Troops for Operation TA-Go

[rjl3]

In May 1944, Army troopers Kibitsu, Nissho, and Tamatsu Maru's disembarked troops at Cagayan that they had carried to Manila in convoy HI-63.

In the beginning of the TA-Go Operation, landing Ships T-6,9,10,101,and 102; and cruiser Kinu and destroyer Uranami picked up troops at Cagayan late October 1944 to transport to Ormoc.

Does anyone know whether these were the same troops and who they were?

Thanks,

Ralph

[fontessa]

Hello rj3,

In May 1944, Army troopers Kibitsu, Nissho, and Tamatsu Maru's disembarked troops at Cagayan that they had carried to Manila in convoy HI-63.

According to Unit Brief History of 41st Infantry Regiment (JACAR C12122473300), the movement of the regiment was as the below.
- Departed Pyongyang on 8 May 1944
- Departed Pusan on 10 May 1944
- Arrived at Manila on 19 May 1944
- Landed on Mindanao on 25 May 1944
So I think the regiment was transported with HI-63 which departed Moji on 13 May 1944. But a certain material says that Kibitsu, Nissho, and Tamatsu Maru's separated at Manila and headed for Burma. So there is the possibility that the regiment boarded on other ships of HI-63.

In the beginning of the TA-Go Operation, landing Ships T-6,9,10,101,and 102; and cruiser Kinu and destroyer Uranami picked up troops at Cagayan late October 1944 to transport to Ormoc.

It is sure that the above troops were 1st and 2nd Battalions, 41st Infantry Regiment.

fontessa

[rjl3]

Hi Fontessa,

Thank you for this information. I have that Kibitsu, Nissho, Sanyo, and Tamatsu detached from HI-63 at Manila and departed Manila on the 21st for Cebu and then on to Cagayan. Sanyo departed Cebu for Kau and was sunk enroute. So it looks like the 3 troopers, Kibitsu, Nissho, and Tamatsu carried the 41st Inf Reg to Cagayan some of whom then ended up going to Ormoc / Leyte.

Many thanks,
Ralph