:
Arrived at Akkeshi Bay, southeast Hokkaido Island.
31 January:
Departed Akkeshi Bay. Carried out patrol duties hereafter between Akkeshi Bay, Ominato, and Hittokappu Bay through most of the winter until summer.
25 April:
Lieutenant Commander Hashimoto (to C.O. SHIRATSUYU) relieved by Lieutenant Commander Matsumoto Shoohei [59] (prev. C.O. SAGI).
2 June 1942:
1000: Departed Kakumabetsu Bay; arrived at Kataoka Bay. Then departed Kashiwabara to support Aleutians attack operations.
1 June 1942:
Gunnery Officer Lt (j.g.) Ichimura is promoted Lt. Chief Engineer Lt (j.g.) (Eng.) Takahashi is promoted Lt (Eng.).
3 June:
Arrived at Kashiwabara Bay.
19 July:
0900: Departed Kataoka Bay escorting auxiliary transport KUMAGAWA MARU (7,508 tons)
20 July:
1000: Arrived at Kakumabetsu Bay.
21 July:
1440: Departed and arrived back at Kataoka Bay the same day, then Eastern Kuriles patrol/escort duties.
14-19 September:
1240: Departed Y anchorage of Kataoka Bay with freighter KAMISHIMA MARU (2,245 tons) on round trip to destination in the Kurile Islands. Hereafter KAMIKAZE on standby status.
10 October:
0750: Left Y anchorage of Kataoka Bay to assume escort duty. However, bad weather forced her to return.
13 October:
0550: Departed again.
1150: Reached Shinwa Bay and waited for a Maru to arrive.
1720: Freighter KOTOHIRA MARU (6,100 tons) arrived then both ships departed for their destination.
14 October:
0600: KAMIKAZE with KOTOHIRA MARU arrived in the Matsuwa-Jima Sea. Patrolled for a period, then that afternoon put into a bay on the west of Ushi-Jima.
15 October:
Departed in the morning and arrived that afternoon at Otome Bay, Central Kurile Islands.
16 October:
1520: Departed Otomae Bay.
17 October:
1017: Arrived back at the Y anchorage, Kataoka Bay, Shimushu Island. [Source phrasing vague whether KOTOHIRA MARU returned with her but it is presumed so.]
23 October:
Arrived at Wakkanai, northern Hokkaido Island.
1625: Departed, and for Attu-area operations. Returned two days later.
26 October:
Early morning: KAMIKAZE left Y anchorage, Kataoka Bay, arriving at Kakumabetsu Bay the same day. Hereafter took part in the "GA" Invasion Operation in cooperation with the 5th Fleet.
27 October:
Departed Kakumabetsu Bay as member of the 2nd Transport Operation to Kiska Island.
1 November:
Arrived back at Kataoka Bay, then Eastern Kuriles convoy escort duties.
Lt Matsumoto is promoted LtCdr.
Reserve Lt (j.g.) Yoshikawa Otokichi is appointed Gunnery Officer. Lt Ichimura is reassigned.
(NOTE: Relief date for Lt (j.g.) Yoshikawa is currently unknown.)
5 November:
1950: After earlier arrival there, departed Kakumabetsu Bay to rendezvous with and escort an Army Transport ship.
6 November:
KAMIKAZE met the Army Transport Ship.
7 November:
KAMIKAZE's escort duty was completed. [The name of the Army Transport Ship is not given]
8 November:
0945: KAMIKAZE returned to Y anchorage, Kataoka Bay.
13 November:
1215: Arrived Ominato, then Tsugaru Strait patrol/escort duties.
15 November 1942:
Lt (j.g.) (LtCdr posthumously) Miyauchi Masahiro (69) (former Crew, KITAKAMI) is appointed Torpedo Officer. Lt (j.g.) Matsuo is reassigned.
4 December:
0900: Departed Ominato.
1440: Arrived at Hakodate.
5 - 11 December:
1000: Drydocked at Hakodate for repairs.
12 December:
0800: Departed Hakodate, arrived at Ominato six hours later. Went on standby status. Then, anti-submarines sweeps in the broad vicinity during the following days.
29 December:
1030: Arrived at Hachinohe, northeast Honshu. Carried out maintenance work.
31 December:
KAMIKAZE departed Hachinoe; arrived at Hakodate the same day.
2 January:
0845: Arrived at Yamada Bay, northeast Honshu for escort duty.
1400: Departed with team-mate NAMIKAZE with the auxiliary gunboat DELHI MARU (2,205 tons) and the HOKUKA MARU. These part of Convoys No.81 and No.82.
3 January:
11:20 Arrived at Hachinoe, northeast Honshu. Hereafter anchored on standby status.
14 January:
0830: Departed Ominato.
1510: KAMIKAZE rendezvoused with a convoy.
15 January:
2110: Convoy duty terminated and commenced anti-submarine sweeping activities.
20 January:
2120 From out of Ominato joined the "AB" Convoy.
21 January:
1010: Convoy duty terminated, proceeded to Hachinoe where arrived three hours later.
22 January:
0140 Departed Hachinoe, and arrived at Akkeshi Bay at 1330.
1522: KAMIKAZE departed Akkeshi Bay escorting freighter KOKO MARU (1,520 tons)
23 January:
1045: Convoy duty concluded.
26 January:
1500: Arrived at Muroran, southern Hokkaido.
28 January:
1230: Departed escorting freighters YAWATA MARU (1,852 tons) and YAMAYURI MARU (5,028 tons).
30 January:
1515 Present duty terminated; headed back to Muroran.
31 January:
0826: Arrived at Akkeshi Bay. Thereafter performed miscellaneous patrol and screen duty with un-named vessels.
6 March:
0440: From out of Akkeshi Bay rendezvoused with auxiliary transport TAKASHIMA MARU (5,633 tons.
1230: Escort terminated.
1530: Returned to Akkeshi Bay. Subsequently resumed anti-submarine patrols.
23 March: 0130: KAMIKAZE arrived at Date. Here joined sister-ship NUMAKAZE to screen auxiliary cable-layer NANYO MARU (3,614 tons)
25 March:
1415: They departed for Muroran; where arrived later the same day.
Reserve Lt (j.g.) (later Lt) Noguchi Reiji is appointed Navigator. Lt Kamisaka is reassigned.
(NOTE: Date of Kamisaka’s promotion to Lt is unknown, but it apparently occurred during his tenure as Navigator.)
3 April:
1500: KAMIKAZE departed Muroran.
1800: Joined auxiliary transport AKASHISAN MARU (4,541 tons) and they headed south.
4 April:
Noon: Released, headed for Akkeshi Bay.
6 April:
0545: Rendezvoused with YAWATA MARU and convoyed southward.
0800: Released and eight hours later arrived at Ominato.
15 April:
1345: Rendezvoused with freighter SHUNKO MARU (4,027 tons)
Special Duty Lt (j.g.) (later Lt) Saito Sueharu is appointed Chief Engineer. Lt Takahashi is appointed Chief Engineer of MICHISHIO.
(NOTE: Relief date for Lt Saito is currently unknown.)
16 April:
1300: Released and returned to Akkeshi Bay.
