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Allied Merchant Ship Losses in the Pacific and Southeast Asia
(December 7th, 1941 - March 9th, 1942)


United Kingdom   Australia   New Zealand   India


Vitorlock (5,030 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 7th, 1941
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in China Seas, renamed Wazan Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Sargo on April 26th, 1944, West of Japan.

Annalock (6,638 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in port of Yokohama, renamed Rozan Maru, sunk by USN carrier-based aircraft on September 9th, 1944 near the Philippines.

Deslock (5,015 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in port Yokohama, renamed Uzan Maru sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Trout on May 2nd, 1942 off Shikoku.

Federlock (6,607 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in China Sea, renamed Fukuzan Maru sunk by USN carrier-based aircraft on January 9th, 1945, East of China.

Hatterlock (5,138 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in port of Hakodate, renamed Renzan Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Porpoise on January 1st, 1943 near Yap Island.

Kiangsu (2,661 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN off Amoy, renamed Kimnon Maru, gutted by fire in port of Singapore on June 10th, 1944.

Munlock (5,240 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in China Sea, renamed Rizan Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Searaven on September 25th, 1944, East of Sakhalin.

St. Quentin (3,528 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in China Sea, renamed Taizan Maru, sunk by USN carrier-based aircraft on November 11th, 1944 in the Philippines.

Ben Nevis (5,264 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 9th, 1941
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN off Hong Kong, renamed Gyokuyo Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Spadefish on November 14th, 1944, East of China.

Soochow (2,604 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 11th, 1941
Reason for loss - Scuttled in dock in Hong Kong, salved by IJN, renamed Tozan Maru, sunk by seamine off Moji (Japan).

Joan Moller (2,232 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 12th, 1941
Reason for loss - Scuttled in port of Hong Kong, salved by IJN, renamed Gyoyu Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Seahorse on July 3rd, 1944 in the South China Sea.

Ariadne Moller (1,840 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - December 12th, 1941
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Hong Kong, salved by IJN, renamed Chikuzan Maru, sunk by USAAF aircraft on July 12th, 1943 near Haiphong.

Kalgan (2,655 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 12th, 1941
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in port of Bangkok, renamed Nishi Maru, sunk by USN carrier-based aircraft on November 13th, 1944 off Manila.

Forafric (3,375 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 24th, 1941
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft, North of Celebes.

Hinsang (4,644 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 25th, 1941
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Hong Kong, salved by IJN, renamed Kensei Maru, sunk by USN carrier-based aircraft on January 12th, 1945 near Saigon.

Tantalus (7,726 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 26th, 1941
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Manila.

Shinai (2,410 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 28th, 1941
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Kuching, salved by IJN, renamed Shinai Maru, sunk by USN land-based aircraft on September 16th, 1944, South of Celebes.

Kaiping (2,563 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - January 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in port of Manila, renamed Kaiho Maru, sunk by US seamine, West of Kyushu.

Kwangtung (2,626 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – January 4th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by gunfire from IJN submarine I-56, in the Indian Ocean south of Java.

Jalarajan (5,102 tons) – British-Indian Freighter
Date of loss – January 14th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-65, in the Indian Ocean west of Sumatra.

Tai Sang (3,555 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - January 24th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Allied seamine off Singapore.

Harpa (3,007 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - January 27th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by British seamine, South of Singapore.

Jalatarang (2,498 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - January 30th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by shellfire and torpedo from IJN submarine I-64, East of India.

Jalapalaka (4,215 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - January 30th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by shellfire from IJN submarine I-64, East of India.

Nora Moller (4,433 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – February 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by Japanese aircraft south of Singapore.

Pinna (6,121 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - February 3rd, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft south of Singapore.

Loch Ranza (4,958 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - February 3rd, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft south of Singapore.

Sudabar (5,424 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - February 3rd, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft west of Palembang.

Katong (1,461 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - February 3rd, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft west of Palembang.

Empress of Asia (16,909 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - February 5th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft south of Singapore.

Spirilla (5,695 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - February 12th, 1942
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in port of Singapore and scuttled there in August 1945.

Talthibius (10,254 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - February 12th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Singapore, salved by IJN, renamed Taruyasu Maru, sunk by seamine on June 30th, 1945, North of Japan.

