SOKAITEI!

© 2005-2009 Bob Hackett and Peter Cundall

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19 March 1941:
Tokyo. Laid down at Ishikawajima Shipbuilding.

17 September 1941:
Launched and numbered W-20.

15 December 1941:
Completed and commissioned in the IJN. Lt Kita Yasaburo is the Commanding Officer.

26 December 1941:
Takao, Formosa. W-20 collides with destroyer MURASAME and is damaged. Thereafter, undergoes repairs.

4 May 1942: Operation “MO” – The Invasions of Tulagi and Port Moresby:
Rabaul, New Britain. W-20 is assigned to Rear Admiral Kajioka's Port Moresby Attack Force with DesRon 6's YUBARI, DesDiv 29’s ASANAGI, OITE, DesDiv 30’s MUTSUKI, MOCHIZUKI and YAYOI and a patrol boat escorting Rear Admiral (later Vice Admiral) Abe Koso's (former CO of HIEI) Transport Force of five Navy and six Army transports, repair ship OSHIMA, oilers GOYO MARU, HOYO MARU, IRO, minesweepers HAGOROMO MARU, NOSHIRO MARU No. 2, FUMI MARU No. 2 and minelayer TSUGARU towards the Jomard Pass in the Louisiade Archipelago. The Port Moresby invasion troops are in this group.

9 May 1942:
After the Battle of Coral Sea, the Attack Force returns to Rabaul.

22 May 1942:
At 1700, W-20 departs Rabaul for Moji escorting a convoy consisting of CHOWA, AKIBASAN and SHOKA MARUs.

23 May 1942:
At 0600, an unidentified auxiliary gunboat joins and accompanies the convoy until 2200. [1]

21 June 1942:
SW Gavutu Is. At 1415, LtCdr John R. Moore’s old S-44 torpedoes and sinks auxiliary gunboat KEIJO MARU. That same day, W-20 rescues 62 of her survivors, another 63 are KIA.

14 July 1942:
W-20 and W-21 are reassigned to Rear Admiral (later Vice Admiral) Kanazawa Masao's (39)(former CO of KIRISHIMA) 8th Base Force in Vice Admiral Mikawa Gunichi's newly established Eighth Fleet.

17 August 1942:
W-20 departs Rabaul for Basabua, New Guinea with light cruiser TENRYU and subchasers CH-22, CH-23 and CH-24 escorting a convoy consisting of KAZUURA, RYOYU and KANYO MARUs transporting Rear Admiral (later Vice Admiral) Yamada Sadayoshi's (42)(former CO of KAGA) 25th Air Flotilla's base supplies.

18 August 1942:
At 1730, arrives at Basabua.

4 February 1943:
W-20 meets unescorted convoy "H" at 00-50S, 150-00E consisting of HAKUSAN and MYOKO MARUs that left Palau the previous day.

5 February 1943:
The convoy arrives safely at Manokwari, New Guinea. [2]

18 May 1943:
Lt Aizawa Shingo assumes command.

12 March 1944:
At 0400, departs Tokyo in outbound convoy "Higashi Matsu No.2" consisting of TAKAOKA, HIBI, TAJIMA, MIHO, AWA, DAITEN, RYUKA, TAMAHOKO, KOKUYO, TSUSHIMA, ATLANTIC and SHINSEI MARU No. 1 escorted by W-20, light cruiser TATSUTA, destroyers NOWAKI, ASAAKAZE, YUNAGI and UZUKI, kaibokan HIRADO, minelayers SOKUTEN and KYOSAI.

13 March 1944:
40 miles NNE of Hachijo-jima. At 0310, LtCdr Malcom E. Garrison's new USS SAND LANCE (SS-381) sets up and fires four stern torpedoes at the convoy. Two hit and sink TATSUTA at 32-52N 139-12E. The other two hit and sink transport KOKUYO MARU carrying 1,029 troops. SAND LANCE undergoes an 18-hour attack by the escorts. SAND LANCE, a thick-skinned BALAO-class, dives to 550-feet and escapes 105 depth charges.

