Coxy ,my thought that it has to be at least a mix of Depth Charged and bombs, because the references were to aerial ordinance, not just depth charges, as the normal USN ASW payload was 4 -6 depth charges and 2 bombs. the bombs could be anything from 125 lbs to 500lbs. The bombs were for surfaced submarines. Could you use the ASV aircraft as a leader for a night strike?
Malaya What If
- Thread starter Fatboy Coxy
- Start date
Errolwi
Monthly Donor
FAA used radar Swordfish(?) to drop flares "behind" the target in the Med I think, not sure of timing. Need to practice with the torp carriers, which I'm sure the practical Kiwis at the top and bottom of the chain of command (many Vilde pilots were Kiwis as they did their training in NZ on them) will be up for given the chance.
Last edited:
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
Hi Errolwi, yes that's my understanding of how the FAA night attack worked in 1941, the radar located the enemy force, the area was lit up with flares and the torpedo strike aircraft went in.
On a side note, you mentioned that many of the Vildebeest pilots were Kiwis, that was for both RAF 36 and 100 Sqns, I believe a number were in the Blenheim squadrons too, as well as RAF 243 fighter squadron, which apart from the squadron and flight leaders was all Kiwis. To help bring their contributions, and that of the Australians, into better perspective, RAF 243 Sqn, isn't in my OOB, its been replaced by RNZAF 486 Sqn, while the mostly Australian RAF 453 Sqn has been replaced by an Australian Article XV Sqn, you'll see this when I provide the RAF OOB.
MWI 41120519 Operation E
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
1941, Friday 05 December:
Wrapped in a light raincape, collar up to counter the light rain, Lt General Tomoyuki Yamashita was taking the air up on the open compass deck above the bridge. He strode over to one of the two 20mm AA guns mounted there. It was sheathed in a heavy waterproof canvas cover, the strings undone, ready to be pulled off at a moment’s notice. A lookout stepped back, allowing him room. Earlier he’d had a good view of the invasion fleet here, carrying his 25th Army from Samah, or at least that part that could be seen given the persistent rain showers, but with the fall of night, there was little to be seen now. He had ten minutes up here before heading back to his cabin and donning his full-dress uniform: he was guest to the ship’s wardroom tonight, and wanted to present an air of calm and confidence. Truth be known, he was anything but calm. The inability to do anything but wait was gnawing at him, while the Navy’s part of the plan was played out.
The ship rolled as a wave hit her quarter, forcing Yamashita to take a couple of quick steps to regain his balance. "Careful," he thought. "It wouldn't do to fall over. Perhaps I’d better go down now." His hand caught a guide rope, and he followed it back to the stairs, taking care as he descended, walking into the bridge. Here there was a peaceful calm, officers and men diligently at work, ensuring their ship, Shinshu Maru, safely remained on station within the convoy. At nearly 12,000 tons, not only was she one of the biggest out here, she was unique: an amphibious ship whose concept and originality of thought marked her out as special, ground breaking. Entering service in 1935, she had two hatches in her stern, which when lifted allowed internally held landing craft mounted on guide rails to slide down and exit the rear of the ship. To help with this, four ballast tanks in the rear of the ship were flooded, altering the trim and lowering the rear of the ship.
In about 45 minutes, 22 Daihatsu landing craft, fully loaded with men and equipment, could be launched. Cargo booms, one in the bow and another in the stern could lower a further 7 Daihatsu, along with up to four armoured landing craft called Soukoutei, armed with one 57mm tank gun and machine guns, which would provide fire support during landing operations. And then, lowered from crane beams located above the hanger in the middle of the ship, were another 25 smaller Shohatsu landing craft. Capable of carrying 2,200 troops, Shinshu could put a first wave ashore. The landing craft could then return to other transports to carry their troops, who would board the old-fashion way of rope netting. To provide some anti-aircraft defence, Shinshu was given four 75mm and four 20mm guns, but the aircraft once planned to be carried in her hangar were now a forgotten thing of the past, landing craft taking their place.
The convoy was beginning to swing westwards, close to Cam Ranh Bay. Another cycle of the monsoon was in full swing: strong winds, rough seas, and rain. There was a lot of rain, sweeping down from the northeast, helping provide cover from watching eyes. But the Japanese weren’t merely relying on the weather. Yes, it was an integral part of the plan. Amphibious landings during the monsoon were generally considered impracticable, so the British would be surprised. However, there was a lot more being done to quell Allied awareness and fears. By staging most of the invasion force and its accompanying large naval escort, both close and distant cover, from Hainan and Formosa, the Japanese hoped to attain strategic surprise. In a matter of a mere few days, the military balance would shift massively in Japan’s favour, far too late for the Allies to counteract, if they could. But now it was more about the tactical surprise, keeping the British pondering, hesitant about starting a war, while the Japanese pieces were moved into their final position for the attack.
So, with two days still to go, Operation E was moving into its second stage: the addition of more troops and ships with less endurance, and the provision of close air cover. The seaplane tender Sagara Maru had detached, intent on anchoring off Pulau Condore to conduct more practical air operations, while Sanyo Maru and Kamikawa Maru provided a limited air cover with their F1M Petes and E13A1 Jakes. As the invasion force got closer to the Gulf of Siam, IJA fighters would provide more air cover, operating out of airfields in Cambodia. As a further nod towards air defence, the IJA had equipped several transports with six and sometimes eight Type 88 75mm AA guns and 20mm AA cannon, manned by detachments from a IJA AA Artillery unit. At least one of these ships would be with each of the main landing groups.
