Aiyo Maru

Summary

Aiyo Maru was a 2,746-ton Type 1C Standard cargo ship/transport ship that was requisitioned from her owners 24 December, 1942.[1] by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.

History
Japan
NameAiyo Maru
BuilderToyo Kisen Kaisha
Laid down10 March 1941
Launched28 October 1941
Completed20 January 1942
FateSunk by aircraft on 3 March 1943 at 07°15'S, 148°30'E
General characteristics
Tonnage2,746 tons (GRT), 4,331 tons (DWT)
Installed power1600 HP
Speed15.31 knots

Other than being in a convoy 16-17 May, 1942 From Tokyo Bay to Yokosuka, and another convoy, West Convoy No. 61, that departed Tokyo Bay 8 December, 1942 bound for the Inland Sea, her record of movement are unknown until "Operation 81" begins.[2]

She left Rabaul, New Britain on 1 March 1943, as part of Operation 81, carrying troops, a cargo of equipment, fuel, 5 Daihatsu landing craft and ammunition for Lae, New Guinea.[3] The convoy was attacked by aircraft of the United States Army Air Forces and Royal Australian Air Force from 2 March 1943, known as the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Aiyo Maru was bombed on 3 March and sank at 07°15'S., 148°30'E. 45 crewmen and 278 soldiers were killed.[4][5]

Notes edit

  1. ^ "Japanese Army Auxiliary transports". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  2. ^ "Japanese Army Auxiliary transports". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  3. ^ McAulay 1991, p. 39
  4. ^ "Japanese Army Auxiliary transports". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  5. ^ "Aiyo Maru (+1943)". Wrecksite. Retrieved 28 September 2016.

References edit

  • McAulay, Lex (1991). Battle of the Bismarck Sea. New York: St Martins Press. ISBN 0-312-05820-9. OCLC 23082610.