19 April:
0500: KAMIKAZE departed with SANKO MARU and SHINRYU MARU (both had more than one Maru so-named and identies unclear) and headed southward.
20 April:
0800: Convoy duty completed when from there proceeded to Ominato, where arrived at 1430.
29 April:
Departed Ominato, then Soya Strait patrol/escort duties.
12 May:
Departed Odomari, then Northern Kuriles convoy escort duties.
21 May:
NOKAZE and KAMIKAZE departed Kataoka Bay on a transport mission to Kiska Island. However, after receiving reports of heavy enemy forces in the Attu Island area the destroyers were directed to return.
22 May:
A second attempt to make the transport led to the recall of the pair for the same reason.
25 May:
1800: Departed Kataoka Bay joining up with NUMAKAZE, serving as transports bound for Kiska Island carrying ammunition, troops, and stores. KAMIKAZE carried 50 men of a machine-gun unit. Escorted by light cruiser ABUKUMA and destroyers IKAZUCHI, INAZUMA, ASAGUMO, and SHIRAKUMO. Light cruiser KISO and a Desdiv provided further distant cover.
26 May:
Weather was fair but changing orders also led to slow progress.
28 May:
0200: Due to the descent of thick fog, and the two KAMIKAZE-class handling the rising seas poorly, the mission was aborted and they were directed to return to Paramushiro Strait and lay to for further instructions.
29 May:
1210: NUMAKAZE and KAMIKAZE arrived in Paramushiro Strait. There their cargos were off-loaded.
1800: Departed Kataoka Bay for anti-submarine sweep.
2 June:
0845: KAMIKAZE departed Kataoka Bay escorting the auxiliary tanker NIPPON MARU (9,974 tons)
1745: Released and returned to Kataoka Bay the same day.
6 June:
0855: Departed to search for aviation personnel forced into the sea. Returned to Kataoka Bay the next day. [Results not given]
12 June:
0630: KAMIKAZE departed with NUMAKAZE and SHIRAYUKI (sic)
15 June:
SHIRAYUKI (sic) detached and joined the small freighter TENYO MARU (657 tons); while KAMIKAZE and NUMAKAZE headed for northeast Honshu.
16 June:
2035: KAMIKAZE and NUMAKAZE arrived at Sendai Bay, northeast Honshu. Then departed the next day to arrive at Ominato.
21 June:
Departed Ominato, then Tsugaru Strait patrol/escort duties.
27 June:
0320: Departed Otaru with freighter MELBOURNE MARU (5,423 tons).
30 June:
0840: Arrived with MELBOURNE MARU at Yamato Bay, Matsuwa Island, Central Kurile Islands. Afterward, remained at anchored standby.
4 July:
1600: Departed again with MELBOURNE MARU.
6 July:
0550: KAMIKAZE duty terminated; returned back to Otaru that afternoon. Subsequently engaged in anti-submarine patrols and other misc escort missions of unnamed vessels.
21 July:
0635: Departed Otaru with SHOHO MARU.
22 July:
1347: Released and the same day arrive at Odomari, Karafuto (southern Sakhalin Island).
24 July:
0250: Departed Obomari with MELBOURNE MARU.
25 July:
0500: Duty terminated; returned to Odomari.
26 July:
1516: Departed Odomari with FUSHIMI MARU. Arrived at 1919 at a nearby anchorage.
27 July:
0740: Departed there and at 1130 arrived at (un-named) destination.
28 July:
0300: Departed said place with TAKESHIMA MARU. Seven hours later escort terminated and returned to previous anchorage where rejoined FUSHIMI MARU.
30 July:
1955: KAMIKAZE commenced escort of freighter MASASHIMA MARU (2,742 tons) Escort duty ended the following morning.
1 August:
1330: Arrived at Otaru from the Tenon Sea area.
5 August:
0500: Departed Otaru with the SANKO MARU, then Kuriles-area convoy escort duties.
6 August:
1000: Anchored at Cape Tosen.
7 August:
0830 Departed and 2 and half hours later joined MELBOURNE MARU and freighter TAIHEI MARU (6,284 tons), convoying them until 1500, then detached for anti-submarine sweeping.
10 August:
0730-1630: KAMIKAZE escorting EIKO MARU.
1900: Released and began patrol sweeps.
Lt (j.g.) (LtCdr posthumously) Takeda Yoshio (70) (former Crew, NACHI) is appointed Torpedo Officer. Lt (j.g.) Miyauchi is appointed Torpedo Officer of NOWAKI.
20 August:
0500: Departed Otaru with SHOHO MARU and TERUKAWA MARU. (Both had more than one vessel bearing its name. Which of for both is unclear).
22 August:
2230: SHOHO MARU became seperated; perhaps due to fog.
23 August:
KAMIKAZE arrived at Paramushio Island following termination of escort duty at 1630.
25 August:
0830: Departed Paramushiro Island to assist a grounded merchant ship. At 1230 arrived at Kataoka Bay. [The Maru is not named---it is tempting to associate it with the `wandered off' SHOHO MARU but this is simply speculation, see next.]
28 August:
1700: KAMIKAZE departed Paramushiro Strait for Otaru with SHOHO MARU, CHOHAKU MARU and EIHO MARU.
2 September:
1000: The group approached Otaru Harbor; at this time KAMIKAZE detached to meet the in-coming freighter TOEI MARU (4,004 tons)
4 September:
0650: Arrived at Otaru Harbor.
7 September:
1730: KAMIKAZE departed Otaru for Odamari via Paramushiro.
11 September:
0300: The morning after arriving at Odomari departed once more with a convoy forming.
14 September:
1100: Freighters No.18 NISSHO MARU (1,998 tons) and EIKO MARU joined the convoy.
15 September:
1530: The convoy arrived at Kashiwabara Bay, Paramushiro Island.
19 September:
1245: Took in tow the passenger-freighter CHOWA MARU (2,719 tons.[Which had been torpedoed 18 September by USS S-42 at 50-25'N, 155-35'E.]
1830: They arrived safely at Kashiwabara Bay.
24 September:
Noon: Departed Kataoka Bay with EKO MARU and freighter KOAN MARU (7,080 tons).
28 September:
1100: Arrived at Otaru. KAMIKZE then anchored on standby status, carrying out maintenance work.
6 October:
1230: Departed Otaru escorting to sea the TAKASHIMA MARU.
9 September:
0920: Arrived and lay to in Paramushiro Strait.
13 October:
0600: KAMIKAZE left there convoying CHOWA MARU and freighter SEITO MARU (2,219 tons) to Hakodate.
19 October:
0900: CHOWA MARU and SEITO MARU entered Hakodate; KAMIKAZE proceeded to Ominato, arrived at 1545.
18 October:
Lieutenant Commander Matsumoto (to C.O. YUZUKI) relieved by Lieutenant Commander Kasuga Hitoshi [59] (prev. C.O. HATSUKARI).
19 October:
0900: CHOWA MARU and SEITO MARU entered Hakodate; KAMIKAZE proceeded to Ominato, arrived at 1545. [Probably the change of command took place there]
21 October:
1130: KAMIKAZE arrived at Otaru from Ominato.
