Japanese Auxiliary Gunboats

KOKAI HOKAN!

(KISO MARU, prewar – Peter Cundall collection)

IJN KISO MARU:
Tabular Record of Movement

© 2020 Gilbert Casse, Berend van der Wal and Peter Cundall

20 November 1931:
Kobe. Laid down by Mitsubishi Zosen K.K. shipyard as a 703-tons refrigerated cargo ship for Osaka Shosen K.K.
10 March 1932:
Launched and named KISO MARU. [1]

6 April 1932:
Completed and registered at Osaka.
1938:
Requisitioned by the IJA.
18 December 1939:
Arrives at Nanjing (Nanking), China.
18 ~ 22 December 1939:
Departs Nanjing.
22 December 1939:
Arrives at Nanjing.
1940:
Released to her owners.
10 December 1940:
Requisitioned by the IJN.
16 December 1940:
Registered as an auxiliary gunboat attached to the Maizuru Naval District under instruction No. 980. That same day, Navy (Resv) Lt Yano Shosaburo is appointed CO.
15 January 1941:
Attached to the Third Gunboat Division under Order No. 28. Attached to Vice Admiral (Fleet Admiral posthumously) Koga Mineichi’s (34) Second Fleet, Third Gunboat Division. Rated as gunboat No. 33 and as ship No. 3 in the Second Section. Conversion for military duty is completed at the Osaka Iron Works Chikko Plant.
16 January 1941:
Departs Osaka.
17 January 1941:
Arrives at Kure. Loads weapons and supplies.
18 January 1941:
Loads diesel fuel and food.
19 January 1941:
Loads equipment.
20 January 1941:
Loads fresh water and food.
21 January 1941:
Departs Kure on a power measurement at Hiroshima Bay.
22 January 1941:
Arrives at Hyogo Jetty, Kobe. Loads consignment goods.
23 January 1941:
Departs Kobe and arrives at Shimotsu later this day.
24 January:
Departs Shimotsu and arrives at Tachibana-Ura later that day.
28 January 1941:
At anchorage.
3 February 1941:
Departs Tachibana-Ura on dispatching exercises and gyration radius measurement. Returns to port later this day.
5 February 1941:
Departs Tachibana-Ura on dispatching various exercises, speed test and an elliptic inspection. Arrives at Shimotsu later that day.
6 February 1941:
Departs Shimotsu on dispatching training, formation exercise and navigation training in fog. Arrives at Tachibana-Ura later this day.
7 February 1941:
Performs searchlight illumination training.
10 February 1941:
Departs Tachibana-Ura on dispatching various exercises, anti-torpedo navigation and formation movement. Returns to port later that day.
12 February 1942:
Departs Tachibana-Ura on navigation training. Arrives off Urato later this day.
13 February 1941:
Departs Urato waters to join Combined Fleet Fourth Basic Exercise. Arrives at Susaki later that day.
14 February 1941:
Departs Susaki to join Combined Fleet Fourth Basic Exercise.
15 February 1941:
Arrives at Ariake Bay. Replenishes diesel fuel and fresh water.
16 February 1941:
Departs Ariake Bay on depth charge training, formation training and anti-submarine alert. Returns there later this day.
17 February 1941:
Departs Ariake Bay on depth charge training. Returns there later that day.
19 February 1941:
Departs Ariake Bay.
20 February 1941:
Arrives at Kagoshima.
22 February 1941:
Loads fresh water.
24 February 1941:
Departs Kagoshima and arrives at Kogamizu Bay.
25 February 1941:
Departs Kogamizu Bay.
26 February 1941:
Performs Combined Fleet Fifth Basic Exercise.
27 February 1941:
Arrives at Nagakusuku Bay, Okinawa.
3 March 1941:
Departs Nagakusuku Bay on her first gunnery practice. Returns there later this day.
5 March 1941:
Departs Nagakusuku Bay.
8 March 1941:
Arrives at Saeki Bay.
10 March 1941:
Loads heavy oil and fresh water.
12 March 1941:
Departs Saeki Bay on guard mission. Returns there later that day.
16 March 1941:
Departs Saeki Bay on minesweeping and patrol duties.
17 March 1941:
Performs her second gunnery practice. Arrives at Saeki later this day.
20 March 1941:
Departs Saeki.
21 March 1941:
Arrives at Sasebo.
23 March 1941:
Loads fresh water.
24 March 1941:
Departs Sasebo.
26 March 1941:
Arrives at Ssu Chiao Shan (now Sijiao Island), Shengsi Archipelago, China.
31 March 1941:
Departs Ssu Chiao Shan.
1 April 1941:
Performs her first auxiliary exercise.
5 April 1941:
Arrives at Tachibana Bay, Tomioka Bay. Loads fresh water.
6 April 1941:
Departs Tachibana Bay. Performs combined auxiliary unit training. Arrives at Sakitsu later that day.
7 April 1941:
Departs Sakitsu on combined auxiliary forces training. Arrives at Tomioka later this day.
8 April 1941:
Departs Tomioka on combined auxiliary forces training. Arrives at Sasebo later that day.
10 April 1941:
Tactically attached to Vice Admiral Takahashi Ibo’s (36) Third Fleet in Captain (later Vice Admiral) Hirose Sueto’s Second Base Force, Third Gunboat Division. Departs Sasebo later that same day.
