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| IJN Akizuki-class destroyer 2,700 Tons (standard) 3,700 Tons (full load) 440' 3" x 38' 1" x 13' 7" 8 x 100mm guns (4") 25mm AA guns 4 x 24" torpedo tubes 72 x depth charges |
Ship History Built by Mitsubishi Nagasaki Shipyard at Nagasaki. Laid down as an Akizuki-class destroyer. Launched November 21, 1941 as Teruzuki 照月 meaning "shining moon". Completed August 31, 1942 in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) assigned to Commander Tsuneo Orita. On September 8, 1942 arrives Yokosuka for fitting out and by the end of the month is ready for assignment. On October 7, 1942 assigned to Destroyer Divison 61 (Desdiv 61) with Akizuki, Desron 10, 3rd Fleet. On October 10, 1942 departs Yokosuka via Truk and joins the fleet north of the Solomon Islands. Wartime History On October 26, 1942 during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands escorts the striking force under the command of Admiral Nagumo. During the engagement, suffered a near miss from a bomb dropped by a PBY Catalina that caused slight hull damage and killed seven crew. Afterwards, escorts damaged Zuiho out of the area then steams for Truk arriving three days later repaired by Akashi then returns to the north Solomon Islands. On November 12, 1942 part of the destroyer escort for the Japanese bombardment force under the command of Vice Admiral Abe Hiroaki that assembled 81 miles north of Indispensable Strait for a planned shore bombardment of Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. The force includes include Hiei (flagship of Vice Admiral Abe) and Kirishima, light cruiser Nagara plus eleven destroyers: Samidare, Murasame, Asagumo, Teruzuki, Amatsukaze, Yukikaze, Ikazuchi, Inazuma, Akatsuki, Harusame and Yūdachi. On November 13, 1942 at 1:25am at the start of the first phase of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal Japanese warships entered the western end of Savo Strait and steamed to the southeast for the planned shore bombardment. The weather was poor with a dark moon making visibility minimal. At 1:45am Teruzuki, Amatsukaze, Yukikaze were at the center left of the force. Around 1:48am opens fire with Teruzuki claiming hits on all seven American ships engaged including one sunk. During the daylight hours aids damaged Hiei. On November 14-15, 1942 participated in the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, as part of Admiral Kondo's Emergency Bombardment Force with Asagumo to provide close cover for larger warships. During the battle, assisted Kirishima and aided Asagumo and Samidare rescue survivors. Afterwards, steamed for Truk arriving on November 18, 1942 and became the flagship of Comdesron 10 under Rear Admiral Kimura Susumu, then was relieved when Agano arrived at Truk. On December 3, 1942 suffered minor damage when the destroyer clipped a coral reef at Truk and was checked for damage. On December 5, 1942 departs for Shortland arriving two days later and becomes the flagship of Comdesron 2 under the command of Rear Admiral Raizo Tanaka. On December 11, 1942 departs Shortland as cover for an overnight "Tokyo Express" overnight supply run bound for Guadalcanal. Sinking History On December 12, 1942 in the early morning while patrolling off Cape Esperance on Guadalcanal at slow speed targeted by PT-37 and PT-40 that make a torpedo run and score a hit. The explosion killed nine crew and caused fires and a loss of power. Dead in the water, the flames spread and three hours later ignite her depth charges triggering an explosion then quickly sinks. Officially, removed from the Navy list on January 15, 1943. Rescue After the sinking, Naganami rescued 57 of her crew including Rear Admiral Tanaka. Arashi rescued 140 others. Another 95 of the crew including Commander Orita deployed the destroyers life boats and reach Kamimbo Bay (Tambea) where they link up with Japanese personnel. References Many Japanese official sources incorrectly list Teruzuki as sunk 20 miles northeast of Kolombangara at Lat 7° 50' S Long 157° 30'E. Misspelled Terutsuki in U.S. Navy sources. Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) Japanese Naval and Merchant Shipping Losses During World War II by All Causes pages 4 (Terutsuki [sic]), 120 (index Terutsuki [sic]) Combined Fleet - IJN Teruzuki: Tabular Record of Movement Contribute
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 Map November 13, 1942 Map Iron Bottom Sound |
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