Ship History
Built by Kawasaki Dockyard as yard no. 416. On March 3, 1919 laid down. On May 15, 1919 launched. On June 7, 1919 completed as Hankow Maru. On August 1, 1939 transfered to Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (K Line). Entered service as a cargo ship between Japan, Gibraltar London and New York routes.

COMING SOON...

On July 20, 1943 Hankow Maru departs Palau as part of "Hansa No. 5" bound for Hansa Bay. The convoy also includes Aden Maru, Denmark Maru, Nagano Maru, Yubae Maru and Shinto Maru No. 1 escorted by Shirataka and subchaser CH-34. Five days later arrives Hansa Bay at 1:25am. Afterwards, departs bound for Palau.

On August 20, 1943 Hankow Maru departs Palau as part of "Wewak No. 7" convoy bound for Wewak. The convoy also includes transports Aden Maru, Nagano Maru, Nagato Maru, Shinyu Maru and Yubae Maru escorted by subschasers CH-26 and CH-34. Three days later, the covoy was recalled back to Palau due to enemy activy over Wewak.

On August 28, 1943 Hankow Maru is loaded with troops and supplies at Palau and departs as part of "Wewak No. 7" convoy bound for Wewak. The convoy also includes transports Aden Maru, Nagato Maru, Shinyu Maru escorted by subschasers CH-26 and CH-34.

Sinking History
On September 2, 1943 the convoy anchors at 12:45am in Wewak Harbor and Boram Bay off Wewak. While anchored, a barrage balloon was tethered above the vessel to protect it from low level attack. That morning, B-25D Mitchell from the 38th Bombardment Group escorted by P-38 Lightnings from the 8th Fighter Group, 80th Fighter Squadron. During the attack, Hankow Maru is bombed and sunk.

References
Combined Fleet - IJA Transport HANKOW MARU: Tabular Record of Movement
Tuluvu's Air War, Chapter 5 by Richard Dunn

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Last Updated
August 4, 2020