12 April 1941:
Arrives at Maizuru.
26 April 1941:
Anchors at the Navy Yard quay.
9 May 1941:
Departs Maizuru on a post speed test and compass calibration. Returns to port later this day.
10 May 1941:
Loads heavy oil, diesel fuel and fresh water.
12 May 1941:
Departs Maizuru on a speed test. Arrives at Miyazu later that day.
13 May 1941:
Departs Miyazu.
14 May 1941:
Arrives at Yuya (Aburaya) Bay. Departs later this day.
15 May 1941:
Arrives at Karatsu. Rated as gunboat No. 33 and as ship No. 3 in the Second Section.
21 May 1941:
Departs Karatsu on various training. Returns there later that day.
23 May 1941:
Departs Karatsu on various training. Returns to port later that day. Loads fresh water.
25 May 1941:
Departs Karatsu on various training.
26 May:
Arrives at Karatsu.
28 May 1941:
Departs Karatsu on various training.
29 May:
Arrives at Karatsu.
31 May 1941:
Departs Karatsu on various training.
2 June 1941:
Arrives at Tsuyazaki.
4 June 1941:
Departs Tsuyazaki and arrives at Sasebo later this day.
5 June 1941:
Loads heavy oil.
7 June 1941:
Loads coal.
10 June 1941:
Assigned to the Strait Unit, North Surveillance Unit. Departs Sasebo.
13 June 1941:
Arrives off Wenchow (now Wenzhou), China.
16 June 1941:
Departs Wenchow waters on patrol.
17 June 1941:
Assigned to the Fourth Surveillance Unit under North Surveillance Unit Order No. 1.
18 June 1941:
Arrives at Matsu Island, Formosa (Now Nangan Dao, Taiwan).
19 June 1941:
Departs Matsu Island on patrol.
20 June 1941:
Arrives at Matsu Island.
21 June 1941:
Loads coal and fresh water.
21 June 1941:
Departs Matsu Island on patrol.
24 June 1941:
Arrives off Dinghai, China.
25 June 1941:
Departs Dinghai on patrol and returns there later that day.
26 June 1941:
Departs Dinghai on patrol and returns to port later this day.
27 June 1941:
Departs Dinghai on patrol and returns there later that day.
28 June 1941:
Departs Dinghai on patrol and returns to port later that day.
29 June 1941:
Departs Dinghai on patrol and returns there later this day.
30 June 1941:
Departs Dinghai on patrol. Arrives at Mawei, China later that day.
1 July 1941:
Departs Mawei and arrives at Matsu Island later this day.
2 July 1941:
Departs Matsu Island on patrol and arrives at Haitan Island, China later that day.
3 July 1941:
Departs Haitan Island and arrives off Gui Ji Shan, China later this day.
4 July 1941:
Departs Gui Ji Shan waters on patrol and arrives at Xi Quan Island, China later that day.
5 July 1941:
Departs Xi Quan Island and arrives at Matsu Island later this day.
6 July 1941:
Loads heavy oil and fresh water. The Second Surveillance Unit is under command of the Commander of Unit 17. Departs Matsu Island later that day on a high speed motor torpedo boat search. Arrives at Da Yu Island, China later this day.
7 July 1941:
Departs Da Yu Island on patrol and arrives off Fu Ning, China later that day.
8 July 1941:
Departs Fu Ning waters on patrol and arrives at Xiaoan Channel, China later this day.
9 July 1941:
Departs Xiaoan Channel on patrol and arrives at Sandao, China later that day.
11 July 1941:
Departs Sandao on patrol and arrives at Daxiyang Shan, China later this day.
12 July 1941:
Departs Daxiyang Shan on patrol and arrives at Matsu Island later that day.
14 July 1941:
Departs Matsu Island on patrol and returns there later this day.
15 July 1941:
Departs Matsu Island on patrol and arrives off Gui Ji Shan later that day.
16 July 1941:
Departs Gui Ji Shan waters and arrives at Matsu Island later this day.
17 July 1941:
Departs Matsu Island on patrol and returns there later that day. Loads heavy oil and fresh water.
18 July 1941:
Departs Matsu Island on patrol and returns there later this day.
20 July 1941:
Departs Matsu Island on patrol and arrives at Haitan Island later that day.
21 July 1941:
Departs Haitan Island and arrives off Gui Ji Shan later this day.
22 July 1941:
Departs Gui Ji Shan waters. Calls at Hulu Island, China and arrives at Meng Tai Island, China later this day.
24 July 1941:
Departs Meng Tai Island.
25 July 1941:
Arrives at Kirun, Formosa (now Keelung, Taiwan).
28 July 1941:
Loads heavy oil.
30 July 1941:
Loads fresh water.
31 July 1941:
Departs Kirun.
1 August 1941:
Arrives at Matsu Island. Departs there and arrives at Qixing Jiao, China later that day.
3 August 1941:
Depart Qixing Jiao and arrives off Gui Ji Shan later this day.
5 August 1941:
Departs Gui Ji Shan waters and arrives at Matsu Island later that day.
7 August 1941:
Departs Matsu Island and returns there later this day. Auxiliary transport (later auxiliary collier) NITTEI MARU supplies fresh water.
10 August 1941:
Loads consigned goods seized by auxiliary netlayer KOREI MARU.
11 August 1941:
Departs Matsu Island towing seized ship KAIRO.