29 October-1 November:
1540: Departed. Escorted convoy comprised of TAKASHIMA MARU and ASAKA MARU from Otaru to Kataoka Bay, Shimushu.
5 November:
1000: Departed escorting three MARUS (MELBOURNE MARU, TAKASHIMA MARU, and one unknown).
6 November:
A submarine scare took place when TAKASHIMA MARU claimed it had been attacked by submarine. But a sweep by KAMIKAZE found no trace of the enemy.
9 November:
0245: Arrived outside Otaru Harbor; KAMIKAZE entered the next day. [Probably engaged in anti-submarine sweep]
18 November:
0720: KAMIKAZE arrived at Kataoka Bay.
19 November:
0610: Departed Kataoka Bay to investigate and board a Russian merchant ship.
0905: KAMIKAZE arrived at Kodomari.
1140: Arrived back at Katoka Bay. [Entries do not indicate if the Russian vessel was allowed to proceed or seized temporarily, see 23 November]
20 November:
0611: Once again departed to board and investigate a second Russian vessel.
0700: Arrived at Kodomari.
1606: Return to Kataoka Bay.[Again the journey to Kodomari seems suggestive see 23 November, but no details available.]
23 November:
0728: KAMIKAZE boarded a third Russian ship. This time definitely took into temporary custody.
0900: They arrived at Kodomari. After a further review, the Russian ship was released.
24 November:
1343: KAMIKAZE returned to Kataoka Bay.
25-28 November:
Escorted Maru from Kataoka Bay to Otaru.
3-10 December:
1550: Departed. Escorted KOAN MARU from Otaru to Kataoka Bay.
12 December:
1325: Departed Kataoka Bay with TAIHEI MARU.
15 December:
2015: They arrived at Otaru.
17 December:
0947: Arrived at Ominato.
18 December 1943:
DesDiv 1 flagship NUMAKAZE is sunk with all hands. ComDesDiv 1 Captain Watanabe is KIA and posthumously promoted RAdm. The position of ComDesDiv 1 remains vacant. [Desdiv 1 units reduced to three: NAMIKAZE, NOKAZE, KAMIKAZE]
20 December 1943:
LtCdr Ebihara Taro (59) (current CO of KAMIKAZE) is appointed Acting ComDesDiv 1 as an additional duty.
23 December:
1422: Departed Ominato.
24 December:
0739: Arrived at Otaru.
1 February 1944:
Lt (j.g.) (later Lt) Ito Haruyoshi (70) (former Crew, SUZUKAZE) is appointed Torpedo Officer. Lt (j.g.) Takeda is appointed Torpedo Officer of YAMAGUMO.
9 February-8 March 1944:
Docked at Hakodate for refitting.
10 February 1944:
Special Duty Lt Saito Sueharu is appointed Chief Engineer for a second time, relieving Special Duty Lt Haga Shinsaku.
14 March:
Departed Ominato with NAMIKAZE escorting convoy toward Etorofu Island.
15 March:
South of Akkeshi Bay enemy submarine activity to the eastward resulted in the convoy diverting to that port for temporary shelter. They anchored there while KAMIKAZE and NAMIKAZE patrolled outside the bay.
16 March:
0200: (sic!) While thus engaged both destroyers heard a huge explosion to the eastward.[This was destroyer SHIRAKUMO which had been torpedoed USS TAUTOG (SS- ) escorting a convoy to Uruppu Island. Confirming the wisdom of Desdiv 1's detour.] It is decided for convoy to remain in the bay till the next day.
17 March:
Departed Akkeshi Bay.
18 March:
Arrived back at Akkeshi Bay.[It is unclear if the convoy also returned; there is no further mention of it]
19 March:
Departed; then Kuriles-area convoy escort and transport duties.
8 April:
Departed Matsuwa Island with the auxiliary freighter HOKUSHIN MARU (5,819 tons)
10-12 April:
At Tenei, eastern Etorofu Island.
15 April:
KAMIKAZE and HOKUSHIN MARU arrived at Ominato, northern Honshu.
25-29 April:
Out of Kataoka Bay to bring in an inbound convoy.
3 - 10 May:
Departed Kataoka Bay with IWAKI MARU (3,124 tons) for Ominato via Musashi Bay, Paramushiro Island (4-5 April). There carried out minor repairs and maintenance work.
22 May:
Arrived at Hakodate from Ominato.
23 - 29 May:
KAMIKAZE escorted CHIHAYA MARU and passenger-freighter KASADO MARU (6,003 tons) from Hakodate via Otaru (24-26 May) to Odomari, Karafuto (southern Sakhalin Island).
3-4 June:
Served as as part of the screen for Convoy KI-202 from Odomari as far as the northern Kuriles area.
6 June:
Arrived at Otaru. Afterward miscellaneous patrol and escort duty.
28 June:
Departed Kataoka Bay escorting convoy NU-804.
2 July:
Arrived at Otaru; carried out maintenance work.
8 July:
Departed Otaru screening convoy KI-803.
9 July:
Arrived at Wakkanai, northern Hokkaido.
11 July:
Departed Wakkanai still escorting convoy KI-803.
12 July:
Believe sighted a surfaced submarine and forced it to submerge. Then depth-charged with unknown results. No sinking claimed.
15 July:
Arrived at Kataoka Bay. Carried out maintenance.
23-28 July:
Left Kataoka Bay escorting convoy NU-203 to Otaru.
2 August:
Arrived at Wakkanai.
5 August:
Departed escorting Convoy KI-104 to Kataoka Bay.
9 August:
Sighted periscope and carried out depth charge attack. But no attack took place and convoy arrived safely at Kataoka Bay the same day.
12 August:
Unidentified aircraft over the anchorage.
15 August 1944:
Special Duty Lt (j.g.) Sakuma Hitoshi is appointed Chief Engineer.
(NOTE: Relief date for Lt (j.g.) Sakuma is currently unknown.)
21 August:
Unidentified aircraft again observed in anchorage vicinity.
24 - 30 August:
From Kataoka Bay on screen duty via Otaru (28-29 August) to Ominato. Carried out maintenance work.
1 September 1944:
Reserve Lt (j.g.) Fujikawa Tatsuya is appointed Navigator. Lt Noguchi is reassigned.
7-8 September:
Sailed from Ominato to Otaru.
9 September 1944:
1800: KAMIKAZE departed Otaru to go to the aid of torpedo-damaged sister ship NAMIKAZE. [Which had been torpedoed and fantail severed at 1950 8 September by USS SEAL (SS-183) while escorting Convoy KI-505]
However the weather is severe with gale force winds and seas and hurrying at 21 knots the waves crashing over the bow inundated the bridge. Water even cascaded down No.1 stack and extinguished a boiler. KAMIKAZE had to slow to 18 knots, but gamely pressed on with the 300 kilometer voyage.
At the same time, sister-ship NOKAZE had also hurriedly departed Kataoka Bay to go to NAMIKAZE's aid as well.
10 September 1944:
Noon (about): KAMIKAZE acutally reached NAMIKAZE first, and following request from NAMIKAZE's CO, set about towing operations. Despite difficulties, by going alongside this is successful and they make for a nearby bay, where arrived the next day.
