FOR FONTESSA!

Discussions on all aspects of the Japanese Empire, from the capture of Taiwan until the end of the Second World War.
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fontessa
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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#61

Post by fontessa » 08 Apr 2021, 10:40

Hello Iwan,

Sorry for the late reply.
IANHULKMCLEOD wrote:
23 Mar 2021, 18:01
I have Tachibana at 135 missing/killed?
Hokkaido was attacked on 14 - 15 July 1945 by U.S.Navy. Because Hokkaido was too far for B-29s. So carrier-based aircraft of 38th Task Force attacked the Hokkaido whole area.
38th Tsk Force (Commanded by VADM J. S. McCain Sr.)
- 38.1st Task Force (Commanded by RADM T. L. Sprague) attacked East and North Hollaido
--- CV-16 Lexington, CV-19 Hancock, CV-20 BeningtonCVL-24 Belleau Wood, CLV-30 San Jancinto
- 38.3rd Task Force (Commanded by RADM F. Bogan) attacked Central and South Hokkaido
--- CV-9 Essex, CV-14 Ticonderoga, CV-15 Randolph, CVL-26 Monterey, CVL-29 Bataan
- 38.4th Task Force (Commanded by RADM A. W. Radford) attacked Tohoku and Tsugaru Strait
--- CV-10 Yorktown, CV-31 Bon Homme Richard, CV-38 Shangri La, CVL-22 Independence, CVL-25 Cowpens

The 1st photo was that of Avengers of CV-9 Essex taken by them. I saw a photo of Avenger's level bombing at the first time. The main purpose of 38.3. was the destruction of trade between Hokkaido and Honshu, that is, the sinking of the Seikan Ferries. The 2nd photo shows Seikan Ferry 翔鳳丸 Shoho Maru under bombing. At Hakodate Port and Aomori Port, eight Seikan Ferries were sunk, two were ran to ground and burned. The 3rd photo shows these Ferries. (Only 10 Atei Maru was sank on August 10th) With these, 425 people were dead or missing.
Tachibana confronted air raids in the Hakodate Port. The 4th photo shows the appearance of Tachibana. She was the 1st ship of Improved Matsu Class Destroyer, Tachibana Class. She had a twin 12.7cm gun, a single 12.7cm gun and many 25mm machine cannons.
The attack on Hakodate began at 5:00 AM. In order to protect civilian ships, Tachibana drew a figure of eight at full speed inside and outside the harbor and fired anti-aircraft. Hellcats invaded Hakodate repeatedly shot at her, killing many of her gunners. Her engine was damaged by a close bomb on her starboard side at 6:40 AM, and she was stuck and sank at 6:53 AM by deadly bombs on her stern. To avoid being shot by Grumman during the rescue, her survivors were rescued by fishing boats two hours after the air raid warning was lifted. According to the Tachibana Requiescats Monument erected at Hakodate Gokoku Shrine, of her 280 crew members, 140 were killed and 31 were injured. (Japanese Wiki says 157 men killed.)
The 5th photo shows Tachibana raised after the war. A single gun on her bow was hung with a high elevation angle, indicating that she was in anti-aircraft combat until she sank. (And on the starboard side, you can see the holes with the bombs of the closest explosion.) At this time, 80 skeletons were found inside her.


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SeikanFerry.jpg
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橘2.jpg
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fontessa
PS Ian, I sent you a massage via Private Massage of AHF. Please check it.

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ijnfleetadmiral
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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#62

Post by ijnfleetadmiral » 08 Apr 2021, 13:52

My friend, you come through for me once again! That photo of TACHIBANA's wreck post-war is the first actual photo I've ever seen of her! Thank you!
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Berend
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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#63

Post by Berend » 08 Apr 2021, 19:16

There were several pictures made of the attacks on shipping on 14 and 15 July 1945. I'v seen one with a description of a Matsu class dd under attack too. At the time I thought this description might not be correct. The date I have for the Tachibana picture ( No.5) posted by Fontessa is 24 December 1956.

Regards,

Berend.

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fontessa
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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#64

Post by fontessa » 08 Apr 2021, 20:28

Hello Berend,
Berend wrote:
08 Apr 2021, 19:16
There were several pictures made of the attacks on shipping on 14 and 15 July 1945. I'v seen one with a description of a Matsu class dd under attack too. At the time I thought this description might not be correct. The date I have for the Tachibana picture ( No.5) posted by Fontessa is 24 December 1956.