12 August 1941:
Arrives at Mako, Pescadores. Loads fresh water.
13 August 1941:
Loads oil and unloads consigned goods. Departs Mako later that day.
14 August 1941:
Arrives at Mawei.
15 ~ 16 August 1941:
Loads wood.
17 August 1941:
Departs Mawei and arrives at Matsu Island. Transfers the wood cargo to auxiliary minelayer NICHIUYU MARU. Departs Matsu Island thereafter and arrives at Mawei later that day. Loads wood.
19 August 1941:
Departs Mawei.
20 August 1941:
Arrives at Amoy (now Xiamen), China. Unloads the wood cargo.
21 August 1941:
Loads food and fresh water.
22 August 1941:
Departs Amoy and arrives at Ke Luo Bay, China later this day.
23 August 1941:
Departs Ke Luo Bay.
24 August 1941:
Arrives at Qi Kou Yang, China.
25 August 1941:
Departs Qi Kou Yang on formation training.
27 August 1941:
At 0540, formation is dissolved.
29 August 1941:
Arrives at Maizuru.
30 august 1941:
At 1300, moors at Maizuru Navy Yard pier.
15 September 1941:
Loads diesel fuel and food.
17 September 1941:
Loads fresh water.
19 September 1941:
Departs Maizuru on a main engine test. Returns to anchorage later that day and moors at buoy No. 4.
20 September 1941:
Departs Maizuru.
23 September 1941:
Arrives at Osaka. Moors at Harada Zosensho K.K. wharf.
24 September 1941:
At 0730, enters drydock.
26 September 1941:
Unloads ballast.
27 September 1941:
At 1100, undocked.
28 September 1941:
Departs Osaka.
29 September 1941:
Arrives at Kure. Tethers to anchorage D, buoy No. 3.
30 September 1941:
Loads heavy oil and food.
2 October 1941:
Departs Kure. The bow is heavily damaged in a collision with submarine I-61 in Genkai Sea at 252° and 6.85 nautical miles of Eboshi Island lighthouse. Subsequently searches for I-61 victims.
4 October 1941:
Departs collision site and arrives at Sasebo later this day.
9 October 1941:
Unloads ammunition and depth charges.
11 October 1941:
At 1000, enters Sasebo Navy Yard No. 4 drydock for repairs.
15 October 1941:
Attached to the Third Gunboat Division under instruction No. 1250.
28 October 1941:
Repairs are completed. Bow tank filling test is passed.
30 October 1941:
Undocked, thereafter loads heavy oil.
31 October 1941:
Loads depth charges and fresh water.
1 November 1941:
Departs Sasebo and arrives at Tachibana Bay later that day.
5 November 1941:
Auxiliary minelayer SHINKO MARU supplies fresh water. Thereafter, departs Tachibana Bay on a night gunnery exercise. Arrives at Tomioka Bay later this day.
6 November 1941:
Departs Tomioka Bay and arrives at Tachibana Bay. Departs there later this day to perform the fifth applied training for the Second Section.
7 November 1941:
Arrives at Tachibana Bay.
9 November 1941:
Auxiliary stores ship HAKUREI MARU supplies fresh food.
12 November 1941:
At 0700, anchors at Aba training anchorage. At 1015, performs anti-aircraft firing drill.
14 November 1941:
Departs Tachibana Bay and arrives at Terashima Strait later that day.
15 November 1941:
Departs Terashima Strait and arrives at Sasebo later this day.
16 November 1941:
Loads heavy oil and fresh water.
17 November 1941:
Loads fresh water.
18 November 1941:
Loads food.
19 November 1941:
Departs Sasebo and arrives at Terashima Strait later that day.
20 November 1941:
Departs Terashima Strait on training and returns there later this day.
24 November 1941:
Navy (Resv) Lt Hiraishi Kiyoshi is appointed CO.
26 November 1941:
Departs Terashima Strait.
29 November 1941:
Sustains sea water penetration in the heavy oil tank. At 1100, detaches from the 52nd, 53nd and 54th Subchaser Divisions. At 1730, detaches from auxiliary gunboats ASO and NAMPO MARUs.
30 November 1941:
Arrives at Mako.
1 December 1941:
Departs Mako and arrives at Takao, Formosa (now Kaohsiung, Taiwan) later that day.
2 December 1941:
Loads heavy oil.
5 December 1941:
Departs Takao on a Bay Exit patrol.
6 December 1941:
Departs Bay Exit and arrives at Takao later this day.
7 December 1941:
Departs Bay Exit and arrives at Takao later this day.
8 December 1941:
CO Yano is relieved by CO Hiraishi. Rated as Philippine Unit, Third Attack Unit’s Fourth Escort Unit. Departs Takao.
9 December 1941:
Detaches from auxiliary gunboats ASO and NAMPO MARUs to embark crew members from auxiliary seaplane carrier SANUKI MARU.
10 December 1941:
Arrives at Camiguin, Babuyan Islands, Philippines. Unloads base equipment and engages in anti-aircraft fire. Departs Camiguin on patrol later that day.
11 December 1941:
Ends patrol and arrives back at Camiguin. Departs there on anti-submarine sweep around Babuyan Island. Returns at Camiguin later this day.
12 December 1941:
The seaplane base is withdrawn. Departs Camiguin later that day.
14 December 1941:
Arrives at Kirun.
