IJN
Type A midget submarine
June 10, 1942
Albert Cross 1964
Justin Taylan 2006
Captain Lt. Kenshi Chuma (KIA)
Navigator Petty Officer Takeshi Omari (KIA)
Sunk May 31, 1942 at 10:35pm
Wartime History
One of three midget submarines, along with M24 and M22 attacked Sydney
Harbor on the night of May 31, 1942.
This submarine was released from the I-27. It successfully crossed the indicator loop at the entrance to Sydney Harbor unnoticed at 8:00pm. Next, at 8:15pm it became tangled in the anti-torpedo boom net between Green Point and Georges Head, and was spotted by harbor workers. At 10:35pm, the commander scuttled the sub with its demolition charge, killing both himself and the navigator. The demolition charge exploded the hull of the sub outwards.
Salvage
During the first week of June, this sub was salvaged from Sydney Harbor. The remains of the crew were removed and cremated with full military honors and their ashes passed to the Japanese authorities.
Wreckage
It was put on display in Sydney and traveled around Australia raising money for the war widows fund. After the war the wreckage was returned to the RAN. In 1975 it was decided to combine the salvaged wrecks of M22 and M27 into one complete sub.
Display
The sub in the Australian War Memorial (AWM) is the bow of M22, and mid and stern sections of M27. Other artifacts in the museum's collection include Chuma's helmet. In the 1970s it was displayed outdoors. Today, it is displayed indoors at ANZAC Hall.
References
Thanks to CMDR Shane Moore, Director RAN Heritage Centre for display information.
ANZAC Hall