Derrymore (4,799 tons) – Ammunition Ship
Date of loss – February 13th, 1942
Reason for lossSunk by IJN submarine (SS) I-55.

Hosang (5,698 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - February 13th, 1942
Reason for loss - Aground and captured at Palembang, salved by IJN, renamed Gyozan Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Flounder on November 24th, 1944 in the South China Sea.

Vyner Brooke (?) - Steamship
Date of loss - February 14th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft near Bangka Island (north of Sumatra).

Pleiodon (5,878 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - February 15th, 1942
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in port of Singapore, renamed Nansei Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Ray on August 18th, 1944 in China Sea.

Neptuna (5,952 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - February 19th, 1942
Reason for loss - Bombed and sunk by Japanese aircraft in Port Darwin.

Zealandia (6,683 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - February 19th, 1942
Reason for loss - Bombed by Japanese aircraft and exploded in Port Darwin.

British Motorist (6,891 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - February 19th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft in port of Port Darwin.

Bhima (5,280 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - February 20th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-65, West of India.

Wosang (3,448 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - February 26th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by gunfire from IJN ships in the Java Sea.

City of Manchester (8,917 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - February 28th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-53 in the Indian Ocean south west of Sumatra.

Koolama (4,026 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - March 3rd, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft in Timor Sea, near Australia.

Francol (2,623 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - March 4th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by gunfire from IJN heavy cruisers (CA's) Atago, Takao and Maya (plus accompaning destroyers) in the Indian Ocean south of Java.

Taiyuan (2,994 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - March 8th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by IJN surface fire in Java Sea.

Chilka (4,360 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 11th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by gunfire from IJN submarine I-2, West of Sumatra.



the Netherlands


Beatrice (3,675 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss - Confiscated by Japan at anchor in the bay of Tokyo. Renamed Biwa Maru and lost in Japanese service through collision in the Karimata Strait on November 1st, 1942. This was the first Dutch Merchant ship loss in the war against Japan although not in the Netherlands East Indies.

Tjisaroea (7,089 tons) – Steamship
Date of loss – March 4th, 1942
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN destroyer (DD) Arashi. Renamed Chihaya Maru in Japanese service. Sunk by USN submarine Seahorse on November 2nd, east of Nansei Shoto.

Toradja (981 tons) – Merchant Ship
Date of loss – March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by naval gunfire from IJN destroyers (DD) Arashi and Nowaki.

Duymaer van Twist (1.030 tons) – Cargo Ship
Date of loss – March 4th, 1942
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN heavy cruiser (CA) Atago. Renamed Dai Maru in Japanese service. Sunk by US aircraft on May 14th, 1945, near Makassar.

Modjekerto (8,806 tons) – Cargo Ship
Date of loss – March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo and gunfire from IJN submarine I-54 south of Tjilatjap.

Enggano (5,412 tons) – Steamship
Date of loss – March 4th, 1942
Reason for loss – Damaged by seaplane from the IJN heavy cruiser (CA) Takao (Sentai 4) on March 1st, 1942. Sunk by IJN heavy cruiser (CA) Chikuma and the destroyer (DD) Urukaze.

Poelau Bras (9,278 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – March 5th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by aircraft from IJN carrier (CV) Soryu, North West of Christmas Island.

Alfoer (473 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tjilatjap, retrieved by IJN, disappeared in Japanese service.

Anastasia (3,029 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - March 3rd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tandjong Priok, salved by IJN and renamed Takekuni Maru. Sunk by sea mine laid by HMS submarine Porpoise on September 10th, 1944, North East of Sumatra.

Angelina (2,086 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN and renamed Anjo Maru. Sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Bonefish on September 28th, 1944 in the South China Sea.

Augustina (3,110 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled in the Java Sea when IJN destroyer (DD) Harukaze was approaching.

Ban Ho Guan (1,693 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - February 28th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk south of Java by torpedo from IJN submarine I-4.

Batak (409 tons) - Coaster
Date of loss - March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss - Destroyed in dry dock in Soerabaja, salved by IJN and renamed Batak Go, further fate unknown.

Belawan (1,330 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Bengalen (6,924 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled near Soerabaja.

Benkalis (1,053 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Benkoelen (1,003 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - January 9th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by torpedo and gunfire from IJN submarine I-65 in the Java Sea.