15 December 1941:
Loads heavy oil and fresh water.
16 December 1941:
Departs Kirun on anti-submarine sweep outside Kirun Harbor and returns to port later this day. Rated as the Third Escort Unit under Philippines Unit, Escort Unit Order No. 1.
17 December 1941:
Departs Kirun escorting transport convoy No. 3.
21 December 1941:
At 0700, joins the First and Second Escort Units.
22 December 1941:
Arrives at Lingayen Bay, Philippines. Provides anti-submarine and anti-aircraft security in Lingayen Bay.
23 December 1941:
At 280° and 15 nautical miles of San Fernando lighthouse, Philippines an enemy submarine attacks with a torpedo. Arrives at Santo Tomas, Lingayen Bay later that day. Auxiliary water tanker KOAN MARU supplies fresh water.
24 December 1941:
Auxiliary collier/oiler YODOGAWA MARU supplies heavy oil. Thereafter, departs Santo Tomas on patrol outside the Bay. Performs anti-submarine warfare. Drops depth charges.
26 December 1941:
Arrives at Santo Tomas anchorage.
27 December 1941:
Departs Santo Tomas on patrol near the N end of the minefield.
28 December 1941:
Arrives at Santo Tomas. Departs there on patrol near the S end of the minefield. Returns to Santo Tomas later this day.
29 December 1941:
Departs Santo Tomas on patrol near the N end of the minefield.
30 December 1941:
Arrives at Santo Tomas. Departs there later that day escorting the third return convoy.
31 December 1941:
Ends escort and arrives at San Fernando, Philippines later this day.
1 January 1942:
Departs San Fernando. Pilots the sea route near the N buoy of the sixth minefield.
Despite a warning from KISO MARU, IJA transport TEIUN MARU (ex-German BREMERHAVEN) accidentally enters the Japanese defensive mine barrage of 240 Type 93 mines which were laid SW of Santo Tomas on 25 December 1941 by auxiliary gunboats KAMITSU MARU (2,721 GRT), MANYO MARU (2,904 GRT) and TAIKO MARU (2,984 GRT), belonging to the 2nd Gunboat Division, 2nd Base Force, Third Fleet.
Several minutes later, TEIUN MARU strikes a mine and a huge explosion erupts on portside below the forward mast. Immediately, develops 40-45° portside list and then goes down vertically within 3 minutes at 16-11N, 120-18E. Seven crewmen including Captain Tanaka (last seen on the upper deck on the way to the ship´s stern), five soldiers of the 28th Independent Engineering Regiment, the two maintenance supervisors of the 5th Air Group, 117 airfield workers and the three Japanese working force supervisors go missing. All cargo and the two Daihatsu landing barges are also lost.
3 January 1942:
Attached to Vice Admiral Sugiyama Rokuzo’s (38) Third Southern Expeditionary Fleet, Third Gunboat Division. Rated as ship No. 233 (2). Scheduled to be attached to the Philippines Forces on 4 Jan ‘42 under Southern Forces Wireless Command No. 48.
4 January 1942:
Comes alongside auxiliary repair ship YAMABIKO MARU. Undergoes repairs and loads fresh water.
5 January 1942:
Arrives at Santo Tomas.
6 January 1942:
Attached to the Philippines West Forces under Philippines Islands Forces Wireless Command No. 2. Departs Santo Tomas escorting a return convoy consisting of TSUSHIMA MARU and seven unidentified Army transports probably with auxiliary subchasers KYO MARU No. 2 and KYO MARU No. 11.
8 January 1942:
Arrives at Takao.
9 January 1942:
Begins engine repairs and loads supplies and fuel.
10 January 1942:
Loads coal, food and fresh water.
11 January 1942:
Completes engine repairs.
12 January 1942:
Transfers to Takao anchorage.
13 January 1942:
Returns to Takao Port. At 0915, auxiliary oiler GENYO MARU supplies heavy oil.
14 January 1942:
Departs Takao escorting a convoy consisting of HOKUSHIN and HORAI MARUs and other Army transports.
15 January 1942:
Arrives at Aparri, Luzon, Philippines. Surveys seaworthiness of Philippines merchant CETUS (ex-INGA). Thereafter departs, probably still with convoy.
17 January 1942:
At 1530, auxiliary gunboats ASO and NAMPO MARU depart San Fernando and meet up with ships.
18 January 1942:
Arrives at Subic Bay, Philippines. Disembarks land party.
19 January 1942:
Departs Subic Bay on mobile patrol and arrives at Nazasa (now Nagsasa) Bay, Luzon, Philippines later that day.
20 January 1942:
At Nazasa Bay acts as pilot for minelayer YAEYAMA and IJA transport MYOKO MARU.
21 January 1942:
Patrols Subic Bay waters. Arrives at Port Silanguin, Luzon, Philippines later this day.
22 January 1942:
Departs Port Silanguin.
23 January 1942:
Arrives at Lingayen.
24 January 1944:
Lies alongside IJA transport KAMAKURA MARU and is supplied with fresh water. At 1620, lies alongside auxiliary oiler SAN LUIS MARU and is supplied with heavy oil.
27 January 1942:
Departs Lingayen. Pilots an IJA transport near San Fernando and arrives there later this day.
1 February 1942:
Attached to Third Southern Expeditionary Fleet, 31th Special Base Force, Third Gunboat Division. Departs San Fernando.