The invasion fleet escort of destroyers was now being joined by minesweepers and subchasers. Enemy submarines was a great concern, but Japanese fishing vessels sailing along the Malayan and Thai coastline were reporting no minefields. So the minesweepers would perform a single basic sweep, acting more as additional anti-submarine vessels, their fit allowing them to participate in that role. Two fleet oilers, Nichiei Maru and Kuroshio Maru, had sailed out of Cam Ranh Bay and established a refuelling point at Pulau Condore, allowing destroyers to break off from convoy escort duties and refuel.
Further west, four transports, carrying troops of the 143rd Infantry Regiment, had left Vung Tau, Saigon’s deep-sea port. They were clear of the land, and in formation, single line. The Katori-class training cruiser Kishii followed like a motherly hen, her signal lamp working hard at keeping the ships in front in order. Their course and speed would allow the main invasion fleet to catch them just before the rendezvous at Point G, 9° 25’ N, 102° 20’ E. That was scheduled for 10.30 on Sunday, 7th December. The fleet would be ready to commence hostile actions at midnight; the actual landings were planned for midnight onwards.
A further four transports, escorted by IJN Shimushu, had sailed two days earlier, rounded Cape Ca Mau, and anchored close to Phu Quoc Island. One of these ships, Hakabusan Maru, carried a battalion of Imperial Guards. Her task was to sail into Bangkok and and land the Guards, who would seize the capital in a coup de main. They would then await the rest of the division, which would cross the Thai-Cambodia border. The other ships were bound for Nakhon, Thailand via Point G. Admiral Kondo’s distant cover force of battleships was still a long way off, trailing the invasion force by a good day at current speeds, trying to remain undetected, but Ozawa’s close cover of heavy cruisers was just over the horizon. This force would station itself south of the invasion fleet, ready to intercept any British naval sortie.
The tent stank inside of damp clothes and the two cheap smoky candles necessary to see the cards. A game of Koi-Koi was in progress. They were using Sergeant Okazaki’s well used pack of Hanafuda, although it wasn’t helping him much; Sergeant Nakazawa was well in front on tricks won. They reclined on their beds, there being little room in their two-man tent. But it was dry, which was more than could be said for the outside, as another rain shower beat on Kukan airfield on Phu Quoc Island. Tomorrow they would be flying CAP over the invasion fleet as it closed on the Gulf of Siam. Okazaki would be leading his flight, a reserve pilot and aircraft making their third, but they would be in company with a second flight led by Lt Col Okabe, the regimental commander. Okazaki didn’t know what was worse, having to lead the flight over the seas, patrol over the convoy, and afterwards return to their airfield, following Okabe’s flight, under his watchful eye, or somehow being parted from Okabe, and having to navigate with his compass and what landmarks he could identify alone. In addition, he had to keep a careful check on fuel consumption: he couldn’t allow his flight to be lost simply due to lack of fuel.
"I win, Keisuke," said Nakazawa. "Another game?"
"Yes Ichiro," Okazaki answered. "You won’t be so lucky this time." His words were more boast than fact. Okazaki’s mind wasn't on the game, but he knew sleep would not come easily.
Wrapped in a light raincape, collar up to counter the light rain, Lt General Tomoyuki Yamashita was taking the air up on the open compass deck above the bridge. He strode over to one of the two 20mm AA guns mounted there. It was sheathed in a heavy waterproof canvas cover, the strings undone, ready to be pulled off at a moment’s notice. A lookout stepped back, allowing him room. Earlier he’d had a good view of the invasion fleet here, carrying his 25th Army from Samah, or at least that part that could be seen given the persistent rain showers, but with the fall of night, there was little to be seen now. He had ten minutes up here before heading back to his cabin and donning his full-dress uniform: he was guest to the ship’s wardroom tonight, and wanted to present an air of calm and confidence. Truth be known, he was anything but calm. The inability to do anything but wait was gnawing at him, while the Navy’s part of the plan was played out.
The ship rolled as a wave hit her quarter, forcing Yamashita to take a couple of quick steps to regain his balance. "Careful," he thought. "It wouldn't do to fall over. Perhaps I’d better go down now." His hand caught a guide rope, and he followed it back to the stairs, taking care as he descended, walking into the bridge. Here there was a peaceful calm, officers and men diligently at work, ensuring their ship, Shinshu Maru, safely remained on station within the convoy. At nearly 12,000 tons, not only was she one of the biggest out here, she was unique: an amphibious ship whose concept and originality of thought marked her out as special, ground breaking. Entering service in 1935, she had two hatches in her stern, which when lifted allowed internally held landing craft mounted on guide rails to slide down and exit the rear of the ship. To help with this, four ballast tanks in the rear of the ship were flooded, altering the trim and lowering the rear of the ship.
In about 45 minutes, 22 Daihatsu landing craft, fully loaded with men and equipment, could be launched. Cargo booms, one in the bow and another in the stern could lower a further 7 Daihatsu, along with up to four armoured landing craft called Soukoutei, armed with one 57mm tank gun and machine guns, which would provide fire support during landing operations. And then, lowered from crane beams located above the hanger in the middle of the ship, were another 25 smaller Shohatsu landing craft. Capable of carrying 2,200 troops, Shinshu could put a first wave ashore. The landing craft could then return to other transports to carry their troops, who would board the old-fashion way of rope netting. To provide some anti-aircraft defence, Shinshu was given four 75mm and four 20mm guns, but the aircraft once planned to be carried in her hangar were now a forgotten thing of the past, landing craft taking their place.