13 September 1944:
After consultation and preparations NOKAZE escorted KAMIKAZE as the latter towed the crippled NAMIKAZE out of the temporary anchorage at 7 knots. Later that day they arrived at Otaru, Hokkaido. [NAMIKAZE would subsequently be towed to Maizuru, Japan for full repairs]
19 September:
0800: KAMIKAZE departed Otaru with Coast Defense Ship FUKAE and two other escorts screening Convoy KI-803 comprised of three Marus (one was RIZAN MARU) bound for Kashiwabara, Paramushiro Island. Proceeded out of the Soya Strait and than at 7 knots up the east coast of Karafuto.
21 September:
In position 130 kilometers north-east of Cape Shiretoko. Convoy laboring in a storm with north-west wind blowing at 22 mps and visibility down to 200 meters.
Action:
- 2030 While KAMIKAZE was steaming about 100 meters ahead to starboard of the convoy a large explosion well to the rear was heard. The destroyer reversed course to investigate but found nothing. Returned to prior station only to see that the RIZAN MARU (4,850 tons) which it had just left earlier was now missing.
- 2157 Four explosions were heard.
- 2300 Wind had built to 25 mps with gusts of 30 and KAMIKAZE was rolling heavily and shaking and the convoy had fallen apart.[It appears most units had lost sight of each other by now and were looking to themselves.]
22 September:
Dawn: The weather gradually moderated and the escorts began trying to re-assemble the convoy. The RIZAN MARU was still missing however. After an extensive sweep,the search was abandoned and KAMIKAZE had to proceed after the rest of the convoy to port. It was presumed [correctly] that an enemy submarine had sunk RIZAN MARU around the time of the four explosions heard.[1]
24 September:
KAMIKAZE arrived at Kataoka Bay. Then carried out maintenance work and miscellaneous repairs.
4 October:
Departed Kataoka Bay on convoy duty.
8 October:
Arrived at Odomari? Error for Ominato? [2]
9 -10 October:
Sailed from Ominato to Otaru.
14-18 October:
Convoy duty from Otaru to Kataoka Bay.
15 October 1944:
Torpedo Officer Lt (j.g.) Ito is promoted Lt.
23 October:
1600: Departed Kataoka Bay with CD FUKAE escorting convoy WO-303 (TOYOKUNI MARU, HAKUYO MARU, UMEGAWA MARU) bound for Otaru.
24 October:
Due to report of enemy submarine activity, convoy turned back toward Kataoka Bay. Later, since the visibility was poor and weather high waves it was decided to resume the voyage and course was reversed again.
25 October:
Action:
- 0745 HAKUYO MARU hit by three torpedoes in the starboard side and the cargo of gasoline burst into flames. Sank two minutes later. [USS SEAL SS-183].
- KAMIKAZE and FUKAE conducted short counter-attack but because of the weather after a search for survivors continued onward.
29 October:
Arrived at Otaru. Subsequently on stand-by. Then througout November 1944 miscellaneous escort and patrol duties.
7 December:
Arrived at Ominato.
10 December:
KAMIKAZE entered drydock for repairs and refit. Radar and additional 25 mm machine-guns were installed. Reportedly, one torpedo tube mount was removed.
25 December:
Desdiv 1 possibly assigned to Combined Fleet. [Conflicting apparently more reliable report says this took place exactly one month later - 10 January 1945]
26 December 1944:
NOKAZE and KAMIKAZE ordered by CoS Combined Fleet to engage in training exercises till about 13 January.
5 January 1945:
Desdiv 1 (less NAMIKAZE) ordered to depart on the 10th for Kure.
10 January:
Attached to Combined Fleet; departed Ominato same date.
21 January:
Arrived Moji.
22 January 1945:
NOKAZE and KAMIKAZE carried out practice against targets in the Hashirajima area.
26 January:
1730: Departed Moji with NOKAZE (flagship of Acting ComDesDiv 1 Lieutenant Commander Ebihara Taro [59]) together with Coast Defense Ships SHONAN, KUME, No.25, and No.53, escorting Convoy HI-91 (SANUKI MARU, TOKI MARU, EIYO MARU, KITSURIN MARU) towards Singapore.
28 January:
In the Yellow Sea.
Action:
- 0240 Coast Defense Ship KUME torpedoed in position 33-50'N, 122-55'E. The vessel burst into flames and began to list to port.
- 0313 SANUKI MARU (9,246 tons) torpedoed and sunk.[USS SPADEFISH SS-411 was culprit for both] KAMIKAZE proceeded to rescue survivors, then moved to assist the sinking KUME. The KAMIKAZE energetically sought out all adrift in boats, and then sent a party aboard to forcibly remove and rescued KUME's Commanding Officer who had decided to go down with his ship.
- KUME sank by the stern taking down 140 of her crew [Coast Defence ships of this type had approximately 190 men]. KAMIKAZE detached and hurried north to disembark survivors at Chinkai, in southern Korea.[Convoy HI-91 continued its own journey and subsequently arrived at Hainan Island on 1 February.]
29 January 1945:
1630: NOKAZE and KAMIKAZE departed Chinkai; intending to arrive at at Keelung at 1000 on 1 February, having been detached from HI-91.
31 January 1945:
0800: NOKAZE and KAMIKAZE arrived at Kiru.
3 February 1945:
1032: NOKAZE and KAMIKAZE arrived at Keelung. Original plans were for them to do convoy duty to Singapore, but a priority re-assignment intervened.
8 February 1945:
1500: "North Operation" for Cardiv 4 is ordered, to depart Singapore for Japan 10 February, and Desdiv 1 is directed to standby to assist the screen duty when the north-bound force reaches their vicinity.
10 February 1945:
1425: By order of Combined Fleet Desdiv 1 placed under command of ComCardiv 4 RADM Matsuda Chiaki and ordered to reinforce its escort for "North Operation": the return home of Cardiv 4 and OYODO from Singapore.
2300: NOKAZE and KAMIKAZE released from convoy duty to proceed to Mako for the new assignment.
11 February 1945:
0850: NOKAZE and KAMIKAZE arrived at Mako.
14 February 1945:
1023: Desdiv 1 rendezvoused with Cardiv 4 to augment its screen as ordered. However the sea is such that the two old destroyers have trouble matching the fleet speed of 18 knots; they have to increase speed to 21 knots just to attain 18 knots through the water.
15 February 1945:
1745: Comdesdiv 1 Ebihara requested that Mako prepare fresh water and other supplies to be ready; for Desdiv 1 will arrive there by 0900 next day. [It had been decided by Matsuda to release Desdiv 1 at next stop from trying to continue north].
1930: Arrived at overnight stop at Matsu Island on the Chinese coast just north of Formosa Strait. Desdiv 1 refueled. Since SHIOKAZE was arriving in the area, she is detailed to take Desdiv 1's place in screen duty. Desdiv 1 is detached at midnight.
