RIKUGUN YUSOSEN

Shiraha Maru (Ex-Valverda) Class Transport

(Sister TATSUHA MARU). prewar)



In 1918, VALVERDA was completed as a passenger-cargo liner for the Cunard Steamship Co., Ltd., Liverpool. One of her sisters was VIRGILIA MARU also owned by the Cunard Line. In 1927-1928, they both were sold to Tatuuma Kisen K. K., Nishinomiya and renamed SHIRAHA and TATSUHA MARUs respectively. During the Pacific War, they both were chartered to the Imperial Army (IJA) and served as a troop transports. In Jan '43, SHIRAHA MARU was torpedoed and sunk off Mindanao, Philippines. In Feb '44, TATSUHA MARU was bombed and sunk by Task Force 58 planes NW of Truk.

Builder and
Year Completed:		 Russell & Co., Ltd. Port Glascow, Scotland, UK.
1918
Gross tonnage: 5,680-tons nominal
Dimensions: 418’ x 54.9’ x 31’
Propulsion: Triple expansion steam engine, 564 n.h.p., 1 screw
Speed: 10.5 knots cruising.
Armament: Unknown Unknown