19 March 1944:
At 1400 arrives at Saipan.

17 May 1944:
At 0616, W-20, destroyer HATAKAZE, kaibokan CD-16, MIKURA and MIYAKI, subchaser CH-48, minelayer SARUSHIMA and auxiliary netlayer KOA MARU depart Tateyama, Japan escorting convoy No. 3515 consisting of HAKUSAN, NIPPONKAI, TOYO, KINSHU, HINKO, REIKAI, EIKO, NATSUKAWA, SHOKAI, MEITO and CHIYO MARUs and UNYO MARU No. 8.

23 May 1942:
At about 0900, W-20 is detached from the convoy.

25 May 1942:
At 0708, the convoy arrives safely at Saipan.

April 1944:
Lt Tanaka Sanzo assumes command.

15 April 1944:
At 0600, W-20 and W-28 depart Tokyo with destroyers HOKAZE, YUNAGI, UZUKI, kaibokan MIYAKE, minelayers SARUSHIMA, KYOSAI and YURISHIMA and subchasers CH-6, CH-10 and CH-12 escorting convoy "Higashi-Matsu No. 6" consisting of AWAJI, HAKUBA, KATSUKAWA, TAKAOKA, BATAVIA, AWA and HOKUSHIN MARUs bound for Saipan, CHOAN MARU No. 2 and MIKAGE MARU No. 1 bound for Truk, JOKUJA, BISAN and JINSAN MARUs bound for Palau, KAMISHIMA and SHOZAN MARUs bound for Woleai, INARI and TONEGAWA MARUs bound for Guam and TATSUAKI and TAMAHOKO MARUs bound for Chichi-Jima.

23 April 1944:
At 0600, arrives at Saipan.

29 May 1944:
At 0400, W-20, minelayer SARUSHIMA and auxiliary minesweeper FUMI MARU No. No. 2. depart Guam in a convoy consisting of NISSHO MARU No. 18 and TAKUNAN and BATAVIA MARUs. At 2030 that day, arrives safely at Saipan.

31 May 1944:
At 0600, W-20, destroyer HATAKAZE, kaibokan CD-12, minelayer SARUSHIMA, auxiliary minesweeper FUMI MARU No. 2 and auxiliary store ship TAKUNAN MARU depart Saipan for Yokosuka escorting convoy No. 4530 consisting of HAKUSAN, JINZAN, EIKO, NATSUKAWA, SHUNSEN, KAIKO and CHIYO MARUs and UNYO MARU No. 8.

2 June 1944:
250 miles W of Uracas Island. At 2207, CHIYO MARU is attacked by LtCdr Edward N. Blakely’s USS SHARK (SS-314) and hit by two torpedoes port side under the rear of the bridge. About ten minutes later, CHIYO MARU sinks at 21-00N 140-30E. W-20 and the other escorts counter-attack and drop a total of thirty-nine depth-charges, but without damage to SHARK.

4 June 1944:
317 miles WSW of Iwo-Jima. At 0405, HAKUSAN MARU is attacked by LtCdr John D. Crowley’s USS FLIER (SS-250) and hit port side by two of three torpedoes torpedoes fired. At 0415, HAKUSAN MARU’s stern rises vertically and she sinks at 22-37N 136-50E. W-20 and the other escorts counter-attack and drop thirty-four depth-charges, but without damage to FLIER.

8 June 1944:
At 0800, the remainder of the convoy arrives at Yokosuka.

2 July 1944:
At 1800, W-20, auxiliary subchaser CHa-9, coast defense vessel YASOJIMA (ex-Chinese light cruiser PING HAI), kaibokan AMAKUSA and OKI, auxiliary minesweeper SHOWA MARU No.7 and an unknown ship depart Yokosuka for Chichi-Jima escorting convoy No. 3702 consisting of SHIBAZONO, EIKO, DAIJI, RYUKO and YAEI MARUs and UNKAI MARU No.7, and Oil Tanker No. 3995.