The convoy was beginning to swing westwards, close to Cam Ranh Bay. Another cycle of the monsoon was in full swing: strong winds, rough seas, and rain. There was a lot of rain, sweeping down from the northeast, helping provide cover from watching eyes. But the Japanese weren’t merely relying on the weather. Yes, it was an integral part of the plan. Amphibious landings during the monsoon were generally considered impracticable, so the British would be surprised. However, there was a lot more being done to quell Allied awareness and fears. By staging most of the invasion force and its accompanying large naval escort, both close and distant cover, from Hainan and Formosa, the Japanese hoped to attain strategic surprise. In a matter of a mere few days, the military balance would shift massively in Japan’s favour, far too late for the Allies to counteract, if they could. But now it was more about the tactical surprise, keeping the British pondering, hesitant about starting a war, while the Japanese pieces were moved into their final position for the attack.
So, with two days still to go, Operation E was moving into its second stage: the addition of more troops and ships with less endurance, and the provision of close air cover. The seaplane tender Sagara Maru had detached, intent on anchoring off Pulau Condore to conduct more practical air operations, while Sanyo Maru and Kamikawa Maru provided a limited air cover with their F1M Petes and E13A1 Jakes. As the invasion force got closer to the Gulf of Siam, IJA fighters would provide more air cover, operating out of airfields in Cambodia. As a further nod towards air defence, the IJA had equipped several transports with six and sometimes eight Type 88 75mm AA guns and 20mm AA cannon, manned by detachments from a IJA AA Artillery unit. At least one of these ships would be with each of the main landing groups.
The invasion fleet escort of destroyers was now being joined by minesweepers and subchasers. Enemy submarines was a great concern, but Japanese fishing vessels sailing along the Malayan and Thai coastline were reporting no minefields. So the minesweepers would perform a single basic sweep, acting more as additional anti-submarine vessels, their fit allowing them to participate in that role. Two fleet oilers, Nichiei Maru and Kuroshio Maru, had sailed out of Cam Ranh Bay and established a refuelling point at Pulau Condore, allowing destroyers to break off from convoy escort duties and refuel.
Further west, four transports, carrying troops of the 143rd Infantry Regiment, had left Vung Tau, Saigon’s deep-sea port. They were clear of the land, and in formation, single line. The Katori-class training cruiser Kishii followed like a motherly hen, her signal lamp working hard at keeping the ships in front in order. Their course and speed would allow the main invasion fleet to catch them just before the rendezvous at Point G, 9° 25’ N, 102° 20’ E. That was scheduled for 10.30 on Sunday, 7th December. The fleet would be ready to commence hostile actions at midnight; the actual landings were planned for midnight onwards.
A further four transports, escorted by IJN Shimushu, had sailed two days earlier, rounded Cape Ca Mau, and anchored close to Phu Quoc Island. One of these ships, Hakabusan Maru, carried a battalion of Imperial Guards. Her task was to sail into Bangkok and and land the Guards, who would seize the capital in a coup de main. They would then await the rest of the division, which would cross the Thai-Cambodia border. The other ships were bound for Nakhon, Thailand via Point G. Admiral Kondo’s distant cover force of battleships was still a long way off, trailing the invasion force by a good day at current speeds, trying to remain undetected, but Ozawa’s close cover of heavy cruisers was just over the horizon. This force would station itself south of the invasion fleet, ready to intercept any British naval sortie.
The tent stank inside of damp clothes and the two cheap smoky candles necessary to see the cards. A game of Koi-Koi was in progress. They were using Sergeant Okazaki’s well used pack of Hanafuda, although it wasn’t helping him much; Sergeant Nakazawa was well in front on tricks won. They reclined on their beds, there being little room in their two-man tent. But it was dry, which was more than could be said for the outside, as another rain shower beat on Kukan airfield on Phu Quoc Island. Tomorrow they would be flying CAP over the invasion fleet as it closed on the Gulf of Siam. Okazaki would be leading his flight, a reserve pilot and aircraft making their third, but they would be in company with a second flight led by Lt Col Okabe, the regimental commander. Okazaki didn’t know what was worse, having to lead the flight over the seas, patrol over the convoy, and afterwards return to their airfield, following Okabe’s flight, under his watchful eye, or somehow being parted from Okabe, and having to navigate with his compass and what landmarks he could identify alone. In addition, he had to keep a careful check on fuel consumption: he couldn’t allow his flight to be lost simply due to lack of fuel.
"I win, Keisuke," said Nakazawa. "Another game?"
"Yes Ichiro," Okazaki answered. "You won’t be so lucky this time." His words were more boast than fact. Okazaki’s mind wasn't on the game, but he knew sleep would not come easily.
Another very good update. Nice background on the Shinshu Maru (which I'd never heard of, but it appears that the SNLF were doing a lot of pioneering work on amphibious landing in the 1930s).
One question - would a Japanese officer in December 1941 think of the opposition as "the Allies", given that the US was neutral and the Dutch East Indies' participation in the anti-German alliance was pretty nominal?
Also there's a really awkward scene shift before the last major paragraph (where we jump from a high-level review of ship assignments to Okazaki's tent) that reads like a sentence got left out.
One question - would a Japanese officer in December 1941 think of the opposition as "the Allies", given that the US was neutral and the Dutch East Indies' participation in the anti-German alliance was pretty nominal?
Also there's a really awkward scene shift before the last major paragraph (where we jump from a high-level review of ship assignments to Okazaki's tent) that reads like a sentence got left out.
Sekhmet_D
Kicked
The Japanese in 1941 were well aware of what America was doing with Lend Lease and that the NEI still answered to the Dutch government in exile in the UK. So it would not be unjustified for a Japanese soldier to consider these nations to be all in one camp.