Regards,

Berend.
Thanks for the (No.5) picture date.

The destroyer you'v seen may be 柳 Yanagi, 14th ship of Matsu Class Destroyer.
She was also attacked by 38th Tsk Force on 14 July 1945. Fortunately she survived the war.
The below is the photo in Japanese WIKI.

柳.jpg
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fontessa

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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#65

Post by Berend » 08 Apr 2021, 23:06

Hello Fontessa,

thank you for posting the Yanagi picture. I know it but I didn't know wether it was Tachibana or Yanagi. This is not the picture I was thinking of. I've looked for it but haven't found it again yet. While doing so I think I found your picture source. It likely is the Hokaido Shimbun newspaper edition of 24 December 1956. It means my date of the picture isn't correct. It is its publication date. The picture if I understand the article correctly probably was made between 18 and 23 December 1956. 18 December 1956 is the day Tachibana was brought to the surface again. The content of the article is interesting and tells what happened with Tachibana and Yanagi on that day. Pitty the sketch of the Tachibana wreck is small. I assume it shows the location of the main damage that caused her to sink.

For those interested, the article can be found here:

https://donan.org/blog/destroyer-tachibana-yanagi1.html
https://donan.org/blog/destroyer-tachibana-yanagi2.html
https://donan.org/blog/destroyer-tachibana-yanagi3.html

Regards,

Berend.

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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#66

Post by IANHULKMCLEOD » 09 Apr 2021, 20:21

Hello Fontessa
I haven`t received your PM?
Regarding the Kuwa and Ume anything about definite casualties also while you there what about the Enoki and Sakura as well! :roll: :thumbsup:
Kind Regards Ian

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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#67

Post by Berend » 10 Apr 2021, 11:02

This is the picture which according to its description show a Matsu class destroyer under air attack. I suspect description is not correct. Looks like a maru to me.


Regards,

Berend.
Attachments
matsu class destroyer air atack 14 7 1945.png

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fontessa
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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#68

Post by fontessa » 10 Apr 2021, 13:31

Hello Berend,

Thanks for the photo.
Berend wrote:
10 Apr 2021, 11:02
This is the picture which according to its description show a Matsu class destroyer under air attack. I suspect description is not correct. Looks like a maru to me.
Berend.
They look like the first turret and bridge to me.
I feel she was Tachibana.

According to Japanese WIKI, the situations until sinking were as follows:
Tachibana
(1) Engine room damaged and engine stopped due to bomb burst near starboard (I think the situation of the photo you uploaded. The close bomb explosion damage engine room under funnels)
(2) 2 - 3 bombs explode on the stern, leaning to her starboard side and sinking
Yanagi
(1) Avoided torpedoes
(2) A rocket attack hits. Stern disconnection, loss of steering room / propulsion function. (I think the situation of the photo I uploaded.


橘1A.jpg
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橘4.jpg
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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#69

Post by ijnfleetadmiral » 10 Apr 2021, 14:17

I have to agree with Fontessa...I see the bridge and first turret of a Tachibana as well.
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fontessa
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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#70

Post by fontessa » 17 Apr 2021, 06:38

Hello Ian,
IANHULKMCLEOD wrote:
09 Apr 2021, 20:21
anything about definite casualties also while you there what about the Enoki and Sakura as well
ENOKI
榎 ENOKI was the 12th ship of Tachibana Class Destroyer. After commissioning, she belonged to 11th Destroyer Squadron commanded by RADM TAKAMA Tamotsu 高間完 (41). All TACHIBANA Class destroyers were firstly belonged to 11th Destroyer Squadron for early stage training in Seto Inland Sea. 11th Destroyer Squadron moved to Maizuru on May 27 to avoid the mines dropped by the B-29s. Then they moved to the less prominent Obama Bay and ENOKI touched a mine there. Her stern was destroyed, which sank her. Unfortunately the number of KIA is unknown.
Her crew was:
Officers: 15
Special Duty Officers: 2
Chief Warrant Officers: 3
Petty Officers: 62
Seamen: 240
Total: 322