2 February 1942:
Arrives back at San Fernando. Departs there on mobile patrol later that day.
5 February 1942:
Arrives at San Fernando.
6 February 1942:
Departs San Fernando.
7 February 1942:
Arrives at Santo Tomas.
8 February 1942:
Departs Santo Tomas and arrives at San Fernando later this day.
12 February 1942:
Departs San Fernando.
13 February 1942:
Arrives at Subic Bay.
14 February 1942:
Departs Subic Bay on Mobile Patrol.
15 February 1942:
Shelled by coastal artillery. In turn fires at these artillery positions. Arrives at Subic Bay later that day.
18 February 1942:
Departs Subic Bay on mobile patrol.
19 February 1942:
Engages in anti-submarine warfare. Drops 7 depth charges. Calls at Subic Bay and departs there later that day.
21 February 1942:
Arrives at Santo Tomas to assist stranded auxiliary oiler SAN LUIS MARU which by then was only assisted by auxiliary netlayer KOREI MARU. An attempt to unload SAN LUIS MARU fails. Later, together with KOREI MARU and with assistance of light cruiser KUMA successfully refloats SAN LUIS MARU.
22 February 1942:
Departs Santo Tomas and arrives at San Fernando later this day.
23 February 1942:
Departs San Fernando.
24 February 1942:
Escorts No. 4 Division Reinforcement IJA transport convoy consisting of MANJU, CELEBES, PANAMA, KAISHO, TOTAI and KUNITAMA MARUs also escorted by torpedo boat KASASAGI, auxiliary gunboats DELHI and NAMPO MARUs. At 1200 DELHI MARU is detached. KASASAGI is also detached during the day.
25 February 1942:
Auxiliary netlayer KOREI MARU joins as an additional escort. Arrives at San Fernando.
26 February 1942:
Departs San Fernando. Escorts an IJA transport convoy later that day.
27 February 1942:
Arrives at San Fernando.
1 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando to provide anti-submarine security and port escort. Returns to port later this day.
2 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy. Returns to port later that day.
3 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy. Arrives at Santo Tomas. At 1310, auxiliary oiler SAN LUIS MARU supplies fuel, lubricants and fresh water.
4 March 1942:
Departs Santo Tomas on anti-submarine sweep. Fires at one floating mine.
5 March 1942:
Arrives at San Fernando. Departs there escorting a convoy. Returns to port later that day.
7 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy and on anti-submarine sweep. Returns there later this day.
8 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy and on anti-submarine sweep. Returns to port later that same day.
10 March 1942:
Attached to the Philippines West Forces under Philippines Forces Command Work instruction No. 6. Assigned to First Patrol Unit under Philippines West Command Order No. 4. Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy and on anti-submarine sweep. Arrives at Santo Tomas later this day. Replenishes 10 Type 89 depth charges.
11 March 1942:
Departs Santo Tomas and arrives at San Fernando later that day.
12 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy and on anti-submarine sweep. Returns to port later this day.
13 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy and on anti-submarine sweep.
14 March 1942:
Arrives at San Fernando.
16 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy and on anti-submarine sweep. Returns there later that day.
17 March 1942:
Rated as Philippines West Unit Patrol Unit to be implemented on 24 Mar ‘42 under Philippines Forces Command Order No. 8.
18 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy and on anti-submarine sweep. Returns to port later that day.
19 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy and on anti-submarine sweep. Arrives at Santo Tomas later this day. Auxiliary oiler SAN LUIS MARU supplies fuel, oil and fresh water.
20 March 1942:
Rated as Philippines West Unit Patrol Unit to be implemented on 24 Mar ‘42 under Philippines Forces West Command Order No. 5. Departs Santo Tomas and arrives at San Fernando later that day.
21 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando and arrives at San Tomas. Receives one Daihatsu landing craft from the Damortis, Luzon, Philippines Armor Department. Departs Santo Tomas towing the landing craft and arrives at San Fernando later that day.
22 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando still towing the landing craft.
23 March 1942:
Arrives at Olangapo, Luzon, Philippines. Delivers the landing craft. Auxiliary survey ship KYODO MARU No. 36 supplies fresh water.
24 March 1942:
Departs Olangapo.
25 March 1942:
Arrives at San Fernando.
28 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy and on anti-submarine sweep. Returns there later this day.
30 March 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy and on anti-submarine sweep. Returns to port later this day.
30 March 1942:
At 1930, departs San Fernando.
31 March 1942:
At 0330, meets up with auxiliary oiler NARUTO and begins escorting her. At 2300, both ships arrive at Subic Bay and then arrive at Olangapo later that same day.
1 April 1942:
Departs Subic Bay.
2 April 1942:
Arrives at San Fernando.
4 April 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting an unidentified transport and arrives at Santo Tomas later this day. Auxiliary oiler SAN LUIS MARU supplies diesel fuel, oil and fresh water. Loads supplies and begins replacement of generator.
6 April 1942:
Completes replacement of generator.
7 April 1942:
Departs Santo Tomas on a designated training and escorting an unidentified transport. Returns to port and departs there later that day.
8 April 1942:
Escorts a convoy. Fires on one floating mine. Arrives at San Fernando later this day.