I assume this is the convoy, that OTL a PBY out of Subic Bay, found and managed to get back to base and report to Adm. Hart, He then passed on the information, including the number of ships to OTL Adm. Phillips on the OTL meeting on 6 and 7 December (Far East Time) [FET]. That patrol was 820 miles out and 820 miles back with a 100 mile cross between leg for about a fifteen hour mission. The weather and broken rain clouds are imo the main reason for the PBY's survival.
Oddly enough the 820 miles was almost the same distance from Singapore to Cam Rahn Bay.
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
Hi Merrick, thank you. Shinshu Maru was an Army ship, the development of amphibious operations was completely in their domain. At this time Japan was head and shoulders above anyone else in these operations, the Shinshu and the Daihatsu landing craft being cutting edge in design and capability. That's not to say there wasn't room for improvements, and in the next four years the US Marine Corps and the USN would far exceed the Japanese in capability, development, and operational practice.
Regards the awkward scene shift, hands up, my writing skills are limited, and sometimes ham fisted. I'm aware, and now have an editor, notice how I'm now scoring an occasional love rating for a story, that's thanks to the editor, who is subtly guiding my improvements. But there's a delicate line to be had between developing the talent without stunting the inspirational and artistic flow. You'll meet the editor in due course
. I wanted to provide some personal aspects to this story, so it wasn't so dry, but also bring some awareness to what was a very well planned operation.Sekhmet_D
Kicked
These personal touches are most welcome. They make the thing read much more like a historical novel than a textbook.
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
Hi Butchpfd, yes this is that historical convoy, there should be no changes in my story from the that.
Writing this timeline, I find establishing the historical fact of what happened in these early campaigns somewhat difficult, in part due to the loss of a lot of Allied records in the fall of Singapore, the Dutch east Indies and the Philippines. Japanese records are also limited, the devastations visited on the homelands destroyed most of these, but after the war, a Japanese history was written, the Senshi Sosho, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senshi_Sōsho, which is in Japanese, not the easiest language to translate. Leo Niehorster's World War II Armed Forces, http://www.niehorster.org/, provides some help as does the excellent Combinedfleet web site http://www.combinedfleet.com. However for direct Japanese translations I rely on a couple of guys who reside over at the Axis History Forum, https://forum.axishistory.com, namely fontessa and Akira Taikzawa, Taki also runs a lovely website on the Japanese Imperial Army here http://www3.plala.or.jp/takihome/.
Provide what I can. I followed the Attack on the Panama Canal thread and posted some docs there. Asymmetric and plausible historical fiction is fascinating. Almost like gaming out other courses of action.
This can go both ways. The Japanese remain stronger and more experienced than the Allies. The
Japanese are on the offense instead of defense. It depends on how the author sees it unfolding
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
Hi USNA91, writing this timeline helps motivate me to research in better detail, and learn more from the historical past, as well as answer some of my what if questions that I have. And it's fun!
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
Hi Unknown, I suspect my readers are going to have some surprises too, some of which they may not like!
MWI 41120519a Japanese OOB for Operation E
Fatboy Coxy
Monthly Donor
Operation E, Invasion of Malaya
Southern Force (Distant Cover) – Vice Adm Kondo (Flag in Atago)
Leaves Mako Islands at 5.30am on December 4.
BB Haruna - Capt T Takama
BB Kongo – Capt T Koyanagi
CA Atago – Capt M Ijuin (Flag for Vice Adm Kondo)
CA Takao – Capt B Asakura
4th Destroyer Div – Capt K Aruga
DD Arashi – Cmdr Y Watanabe
DD Hagikaze – Cmdr S Iura
DD Maikaze – Cmdr S Nagasuki
DD Nowaki – Cmdr M Koga
8th Destroyer Div – Capt T Abe
DD Arashio – Cmdr H Koboki
DD Asashio – Lt Cmdr Y Gorou
DD Michishio – Lt Cmdr M Ogura
DD Oshio – Cmdr K Kikkawa
Supply Unit
AO Kuroshio Maru 10,518t
AO San Clemente Maru 7,335t
AO Teiyo Maru 9,849t
AOT Koryu Maru 6,680t (carries coal and oil)
AE Onoe Maru 6,667t
6th Destroyer Div – Capt M Narita
Left Mako with Main Body, but then used to escort transports from Cam Rah Bay, other two destroyers of this Div (Ikazuchi, Inazuma) are part of Hong Kong Force
DD Akatsuki – Lt Cmdr K Aoki
DD Hibiki – Lt Cmdr H Ishii
Submarine Force – Blocking Unit
4 Submarine Squadron – Rear Adm S Yoshitomi
CL Kinu – (Flag), Capt Y Kato, cruises off Poulo Condore Island as Radio Relay
AS Nagoya Maru – Capt K Kanda
18 Submarine Div – Capt K Moritsugu
SS I-53 – Lt Cmdr S Nakamura
SS I-54 – Lt Cmdr S Kobayashi
SS I-55 – Lt Cmdr K Nakajima
19 Submarine Div – Capt N Ota
SS I-56 – Lt Cmdr K Ohashi
SS I-57 – Lt Cmdr S Nakajima
SS I-58 – Lt Cmdr S Kitamura
6 Submarine Squadron – Rear Adm C Kono (minelaying subs)
AS - Chogei
CMN Tatsumiya Maru – Capt H Takeo, 6,334t Aux Minelayer
PM Chosa Maru – 2,538t Aux Gunboat, used for minelaying
9 Submarine Div – Cmdr Y Endo
SM I-123 – Lt Cmdr U Toshitake (minelaying east end Manila Bay)
SM I-124 – Lt Cmdr K Kishigami (minelaying between Borneo & Palawan)
13 Submarine Div – Capt T Miyazaki
SM I-121 – Cmdr Y Fujimori (minelaying NE of Singapore)
SM I-122 – Lt Cmdr U Shujiro (minelaying NE of Singapore)
5 Submarine Squadron – Rear Adm T Diago
Added to force late, diverted on voyage to Palau, arrived at Samah 3rd December, left 5th December.