16 February 1945:
0024: Comcardiv 4 Matsuda released Desdiv 1 from the escort assignment, directing them to return to Mako since they can't keep pace. The "North Force" resumed its voyage to Japan and NOKAZE and KAMIKAZE detached and headed for Mako, arriving at 0900 that morning.
1745: NOKAZE and KAMIKAZE departed Mako for Singapore making overall speed of 13 knots. They have embarked between them 50 passengers, among them survivors of the super-battleship MUSASHI now assigned to ships at Singapore.
20 February:
Action:
- At 0327 while Desdiv 1 is south-bound NOKAZE is struck starboard side under the bridge by torpedo, one of four fired by USS PARGO (SS-264) off Cape Varella in the South China Sea (12-27'N, 109-40'E). [2] Exploded violently and sinks at once. KAMIKAZE which was steaming abrest to port at the time counter-attacked with depth charges, but did not believe attack was successful.
- 1015: KAMIKAZE stopped sweep, having expended 20 depth charges. Commenced search for survivors, returning to the scene. She found a 10 mile long oil slick floating southward and followed it, eventually finding survivors adrift in the current. Twenty-one survivors – including LtCdr Ebihara and Chief Engineer Lt (j.g.) Tsuchiya – are eventually rescued, but 209 officers and men are KIA. Among the dead are Torpedo Officer Lt (j.g.) Maruyama, Gunnery Officer Lt Yoshida, and Navigator Lt (j.g.) Minaguchi, all of whom are posthumously promoted one rank.
- 1058: KAMIKAZE reported sinking of NOKAZE and then proceeded to Singapore as scheduled with the survivors aboard. Increased speed to 21 knots and maintained zig-zagging to avoid further submarines.
That same date, upon receipt of this news DesDiv 1 is deactivated. LtCdr Kasuga resumed full-time duty as CO of KAMIKAZE.
22 February 1944:
2200: KAMIKAZE arrived at Singapore. Survivors disembarked.[3] Afterward, patrol/escort duties out of that base.
13 March:
Ordered to tow NOTORO to Singapore.(Keppel)
14 March:
Noon: Took NOTORO in tow for Singapore.
20 March:
KAMIKAZE scheduled to depart Singapore at 0900 28 March and Roban at 1500.
Reportedly, today while maneuvering in Johore Strait HAGURO touched off a magnetic mine which exploded under the port catapult machinery room. There was little damage and KAMIKAZE's assistance was not required. It was realized it was a product of B-29 mine sowing. However, with the mining of both ISE and HYUGA in Johore earlier in the year it was judged too dangerous currently to remain there. After this incident, ComCrudiv 5 opted to operate only out of Singapore commercial port - Keppel Harbor - for subsequent operations. HAGURO, ASHIGARA, and KAMIKAZE moved to Keppel for the rest of March and into April. [4]
24 March:
KAMIKAZE placed in charge of air battle training for the 10th Area Fleet in the Singapore area.
28 March:
Departed Singapore; arrived at Roban.
29 March:
0345: Navigation in the whole Singapore area was banned due to the threat of magnetic mines. "Ships are to anchor temporarily in the eastern entrnace in either the north or south channels." [This supports the claim Crudiv 5 after March 20 operated out of Keppel]
8 April:
HAGURO and KAMIKAZE ordered by 10th Area Fleet to prepare to transport elements of the 46th Division to Singapore, departing Batavia 17 April. This will be Phase 1 of "Southern Operations" withdrawing outer garrisons back to the inner perimeter. Phase 2 will repeat the operation but with ASHIGARA escorted by KAMIKAZE to be departing from Batavia 22 April.
15 April:
Morning: HAGURO and KAMIKAZE departed Keppel Harbor Singapore for Java.
16 April:
HAGURO and KAMIKAZE arrived at Batavia. Loading materials and embarked troops through the night.
17 April:
KAMIKAZE departed Batavia on schedule escorting HAGURO back to Singapore.
18 April:
1050: Attacked by submarine. No damage received. Scheduled to arrive at Singapore in the evening. However the attack results in a detour and delay [This was the Ducth submarine O-19]
19 April:
1330: Arrived at Singapore commercial port, Keppel a day behind schedule. Scheduled morning departure of ASHIGARA with KAMIKAZE today on second run to Batavia is therefore postponed by 24 hours. In fact, the overall inteniary is shifted back by 24 hours. Arrival at Batavia now to be afternoon of 22 April and departure from Batavia 23 April.
21 April:
0630: KAMIKAZE departed Singapore escorting ASHIGARA for Batavia on second trooping run.
2000: Arrived at overnight lay-over at northern entrance of Banka Strait the same day.
22 April:
0600: Departed overnight stay.
1420: Southbound ASHIGARA attacked by submarine with four torpedoes while KAMIKAZE in the van. No damage received. That afternoon arrived at Batavia. [Dutch submarine O-19]
23 April:
Departed Batavia with ASHIGARA (carrying 1,000 men of the SA Transportation Sui Unit) on return voyage to Singapore due to arrive 25 April following overnight stays at Banka Strait and Lingga Roads.
1140: ASHIGARA reported being attack or some kind of trouble while steaming at 24 knots west of the Thousand Islands in position 140 degrees 2,300 meters from Doea. KAMIKAZE dropped depth-charges.[5]
24 April:
1500: ASHIGARA released KAMIKAZE to proceed ahead to Singapore commercial harbor for repairs. The cruiser then put into Lingga to offload some landing craft as planned. It appears either when entering or leaving the dangerous roads both ships scraped reefs and suffered damage.
KAMIKAZE arrived at Singapore commercial port shortly before midnight. Scheduled to drydock on the 27th.
25 April:
"Docking of ASHIGARA in Singapore on 27th has been postponed." ASHIGARA due to arrive at temporary anchorage close to midnight. Then will resume voyage to Singapore.
26 April:
1145: Following ASHIGARA's arrival at Singapore that morning the transport operation was announced as a complete success, having transported 2,456 Army of the 46th Division and 208 Navy personnel.
27 April:
KAMIKAZE entered drydock at Seletar to inspect damages.
30 April:
KAMIKAZE ordered to load necessities and Air Group 11 personnel for transport to Saigon.
1 May:
0700: KAMIKAZE departed Singapore for St.James as scheduled.
2 May:
Evening: KAMIKAZE arrived at St.James. Proceeds upriver to disembark personnel and equipment at Saigon.
3 May:
While still replenishing KAMIKAZE received an urgent recall order direct from ComCrudiv 5 directing her to leave Saigon area as soon as possible, and return to Singapore for an urgent operation. Preparations are carried out swiftly and not long after midnight, cleared St.James to return to Singapore.
5 May:
Early afternoon: KAMIKAZE arrived at Singapore Naval port [Johore, Seletar] carrying rice and machine gun ammunition. To the surprise of Captain Kasuga and crew, the destroyer's torpedos are ordered offloaded and even the torpedo tube mounts removed. This is to create space for supplies to reprovision the Andaman garrisons and remove some. A temporary decking is placed as a `roof' over the otherwise open forward torpedo well to allow cargo/troops to be carried with some shelter.(Similar reductions in armament and measures had already been done to HAGURO on 3 May at Keppel Harbor.)
