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| IJN Fubuki-class destroyer 1,750 Tons (Standard) 2,050 Tons (Rebuilt) 367' 3" x 34' 1" x 10' 6" 6 x 12cm guns (3x2) 22 x 25mm AA guns 10 x 13mm MG 9 x 24" torpedo tubes 36 x depth charges  IJN 1930s |
Ship History Built by Fujinagata Shipyards in Osaka. Laid down April 25, 1927 as Fubuki-class destroyer Destroyer No. 39. Launched September 27, 1928 as Murakumo 叢雲 meaning "clustered clouds" or "mashed clouds" in Japanese and was the second destroyer with this name, previously was Murakumo (1898). Commissioned May 10, 1929 in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). Assigned to Destroyer Division 12 (DesDiv 12), Desron 3, 2nd Fleet. During the Second Sino-Japanese War patrols off central China. In 1940 participates in the invasion of French Indochina (Vietnam). PARTIAL HISTORY On September 1, 1942 departs Shortland with Yudachi escorting Sado Maru and Asaka Maru to Gizo then returns the next day. On September 4, 1942 departs Shortland with Hatsuyuki and Yūdachi on an overnight troop transport "Tokyo Express" run to Guadalcanal to land Japanese Army reinforcements at Taivu. On September 5, 1942 after midnight, the destroyers were preparing to bombard Henderson Field when PBY Catalina dropped flares that illuminate a pair of high-speed transports USS Gregory (APD-3) and USS Little (APD-4). The three destroyers open fire with gunfire from Yūdachi assisting in the sinking of both high-speed transports. On September 7, 1942 departs Shortland on a troop transport run to Guadalcanal and returns. On September 11, 1942 departs Shortland on a troop transport run to Guadalcanal and returns. On September 13, 1942 departs Shortland for a shore bombardment of Guadalcanal to support the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Kawaguchi offensive. On September 15, 1942 departs Shortland on a troop transport run to Guadalcanal and returns. On September 18, 1942 departs Shortland on an attack mission to Guadalcanal and returns. On October 1, 1942 departs Shortland on a troop transport run to Guadalcanal and returns. On October 4, 1942 departs Shortland on a troop transport run to Guadalcanal and returns. On October 7, 1942 departs Shortland on a troop transport run to Guadalcanal and returns. On October 11, 1942 at 8:00am departs Shortland escorting seaplane tenders Nisshin and Chitose with destroyers Asagumo, Natsugumo, Yamagumo, Shirayuki and Akizuki via "The Slot" bound for Guadalcanal and overnight participates in the Battle of Cape Esperance (Second Battle of Savo Island). Sinking History On October 12, 1942 after the Battle of Cape Esperance (Second Battle of Savo Island) attempts to assist damaged Furutaka then helps rescue her surviving crew. After sunrise, targeted by U.S. planes that score three near misses followed by a torpedo hit then a direct hit by a bomb that leaves the destroyer unable to maneuverable and burning with 22 dead. Meanwhile, Natsugumo attempts to render aid but was bombed by dive bombers that scored near misses and sank. Severely damaged Murakumo was scuttled by a torpedo fired by Shirayuki approximately 90 miles west-northwest of Savo Island at roughly Lat 8° 40' S Long 159° 20' E. Officially stricken from the Navy Register on November 15, 1942. Rescue The surviving crew including Lieutenant Commander Higashi were rescued by Shirayuki. References Combined Fleet - IJN Murakumo: Tabular Record of Movement Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Japanese Naval and Merchant Shipping Losses pages 3 (Murakumo), 111 (index Murakumo) Contribute
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 Map Oct 11, 1942 |
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