CL Yura – (Flag), Capt T Miyoshi
(cruises south of Cape Ca Mau as Radio Relay)
AS Rio Maru – Tender, Capt Y Murase
28 Submarine Div – Capt Y Kato
Both submarines being overhauled at Kobe until 31 Dec 41
SS I-59 – Cmdr T Yoshimatsu
SS I-60 – Lt Cmdr S Hasagawa
29 Submarine Div – Capt
SS I-62 – Lt Cmdr T Kinashi
SS I-64 – Lt Cmdr T Ogawa
30 Submarine Div – Capt
SS I-65 – Lt Cmdr H Harada
SS I-66 – Lt Cmdr Z Yoshitomi
Thailand & Malaya Invasion Force
Vice Admiral Ozawa (in Chokai), (20 nmi off Kota Bharu)
CA Chokai – (Flag) Capt S Watanabe
DD Sagiri – Cmdr K Sugioka (detached DesDiv 20)
7th Cruiser Squadron (Close cover) – Rear Admiral T Kurita (50 nmi off Kota Bharu)
CA Kumano (flag) – Capt K Tanaka
CA Mikuma – Capt S Sakiyama
CA Mogami – Capt A Sone
CA Suzuya – Capt M Kimura
11 DesDiv – Capt K Shoji
DD Fubuki – Cmdr S Yamashita
DD Hatsuyuki – Lt Cmdr J Kamiura
DD Shirayuki – Cmdr R Sugawara
Kota Bharu Invasion Group
Naval Forces – Rear Adm S Hashimoto
3rd Destroyer Squadron – Rear Adm S Hashimoto (other 3 DesDivs, 11, 12, & 20, are elsewhere in Malaya invasion group)
CL Sendai (Flag) – Capt T Shimazaki
19 DesDiv – Capt R Ooe
DD Isonami – Cdr R Sugama
DD Ayanami – Cdr E Sakuma
DD Uranami – Lt Cdr T Hagio
DD Shikinami – Cdr J Iwagami
AM W2 – Lt Ikunaga Kunio
AM W3 – Lt Nikki Izaburo
PC CH9 – Lt Nishina Toshiro
Army Forces – Maj Gen H Takumi
AP Awajisan Maru, 9,794 GRT
AP Ayatosan Maru, 9,788 GRT
AP AA Sakura Maru, 7,167 GRT
14th Engineer (Landing) Regt (minus 2 Coys)
3 special large landing barges (Toku Daihatsu)
24 Daihatsus
21 Shohatsus
3 armoured boats
1 high speed boat
1 liaison boat
23rd Inf Brigade – Maj Gen H Takumi
56th Inf Rgt – Col Y Nasu (3 Bns)
12th Engineer Rgt – Lt Col I Fuji
18th Mtn Art Rgt – Lt Col K Takasu (1 Bn only, 12 x 75mm Mtn guns)
21 Field Coy AA
Signal Transport and Medical units also attached
Pattani Invasion Group (& Tape)
Naval Forces – Capt N Ogawa
12 DesDiv – Capt N Ogawa
DD Shinonome – Cdr H Sasagawa (sails onto Tape landing)
DD Shirakumo – Cdr T Hitomi
(DD Murakumo with Singora Force, DD Sagiri with Chokai)
Army Forces – Maj Gen H Takumi
AP Kinka Maru, 9,305 GRT
AP Nagara Maru, 7,142 GRT
AP Sagami Maru, 7,189 GRT
AP Tosan Maru, 8,666 GRT
AP Asosan Maru 6,937 GRT (continued to Tape)
AP Kinugawa Maru, 8,812 GRT (continued to Tape)
26th Engineer (Landing) Regt (minus 1 Coy)
85 Daihatsus
40 Shohatsus
42 Inf Regt – Col T Ando (only 2 Bns at Pattani, 1st Bn lands at Tape)
One Bn of 5th Art Regt (12x 75mm Mountain Guns)
3rd Coy 5th Recon Rgt
3rd Coy 5th Eng Rgt
Also Field Hospital, transport, signal, and construction units landed
Part of 49 Anchorage (rest at Kota Bharu)
22 Airfield ? – Maj S Shimada
93 Airfield Bn
94 Airfield Bn
5 Airfield Construction Bn
Singora Invasion Group
Naval Forces – Rear Adm Hiraoka (in minelayer Hatsutaka)
12 Seaplane Tender Division – Rear Adm Imamura
AV Kamikawa Maru – Capt T Shinoda
6 x F1M2 'Pete' (+2 reserve), 3 x E13A1 'Jake' (+1 reserve)
AV Sanyo Maru – Capt T Fujisawa
6 x F1M2 'Pete', 2 x E13A1 'Jake' (2 x E8N2 ‘Dave’ reserve)