7 May:
1000: CoS of 10th Area Fleet finalized plans for a provisions and troop evacuation run to the Andaman Islands. This operation is called Shoo (Akiraka) GO [6] and directs that it be carried out in two nearly simultaneous echelons:
9 May:
One Fathom Bank at western end of Malacca Strait is swept to clear the proposed route. HAGURO and KAMIKAZE completed preparations after midnight to set out.
10 May:
Shortly before dawn HAGURO and KAMIKAZE departed Keppel, Singapore for Port Blair. They are convoyed up Malacca Strait by # 17 HITOO MARU and SC 45 and SC 55. [KAMIKAZE's Torpedo Officer Lt. Ito Haruyoshi was in nominal command because at the time Captain Kasuga was having to spend much time bed-ridden in his cabin due to dengue fever][7]
- 1930 Submarine alarm, take evasive action. No damage.[THIS was a pair of Britsh submarines HMS SUBTLE and HMS STATESMAN.]
11 May:
1400: Upon receiving report from land-based air of an enemy carrier force, HAGURO and KAMIKAZE are ordered to reverse course and return to a temporary holding place at One Fathom Bank [north exit of Malacca Strait] to await developments.
Afternoon: Because cloudy weather favorable, # 2 Force departed for Nancowry as scheduled.
Shortly before midnight 10th Area Fleet telegramed ComCrudiv 5 advising that it was believed the British fleet was retiring. If it did not kamikaze attacks would be made throughout the 12th. It was believed after this conditions would be favorable to make a renewed sortie attempt at high speed. To accomplish this Force # 1 was to go to inside One Fathom Bank and refuel to capacity from ASHIGARA which would be sent there. # 2 Force was to continue onward to the Nicobars.
12 May:
Returned to Malacca Strait headed southeast.
Action
- 0840 HAGURO attacked by submarine [HMS SUBTLE] as approached One Fathom Bank area (off mordern Port Klang/former Port Swettenham) which fired 4 torpedoes at her starboard side. All avoided. KAMIKAZE and covering aircraft counter-attacked but results unclear.
1100: Arrived at the southern limit of One Fathom Bank and lay to. Position off the light bouy 16.5 miles west of Pulo Burnet. In the afternoon tentative plans called for a dash to Port Blair to be resumed from this spot on 15 May after kamikaze attacks by bomb armed A6Ms on 13 May and a full air recon and sweep on 14 May.
13 May:
ASHIGARA arrived at inside One Fathom Bank to top off HAGURO, refuel KAMIKAZE and re-stock the destroyer's depth charges. ASHIGARA then headed for Lingga Roads. HAGURO and KAMIKAZE continued to standby off Pulo Burnett as planned in hopes that the weather would be favorable or the enemy fleet observed to retire to enable a second sortie.
14 May:
Midday: Conditions judged favorable, Force # 1 (HAGURO, KAMIKAZE) resumed the transport run and sortied from One Fathom Bank and rushed northward toward the Andamans.
Late evening: # 2 Force KUROSHIYO MARU No.2 and SC-57 departed the Nicobars on return voyage for Singapore. Extensive land-based air reconnaissance carried out to fix positions of British warships.
15 May:
Action:
- 1125: Two enemy aircraft attacked # 2 Force, KUROSHIYO MARU No.2 and SC-57 now in sight of Force #1. Position slightly north of the Six Degree Channel latitude line.
- 1330: Main battery of HAGURO San-shiki fired at B-24 and a deceptive course set easterly to fool the plane.[Possibly HAGURO hit it--it crashed with no survivors] At same time received a dispatch from 10th Area Fleet that one enemy first class cruiser and three destroyers were steaming off the northern end of Sumatra headed southeast to the Strait of Malacca.
- 1400: ComCrudiv 5 decided to abandon any attempt to reach Port Blair and to retire to Malacca Strait to return to Singapore. Course was reversed following the same route had come out on. However speed was kept to 12 knots to help screen # 2 Force also headed that way.
- 1430: Received report from recon plane the enemy fleet appeared to have turned aside. # 2 Force directed to abandon going to Singapore and divert into Penang.
- 1700 Attacked by enemy carrier planes. No damage received. After the attack, take course eastward to cover # 2 Force's retirement to Penang and give the impression also heading there.
1800: HAGURO with KAMIKAZE now astern turns and heads southeast at 18 knots for Malacca Strait. Shortly after an enemy battleship is reported on an intercept course, and speed is increased to 28 knots to evade. At this speed it is expected to reach One Fathom Bank and the relative safety of its minefields by midnight. However speed is soon slowed to 24 knots.
Midnight: HAGURO signaled by stern lamp to further slow from 24 knots to 21 knots. No explanation for these problematic reductions is passed to KAMIKAZE.[8]
16 May: (Night surface Action off Penang Island - HAGURO sunk)
Proceeding as before. KAMIKAZE [incorrectly] believed the reduction in speed meant improved situation and reduced danger. Therefore partly stood down from stations.
Action:
- 0230 HAGURO was observed to make a sharp starboard turn and accelerating to battle speed. It was realized an enemy fleet had intercepted them. Battle Stations was sounded.
- 0235 While KAMIKAZE still manning stations, was suddenly engaged by an enemy destroyer [HMS SAUMAREZ] which passed close by astern. KAMIKAZE received a shell hit in the starboard quarter just above the waterline. It exploded in No.3 crew space [vicinity of frame 165] killing and wounding many men there. Returned fire with some machine guns but there is no opportunity to aim the main battery. HAGURO after making a second reversal and sharp turn to port was observed to be hit by a torpedo forward and burst immediately into flames. KAMIKAZE breifly drew up beside to starboard.
- 0232 HAGURO radioed KAMIKAZE to detach for Penang. With no torpedoes and no effective radar KAMIKAZE had little choice but to withdraw from the battle. In the confusing night melee, she made good her escape. [Unseen by KAMIKAZE and left to her fate, HAGURO finally went down at 0339 after multiple shell and torpedo hits. The British destroyers did not remain to rescue any survivors.][9]
- 0337 KAMIKAZE sent a spot report of the action and having looped around to the north headed northeast for Penang.
- Arrived at Penang in the forenoon. The casualties (27 dead and 14 injured) were swiftly offloaded so that KAMIKAZE could put back to sea again to seek survivors of HAGURO. SC-57 joined the search.
- This evening KAMIKAZE and SC-57 returned to the battle site. SC-57's sweep was unsuccessful for reasons unclear but KAMIKAZE located the main batch of survivors shortly after and rescued a reported total of 8 officers and 230 petty officers and men, 10 of them seriously wounded and then speedily returned to Penang to offload them. However, senior survivor is only HAGURO's communications officer and ComCrudiv 5 Hashimoto and all his staff aboard perished; as did CO [RADM] Suguirua.[10]
17-18 May:
KAMIKAZE sailed from Penang to Singapore. KUROSHIO No.2 which had taken refuge at Langkawi Island also now returned to Singapore.