4 July 1944:
After receiving reports of an enemy carrier task force conducting raids on Chichi-Jima, the convoy reverses course for the homeland and later is dissolved.

1 August 1944:
At 0400, departs Moji in convoy MO-05 consisting of KAZUURA, TATSUJU, TSUSHIMA, YAMAHAGI, GYOKU, ETAJIMA and HIROTA MARUs escorted by W-20, minelayer SHIRATAKA, destroyer HIBIKI and auxiliary minesweeper Wa-2.

5 August 1944:
Arrives safely at Kinmu Wan, Okinawa.

15 August 1944:
At 0600, W-20 destroyer HATSUSHIMO, kaibokan CD-10, CD-20, torpedo-boat HIYODORI and subchaser CH-63 depart Moji for Takao, Formosa escorting convoy MOTA-23 consisting of FUKUREI, EDOGAWA, TAIJO, EIJI, MANSHU, ATSUTA, CHINA, ROZAN, EIMAN, TOYOOKA, KOGYO and AWAJI MARUs and YOSHIDA MARU No. 3, TOYO MARU No. 3 and an unidentified ship.

15 August 1944:
From about noon, the convoy commander believes they are being trailed by enemy submarines.

18 August 1944:
At 1950, in an effort to shake off the enemy, the convoy puts into Kagoshima Bay, southern Kyushu.

20 August 1944:
At 0409, the convoy departs Kagoshima for Takao.

24 August 1944:
Off NW Formosa. At about 0700, as planned four ships detach from the formation bound for Keelung. About the same time, LtCdr Henry S. Monroe's USS RONQUIL (SS-396) attacks YOSHIDA MARU No. 3. She is hit by a number of torpedoes, her bomb and shell magazines erupt and a huge explosion rents the ship. She immediately sinks. At the same time, FUKUREI MARU is also torpedoed. She lists, floods, comes to a stop and then drifts ashore. On 13 November 1944, FUKUREI MARU is officially abandoned there. After the submarine attacks, the convoy changes course.

25 August 1944:
Arrives at Keelung at 1400.

27 August 1944:
Departs Keelung.

29 August 1944:
Arrives at Takao.

1 September 1944:
Mako, Pescadores. W-20 and subchaser CH-41 join convoy MI-17 consisting of tankers NITTETSU and SHIMOTSU MARUs, cargo ships BAIKAL, AMAHI, DAITEN, NORWAY, ARAOSAN, NICHIZUI, HOKUREI MARU, SHINYO MARU No. 8 and three unidentified ships escorted by destroyers SHIOKAZE and KURETAKE, kaibokan CD-18, minelayer YURISHIMA and W-17. The convoy anchors at Mako.

4 September 1944:
At 1000, the convoy departs Mako for Manila. At an undetermined point, W-20 detaches from the convoy, probably after the dangerous Luzon Strait leg has been partly negotiated.

5 September 1944:
At 1900, W-20, destroyers HATSUHARU, HIBIKI, kaibokan CD-1, CD-3, CD-7, CD-8, subchaser CH-63, torpedo-boat HIYODORI, auxiliary subchaser CHa-67 depart Takao for Manila escorting convoy TAMA-25 consisting of KOGYO, EIJI, MANSHU, EIMAN, ATSUTA, SHOKOKU, NANREI, ROZAN, EIMAN, TOYOOKA and HOKUSEN MARUs. Previously known as MOTA-23, this convoy was enroute to Takao before being diverted to Keelung. The convoy is carrying reinforcements, equipment and ammunition for the defense of the Philippine Islands.

6 September 1944:
At 0230, KOGYO MARU develops engine troubles and turns back. At about 0423, EIJI MARU carrying units of the Kwantung Army's 8th. Infantry Division and 2nd Tank Division, strikes a mine at 22-19N, 120-30E. HIBIKI comes alongside to assist, but also strikes a mine that severely damages her bow. She returns to Takao. At about 0500, EIJI MARU is ordered abandoned. At 0800, there is another explosion and EIJI MARU sinks. The convoy withdraws to nearby Tungchiang. EIMAN MARU suffers engine troubles and also returns to Takao.

