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  Hatsuzuki 初月
IJN
Akizuki-class destroyer

2,700 Tons (standard)
3,700 Tons (full load)
440' 3" x 38' 1" x 13' 7"
As Built
2x4 100mm DP guns
4 x 25mm AA guns
4 x torpedo tubes with 8 Type 93 torpedoes
56 x depth charges

October 1944
2x4 100mm DP guns
3x5 + 14 x AA guns
4 x torpedo tubes with 8 Type 93 torpedoes
56 x depth charges

Click For Enlargement
IJN December 1942
Ship History
Built by Maizuru Naval Arsenal at Maizuru. Laid down July 25, 1941 as Akizuki class destroyer. Launched April 3, 1942 as Hatsuzuki 初) meaning "New Moon (in Autumn)" in Japanese. Completed December 29, 1942. joins the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) under the command of Captain Shooichi Taguchi.

Wartime History
On January 15, 1943 assigned to the 3rd Fleet, Desron 10, Desdiv 61. On March 22-27, 1943 escorted Junyo and Hiyo from Saeki to Truk, then transported construction personnel to Kavieng, assisting Aoba with firefighting then proceeded to Rabaul. On April 4, 1943 departs Rabaul for Truk.

During May 17-22, escorted ships from Truk to Yokosuka, then spent a month in Japan undergoing maitenance and training.

PARTIAL HISTORY

During June underwent upkeep and training in Japan.

On July 10 departed Japan on a escort mission to Truk. On the 19th departed Truk escorting Nisshin, Mogami, Oyodo and Agano transporting troops of the 4th Southsea Garrison Unit to Rabaul and then onto northern Bougainville at Tarlena (south of Buka).

PARTIAL HISTORY

During October 1944 Hatsuzuki was assigned to the Northern Force commanded by Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa for the Japanese atack against the U.S. inveasion force off Leyte. The Northern Mobile Force includes Isuzu plus destroyers Kuwa, Sugi, Maki, Kiri, Akizuki, Hatsuzuki, Wakatsuki and Shimotsuki.

Sinking History
On October 25, 1944 escorted the Northern Force during the Battle off Cape Engano and covered Wakatsuki and Kuwa as they rescued survivors from the sinking of Zuikaku and Zuihō. As part of the rescue effort, Hatsuzuki lowered a cutter for survivors.

At 7:40pm U.S. Navy (USN) Task Force 34 (TF.34) approached with four cruisers including USS New Orleans, USS Wichita (CA-45), USS Santa Fe (CL-60) and USS Mobile (CL-63) and at nine destroyers. Alone, Hatsuzuki bravely engaged the enemy to allow other Japanese destroyers and light cruiser Isuzu to continue the rescue. At 8:59pm Hatsuzuki was hit by gunfire and exploded and sank at roughly Lat 20-24 N, Long 126-20 E off Cape Engaño.

Fates of the Crew
All hands including Captain Amano Shigetaka were lost. Only eight of her crew and seventeen Zuikaku crew rescued before the sinking survived in a cutter lowered just before sinking. After 21 days at sea, they reached southern Formosa and were rescued November 14, 1944.

References
Senshi Sosho Vol. 58 page 164-165
Combined Fleet IJN Hatsuzuki: Tabular Record of Movement

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Last Updated
November 17, 2023

 

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