Tachibana class Escort Destroyer (1945)

The Tachibana class was approved under the Modified 5th Naval Armaments Supplement Program, laid down 1944-45, completed between January and June 1945. Like the Matsu, they were pure escort vessels designed for simplicity and rapid construction, but simplification was pushed further for the 22 Modified 5th Naval Armaments Supplement Programme and 32 in FY1944 under the Wartime Naval Armaments Supplement Programme. In total 80 Kai-Tachibana were also ordered, none ever laid down. Some never were never completed and losses were reduced as most were inavtove due to the lack of fuel and just surrendered in the summer 1945, seeing actually cold war service like ROCN Hua Yang, Xin Yang, Soviet Nakhodka, or Japanese JDS Wakaba.

Development

Genesis: Design F55 (1943)

The birth of Japanese escort destroyer want back to late 1942, and at that stage, the IJN staff was not concerned by ASW warfare, but rather about attrition of its destroyer force in the Guadalcanal Campaign. A simplified design that could be quickly mass-produced and replace losses was studied. It was also a replacement for the decades old 1918-1925 generation of “toothbrush” styme destroyer used purely for escort work but also destroyer-transport missions for isolated garrison, as shown in Guadalcanal’s famous “Tokyo express” runs. These destroyers would be used for all these tasks while still being capable of traditional fleet actions combined with cruisers and battleships if necessary. The initial program of “fast squadron ships” (Kihon Keikaku Bango) was officially presented as a replacement for the 1919 and 1920 naval plans destroyers and second class vessels (Momi, Minekaze, Wakatake, Kamikaze, Mutsuki classes) that existed alongside the “special types”. The organization of destroyers was completely reworked and the naval staff went with a classificaton from the Type A to the Type C, with the new escorts being given the Type D destroyer classification.

The design process of Project F55 started in 1943 with hull design simplification in mind, and emphasis on anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defence and lowered expectation on usurface warfare, with a token artillery and limited torpedoes. However radars, now developed, were to be installed in these series. The technical design called for a 1,250t, a 28kts vessel with a range of 3,500nm at 18kts. The armament was howevef the object of a long debate. In all, 42 were ordered when the basic design was approved. The final blueprints were drawn on July 1943. The named would come from recently sunken destroyers in operations. Matsu was laid down at Maizuru naval arsenal on 8 August 1943 and was to be followed by no less than 154 siblings, an unprecedented effort for Japan’s limited industrial capacities. This was enough to replace all 1920s destroyers. New construction techniques like the systematic use of electric welding was part of the package.

Design F55B or Tachibana (1944)

A first batch of 42 ships, #5481-5522, was ordered however by mid-1944, as resources became scarce, it was decided that the twenty-four supplementary vessels would have a further simplified design called F55B. There will be modular construction as the Japanese received the latest German methods from Albert Speer and others, notably for the Type XXI submarines. This led to the Tachibana-class destroyer (橘型駆逐艦, Tachibana-gata kuchikukan) also called “Modified Type-D Destroyer” 改丁型駆逐艦 “Kai Tei-gata kuchikukan”. The naval staff planned to build an extra 112 of these, and then 80 improved Type D or “Kai-Tachibana”. In the end, only fourteen were completed and the remainder cancelled. Resources were now shifted to the cheaper “special-attack units” and barebone small escort vessels.

Design of the Tachibana

The Launch on IJN Kaba on 27 February 1945.

These solutions found on the Matsu class for ease of production, sticking to second-line duties were kept and just pushed furher. But the fundamentals of the armament and generfal characteristics of the Matsu were kept. They were near-identical, at least externally. Differences were many in reality: The Tachibana had a modular construction design unlike the Matsu, the materials used were Carbon steel only, versus Matsu’s upper deck in High-Tensile Strength steel. The Tachibana had a single, not double hull like for the Matsu, also saving a lot of material to the cost of poor ASW protection. The bow went to a knuckle style to a straight one, flare was eliminated and the slope was a constant angle. Also the poop went to rounded to transom, also simplifying construction. The Kampon turbines that were four stage, went down to two stage. The bilge keel that was bulky or solid on the Matsu, became a flat board on the Tachibana. Other changes were an increase on AA light armament from eight to thortenn, then nineteen single 25 mm Guns, and improvements in detection, with the Type 3 sonar replacing the Type 93 and the Type 4 hydrophone.

