Ship History
Built by the Maizuru Naval Arsenal at Maizuru. Named Matsu (松) meaning "Pine". Laid down August 8, 1943. Launched February 3, 1944. Completed April 28, 1944 and assigned to Desron 11 for training under the command of Lieutenant Commander Yonei Tsuneo. On June 1, 1944 placed under the command of Lieutenant Commander Yoshinaga Gen. On July 15, 1944 assigned to Desdiv 43 with Ume, Take, Matsu and Momo.

Wartime History
On July 29, 1944 departed Tateyama escorting Convoy No. 4804 to Chichi Jima arriving August 1, 1944. During this escort mission, Matsu served as the flagship of Commander, 2nd Convoy Escort Group under Rear Admiral Takahashi Ichimatsu.

Sinking History
On August 4, 1944 departed Chichi Jima escorting a convoy northward to Japan. Spotted by U.S. Navy aircraft, Matsu was damaged by carrier aircraft from TG 58.1 then sunk by gunfire from US Navy destroyers USS Cogswell (DD-651), USS Knapp (DD-653) and USS Ingersoll (DD-652) rougly fifty miles northwest of Chichi Jima. Lieutenant Commander Yoshinaga and Rear Admiral Takahashi were killed in action. Officially removed from the Navy list on October 10, 1944.

Rescue
Six of the crew were rescued by the U.S. Navy and became prisoners of war (POW).

References
IJN Matsu: Tabular Record of Movement

Contribute Information
Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned?
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
November 18, 2023