Berouw (756 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - February 20th, 1942
Reason for loss - Wrecked on the northern shore of Java near Semarang.

Bintoehan (1,021 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 3rd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled on the south coast of Bali when approached by IJN destroyer DD Arashio.

Boelongan (1,053 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - January 28th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft near Padang (Sumatra).

Boero (7,135 tons) - Freighter (confiscated former French ship Dupleix)
Date of loss - February 25th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk in the Indian Ocean south of Sunda Strait by torpedo from IJN submarine I-58.

Borsumij (216 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March, 1942
Reason for loss - Captured, further fate unknown.

Buyskens (1,800 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - January 27th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Padang (Sumatra).

Camphuys (2,380 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - January 9th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by gunfire from IJN submarine I-58 in the Java Sea.

Daan (43 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tandjong Priok, salved by IJN, and sunk in Japanese service off Tandjung Penang.

Dayak (174 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Tjilatjap.

De Klerk (1,986 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tandjong Priok, salved by IJN, renamed Imaji Maru, sunk by seamine on September 16th, 1944 in Sunda Strait.

Elout (1,797 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - January 28th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft near Padang (Sumatra).

Gerrit (72 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for Loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN, renamed Ran Maru, found in Japan after the war in a useless condition.

Gina (290 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled near Soerabaja, salved by IJN, and sunk in Japanese service.

Iris (3,887 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - February 15th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled near Palembang, salved by IJN, renamed Kikusui Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Snook on October 24th 1944, north west of Luzon.

Jan Carstensz (164 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - January 31st, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by KNIL artillery fire off Ambon to prevent capture by IJN.

Johan (33 tons) - Tug
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled near Tandjong Priok, salved by IJN, renames Hasu Maru and lost in Japanese service.

Jules (121 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN, found after the war off Makassar in a useless condition.

Kasuaris (340 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Kidoel (775 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 5th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft near Tjilatjap, salved by IJN, renamed Haruno Maru, sunk by US carrier aircraft on April 14th 1944 off Sabang (Sumatra).

Kota Radja (7,177 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled on the coast of Madura opposite Soerabaja, after being heavily damaged by Japanese air attack on February 24th.

Kwandang (60 tons) - Tender
Date of loss - January 31st, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by KNIL artillery fire off Ambon to prevent capture by IJN.

Langkoeas (7,395 tons) - Freighter, confiscated former German ship Strassfurt
Date of loss - January 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-58 in Java Sea.

Le Maire (3,271 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - March 4th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-7 near Cocos Island.

Lematang (2,512 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - January 23rd 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Belawan (Sumatra).

Liran (4,323 tons) - Freighter, confiscated former Hungarian ship Nyugat
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Loa Koeloe (1.865 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Majang (536 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - Febuary 15th, 1942
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN in Strait Banka, renamed Niko Maru later No.4 Tenkai, sunk at the end 1944 in the Philippines by naval US aircraft.

Makassar (537 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - Febuary 15th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled in Strait Banka when approached by IJN cruiser Yura and (DD) destroyer Asagiri.

Mambang (764 tons) - Lighter
Date of loss - March 1942
Reason for loss - Left behind in the NEI, probably lost in Japanese service.

Mandar (536 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tjilatjap, salved by IJN, renamed Hiyoshi Maru, sunk by torpedo from HMS submarine Tantalus on June 10th, 1944 in Strait Malacca.

Manipi (536 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 4th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Tjilatjap, salved by IJN, renamed Manichi Mari, found in Tjilatjap after the war in an useless condition.

Manvantara (8,237 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - February 13th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese air attack in the Java Sea.

Mapia (550 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - February 15th, 1942
Reason for loss - Captured on the Indragiri River in Sumatra, used in Japanese service and found after the war in a useless condition.

Maras (134 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tjilatjap.

Merkus (865 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 4th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by gunfire from IJN submarine I-62 south of Tjilatjap.

Meroendoeng (2,464 tons) - Freighter, confiscated former German ship Friderun
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled as blockship in Tandjong Priok.

Merula (8,228 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - February 13th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese air attack in the Java Sea.

Milo (322 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tandjong Priok.

Mijer (1,873 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tandjong Priok, salved by IJN, renamed Hasshu Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Tautog on January 22nd, 1943 in the Flores Sea.