Hull and general design

Displacement wise, the Tachibana class were a bit heavier than the Matsu at 1,350 tons standard and 1,640 tons in battle condition (versus 1,282t standard/1,554t DP). Dimensions remained the same at 100 meters (328 ft 1 in) long overall but the draft wwnt from 3.30 meters or 10ft 10 inches to 3.41 meters or 11ft 2 inches. The beam remained 9.35 meters (30 ft 8 in). They had also a reduced crew of 210 officers and enlisted men, in line with manpower shortages by 1944-45. This was still a large crew to compare to a 1919 Momi class destroyer, 148 men, or even the Fubuki class at 219, explained by their numerous 25 mm AA gun. Each of the quad ones needed five to operate plus extra loaders, and each single one at least three men.

From pinterest. Above: Hinoki

Their outlook remained the same however, still with straight lines, forecastle with bow deck now without knuckle bow but still raised upwards at the same angle, a slab-sided bridge planted at the end of the forecastle, half atop the lower deck, two thin funnels raked and fat apart, but a simplified tripod mainmast aft the bridge, no separate support for their radar, relocated on the tripod. Both funnels were of the same type and they kept the smaller aft tripod mast with sensor. The aft deck was made clean for four DC throwers and their respective reload system and two DC racks at the poop, but storage went from 36 to 48 depht charges. The transom stern change also the location of the racks, now directly at the poop.

Tachibana’s bridge, quite close to the Matsu’s

The hull still kept a relatively modest constant beam amidship, perhaps over only 20% length and traditionally shaped for efficiency apart the forwazrd complete absense of flare. The prow went down in a constant angular slop to simplify construction as it needed simpler flat-surface plating. The two large counter-keels were still there. For course they lacked the double bottom and eliminated the bilge keel for a simple flat board on their underbelly.

Powerplant

The Tachibana at first repeated the powerplant of the Matsu, but it was also simplified in detail for the same performances overall. They had two Kampon geared steam turbines which drove each a single propeller shaft. Steam came from two Kampon water-tube boilers. This was half the powerplant of a standard fleet destroyer, but making the best of large and efficient boilers.
These impulse turbines presented a high-pressure, intermediate-pressure, low-pressure, and cruising stages, and were rated at a total of 19,000 shaft horsepower (14,000 kW), for a speed of 27.8 knots (51.5 km/h; 32.0 mph). The Matsu class thanks to this had a range of 4,680 nautical miles (8,670 km; 5,390 mi) at 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph). Again, to compare, a 1919 Momi class developed 21,500 shp (16,000 kW for 36 knots, for a range of 3,000 nmi (5,600 km; 3,500 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

Like the Matsu, the Tachibanas were slower of almost ten knots compared to the latest Type A-B destroyer, but they had some extra range. Their speed was intended for convoy with some extra margin necessary for leaving the convoy to hunt down submarines and get back in. like US and British escort destroyers. Like the Matsu, their machinery was placed en echelon for better damage resilience, but the main changes concerned the way the machinery was simplified: Indeed the Matsu had Kampton turbines comprising several stages, high-pressure, intermediate-pressure, low-pressure, and cruising. The Tachibana dropped this to just a high and low pressure stages, so many gears and parts were just omitted, gaining considerable time in manufacturing.

Armament

Debates during the final stage of the Matsu class led to mount at first a single sextuple mount with older 21-inches or 533 mm torpedo tubes for pre-1920 torpedoes such as the Type 6. But this mount proved so complicated that instead it was reverted to an ordnary quadruple bank with standard 610 mm models, placed amidship and without reloads. The “long lance” was still the reliable and unique anti-ship asset of the IJN, a solid argument in any surface engagement that can be relied on. The remainder of the weaponry on the Tachibanas was dedicated to aviation and submarines.

127 mm Type 89 DP guns

Like the Matsu, the Tachibana had three 127 mm (5 in) Type 89 dual-purpose guns. This was quite weak compared to regular fleet destroyers, but dictated by shortages or standard mounts and their escort mission, so AA fire was paramount, and this this mount was trulty dual purpose, for the occasional surface engagement, plus availability and reliability concerns, its adoption was considered a good choice. Placement was to maximize space and stability: A twin-gun mount aft, and single mount forward. The latter was partially protected against spray by a large gun shield, unlike the aft twin mount which had a smaller one. These did not protect from shrapnel or strafing attacks. Accuracy was questionable, as they never approach the efficience of the US 5-in/38 due to the lack of any high-angle gunnery director or proximity fuse.