ENOKI
Commanding Officers
(CEO) LT / LT WAKAMATSU Takejiro 若松武次郎 (68): 1 March 1945 - 31 March 1945 (40 C13072103700 / 16 C13072104400)
LT / LT WAKAMATSU Takejiro 若松武次郎 (68): 31 March 1945 - 26 June 1945 (Mine hit) (16 C13072104400)
Gunnery Officers
(EO) LT / LT KUGE Mitsuo 久家三夫 (70): 10 March 1945 - 31 March 1945 (36 C13072103800 / 16 C13072104400)
LT / LT HISAYA Mitsuo KUGE Mitsuo 久家三夫 (70): 31 March 1945 - 26 June 1945 (Mine hit) (16 C13072104400)
Torpedo Officers
(EO) LT / LT FUJIWARA Ichiro 藤原一郎 (70): 10 March 1945 - 31 March 1945 (36 C13072103800 / 16 C13072104400)
LT / LT FUJIWARA Ichiro 藤原一郎 (70): 31 March 1945 - 26 June 1945 (Mine hit) (16 C13072104400)
Mine Officers
LTJG (Res.) / LTJG (Res.) FUJISE Fumio 藤瀬文男: 31 March 1945 - 26 June 1945 (Mine hit) (17 C13072104400)
Navigation Officers
(EO) LTJG / LTJGHATTORI Shiroji 服部四郎治 (72): 1 March 1945 - 31 March 1945 (43 C13072103700 / 16 C13072104400)
LTJG / LT HATTORI Shiroji 服部四郎治 (72): 31 March 1945 - 26 June 1945 (Mine hit) (16 C13072104400)
Engineer Officers
(EO) LT (Res.) / LT (Res.) O’OKA Yoshiharu 大岡嘉晴: 25 February 1945 - 31 March 1945 (16 C13072104400)
LT (Res.) / LT (Res.) O’OKA Yoshiharu 大岡嘉晴: 31 March 1945 - 26 June 1945 (Mine hit) (16 C13072104400)


SAKURA
桜 SAKURA was the 12th ship of MATSU Class Destroyer. She was subordinated to 53rd Destroyer Division after the early stage training in 11th Destroyer Squadron. As ENOKI, SAKURA was ordered to move Maizuru. She departed Seto Inland Sea on 25 May 1945 and touched a mine on the same day. Fortunately she was able to be repaired in Kure Naval Yard and returned to Osaka on June 15 after her repairs were completed. The 53rd Destroyer Division was to be disbanded on July 15, and prior to that, she was sent to watch over the sea between Osaka and Kobe as a guard ship of Osaka Guard Distinct. She sank by a mine hit on stern on July 11 at 256 degrees 5.6 miles at the Osaka Port Middle Jetty Lighthouse during a move to avoid the expected 38th Tsk Force attack. According to Japanese WIKI, 130 men were killed.

53rd Destroyer Division
Activated on 15 March 1945
Deactivated on 15 July 1945
Flag ship was SAKURA.
Commanding Officers Boarded SAKURA
CAPT / CAPT TOYOSHIMA Shun’ichi 豊嶋俊一 (51): 15 March 1945 - 11 July 1945 (Survived) (8 C13072103900)
CAPT / CAPT TOYOSHIMA Shun’ichi 豊嶋俊一 (51): 11 July 1945 - 15 July 1945
Engineer Officers
ABSENT: 15 March 1945 - 15 July 1945
Medical Officers
VACANT: 15 March 1945 - 15 July 1945
Supply Officers
VACANT: 15 March 1945 - 15 July 1945
SAKURA
Commanding Officers
(CEO) LCDR / LCDR SHIMOBE Shoji 卜部章二 (65): 12 November 1944 - 25 November 1944 (50 C13072101900 / 47 C13072102100)
LCDR / LCDR SHIMOBE Shoji 卜部章二 (65): 25 November 1944 - 11 July 1945 (Survived) (47 C13072102100)
Gunnery Officers
(EO) LT / LT OKADA Ichiro 岡田一呂 (66): 12 November 1944 - 25 November 1944 (50 C13072101900 / 47 C13072102100)
LT / LT OKADA Ichiro 岡田一呂 (66): 25 November 1944 - 6 January 1945 (47 C13072102100 / 47 C13072102800)
LT / LT INASAWA Heizo 隠沢兵三 (70): 6 January 1945 - 11 July 1945 (Survived) (47 C13072102800)
Torpedo Officers
(EO) LTJG / LTJG KANAMARU Hikaru 金丸光 (71): 10 November 1944 - 25 November 1944 (49 C13072101900 / 47 C13072102100)
LTJG / LTJG KANAMARU Hikaru 金丸光 (71): 25 November 1944 - 11 July 1945 (Survived) (47 C13072102100)
Mine Officers
ENS / ENS YOSHIDA Katsunobu 吉田勝信 (73): 25 November 1944 - 11 July 1945 (Survived) (47 C13072102100)
Navigation Officers
(EO) LTJG / LTJG KATSURA Rihei 桂理平 (72): 10 November 1944 - 25 November 1944 (49 C13072101900 / 47 C13072102100)
LTJG / LT KATSURA Rihei 桂理平 (72): 25 November 1944 - 11 July 1945 (Survived) (47 C13072102100)
Engineer Officers
(EO) LTJG (ENG.S.D.) / LTJG (ENG.S.D.) OKADA Matsuichi 岡田松一: 10 November 1944 - 25 November 1944
LTJG (ENG.S.D.) / LTJG (ENG.S.D.) / LT* OKADA Matsuichi 岡田松一: 25 November 1944 - 11 July 1945 (KIA)