Nias (75 tons) - Coaster
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tjilatjap, salved by IJN and never found.

Nolly (108 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN, found after the war in Singapore in a useless condition.

Overijssel (395 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tjilatjap.

Parigi (1,172 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by torpedo and gunfire from IJN submarine I-2 in the Indian Ocean south of Tjilatjap.

Pasir (1,187 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tjilatjap.

Pehe (57 tons) - Coaster
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Poelau Tello (9,272 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - January 27th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Padang (Sumatra).

Poigar (57 tons) - Coaster
Date of loss - February 8th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk after a collision with Juno (TAN 2).

Poseidon (696 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tjilatjap, salved by IJN and renamed Hosei Maru, sunk by gunfire from RNN submarine O-19 in Sunda Strait on April 10th, 1945.

Pijnacker Hordijk (2,982 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - February 22nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by torpedo and gunfire from IJN submarine I-58 between Tjilatjap and Padang.

Reteh (513 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tjilatjap.

Rochussen (2,333 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - March 2nd 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN and renamed Chusan Maru, scuttled (again) as blockship off Soerabaja by IJN on August 12th, 1945.

Rokan (563 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 5th, 1945
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese air attack off Tjilatjap, salved by IJN and renamed Hokuan I-Go, sunk by torpedo from HMS submarine Taurus on April 22nd, 1944 in Strait Malacca.

Rolf (290 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled near Soerabaja, salved by IJN and found near Balikpapan in a useless condition.

Rooseboom (1,035 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-59 in the Indian Ocean West of Sumatra.

Sabangbaai (165 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 1942
Reason for loss - Captured in Sabang (Sumatra) by IJN and never heard of again.

Semarang (309 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN, renamed Suma Maru, sunk by allied aircraft near Celebes on October 26th 1944.

Semiramis (5,792 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - February 12th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled near Palembang, salved by IJN and renamed Kyoko Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Ray on December 27th, 1943 in the Flores Sea.

Senang (1,207 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - January 16th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by (British) mine in South China Sea.

Siantar (8,667 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 3rd, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by gunfire from IJN submarine I-1 in the Indian Ocean south of Tjilatjap.

Siaoe (1,573 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk in the Java Sea by naval gunfire from IJN ships.

Siberg (1,871 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - March 7th, 1942
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN, renamed Sumerusan Maru, lost through explosion in Soerabaja on April 19th, 1943.

Siberoet (1,799 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - 2th/3rd of March 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by naval gunfire near Tandjong Priok, salved by IJN, renamed Shiretoko Maru, sunk by torpedo from HMS submarine Tantivy on September 5th, 1944 near South Sumatra.

Sibolga (1,370 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tandjong Priok, salved by IJN, renamed Shiga Maru, found in Singapore after the war in a useless condition.

Sigli (1,579 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Captured in the Indian Ocean by IJN destroyer (DD) Hayashio, renamed Shigure Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Seadragon on October 10th, 1942 in Makassar Strait.

Silindoeng (1,793 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Sinabang (1,799 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by aircraft from IJN carrier (CV) Ryujo.

Singkil (70 tons) - Coaster
Date of loss - January 30th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by KNIL gunfire off Ambon, to prevent capture by IJN.

Sipirok (1,787 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tjilatjap.

Sipora (1,594 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 6th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tjilatjap.

Soegio (274 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - February 12th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by sea mine in the Java Sea.

Speelman (1,030 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN, renamed Hakko Maru, sunk by US aircraft on May 7th, 1945 in Makassar Strait.

Talang Akar (2.046 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN and renamed Tango Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Rasher on November 8th, 1943 in Strait Makassar.

Tamako (172 tons) - Coaster
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Tata (147 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN found after the war in a useless condition.

Taroena (172 tons) - Coaster
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Teddy (121 tons) - Sea Tug
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Tandjong Priok, salved by IJN renamed Kaide Maru, found after the war in Singapore in a useless condition.

Tembusu (344 tons) - Tanker
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Tidore (872 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - February 5th, 1942
Reason for loss - Attacked by Japanese aircraft and grounded on Soemba Island, destroyed by gunfire on February 15th by RNN destroyer (DD) Evertsen.

Tjikandi (7,970 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled as blockship off Soerabaja.

Tjikarang (9,505 tons) - Freighter
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled as blockship off Soerabaja.