9 September 1944:
43 miles NW of Calayan Island. At about 0315, TOYOOKA MARU is torpedoed by LtCdr (later Rear Admiral) Charles E. Loughlin's USS QUEENFISH (SS-393). She sinks five minutes later at 19-45N, 120-55E. 1,036 soldiers and nine crewmen are killed. At 0319, MANSHU MARU is hit by a torpedo from QUEENFISH on her starboard side. She takes on a list, then two more torpedoes strike No. 3 hold and the engine room. The list increases and by 0322 sinks by the stern. She was carrying 1,492 men of the 42nd Infantry Regiment, plus her crew. 900 are killed. At 2120, the convoy seeks temporary shelter at Aparri. At 2250, the convoy departs hugging the coast.

12 September 1944:
At 1930, the convoy anchors at Santa Cruz.

13 September 1944:
At 1940, the convoy arrives in Subic Bay. It is learned the Americans have been attacking the Visayas in the Central Philippine Islands since 12 September.

14 September 1944:
At 0325, because of the danger of attacks in Manila, the convoy raises anchors and heads back north. At 1500, it arrives back at Santa Cruz. For the next two days the convoy remains on standby,

17 September 1944:
At 0655, the convoy departs. At 1850, it arrives again at Subic Bay.

18 September 1944:
At 0610, the convoy departs and arrives at Manila at 1610.

19 September 1944:
At 0630, W-20 and W-17, subchasers CH-41 and CH-63 depart Takao for Manila escorting convoy TAMA-26 consisting of MIZUHO, SHIRANESAN, EIMAN, ARABIA, TEMPI, HOTEN, AWAJI and NICHINAN MARUs and TOYO MARU No. 3.

21 September 1944:
At 0300, HOTEN MARU suffered engine troubles and remains behind at Musa. At 0700, a friendly aircraft flies overhead to a position forward of the convoy from which it dive-bombs a submarine. At the same time, three torpedoes are seen approaching. AWAJI MARU, carrying 500 tons of ammunition, 600 passengers and 67 crewmen, is struck in the engine room by two torpedoes fired by LtCdr (later Vice Admiral) Glynn R. Donaho's USS PICUDA (SS-382). AWAJI MARU lists to port, then splits into two parts. Her cargo begins to explode. Abandon Ship is ordered. At 0705, the forward part of the ship rises vertically, then sinks, the rear half quickly follows. NICHINAN MARU remains behind to rescue survivors. At 0745, the convoy manages to get back into formation and head southwards again.

At 0835, MIZUHO MARU is torpedoed by LtCdr Louis D. McGregor's USS REDFISH (SS-395). Hit by three torpedoes, the ship takes on a list and starts to sink by the stem. She is immediately abandoned. Soon after, she sinks at 18-37N, 120-4IE. MIZUHO MARU was carrying 5, 415 persons, 1, 313 of whom died. Also onboard were horses, baggage and equipment plus a large quantity of ammunition.

1 October 1944:
At 2056, the convoy enters Manila Harbor.

4 October 1944:
Manila. W-20, W-41 and subchaser CH-41 are assigned to escort convoy MATA-28 to Takao, Formosa. The ships anchor in the Cabcaben Sea on the SE side of the Bataan Peninsula. The convoy formation is organized to include KOHOKU, KOKUREI, BUNZAN, SHOEI, HOKUREI, TERUKUNI and HISHIGATA MARUs and SHINYO MARU No. 8. At 0100, the convoy departs arriving the same day at 1908 at Santa Cruz.