10 April 1942:
Attached to the Southwest Area Fleet, 3rd Southern Expeditionary Fleet, Third Gunboat Division. Departs San Fernando piloting IJA transport OKINOYAMA MARU through the Channel. Calls at Santo Tomas. Departs there and arrives at San Fernando later this day.
14 April 1942:
Departs San Fernando sweeping the route ahead of auxiliary minelayer NICHIYU MARU. Returns to port later that day.
15 April 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a convoy. Returns later this day. Loads ice and undergoes engine disassembly for maintenance.
16 April 1942:
Loads food.
17 April 1942:
Completes engine maintenance.
18 April 1942:
Departs San Fernando leading a convoy. Returns later that day.
20 April 1942:
Departs San Fernando on minesweeping the harbor. Returns to port later this day.
21 April 1942:
Auxiliary gunboat OKUYO MARU supplies fresh water.
22 April 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a transport ship. Returns there later that day. Loads supplies and ice.
23 April 1942:
Auxiliary oiler SAN LUIS MARU supplies fuel and lubricants. Thereafter, departs San Fernando escorting a transport ship and returns there later this day.
24 April 1942:
Loads supplies.
25 April 1942:
Loads food. Departs San Fernando on anti-submarine sweep later that day. Arrives at Cape Candon, Luzon, Philippines later this day to assist beached IJA transport TOBA MARU. Assists refloating TOBA MARU and starts towing her with auxiliary subchaser KYO MARU No. 2 lashed to TOBA MARU’s port side and auxiliary gunboat NAMPO MARU to starboard to provide extra motive power.
26 April 1942:
Arrives at San Fernando towing IJA transport TOBA MARU.
27 April 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting IJN general requisitioned transport SHANGHAI MARU that is now towing TOBA MARU. Returns to port later that day.
28 April 1942:
Departs San Fernando piloting junks. Returns there later this day. Loads ice.
29 April 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting IJA transports TEIYO (ex-German SAARLAND) and RISSHUN MARUs.
30 April 1942:
Arrives at San Fernando.
2 May 1942:
At 1605, departs San Fernando escorting IJA transport MEIU MARU. Returns to port at 2220.
3 May 1942:
Auxiliary oiler SAN LUIS MARU supplies fuel and lubricants.
4 May 1942:
Her owners are changed to Kansai Kisen K.K. Departs that same day San Fernando escorting a convoy.
5 May 1942:
Arrives at San Fernando. Loads food. Thereafter departs there piloting transport ships. Returns to port later this day.
6 May 1942:
Loads food and ice.
7 May 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting a transport ship. Returns there later that day.
8 May 1942:
At 0640, departs San Fernando escorting a convoy consisting of IJA transport TAIBUN MARU and auxiliary subchaser KYO MARU No 2. Returns to port at 1635.
9 May 1942:
Rated as a Philippines West Unit under Philippines Unit Command No. 10.
10 May 1942:
Departs San Fernando escorting IJA transport NOTO MARU.
11 May 1942:
Arrives at Manila, Philippines.
12 May 1942:
Assigned to deliver a seized ship to Puerto Princesa, Palawan under Philippines Western Command Order No. 14.
13 May 1942:
Temporarily takes over command from auxiliary gunboat NAMPO MARU.
14 May 1942:
Loads fresh food, ice and canteen goods.
15 May 1942:
Loads 60 army aviation fuel drums, fresh water and embarks one passenger.
16 May 1942:
Departs Manila. Joins seized Philippines passenger ship PRINCESS OF NEGROS (later renamed TOYOHIME MARU) outside the port.
18 May 1942:
Arrives with PRINCESS OF NEGROS at Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. Land party disembarks. Support the landing with gunfire. At 1034, at Seat Bank. At 1205 at Li Bank. Auxiliary seaplane tender SANUKI MARU supplies fresh water.
21 May 1942:
Moors alongside a pier at Puerto Princesa. Unloads the IJAAF fuel drums. The land party re-embarks. Supplies PRINCESS OF NEGROS with fresh water. Departs there later this day.
23 May 1942:
Arrives at Manila.
24 May 1942:
Loads food.
26 May 1942:
Departs Manila.
27 May 1942:
Arrives at San Fernando. Departs there later that day escorting IJA transports TOBA and SHANGHAI MARUs.
1 June 1942:
Arrives at Kirun.
2 June 1942:
Removes the command flag.
3 June 1942:
Departs Kirun.
4 June 1942:
Arrives at Mako.
5 June 1942:
Unloads ammunition and depth charges. Thereafter, enters Mako Engineering Department drydock.
17 June 1942:
Undocked. Replenishes food and ice.
18 June 1942:
Loads ammunition, depth charges, heavy oil and coal.
19 June 1942:
Loads fresh water.
20 June 1942:
Departs Mako on a trial run. Returns to port later this day.
E 21 June 1942:
KISO MARU and auxiliary netlayer KOREI MARU meet up with RAKUTO and NICHIYU MARUs that are bound for Manila.
23 June 1942:
At 0000, in 16-05N, 119-26E both escorts are detached. Arrives later at Mako.
25 June 1942:
Loads fresh water.
27 June 1942:
Departs Mako on a trial run. Returns there later that day.
28 June 1942:
At 0630, departs Mako for Manila escorting auxiliary oiler TOEN MARU. The ships sail at 8 knots.
30 June 1942:
At 0900, off Cape Bolinao, Philippines detaches.