Tobelo (983 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - February 21st, 1942
Reason for loss - Captured by IJN near Kupang (Timor), renamed Tobi Maru, sunk by torpedo from HMS submarine Tiptoe on June 1st, 1945 in the Java Sea.

Toendjoek (6,200 tons) - Freighter, confiscated former German ship Rendsburg
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled as blockship off Tandjung Priok, salved by IJN, renamed Tango Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Rasher on February 25th, 1944 in the Java Sea.

Togian (979 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - February 20th, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Koepang (Timor), salved by IJN but never heard of again.

Tohiti (982 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 5th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Tjilatjap, salved by IJN and found after the war in Tjilatjap in a useless condition.

Tomohon (983 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by gunfire from IJN destroyers (DD) Arashio and (DD) Nowake south of Java.

Tomori (983 tons) - Cargo Ship
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN renamed Sumatra Maru, sunk by torpedo from HMS submarine Trenchant on October 28th, 1944 off Phuket Harbour.

Van Cloon (4,519 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - February 7th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by gunfire from IJN submarine I-55 in the Java Sea, salved by IJN, renamed Tatebe Maru (or Kembu Maru), sunk by US aircraft on January 12th, 1945 near Binh-Dinh.

Van Diemen (1,030 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled of Soerabaja, salved by IJN and found after the war in Tandjong Priok in a useless condition.

Van Imhoff (2,980 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - January 19th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by Japanese aircraft in the Indian Ocean west of Sumatra.

Van Landsberge (1,937 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - February 4th, 1942
Reason for loss - Damaged by torpedo from IJN submarine I-55 in the Java Sea and sunk by gunfire from RNN minesweeper (MS) Pieter de Bitter.

Van Neck (3,027 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - March 3rd, 1942
Reason for loss - Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Van Overstraten (4,482 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - January 22nd, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by gunfire and torpedo from IJN submarine I-64 in the Indian Ocean west of Sumatra.

Van Rees (3,000 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - January 8th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-56 in the Indian Ocean south of Tjilatjap.

Van Riebeek (2,263 tons) - Passenger Ship
Date of loss - January 8th, 1942
Reason for loss - Sunk by gunfire from IJN submarine I-56 in the Indian Ocean south of Tjilatjap.

Silksworth (4,921 tons) – Steamship
Date of loss – April 6th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by naval gunfire from IJN heavy cruisers (CA) Suzuya and Kumano (of Sentai 7 – 1st Section) and destroyer (DD) Shirakumo.

Autolycus (7,621 tons) – Steamship
Date of loss – April 6th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by naval gunfire from IJN heavy cruisers (CA) Suzuya and Kumano (of Sentai 7 – 1st Section) and destroyer (DD) Shirakumo.

Malda (9,066 tons) – Steamship
Date of loss – April 6th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by naval gunfire from IJN heavy cruisers (CA) Suzuya and Kumano (of Sentai 7 – 1st Section) and destroyer (DD) Shirakumo.

Shinkuang (2,440 tons) – Steamship
Date of loss – April 6th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by naval gunfire from IJN heavy cruisers (CA) Suzuya and Kumano (of Sentai 7 – 1st Section) and destroyer (DD) Shirakumo.

Dardanus (7,726 tons) – Passenger ship
Date of loss – April 6th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by naval gunfire from IJN heavy cruisers (CA) Mikuma and Mogami (of Sentai 7 – 2nd Section) and destroyer (DD) Amagiri.

Gandara (5,281 tons) – Steamship
Date of loss – April 6th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by naval gunfire from IJN heavy cruisers (CA) Mikuma and Mogami (of Sentai 7 – 2nd Section) and destroyer (DD) Amagiri.

Indora (6,622 tons) – Merchant ship
Date of loss – April 6th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by naval gunfire from IJN heavy cruisers (CA) Mikuma and Mogami (of Sentai 7 – 2nd Section) and destroyer (DD) Amagiri.

United States of America


Liberty (6,211 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – January 11th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-66, south of Lombok Strait.

Capillo (5,135 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Sunk by Japanese aircraft in Manila Bay.

Don Jose (10,893 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – January 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss – Bombed by Japanese aircraft off Corregidor, wrecked on shore.

Eldorado (2,180 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 25th, 1941
Reason for loss – Scuttled off Hong Kong, salved by IJN, renamed Gyoryu Maru, sunk by USN seamine on May 13th 1945 off Kobe.

