Kembu Maru was a 953-ton transport ship of Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.
Kenbu Maru under attack by Allied aircraft during the battle of the Bismarck Sea
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History | |
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Japan | |
Name | Kembu Maru |
Builder | Nakata Zosen |
Fate | Sunk by aircraft on 3 March 1943 at 07°15'S, 148°30'E |
General characteristics | |
Tonnage | 953 tons |
She left Rabaul, New Britain on 1 March 1943, as part of Operation 81, carrying a cargo of 1,000 drums of avgas and 650 drums of other fuel for Lae, New Guinea.[1]
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. Kembu Maru was bombed on 3 March; she exploded in a giant fireball and sank at 07°15'S., 148°30'E. 20 troops were killed in action.[2]