AV Sagara Maru – Capt Y Kohashi
6 x F1M2 'Pete' (2 x E8N2 'Dave' reserve)
20 DesDiv – Capt Y Yamada
DD Amagiri – Cdr B Ashida
DD Asagiri – Cdr N Maekawa
DD Yugiri – Cdr M Motokawa
DD Murakumo – Cdr H Azuma (detached from 12 DesDiv)
CM Hatsutaka – Cdr? (carries 9th Base Force Unit, RA Hiraoka)
Minesweepers
AM – W1 -
AM – W4 -
AM – W5 -
AM – W6 -
Sub-Chasers
PC – Ch7 -
PC – Ch8 –
AGM Eiko Maru – 3,011 GRT, auxiliary minesweeper tender
(91st Naval Guard Unit aboard)
AP Nojima Maru – 7,190 GRT, auxiliary transport
(91st Ports and Docks Unit and 91st Naval Signal Unit aboard)
Army Forces – Lt Gen Yamashita (CO of 25th Army)
LSD Shinshu (Ryujo) Maru – Landing craft depot ship (Lt Gen Yamashita + HQ onboard)
AP AA Atsutasan Maru, 8,663 GRT – (carried MG S Kawamura, CO + HQ 9th Inf Bde)
AP AA Hirokawa Maru, 6,872 GRT
AP AA Sado Maru, 7,180 GRT
AP Aobasan Maru, 8,812 GRT
AP Asakasan Maru, 7,398 GRT
AP Kansai Maru, 8,614 GRT – (carried Lt Col K Okabe, CO 41 Inf Rgt)
AP, Kashii Maru, 6,825 GRT
AP Kyushi Maru, 8,408 GRT
AP Nako Maru, 7,145 GRT
AP Sasako Maru, 7,100 GRT – (carried Col T Wantanabe, CO 11 Inf Rgt)
AH Naminoue Maru, 4,731 GRT, hospital ship
11th Engineer (Landing) Regt (minus 1 Coy), 1 Coy 14th Engineer (Landing) Regt
115 Daihatsu’s
85 Shohatsu’s
25th Army HQ – Lt Gen Yamashita
5th Infantry Div HQ – MG T Matsui
9th Infantry Brigade – MG S Kawamura
11th Inf Rgt – Col T Wantanabe (3 Bns)
41st Inf Rgt – Lt Col K Okabe (3 Bns)
21st Infantry Brigade HQ – Maj Gen E Sugiura (no infantry units)
5th Recon Rgt – Lt Col S Saeki
5th Field Art Rgt – Lt Col K Takasu
(12x 105mm Hows, 12 x 75mm mountain guns, 3rd bn at Pattani)
5th Engineer Rgt (Divisional Eng Bn)
Attached troops
One Ship AA Rgt and one Ship Signal Rgt are also carried on the transports
1st Tank Rgt – Col Mukaida (37 Med Type 97, 20 Lt Type 95 tanks)
9th Railroad Eng Rgt (part)
46 Anchorage Command
12 Air District Rgt – Lt Col J Mizushima
21 Airfield Bn
84 Airfield Bn - Maj T Hayashibara
32 AA Bn – Maj I Hayashi (most of unit on ships in other landing areas)
Also signal and air intelligence units
Kra Isthmus Landings
Naval Forces – Capt H Kojima
CL Kashii – Capt H Kojima
PE – Shimushu – Cdr F Arimura
Army Forces – Col S Ueno, all 15th Army
1 Coy from each of 11th, 14th and 26th Engineer (Landing) Regts
? Daihatsu’s
? Shohatsu’s
Nakhon (Nakhon Si Thammarat)
AP AA Zenyo Maru, 6,742 GRT
AP Miike Maru, 11,738 GRT
AR Toho Maru, 4,092 GRT
3 Bn, 143 Inf Rgt, 55 Inf Div
18 Air District Rgt, Lt Col F Hujioka
32 AA Bn - Maj I Hayashi
6? Airfield Construction – Capt S Kawamura
Ban Dong (Surat Thani)
AP Yamaura Maru, 6,789 GRT
1 Coy, 1 Bn, 143 Inf Rgt, 55 Div
7 Airfield Construction unit
48 Airfield Construction unit
Chungpong (Chumphon)
AP Fushimi Maru, 4,936 GRT
AP Ryoyo Maru, 5,974 GRT
143 Inf Rgt HQ – Col S Ueno
1 Bn, 143 Rgt (minus 1 coy)
2 IJA air force weather unit
Prachub Khiri Khan
AP Johore Maru, 6,182 GRT
2 Bn, 143 Inf Rgt
9 Airfield Mtce
Southern Force (Distant Cover) – Vice Adm Kondo (Flag in Atago)
Leaves Mako Islands at 5.30am on December 4.