Emidio (6,912 tons) – Tanker
Date of loss – December 20th, 1941
Reason for loss – Torpedoed and shelled by IJN submarine I-17, wrecked on shore near Crescent City, California.

Florence Luckenbach (5,049 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – January 29th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo and shellfire from IJN submarine I-64 off Madras.

Lahaina (5,645 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 11th, 1941
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo and shellfire from IJN submarine I-9, East of Bonin Islands.

Malama (3,275 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – January 2nd, 1942
Reason for lossSunk by seaplane and shellfire from IJN auxiliary cruiser Aikoku Maru off Tahiti.

Manatawny (5,030 tons) – Tanker
Date of loss – December 10th, 1941
Reason for loss – Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Manila.

Manini (3,235 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 18th, 1941
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-75, East of Guam.

Mauna Loa (5,436 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – February 19th, 1942
Reason for loss – Bombed by Japanese aircraft in Port Darwin.

Mindanao (5,236 tons) – Tanker
Date of loss – February 10th, 1942
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN after air attack, East of the Philippines, renamed Palembang Maru, sunk by USN submarine Baya on March 4th, 1945 off Saigon.

Montebello (8,272 tons) – Tanker
Date of loss – December 23rd, 1941
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-21 off Cambria, California.

Morazan (2,984 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN in port of Shanghai, renamed Ekkai Maru, sunk by USN carrier-based aircraft on September 24th, 1944, West of the Philippines.

Paz (4,260 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – January 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss – Bombed and captured by IJN off Manila, renamed Hatsu Maru, sunk by USN carrier based aircraft on November 13th, 1944 off Manila.

President Harrison (10,509 tons) – Passenger Ship
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN off Shanghai, renamed Kachidoki Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Pampanito on September 12th, 1944 off Hainan.

President Polk (9,255 tons) – Troopship
Date of loss – March 1st, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by Japanese aircraft near Gilbert Islands.

Prusa (5,113 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 18th, 1941
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-72, South of Hawaii.

Ruth Alexander (8,135 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – January 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by Japanese aircraft in Makassar Strait.

Sagoland (5,334 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 11th, 1941
Reason for loss – Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Manila.

Vincent (6,210 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 12th, 1941
Reason for lossSunk by shellfire and torpedo from IJN auxiliary cruisers Aikoku Maru and Hokoku Maru near Pitcairn Island.

Wawa (1,650 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 11th, 1941
Reason for loss – Scuttled off Hong Kong, salved by IJN, renamed Awa Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN carrier-based aircraft on July 14th, 1945, East of Japan.

Exmoor (4,986 tons) – Steamship
Date of loss – April 6th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by naval gunfire from IJN heavy cruisers (CA) Suzuya and Kumano (of Sentai 7 – 1st Section) and destroyer (DD) Shirakumo.

Denmark


Johanne Justesen (4,471 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – February 15th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-65 near Ceylon.

Nordhval (4,473 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 9th, 1941
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-10 near Guam.



Norway


Bordvik (1,624 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – March 3rd, 1942
Reason for loss – Scuttled off Soerabaja, salved by IJN, renamed Manryu Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Sunfish on April 16th, 1945, West of Japan.

Dukat (1,350 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN off Hong Kong, renamed Amoy Maru, stranded on the Chinese coast in the Yellow Sea on August 19th, 1943.

Eidsvold (4,184 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – January 20th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-59 off Christmas Island.

Foch (2,894 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN in port of Yokohama, renamed Hoshi Maru, sunk by seamine on July 25th, 1945 near Osaka.

Gran (4,140 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 9th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN in port of Bangkok, renamed Sugi Maru No. 5, sunk by torpedo from HMS Statesman on August 22nd, 1944 near Andaman Islands.

Halldor (1,515 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 25th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN in port of Hong Kong, renamed Haruta Maru, sunk by USAAF aircraft on January 21st, 1945 off Hong Kong.

Haraldsvang (3,112 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 25th, 1941
Reason for loss – Scuttled off Hong Kong, salved by IJN, renamed Toryu Maru, sunk May 17th, 1944 off Choshi.

Helios (1,922 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN off Saigon, renamed Setsuzan Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Sealion on July 6th, 1944 in the East China Sea.

