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| IJN W-13 Class Minesweeper 702 Tons 242' x 26.11' x 6.9' 2 x 4.7" guns 2 x 13mm machine guns |
Ship History Built by Fujinagata Shipyards in Osaka. Laid down April 6, 1933 as W-13 Class Minesweeper. Launched February 14, 1934 as Minesweeper W-15 also known as Minesweeper No. 15. Completed and commissioned August 21, 1934 in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and registered in the Kure Naval District. PARTIAL HISTORY On April 2, 1943 at 8:00am arrives Shortland Harbor escorting Gisho Maru and soon afterwards departs to patrol the western approaches to Shortland. The next day, begins patrolling the southern approaches to Shortland. On April 4, 1943 returns to Shortland Harbor at 6:15am. On April 5, 1943 departs Shortland Harbor and returns the next day. On April 8, 1943 departs Shortland Harbor at 8:10am and returns at 1:15pm. On April 9, 1943 departs Shortland Harbor to patrol the northern approaches then on April 11, 1943 begin patrolling the western approaches. On April 12, 1943 resumes patrolling north of Shortland. On April 18, 1943 departed Buin (Kahili) bound for Ballale Island to meet Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Admiral Matome Ugaki and their staff who were scheduled to land at Ballale Airfield aboard G4M1 Betty 2656 Tail 323 and G4M1 Betty Tail 326. Instead, both bombers were intercepted by P-38G Lightnings and shot down over southern Bougainville. On April 20, 1943 W-15 proceeds to the mouth of the Wamai River on southern Bougainville and embarks the bodies of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto plus the crew and passengers that died aboard G4M1 Betty 2656. The remains were placed under a tent on the bow and an initial autopsy was conducted. At 4:00pm departs for Buin (Kangu) and the bodies were transfered to Navy personnel ashore. On April 21, 1943 at 7:40am departs Buin escorting a convoy and returns at 1:45pm. PARTIAL HISTORY On June 5, 1943 at Shortland Harbor with W-22, subchasers CH-12, CH-29 and Shinkoko Maru. PARTIAL HISTORY Sinking History On March 5, 1945 while off Akuseki Jima in the Ryukyu Islands at 10:42am USS Tilefish (SS-307) spotted W-15 and fired torpedoes damaging the stern of W-15. Damaged, this vessel beached on a shoal off Suwasi Island with the assistance from Banshu Maru No. 51 to facilitate salvage. Spotting the damaged target on the beach, USS Tilefish (SS-307) fired two more torpedoes but they exploded on the reef. Afterwards, W-15 was abandoned as a total loss. On May 10, 1945 officially removed from the Navy list. References Combined Fleet - IJN Minesweeper W-15: Tabular Record of Movement Contribute
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