BB Haruna - Capt T Takama
BB Kongo – Capt T Koyanagi
CA Atago – Capt M Ijuin (Flag for Vice Adm Kondo)
CA Takao – Capt B Asakura
4th Destroyer Div – Capt K Aruga
DD Arashi – Cmdr Y Watanabe
DD Hagikaze – Cmdr S Iura
DD Maikaze – Cmdr S Nagasuki
DD Nowaki – Cmdr M Koga
8th Destroyer Div – Capt T Abe
DD Arashio – Cmdr H Koboki
DD Asashio – Lt Cmdr Y Gorou
DD Michishio – Lt Cmdr M Ogura
DD Oshio – Cmdr K Kikkawa
Supply Unit
AO Kuroshio Maru 10,518t
AO San Clemente Maru 7,335t
AO Teiyo Maru 9,849t
AOT Koryu Maru 6,680t (carries coal and oil)
AE Onoe Maru 6,667t
6th Destroyer Div – Capt M Narita
Left Mako with Main Body, but then used to escort transports from Cam Rah Bay, other two destroyers of this Div (Ikazuchi, Inazuma) are part of Hong Kong Force
DD Akatsuki – Lt Cmdr K Aoki
DD Hibiki – Lt Cmdr H Ishii
Submarine Force – Blocking Unit
4 Submarine Squadron – Rear Adm S Yoshitomi
CL Kinu – (Flag), Capt Y Kato, cruises off Poulo Condore Island as Radio Relay
AS Nagoya Maru – Capt K Kanda
18 Submarine Div – Capt K Moritsugu
SS I-53 – Lt Cmdr S Nakamura
SS I-54 – Lt Cmdr S Kobayashi
SS I-55 – Lt Cmdr K Nakajima
19 Submarine Div – Capt N Ota
SS I-56 – Lt Cmdr K Ohashi
SS I-57 – Lt Cmdr S Nakajima
SS I-58 – Lt Cmdr S Kitamura
6 Submarine Squadron – Rear Adm C Kono (minelaying subs)
AS - Chogei
CMN Tatsumiya Maru – Capt H Takeo, 6,334t Aux Minelayer
PM Chosa Maru – 2,538t Aux Gunboat, used for minelaying
9 Submarine Div – Cmdr Y Endo
SM I-123 – Lt Cmdr U Toshitake (minelaying east end Manila Bay)
SM I-124 – Lt Cmdr K Kishigami (minelaying between Borneo & Palawan)
13 Submarine Div – Capt T Miyazaki
SM I-121 – Cmdr Y Fujimori (minelaying NE of Singapore)
SM I-122 – Lt Cmdr U Shujiro (minelaying NE of Singapore)
5 Submarine Squadron – Rear Adm T Diago
Added to force late, diverted on voyage to Palau, arrived at Samah 3rd December, left 5th December.
CL Yura – (Flag), Capt T Miyoshi
(cruises south of Cape Ca Mau as Radio Relay)
AS Rio Maru – Tender, Capt Y Murase
28 Submarine Div – Capt Y Kato
Both submarines being overhauled at Kobe until 31 Dec 41
SS I-59 – Cmdr T Yoshimatsu
SS I-60 – Lt Cmdr S Hasagawa
29 Submarine Div – Capt
SS I-62 – Lt Cmdr T Kinashi
SS I-64 – Lt Cmdr T Ogawa
30 Submarine Div – Capt
SS I-65 – Lt Cmdr H Harada
SS I-66 – Lt Cmdr Z Yoshitomi
Thailand & Malaya Invasion Force
Vice Admiral Ozawa (in Chokai), (20 nmi off Kota Bharu)
CA Chokai – (Flag) Capt S Watanabe
DD Sagiri – Cmdr K Sugioka (detached DesDiv 20)
7th Cruiser Squadron (Close cover) – Rear Admiral T Kurita (50 nmi off Kota Bharu)
CA Kumano (flag) – Capt K Tanaka
CA Mikuma – Capt S Sakiyama
CA Mogami – Capt A Sone
CA Suzuya – Capt M Kimura
11 DesDiv – Capt K Shoji
DD Fubuki – Cmdr S Yamashita
DD Hatsuyuki – Lt Cmdr J Kamiura
DD Shirayuki – Cmdr R Sugawara
Kota Bharu Invasion Group
Naval Forces – Rear Adm S Hashimoto
3rd Destroyer Squadron – Rear Adm S Hashimoto (other 3 DesDivs, 11, 12, & 20, are elsewhere in Malaya invasion group)
CL Sendai (Flag) – Capt T Shimazaki
19 DesDiv – Capt R Ooe
DD Isonami – Cdr R Sugama
DD Ayanami – Cdr E Sakuma
DD Uranami – Lt Cdr T Hagio
DD Shikinami – Cdr J Iwagami
AM W2 – Lt Ikunaga Kunio
AM W3 – Lt Nikki Izaburo
PC CH9 – Lt Nishina Toshiro
Army Forces – Maj Gen H Takumi
AP Awajisan Maru, 9,794 GRT
AP Ayatosan Maru, 9,788 GRT
AP AA Sakura Maru, 7,167 GRT
14th Engineer (Landing) Regt (minus 2 Coys)
3 special large landing barges (Toku Daihatsu)
24 Daihatsus
21 Shohatsus
3 armoured boats
1 high speed boat
1 liaison boat
23rd Inf Brigade – Maj Gen H Takumi
56th Inf Rgt – Col Y Nasu (3 Bns)
12th Engineer Rgt – Lt Col I Fuji
18th Mtn Art Rgt – Lt Col K Takasu (1 Bn only, 12 x 75mm Mtn guns)
21 Field Coy AA
Signal Transport and Medical units also attached
Pattani Invasion Group (& Tape)
Naval Forces – Capt N Ogawa
12 DesDiv – Capt N Ogawa
DD Shinonome – Cdr H Sasagawa (sails onto Tape landing)
DD Shirakumo – Cdr T Hitomi
(DD Murakumo with Singora Force, DD Sagiri with Chokai)