Herleik (1,893 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN in port of Bangkok, renamed Yulin Maru, wrecked on shore on February 24th, 1945 near Bihn Dinh (French Indo China).

Herstein (5,100 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – January 20th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by Japanese aircraft near Rabaul.

Høegh Merchant (4,858 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 14th, 1941
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-64 near Cape Makapuu.

Mabella (1,513 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – March 13th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo and gunfire from IJN submarine I-64, East of India.

Needwood (2,042 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN in port of Tsingtao, renamed Kaiyo Maru, wrecked in Inland Sea in Japan on December 22nd, 1942.

Ngow Hok (1,329 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN in Camranh Bay, renamed Hokuzan Maru, sunk by USAAF aircraft on October 26th, 1943 near Hainan Island.

Nord (3,193 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – January 21st, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by torpedo from IJN submarine I-66 off Rangoon.

Norse Carrier (3,365 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN near Shanghai, renamed Sana Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Kingfish on October 20th, 1943 near Bihn Dinh.

Prominent (2,232 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – March 2nd, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by shellfire from IJN surface ships South of Tjilatjap.

Proteus (2,232 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – March 3nd, 1942
Reason for loss – Scuttled off Soerabaja.

Ravnaas (4,019 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Sunk by Japanese aircraft off Surigao, Philippines, salved by IJN, renamed Ikutagawa Maru, sunk by USN carrier-based aircraft on January 12th, 1945 off Saigon.

Solviken (2,398 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – December 8th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN off Saigon, renamed Minami Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Flying Fish on April 1st, 1944, East of Ryukyu Islands.

Ven-Koh (5,752 tons) – Tanker
Date of loss – December 7th, 1941
Reason for loss – Captured by IJN in Japanese port, renamed Meizan Maru, sunk by torpedo from USN submarine Grayling on August 27th, 1943, West of the Philippines.

Woolgar (3,060 tons) – Freighter
Date of loss – March 7th, 1942
Reason for loss – Sunk by Japanese aircraft South of Tjilatjap.




Index of countries (flag icons):
United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand
India
the Netherlands
United States of America
Denmark
Norway


Note Main Sources:
Chronology of the War at Sea 1939-1945: The Naval History of World War Two by J. Rohwer and G. Hummelchen.
Japanese Cruisers of the Pacific War by E. Lacroix and L. Wells III.
"De Nederlandse koopvaardijvloot in de Tweede Wereldoorlog" by L.L. von Münching
The World's Merchant Fleets, 1939: The Particulars and Wartime Fates of 6,000 Ships by Roger W. Jordan

Note It is known that many more Allied merchant ships were sunk by Japanese naval surface ships, aircraft, submarines, and possibly in minefields planted by submarines. However, this is all that I have been able to find names for. If you have additional documented information on Allied merchant ship losses other than those listed above, please contact either Dan Muir or Arie Biemond.
NOTE ! The list "Allied Merchant Ship Losses" is not yet completely completed, and there still may be some mistakes regarding some ships, so please take this information (list) with some "reserve" and not as a final one. Mr. Dan Muir and Mr. Arie Biemond are, however, trying to compile the list and make it accurate as much as possible. Information about several ships (like tonnage, date of sinking, name ...) are different in English and Dutch sources, so they need to be examined again.

Note According to Roger Jordan's book, the British ships Silksworth, Autolycus, Malda, Shinkuang, Dardanus, Gandara and Indora were all sunk by the Japanese cruiser fleet in the Gulf of Bengal on April 6th, 1942, together with five other Allied ships.

Note The first Japanese merchant vessel sunk in the Pacific War 1941-1945 was freighter Awazisan Maru, sunk by RAAF aircraft on December 8th, 1941 off Kota Bharu, followed by the Takao Maru, sunk by USAAF aircraft on December 10th, 1941, West of Luzon.

Note The Dutch Merchant Navy lost during the World War Two in total 525 merchant ships measuring 1.692.773 tons. The Merchant Ship Losses in the Dutch East Indies between December 1941 - March 1942 counted in total 128 ships (24 % of total loss) measuring 285.000 tons (17% of total loss).




War at Sea Index . Bibliography . Article List
Forgotten Campaign: The Dutch East Indies Campaign 1941-1942
Copyright © Klemen. L. 1999-2000

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