 Taimei Maru straddled by bombs in March 1943
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Japan | |
| Name | Taimei Maru |
| Owner |
|
| Builder | Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K., Yokohama |
| Completed | July 1936 |
| Fate | Sunk by aircraft on 3 March 1943 at 07°15'S, 148°30'E |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | |
| Length | 326.2 feet (99.4 m) |
| Beam | 44.2 feet (13.5 m) |
| Draught | 24 feet (7.3 m) |
| Installed power | 284 NHP |
| Propulsion | Triple expansion engines |
Taimei Maru was a 2,883 ton transport ship of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.
Built by Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K., Yokohama and launched in 1936 for Kinkai Yusen K.K.[1] She was sold in 1939 to Nippon Yusen K.K..
She left Rabaul, New Britain on 1 March 1943, as part of Operation 81, carrying a cargo of troops, equipment, fuel, landing craft and ammunition for Lae, New Guinea.[2] The convoy was attacked by aircraft of the United States Army Air Forces and Royal Australian Air Force from 2 March 1943, known as the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Taimei Maru was bombed on 3 March and sank at 07°15'S., 148°30'E.
Of those aboard, some 200 were killed during the attack.[3]