1 July 1942:
Released from Third Gunboat Division under Instruction No. 1180. Temporarily attached to the South West Area Fleet, Third Southern Expeditionary Fleet, 31st Special Base Force. At 1200, in 17-32N, 118-28E meets up with IJA transport KOTOHIRA MARU already escorted by destroyer FUMITSUKI.
1 July ~ 31 August 1942:
Carries out Manila Bay entrance patrols.
2 July 1942:
At 1200, arrives at Manila with KOTOHIRA MARU and FUMITSUKI.
18 August 1942:
Scheduled for installation of an additional 12 cm binocular telescope under Secretariat Instruction No. 10375.
3 September 1942:
Departs Manila escorting convoy No. 908 consisting of auxiliary water tanker GORYU MARU only to Basilan Strait, Philippines.
8 September 1942:
Arrives at Manila.
September 1942:
Carries out Manila Bay Entrance patrols.
1 October ~ 8 October 1942:
Carries out Manila and Manila area patrols.
8 October 1942:
Departs Manila escorting an unidentified transport ship. Returns to port later this day.
8 ~ 31 October 1942:
Carries out Manila and Manila area patrols.
1 November ~ 6 November 1942:
Carries out Manila and Manila area patrols.
6 November 1942:
Departs Manila escorting an unidentified transport ship.
13 November 1942:
Arrives at Cavite, Luzon, Philippines.
21 November 1942:
Departs Cavite and arrives at Manila later that day.
21 ~ 27 November 1942:
Carries out Manila and Manila area patrols.
27 November 1942:
Departs Manila escorting IJN general requisitioned oiler NISSHIN MARU and executes a sea surface anti-submarine sweep W Palawan.
2 December 1942:
Arrives at Cavite.
6 December 1942:
Departs Cavite on patrol and escorting a transport ship.
9 December 1942:
Arrives at Cavite. Enters drydock later.
E1 January ~ 11 January 1943:
Undocked.
11 January 1943:
Departs Cavite.
18 January 1943:
Arrives at Manila.
25 January 1943:
Departs Manila escorting a transport ship.
4 February 1943:
Arrives at Manila.
5 February 1943:
Departs Manila.
20 February 1943:
Attached to Vice Admiral (later Admiral) Takasu Shiro’s (35) Southwest Area Fleet, in Vice Admiral Ota Taiji’s (37) 3rd Southwestern Expeditionary Fleet.
5 March 1943:
Escorts fleet oiler TSURUMI from Davao to Jolo, Philippines.
1 June 1943:
Receives Philippines Force Order No. 147: 1 - Due to No. 2 KEIO MARU No. 010255 wireless, enemy submarine is operating towards Cebu, Philippines for the time being.
2 - Sweeping unit KISO MARU should find and destroy enemy submarine.
3 June 1943:
At 1600, takes over escort from auxiliary gunboat BUSHO MARU of a convoy consisting of auxiliary oilers SANRAKU and KYOEI MARUs and cargo ship SHONAN MARU.
5 June 1943:
Arrives with the convoy at Manila.
18 June 1943:
Scheduled to be fitted with a Type 93 13mm MG under instruction No. 3049.
26 June 1943:
Order for construction of base for the Type 93 13mm MG’s installation.
1 July 1943:
Navy (Resv) Lt. Hiraishi is confirmed as CO.
21 July 1943:
Departs Wuhu Buko for Hirohata.
5 August 1943:
Departs Manila escorting an unnamed convoy consisting of fleet oiler TSURUMI, tanker RONSAN MARU and meteorological ship KAIYO No. 2.
7 August 1943:
At 1100, RONSAN MARU is detached for Miri.
9 August 1943:
Arrives with the convoy at Tarakan, Borneo, Netherlands Indies.
1 September 1943:
Navy (Resv) Lt Uchida Kiyoshi is appointed CO.
11 September 1943:
Departs Mutsure with destroyer SHIOKAZE escorting convoy No. 195 consisting of auxiliary oiler CHIHAYA MARU and IJA transports, KASHIMA, YAMATO (ex-Italian GIUSEPPE VERDI) and YOSHU MARUs.
13 September 1943:
At 0206, LtCdr (later Rear-Admiral) Charles O. Triebel's (USNA ’29) USS SNOOK (SS-279) torpedoes and sinks YAMATO MARU (ex-Italian GIUSEPPE VERDI) at 30-18N, 123-03E with 916 passengers, 3340-tons of cargo and 3000-kgp of mail. Four crewmen and 29 passengers are KIA. SHIOKAZE drops 14 depth charges, but USS SNOOK manages to evade these.
17 September 1943:
At 0800, arrives at Kirun. Departs there later this day.
18 September 1943:
Arrives at Takao.
21 September 1943:
Departs Takao.
3 October 1943:
At 0800, departs Manila escorting IJA transports HIBI, and TEIRYU (ex-German AUGSBURG) MARUs and MATSUE MARU bound for Singapore.
6 October 1943:
Allied codebreakers intercept and decrypt a radio message requesting that auxiliary subchasers CHa-2 and CHa-8 take over escort of a convoy from auxiliary gunboat KISO MARU at 07-00N, 115-00E. The convoy consists of TEIRYU, HIBI and MATSUE MARUs to Singapore. A subsequent decoded message indicates the rendezvous is delayed until 7 Oct.