1 June:
2058: Shoo-Akiraka Operation officially postponed with no plans to repeat the attempt at the Andamans with heavy units. However, it is judged that Transport No.10 movements from Java remained feasible and should resume.[11]
2 June:
KAMIKAZE ordered to depart Singapore for Batavia with ASHIGARA to resume the withdrawal of outlying garrisons movement. In addition, when passing Lingga, they would participate in drills and act as training targets for the torpedo plane unit at Lingga.
3 June:
0900: ASHIGARA and KAMIKAZE departed Singapore for Batavia. ASHIGARA's port outboard shaft remains inoperable from grounding damage (either scraping wreck or reef) in April and has speed somewhat handicapped.
4 June:
ASHIGARA and KAMIKAZE serve as training targets for eight torpedo planes out of Lingga while en-route to Batavia.
Sunset: Anchored at overnight layover at Banka Strait.
5 June:
Afternooon: Arrived safely at Batavia. The cruiser embarked 1,649 soldiers of the 48th Division and 480 tons of supplies for transport to Singapore. [According to KAMIKAZE Commanding Officer the destroyer also embarked about 400 troops]
7 June:
Dawn: KAMIKAZE departed Batavia, sweeping ahead of ASHIGARA who followed at 0900. As before, the schedule called for lying to overnight at Banka Strait region where both ships arrived at dusk. If all went well, they would reach Singapore the afternoon of 9 June.
8 June:
Early Morning: Resumed voyage northward. KAMIKAZE entered Banka Strait, sweeping ahead of the ASHIGARA which would depart the stay-over when given the all-clear signal.
Action:
- 0440 KAMIKAZE sighted surface enemy submarine and evaded attack. But lost contact in the darkness. Reversed course to rejoin ASHIGARA.
- 0930 KAMIKAZE resumed northward sweep and re-entered Banka Strait.
- 0950 Attacked by enemy submarine at north end of Banka Strait. Counter-attacked with depth charges. Reported to 10th Area Fleet and CO ASHIGARA: "We will wipe out submarine." Assistance from land-based air was also requested. The plan was to suppress the submarine definitely located at north end of Banka Strait while ASHIGARA hurried past.
- 1212 While KAMIKAZE is heading southward in the Strait to meet her ASHIGARA had started northward but is hit by four torpedoes in the starboard side from a second enemy submarine [HMS TRENCHANT]. The cruiser's bow is blown off. She began to list but her Hi-Angle guns open fire on the submarine whose periscope is in plain sight. ASHIGARA was observed still underway and had turned toward and appeared to be seeking to ram the enemy submarine as KAMIKAZE closed. However...
- 1237 ASHIGARA capsized to starboard and sank. KAMIKAZE commenced rescue operations assisted by the patrol boat HEIAN MARU of the Montok Sea Guard Unit.
- 1645 KAMIKAZE departed for Singapore having rescued ASHIGARA' Captain Miura, 53 officers, 812 petty officers and men, and about 1,200 Army men.[12]
11 June:
2111: With the enemy invasion of Borneo starting on 10 June it is judged time to execute the relocation of troops from Singapore to Indo-China. Operation `Chi' - the third phase of the evacuation efforts is ordered with KAMIKAZE participating.
12 June:
1100: KAMIKAZE with MS-4 departed Singapore escorting oiler TOHO MARU (10,238 tons) with 4,240 kilos of aviation gasoline to Fukwok Island (now Phu'oc Quoc' Island off the Vietnames coast) Indo-China as "CHI" 3rd Phase Convoy. Due to arrive after a series of night layovers at Fukwok on noon 17 June.
13 June:
1500: Sight B-24s. No attack received.
14 June:
1550: Sighted and shot down enemy PBY.
15 June:
1540: Convoy attacked by eight B-24s. TOHO MARU hit and set afire; foundered and sank at 1900 with bow upraised. KAMIKAZE and MS-4 rescued 203 men from the MARU. Both escorts also suffered damage. KAMIKAZE was left with reserve feed water tank holed from near-misses and was reduced to 18 knots. The MS-4 had near-miss bomb damage to port propeller. It could still make 8 knots.
2215: KAMIKAZE proceeded to Patani Anchorage to give Minesweeper No.4 a chance to make temporary repairs.
16 June:
Evening: KAMIKAZE and MS-4 arrived safely at Patani anchorage. Conducted repair work. They received order from Cmdr Western Area Force to return to Singapore when these were completed.
18 June:
Departed Singapore, then patrol/escort duties between there and French Indochina.
26 June:
Docked for repairs.
17 July:
1700: Departed Singapore with auxiliary minesweepers # 6 CHOUN MARU, # 2 TOSHI MARU and Special Minesweeper # 9 escorting "CHI" Phase 4 convoy of KYOEI MARU (41,1189 tk) [1,200 tons] # 3 HISHI MARU (43,830 tk) [[850 tons], and # 29 NANSHIN MARU (44,834 tk 2TE) [870 tons] to arrive Ha-Tien southwest coast of Indo-China by midnight of 26 July to fuel and replenish escort vessels meeting there and provisions for Indo-China air groups. KAMIKAZE's share was two tons of model-10 acoustic mines for aircraft, 8 tons of army equipment, pryotechnica weapons, and some 11 kilos of aviation equipment. [Most of the cargo was related to anti-submarine warfare forces both sea and air]
18 July:
Convoy off Kota Bharu heading north, speed 8 knots. Received orders from CinC 10th Area fleet to reduce projected time replenishing escort vessels at Hatien -- time at anchor not to exceed 10 days before return.
Action:
- 1900 In position bearing approximately 115 nmiles 138 degrees from Kota Bharu KAMIKAZE attacked by three torpedoes, avoided, no damage. Counter-attacked with the new style K-depth charges assisted by aircraft, but no claim of sinking the submarine [USS HAWKBILL SS-366] was made.
19 July:
Action
- 1120 Convoy attacked by submarine [USS BRILL SS-330], no damage received. Position 06-14'N, 103-09'E.
20 July:
Action:
- 0530 The tanker No.3 KYOEI MARU (1,182 tons) was torpedoed and sunk at position 08-08'N, 103-40'E with the loss of forty-seven crew and its cargo of 1,500 tons of oil.
KAMIKAZE rescued 21 men including the Maru's captain.
- 1145 # 6 CHOUN MARU advised KAMIKAZE and HQ that she was shipping water near rear magazines at rate of one ton per hour.[Apparently due to own d/c too close or storm damage--ballast obscured location of leak//KAMIKAZE was congratuled at 1945 for blowing up and sinking the sub. This was [USS BUMPER SS-333 which survived the attack.]
21 July:
0230: Arrived at Ha-Tien. NANSHIN MARU No.29 temporarily anchored east of Phu Kok Island with auxiliary minesweeper No.9 and TOSHI MARU No.2. Discharged their cargos successfully and embarked as planned.
That same morning KAMIKAZE received order to return to Singapore immediately to enter dock for repairs and be prepared to resume present duties. The five escorts of the convoy departed to return to Singapore; arrived same afternoon at Ream Island for overnight stay. As planned the Marus remained at Ha Tien for an extended stay in discharging cargo and handling embarkations. They would radio when ready to return to Singapore.
22 July:
Early morning: Departed Ream Island.