5 October 1944:
At 0630, the convoy departs Santa Cruz arriving the same day at 1800 at San Fernando.

6 October 1944:
While at San Fernando, convoy MATA-28 absorbs convoy MIMA-11 consisting of oilers KAMOI and TACHIBANA and OMINE MARUs and YAMAMIZU MARU No. 2. At 0618, the reformed convoy departs San Fernando for Takao escorted by W-20, kaibokan CD-8, CD-32 and CD-25, subchasers CH-28, CH-30, CH-33 and CH-41.

At about 0800, LtCdr Henry C. Stevenson's USS ASPRO (SS-309) attacks the convoy. Stevenson fires three torpedoes by periscope at a tanker and claims one hit, but actually achieves no results. At 1530, LtCdr William C. Thompson's USS CABRILLA (SS-288) torpedoes HOKUREI MARU and YAMAMIZU MARU No. 2. YAMAMIZU MARU No. 2 sinks. HOKUREI MARU is badly damaged and beached off Vigan.

At 1830, the convoy retires to Lapoc Bay, Philippines.

7 October 1944:
At 0030, after receiving a radio message warning of an American task force off the E coast of Formosa, the convoy splits in two with KAMOI, KOHOKU, BUNZAN, TACHIBANA, HOKUSEN, SHOEI and HISHIGATA MARUs heading for Yulin, China. SHINYO MARU No. 8, TERUKUNI and OMINE MARUs and two unidentified escorts remain behind. At about 0600, KAMOI and TACHIBANA MARU split away from the convoy. They are accompanied by CD-8 and a subchaser. This leaves the convoy covered by W-20, CD-32, CD-25 and CH-41.

8 October 1944:
At 1630, the air raid warning for Takao is cancelled. At 1800, the convoy reverses course for Takao. At 2325, KOHOKU MARU is torpedoed and sunk in a night surface radar attack by LtCdr Victor B. McCrae's USS HOE (SS-258). Earlier that night, in a similar attack, McCrae also torpedoes and heavily damages CD-8.

9 October 1944:
At 0142, Cdr Alan B. Banister's USS SAWFISH (SS-276) makes a night surface radar attack on TACHIBANA MARU. Banister fires 10 torpedoes and gets three hits that sink TACHIBANA MARU at 19-33N, 116-38E. CD-8 rescues survivors. KAMOI is detached and proceeds to Hong Kong. At 1600, the rest of convoy MATA-28 is diverted from Takao to Hong Kong.

11 October 1944:
At 1013, convoy MATA-28 arrives at Hong Kong.

27 October 1944:
At 1958, W-20, subchasers CH-30, CH-33 and auxiliary subchaser and CHa-41 depart Hong Kong for Takao escorting convoy HOMA-1 consisting of HAMBURG, YASUKUNI, EIWA, SHINETSU and KANETSU MARUs and NISSHO MARU No. 18.

30 October 1944:
At 1358, convoy HOMA-1 arrives at Takao.

2 November 1944:
At 1130, W-20 departs Takao escorting convoy TAMA-31A consisting of KAGU MARU and navy LST's T.111, T.139, T.140 and T.160. The ships are part of an emergency transport run to Manila following the Battle for Leyte Island and are carrying 1,820 men including a naval construction unit from Kure, an anti-aircraft unit and a Special Naval Landing Force.

3 November 1944:
Near Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippines. A temporary wolf pack is formed consisting of consisting of Cdr (later Rear Admiral) Wreford G. Chapple’s BREAM (SS-243), LtCdr William T. Kinsella’s RAY (SS-271), LtCdr Maurice W. Shea’s RATON (SS-270) and LtCdr (later Captain) Enrique D. Haskins’ GUITARRO (SS-363). Meanwhile, the convoy proceeds into the danger zone. While in the Bashi Channel, the convoy evades torpedoes probably fired by LtCdr Robert E. Ward's USS SAILFISH (SS-192). W-20 remains in the area for awhile to keep the submarine down, then shelters with the convoy in Lapoc Bay, N of Vigan, arriving there at 1800.