7 October 1943:
At 07-00N, 115-00E auxiliary subchasers CHa-2 and CHa-8 apparently take over escort from KISO MARU.
13 February 1944:
Together with auxiliary netlayer KOREI MARU and auxiliary subchaser KYO MARU No. 8 scheduled as escorts for convoy H-18 under Philippines Unit Command Wireless No. 136.
17 February 1944:
At 1200, convoy H-18 departs Manila. The convoy consists of AKIURA, SHOHO, TOYO, TSUKIKAWA and SHINRYU MARUs escorted by KISO MARU, and likely auxiliary netlayer KOREI MARU.
23 February 1944:
The convoy arrives at Kau Bay, Halmahera.
9 March 1944:
Together with auxiliary subchasers TOKACHI and YATSUSHIRO MARUs, scheduled as escorts for convoy H-21 under Philippines Unit Command Wireless No. 150.
12 March 1944:
Departs Manila with subchasers TOKACHI and YATSUSHIRO MARUs escorting convoy H-21 consisting of ROKKO, TENSHO, KOHOKU, RYOCHI (ex-Philippine LATOUCHE) and RYUWA MARUs. The ships sail at 8 knots.
14 March 1944:
Arrives at Cebu.
15 March 1944:
Departs Cebu.
16 April 1944:
Departs Manila.
17 April 1944:
At 1550, together with auxiliary subchaser CHa-39 meets up with convoy TAMA-16 consisting of BIZEN, OMINE, SHIRAHAMA, SORACHI, SHONAN and TOSHO MARUs and YOSHIDA MARU No. 3, fleet tanker ASHIZURI and oilers HAKUBASAN, MATSUMOTO, NITTETSU, TACHIBANA, TAKETSU (BUTSU), YAMASACHI MARUs, OGURA MARU No. 1 and YAMAMIZU MARU No. 2 and possibly JOGU MARU escorted by destroyer HASU, torpedo boats HAYABUSA and SAGI, patrol boat PB-38 and auxiliary subchaser TAKUNAN MARU No. 3 and begin escorting it.
16 April 1944:
At 0930, destroyer HASU and auxiliary minesweeper TAKUNAN MARU No. 3 detach.
19 April 1944:
At 1312, arrives at Manila.
23 April 1944:
Departs Manila escorting convoy H-24 also consisting of SORACHI, TOSHO, and MIYAURA MARUs and YOSHIDA MARU No. 3 also escorted by auxiliary subchaser KYO MARU No. 2 and two unidentified escorts.
1 May 1944:
The convoy arrives at Kau Bay, Halmahera.
25 May 1944:
Navy (Resv) Lt Shishido Yoshio is appointed CO.
12 June 1944:
Lt Shishido embarks.
24 June 1944:
Departs Surigao, Philippines for Manila escorting a convoy consisting of Army transports ASO and TSUYAMA MARUs. At 0904, ASO MARU is torpedoed and sunk by LtCdr Austin’s (USNA ‘35) USS REDFIN (SS-272) with the loss of six crewmen and five gunners.
7 September 1944:
At 0200, departs Zamboanga, Philippines with subchaser CH-55 escorting convoy C-076 consisting of SHINYO (ex-Greek PANANIS), MIHO, KAMITSU and RYUKA MARUs and auxiliary oiler EIYO MARU No. 2.
At 1659, LtCdr Byron H. Nowell's (USNA ’35) USS PADDLE (SS-263) torpedoes and sinks SHINYO MARU (ex-Greek PANANIS) at 08-12N, 122-37E. She was carrying 749 US and 1 British POWs, guards and other passengers. 15 crewmen, 47 guards and 667 POWs are KIA. EIYO MARU No. 2 is also damaged and is taken in tow by salvage ship MIHO MARU and heads for Cebu.
8 September 1944:
LtCdr Richard E. Nichols' (USNA ’35) USS BASHAW (SS-241) torpedoes and sinks RYUKA MARU at 08-19N, 121-30E. 328 troops, two gunners and 16 crewmen are killed.
9 September 1944:
Arrives with CH-55, EIYO MARU No. 2 and MIHO MARU at Cebu. It is unclear whether KAMITSU MARU is with them or has proceeded on to Manila. EIYO MARU No. 2 arrives at Cebu. She is beached at Sindagon Point at 08-10N, 122-40E and is deemed damaged beyond repair.
12 September 1944:
Cebu Bay. Vice Admiral (later Admiral) Marc A. Mitscher’s (USNA ’10) Task Force 38’s planes attack KISO MARU. They sink her at 11-18N, 124-04E near BulalaQui Point, Cebu Island, Philippines with the loss of four crewmen. Task Force 38’s planes also attack CH-55, but inflict only minor damage. EIYO MARU No. 2 is bombed by the aircraft and sinks at 08-12N, 122-37E. 43 crewmen and two passengers are KIA.
13 September 1944:
Three miles NE of Cebu, Task Force 38’s planes again attack CH-55. This time, they sink her at Magellan Bay, near Lapu Lapu, Mactan Island, Philippines at 10-20N, 124-00E with unknown casualties.
10 November 1944:
Removed from the Navy’s list under instruction No. 1258.

Authors' Notes:
[1] Not to be confused with IJA transports No. 269 (555 GRT, ’39) and No. 760 (4,070 GRT, ’20).
Thanks go to Gengoro S. Toda of Japan.

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

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