fontessa

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ijnfleetadmiral
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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#71

Post by ijnfleetadmiral » 17 Apr 2021, 10:32

For DesDiv 53, I have LT (Sup.) HARA Tokuzo (Pay. 31) appointed Paymaster from 15 March - 15 July 1945.
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fontessa
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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#72

Post by fontessa » 17 Apr 2021, 11:54

Hello ijnfleetadmiral,
ijnfleetadmiral wrote:
17 Apr 2021, 10:32
For DesDiv 53, I have LT (Sup.) HARA Tokuzo (Pay. 31) appointed Paymaster from 15 March - 15 July 1945.
As for LT HARA Tokuzo, I have posted the following comment.
Can you show the Kanji for him?
↓ I think it is the only one I know.
4th Destroyer Division (5th Gen.)
Supply Officers
LT / LT HARA Atsuzo 原篤三 (Pay.31): 1 September 1944 - 15 November 1944 (36 C13072100800 / 21 C13072102000)
fontessa wrote:
07 Aug 2019, 02:43
ijnfleetadmiral wrote:
03 Aug 2019, 23:33
DesDiv 53
Activated on 15 March 1945
Deactivated post-war
Commanders
CAPT SUGITANI Nagahide (51) - 15 March 1945 - 15 July 1945
CAPT TOYOSHIMA Shunichi (51) - 15 July 1945 - 15 August 1945
Chief Engineers
??? - 15 March 1945 - 15 August 1945
Surgeons
??? - 15 March 1945 - 15 August 1945
Paymasters
(P) LT HARA Tokuzo (??) - 15 March 1945 - 15 August 1945
53rd Destroyer Division
Engineer Officers
ABSENT: 15 March 1945 - 15 July 1945
53rd Destroyer Division
Medical Officers
VACANT: 15 March 1945 - 15 July 1945
53rd Destroyer Division
Supply Officers
VACANT: 15 March 1945 - 15 July 1945

I couldn’t confirm LT HARA Tokuzo’s appointment / relief.
fontessa

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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#73

Post by ijnfleetadmiral » 17 Apr 2021, 19:31

fontessa wrote:
17 Apr 2021, 11:54
Can you show the Kanji for him?
The Kanji for your HARA Atsuzo and my HARA Tokuzo are the same, so it's the same officer. Here's what I have for him:

HARA Tokuzo 原篤三
Paymaster Academy 31 (Class Rank Unknown)
BORN - ??? (Prefecture Unknown)
MID (P) - 15 November 1941
ENS (P) - 01 May 1942
LTJG (P) - 01 May 1943
LT (P) - 01 May 1944
DesDiv 4 Paymaster - 01 September 1944 - 10 January 1945
DesDiv 53 Paymaster - 15 March 1945 - 15 August 1945
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fontessa
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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#74

Post by fontessa » 17 Apr 2021, 21:05

Hello ijnfleetadmiral,

I rechecked Naval Transfer and Promotion Lists made by IJN again with page by page basis, but couldn't find 原篤三 on 15 March 1945.
I feel it is unnatural that only Supply Officer was appointed without appointment of Medical Officer.
Excuse me, are you sure about your source?

fontessa

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Re: FOR FONTESSA!

#75

Post by ijnfleetadmiral » 17 Apr 2021, 21:58

Can't recall where I got it, so I'll go with your info.
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