Army Forces – Maj Gen H Takumi
AP Kinka Maru, 9,305 GRT
AP Nagara Maru, 7,142 GRT
AP Sagami Maru, 7,189 GRT
AP Tosan Maru, 8,666 GRT
AP Asosan Maru 6,937 GRT (continued to Tape)
AP Kinugawa Maru, 8,812 GRT (continued to Tape)
26th Engineer (Landing) Regt (minus 1 Coy)
85 Daihatsus
40 Shohatsus
42 Inf Regt – Col T Ando (only 2 Bns at Pattani, 1st Bn lands at Tape)
One Bn of 5th Art Regt (12x 75mm Mountain Guns)
3rd Coy 5th Recon Rgt
3rd Coy 5th Eng Rgt
Also Field Hospital, transport, signal, and construction units landed
Part of 49 Anchorage (rest at Kota Bharu)
22 Airfield ? – Maj S Shimada
93 Airfield Bn
94 Airfield Bn
5 Airfield Construction Bn
Singora Invasion Group
Naval Forces – Rear Adm Hiraoka (in minelayer Hatsutaka)
12 Seaplane Tender Division – Rear Adm Imamura
AV Kamikawa Maru – Capt T Shinoda
6 x F1M2 'Pete' (+2 reserve), 3 x E13A1 'Jake' (+1 reserve)
AV Sanyo Maru – Capt T Fujisawa
6 x F1M2 'Pete', 2 x E13A1 'Jake' (2 x E8N2 ‘Dave’ reserve)
AV Sagara Maru – Capt Y Kohashi
6 x F1M2 'Pete' (2 x E8N2 'Dave' reserve)
20 DesDiv – Capt Y Yamada
DD Amagiri – Cdr B Ashida
DD Asagiri – Cdr N Maekawa
DD Yugiri – Cdr M Motokawa
DD Murakumo – Cdr H Azuma (detached from 12 DesDiv)
CM Hatsutaka – Cdr? (carries 9th Base Force Unit, RA Hiraoka)
Minesweepers
AM – W1 -
AM – W4 -
AM – W5 -
AM – W6 -
Sub-Chasers
PC – Ch7 -
PC – Ch8 –
AGM Eiko Maru – 3,011 GRT, auxiliary minesweeper tender
(91st Naval Guard Unit aboard)
AP Nojima Maru – 7,190 GRT, auxiliary transport
(91st Ports and Docks Unit and 91st Naval Signal Unit aboard)
Army Forces – Lt Gen Yamashita (CO of 25th Army)
LSD Shinshu (Ryujo) Maru – Landing craft depot ship (Lt Gen Yamashita + HQ onboard)
AP AA Atsutasan Maru, 8,663 GRT – (carried MG S Kawamura, CO + HQ 9th Inf Bde)
AP AA Hirokawa Maru, 6,872 GRT
AP AA Sado Maru, 7,180 GRT
AP Aobasan Maru, 8,812 GRT
AP Asakasan Maru, 7,398 GRT
AP Kansai Maru, 8,614 GRT – (carried Lt Col K Okabe, CO 41 Inf Rgt)
AP, Kashii Maru, 6,825 GRT
AP Kyushi Maru, 8,408 GRT
AP Nako Maru, 7,145 GRT
AP Sasako Maru, 7,100 GRT – (carried Col T Wantanabe, CO 11 Inf Rgt)
AH Naminoue Maru, 4,731 GRT, hospital ship
11th Engineer (Landing) Regt (minus 1 Coy), 1 Coy 14th Engineer (Landing) Regt
115 Daihatsu’s
85 Shohatsu’s
25th Army HQ – Lt Gen Yamashita
5th Infantry Div HQ – MG T Matsui
9th Infantry Brigade – MG S Kawamura
11th Inf Rgt – Col T Wantanabe (3 Bns)
41st Inf Rgt – Lt Col K Okabe (3 Bns)
21st Infantry Brigade HQ – Maj Gen E Sugiura (no infantry units)
5th Recon Rgt – Lt Col S Saeki
5th Field Art Rgt – Lt Col K Takasu
(12x 105mm Hows, 12 x 75mm mountain guns, 3rd bn at Pattani)
5th Engineer Rgt (Divisional Eng Bn)
Attached troops
One Ship AA Rgt and one Ship Signal Rgt are also carried on the transports
1st Tank Rgt – Col Mukaida (37 Med Type 97, 20 Lt Type 95 tanks)
9th Railroad Eng Rgt (part)
46 Anchorage Command
12 Air District Rgt – Lt Col J Mizushima
21 Airfield Bn
84 Airfield Bn - Maj T Hayashibara
32 AA Bn – Maj I Hayashi (most of unit on ships in other landing areas)
Also signal and air intelligence units
Kra Isthmus Landings
Naval Forces – Capt H Kojima
CL Kashii – Capt H Kojima
PE – Shimushu – Cdr F Arimura
Army Forces – Col S Ueno, all 15th Army
1 Coy from each of 11th, 14th and 26th Engineer (Landing) Regts
? Daihatsu’s
? Shohatsu’s
Nakhon (Nakhon Si Thammarat)
AP AA Zenyo Maru, 6,742 GRT
AP Miike Maru, 11,738 GRT
AR Toho Maru, 4,092 GRT
3 Bn, 143 Inf Rgt, 55 Inf Div
18 Air District Rgt, Lt Col F Hujioka
32 AA Bn - Maj I Hayashi
6? Airfield Construction – Capt S Kawamura
Ban Dong (Surat Thani)
AP Yamaura Maru, 6,789 GRT
1 Coy, 1 Bn, 143 Inf Rgt, 55 Div
7 Airfield Construction unit
48 Airfield Construction unit
Chungpong (Chumphon)
AP Fushimi Maru, 4,936 GRT
AP Ryoyo Maru, 5,974 GRT
143 Inf Rgt HQ – Col S Ueno
1 Bn, 143 Rgt (minus 1 coy)
2 IJA air force weather unit
Prachub Khiri Khan
AP Johore Maru, 6,182 GRT
2 Bn, 143 Inf Rgt
9 Airfield Mtce
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