3 November 1944:
At 0300, USN codebreakers intercept and decrypt a message from No. 1 Maritime Transport Commander to MOMA-06 convoy that reads: “Coast Defense Ship No. 11 will carry out screen of ---- and at the same time will execute anti-submarine sweep. Minesweeper No. 20, KURASAKI and No. 3 TOOYO MARU will arrive at the scene by 0630 and engage in salvage operations. KURETAKE will carry out screen of Sabtang South entrance and Subchaser No. 41 will furnish screen at North entrance….Convoy will take refuge in Sabtang Channel and will delay departure.”

Bashii Strait. At 0435, Hess attacks ATLAS MARU again, but misses. At 0500, POMFRET also torpedoes and damages HAMBURG MARU. At 1850, one of the escorts scuttles her at 20-18N, 121-51E.

4 November 1944:
At 0700, convoy TAMA-31A leaves Lapoc Bay and heads south for Manila. At 1627, LtCdr Shea's RATON attacks the convoy and fires six torpedoes at KAGU MARU, but they all miss. The convoy’s escorts and air cover counterattack, but without effect. W-20 again remains in the area. Later that day, Cdr Chapple’s BREAM puts one of four torpedoes he fires into KAGU MARU.

KURETAKE takes ATLAS MARU under tow. About 1330, ATLAS MARU is beached and her cargo begins to be unloaded (by 18 November, a typhoon causes ATLAS MARU to be abandoned). Torpedo boat SAGI arrives from Takao and joins the escort.

At 1616, USN codebreakers decrypt another message from No. 1 Maritime Transport Commander that reads: “Will have Coast Defense Vessel No. 11, Minesweeper No. 20, KURETAKE and No. 3 TOOYO MARU investigate the situation of ATLAS MARU and take aboard survivors from 1430 on. Transfer of victuals for the troops has already begun. Weather is generally good at the vicinity of the anchorage.”

10.5 miles NW of Cape Bolinao, Lingayen Gulf. That evening, GUITARRO attacks KAGU MARU. At 1748 (JST), KAGU MARU’s lookouts spot six torpedoes approaching from astern. She attempts to evade, but more incoming torpedoes are sighted off her starboard bow. One of a spread of eight torpedoes hits her amidships. A fire starts in the engine room. After GUITARRO's attack, RAY fires two torpedoes and blows off KAGU MARU’s bow. At 2010, KAGU MARU sinks at 15-54N, 119-45E. Meanwhile, the rest of the convoy heads for Santa Cruz where they arrive at 1920.

5 November 1944:
At 0740, while at anchor, the convoy is attacked by eight aircraft, all ships return fire and manage to drive off the attackers. At 1040, the convoy departs Santa Cruz and that evening entersSubic Bay.

6 November 1944:
At 0600, the convoy is preparing to depart, but at about 0645, eighteen aircraft attack. The planes are repulsed. At 0750, the convoy shifts anchorage to Silangin) Bay NW of the mouth of Subic Bay. From 0840 air raids occur continuously. About 1033, LST No. 139, carrying 296 army personnel and military cargo, takes a direct hit. Fires break out and she sinks at 1050. The rest of the convoy departs at 1800.

7 November 1944:
At 0130, W-20 and convoy TAMA-31A arrive at Manila.

11 November 1944:
At 1957, W-17, W-18 and W-20 depart Manila for Yulin, Hainan escorting convoy MAYU-10 consisting of MISAKI and SUGIYAMA MARUs. At 2315, LtCdr Robert A. Keating's USS BARBEL (SS-316) torpedoes MISAKI MARU at 15-10N, 112-40E. She sinks about two hours later.

12 November 1944:
E of Nha Thrang, Indochina. At 0110, BARBEL torpedoes and sinks SUGIYAMA MARU at 15-15N, 112-10E.

20 November 1944:
At 1205, W-17, W-18, W-20 and subchaser CH-41 departs St Jacques escorting convoy SATA-02 consisting of HIDA MARU.