1200: Convoy attacked by three large enemy bombers. No damage received, and one was shot down.
23 July:
Afternoon: Arrived at Singapore. KAMIKAZE, # 6 CHOUN MARU, # 2 TOSHI MARU and special Minesweeper # 9 were all given a "Well Done" by CinC Southern Army Terauchi for their successful completion of "CHI" GO # 4 in such circumstances.
27 July:
KAMIKAZE departed Singapore to return to Ha Tien to bring home the Marus left there as planned. A message had been received from the vessels left at Hatien that they were ready to depart and to please load as much fuel in drums for the escort forces there. The 936 Air Group was tasked as before to provide anti-submarine cover for the convoy as circumstances allowed.
28 July:
2148: KAMIKAZE advised # 6 CHOUN MARU to meet at West Island around 1900 29 July for the return trip.
29 July:
Arrived at Ream to convoy CHI 4th Phase units back to Singapore to depart next day. An Army Air Unit request that the day's scheduled departure be postponed by a day is refused by CO KAMIKAZE.
1800: Convoy departed Ha Tien area as soon as assembled by KAMIKAZE as planned.
30 July:
Action:
- 1300 As departing Ream area attacked by one B-24 Liberator in position 08-36'N, 102-36'E and it was shot down. TOSHI MARU and Special Minesweeper No.9 suffered some wounded crewmen. #2 TOSHI MARU claimed to have been the one that shot it down. Eight of the enemy bomber's crew rescued by KAMIKAZE.
31 July:
0800: KAMIKAZE bearing 37 degrees 36 miles from Kota Bharu. Course of convoy 160 degrees, speed 7.5 knots.
1700: Anchored south of Great Redang Island to spend the night.
1 August:
1250: KAMIKAZE engaged B-24 (apparently on recon of Singapore) No damage.
2230: Convoy arrived at # 2 bouy and dispersed. # 6 CHOUN MARU continued to slowly flood at rate of 1/2 ton of water per hour and proceeded to drydock.
12 August:
Departed Singapore early in the day with # 2 TOSHI MARU, Minesweeper # 4 and TOSHI MARU with one company of a Japanese landing force embarked to repel a reported enemy landing of 500 troops there on 10 August on Jemaka Island (2-45'N, 105-47'E). The Japanese troops were landed and KAMIKAZE then led the group to Sianten and Manpo Islands to investigate.
1610: KAMIKAZE reported that Sianten Islanders said that about noon on 11 June an enemy submarine had shelled the village there. A landing party had come ashore, fired a house and destroyed a transmitter and lookout station after killing one man. It was soon realized this small incident had led to a mistaken report about a landing. KAMIKAZE was directed to retrieve the counter-landing force and return to Singapore if it was a false alarm. (It was) [13]
13 August:
Forenoon: KAMIKAZE returned to Singapore, this time to Seletar Naval Base, Johore.
1413: CinC 10th Area Fleet ordered "CHI" Phase 5 to commence and since the KAMIKAZE was to participate, this whole business had been an irksome distraction. Convoy was to be:
14 August:
1627: CinC 10th Area Fleet postponed departure of "CHI" Phase 5 to 16 August and schedule from there delayed one day.
15 August:
With the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration and the end of the Pacific War all offensive operations are suspended. However "CHI" Phase 5 is not cancelled but modified to become the first round of repatriations and evacuations to follow the end of the war.
18 - 20 August:
KAMIKAZE and "CHI" Phase 5 convoy sailed from Singapore to Ha Tien. The various units of the convoy are given new evacuation destination assignments. KAMIKAZE and # 17 NITOO MARU were directed after arrival at Ha Tien to proceed to Anambas and evacuate the Detached Army Unit there to Singapore.
22 August:
KAMIKAZE arrived at Anambas Island, joining # 17 NITOO MARU already there.
That evening KAMIKAZE and # 17 NITOO MARU then ordered to proceed to Lingga and Palembang upon completion of mission.[These orders appear to have changed or the stay was very brief, for at 1820 24 August CinC 10th Area Fleet reports both anchored at Singapore]
24 August:
KAMIKAZE anchored in Johore Strait. Remained armed (less torpedo tubes removed in May) and manned.
26 August:
DesDiv 1 is disbanded. KAMIKAZE attached to the First Southern Expeditionary Fleet.
2 September:
KAMIKAZE met HMS PETARD and HMS CLEOPATRA in Malacca Strait to provide pilots and navigation data regarding minefields and navigation hazards.
5 September 1945:
LtCdr Kasuga is promoted Cdr.
12 September:
Mountbatten takes the formal surrender of Singapore in a ceremony . At the time, KAMIKAZE and heavy cruisers MYOKO and TAKAO (the latter recently further damaged by midget submarine attack at end of July) are present in Johore Strait among other units.
15 September 1945:
Torpedo Officer Lt Ito is relieved.
5 October 1945:
Removed from Navy List. Subsequently was taken in hand for re-fitting to serve repatriation duty for Japanese personnel in the Malaya area. Was fully dis-armed and the remaining main battery mounts removed. The open sides of the forward torpedo well were now fully plated up and deck sealed while temporary sheds, deckhouses and shelter spaces constructed aft. Then the vessel conducted repatriation runs between Singapore, Bangkok, Saigon and Japan.
27 November:
KAMIKAZE departed Singapore bound for Japan, escorted by destroyer HMS CAESAR. Left behind in Johore Strait are the immobile heavy cruisers MYOKO and TAKAO.
2 December:
Arrived at Hong Kong. Refuelled.
3 December:
Having embarked the CinC of the 10th Area Fleet VADM Fukudome Shigeru, KAMIKAZE departed Hong Kong now escorted by the British destroyer HMS TERMAGENT. En-route to Japan they were joined by minelayer WAKATAKA and torpedo boat KIJI.
8 December:
KAMIKAZE arrive at Uraga, Tokyo Bay. Having returned to the homeland for the first time in nearly a year. VADM Fukudome disembarked. Subsequently KAMIKAZE departed after an interval to resume repatriation runs.
20 May 1946:
Lt Saito Goro (72) (former Division Officer, KASHIMA) is appointed Navigator. Lt Inaba is reassigned.
7 June 1946:
Departed Yokosuka, Tokyo Bay and attempted to assist the former Coast Defense ship KUNASHIRI which had run aground just offshore of the beach at Omaezaki in stormy weather. While thus engaged, by some miscalculation, KAMIKAZE also grounded in shallow water with her port side facing the beach. Attempts to back her off failed and as days passed the destroyer was driven further ashore and began to list to port. Her keel threatened to buckle.
8 - 27 June:
Constructive total loss: Though salvage attempts continued for exactly twenty more days and the destroyer remained in one piece by this time both KAMIKAZE and KUNASHIRI were high and dry and beyond any easy recovery. Therefore on 27 June 1946 they were officially abandoned. After a period of time derelict the wrecks were slowly dismantled where they lay and by October 1947 KAMIKAZE had been fully scrapped.
(At a later, unknown date, Lt Saito is appointed Navigator of ETOROFU.)
Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Anthony Tully, Bill Somerville, and Matthew Jones for contributing to this TROM.
