Jump to content

Aiyo Maru

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

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.

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]