21 November 1944:
At 2030, arrives at Camranh Bay.

22 November 1944:
At 0725, departs Camranh Bay. At 1820, arrives Van Phong Bay.

23 November 1944:
At 0720, departs Van Phong Bay. At 1345, CH-41 detaches from the convoy. At 1945, arrives at Baia de Xuan Bay.

24 November 1944:
At 0746, departs Baia de Xuan Bay.

25 November 1944:
At 0800, W-20 detaches.

12 January, 1945:
At 0300, W-20, W-102 and minelayer YURISHIMA depart Cape St. Jacques, Indo-China for Singapore escorting convoy SASHI-30 consisting of SHINTEI, HOKOKU and FRANCE MARUs and FUSHIMI MARU No.2 and KYOEI MARU No.7.

About 0730, a carrier-type aircraft appears and drops a star shell over the convoy, then withdraws. The convoy proceeds at 8 knots. About 1100, three Grumman F6F "Hellcat" fighters bomb and strafe the ships. At 1200, four more aircraft dive-bomb and strafe while the ships return fire. At 1220, SHINTEI MARU is hit portside blowing a large hole in her hull. At 1310, Abandon Ship is ordered. By 1320, her list increases and SHINTEI MARU capsizes and sinks at 09-24N, 106-44E. She was carrying 1,266 Army troops, aviation spares and bombs.

The convoy reverses course towards Cape St. Jacques. About 1400, KYOEI MARU No.7 is hit by bombs and sinks with hands. FRANCE MARU, carrying the 3rd Shipping Transport Headquarters and 70th Anchorage Headquarters troops, is also bombed and damaged, but manages to beach herself. Fires rage and she is abandoned. FUSHIMI MARU No. 2 and HOKOKU MARU are damaged, but reach Cape St. Jacques the same day. The convoy is disbanded.

31 January 1945:
At 0800, W-20 kaibokan KANJU and MIYAKE depart Singapore escorting convoy HI-88C consisting of transport OESAN MARU and tanker ENCHO MARU.

8 February 1945:
In the evening, the convoy arrives and anchors Quinhon Bay, Indochina.

9 February 1945:
In the early morning, the convoy departs Quinhon Bay.

12 February 1945:
At 1800, arrives at Zensui Bay, China.

13 February 1945:
At 0500, the convoy departs Zensui Bay.

16 February 1945:
The convoy, arrives at Quemoy.

17 February 1945:
In the early morning, departs Quemoy. That evening, arrives at Nanhi Island.

18 February 1945:
At 0700, departs Nanhi Island.

21 February 1945:
The convoy arrives at the mouth of the Yangtse River. ENCHO MARU, MIYAKE and W-20 detach and arrive at Shanghai later that day. ENCHO MARU discharges 3500 tons fuel oil or half her cargo.

25 February 1945:
At 1000, W-20, and MIYAKE and ENCHO MARU depart Shanghai.

2 March 1945:
The convoy succesfully arrives at Moji. ENCHO MARU discharges the remaining 3500 tons of her oil cargo plus some raw rubber.

1 May 1945:
Lt Yamada Kunio assumes command.

5 May 1945:
Yellow Sea. 140 miles SE of Mokpo, Korea. W-20 proceeds to the scene of the sinking of escort vessel OGA, sunk by SPRINGER (SS-414) on 2 May 1945, but W-20 is intercepted enroute by LtCdr Allen R. Faust's USS TREPANG (SS-412) that torpedoes and sinks her at 33-56N, 122-49E.

30 November 1945:
Removed from the Navy List.

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Author's Notes:
[1][2] Little data were found of W-20's movements during Sep '42 - Mar '44. Readers with access to such data are requested to post the information on the Discussion and Questions board or at j-aircraft.org's IJN Ship Message Board

Thanks go to Mr. Aki of Japan and Matthew Jones of Ohio for help in identifying COs. Thanks also go to John Whitman of the USA for info on CNO intercepts of Japanese messages.

-Bob Hackett and Peter Cundall.

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