The Type 89 DP was standard dual-purpose artillery of the IJN. The 12.7 cm/40 Type 89 naval gun (40 Kokei Hachikyu Shiki 12 Senchi 7 Kokakuho) was mostly used as heavy AA gun. It was adopted on February 6, 1932 (hence the Type, based on the Japanese calendar), becoming the primary long range AA gun on aircraft carriers, battleships and cruisers, almost always in twin gun mounts. It was also used by smaller vessels such as the Matsu-class escort destroyers. They replaced the older 8 cm/40 3rd Year Type naval gun and 12 cm/45 10th Year Types. They were supposed to be replaced by the new 100mm/65 (4 in) guns type 98 but only IJN Taiho and some “super destroyers” were so equipped due to shortages.

⚙ Specs 5-in IJN DP Type 89
Barrel Lenght 5,080 millimeters (16 ft 8 in) (bore length) L/40
Mass 3,100 kilograms (6,834 lb)
Shell Fixed 127 x 580mm .R 20.9–23.45 kilograms (46.1–51.7 lb)
Exact caliber 12.7-centimeter (5.0 in)
Elevation/Traverse -8° to +90°, manual
Rate of fire 8-14 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity 720–725 meters per second (2,360–2,380 ft/s)
Effective range 14,800 meters (48,600 ft) at 45°
Ceiling at 90° 9,440 meters (30,970 ft)
Feed system Manual horizontal breech block

Type 96 25mm AA

The Tachibana class carried a total of twenty-five Type 96 25-millimeter (1 inches) anti-aircraft guns in four triple and thirteen single mounts instead of eight on the Matsu.
⚙ Specifications 25 mm Type 96
Barrel Lenght, all types: 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) L/60
Barrel weights, Single: 785 kg (1,731 lb)
Barrel weights, Twin: 1,100 kg (2,400 lb)
Barrel weights, Triple: 1,800 kg (4,000 lb)
Crew: 3, 7 and 9 respectively
Shell: 25×163mm
Exact caliber: 25 mm (0.98 in)
Action: Gas operated
Elecation/Traverse: -10°/+85° – 360°, manual
Rate of fire: 200–260 rpm (cyclic)
Muzzle velocity: 820 m/s (2,700 ft/s)
Effective range: 6.8 km (4.2 mi) at 45° with HE shell
Maximum firing range 85°: 3 km (9,800 ft) effective, 5.5 km (18,000 ft) max.
Feed system: 15-round box magazine

Torpedo Tubes: 1×4 Type 96

The single quad TT banks was located amidship, between the fore and aft funnels and A bandstand, right at the center of gravity of the ship. It was specified they carried Type 92 Torpedoes, the now loved and trusted “long lance”.
⚙ specifications Type 93
Weight 2.7 tonnes (6000 lb)
Dimensions 9 metres (29 ft 6+5⁄16 in) x 610 mm (2 ft 1⁄64 in)
Propulsion Oxygen-enriched air
Range/speed setting 2,000 m (24,000 yd) at 48–50 kts or 40,400 m (44,200 yd) at 34–36 kts
Max speed 96 km/h (52 kn)
Warhead 490 kg (1080 lb)
Guidance Straight course

Type 2 Depth Charges

The ships had a generous ASW suite comprising four throwers and two racks for a total of 36 depth charges in store, and later in 1945, from IJN Take onwards, 48.
They could fire the following:
1944 Type 2: 230 lbs (105kg) Type 97 explosive settings 98, 197, 292, 390, 480 feet (30m, 60m, 89m, 120m, and 145m).
1945 Type 2: 357 lbs (162kg) explosives.

IJN Keyaki’s bridge in 1945

Sensors

Type 22 Surface Search Radar

The early Type 22 General Purpose Radar looks like characteristically like a 2910 lb (1320 kg) drum topped with a twin cornet amplificators, mounted mid-way top the mast.
⚙ Specs:
Wavelength 10 cm, pwd 10 microsecond, PRF 2500 Hz, scan rate 5 rpm, PP 2 kW
Range: 20 nautical miles (35 km) aircraft group, 10 nm (17 km) single, 13 nm(24 km) battleship.
Subject to land clutter. Horn and A scope display, accuracy 220 yards (200m)/3 degrees res. 1600 yards (1500 m)/40 degrees
300 sets produced installed on destroyers from the summer 1942. Generalized in 1944.

Type 13 Air Search Radar

They were not initially fitted with these due to shortages, but later in upgrades by late 1944, along with extra AA.
Vertical 240 lb(110 kg) bedframe antenna, developed 1941, introduced mi-1943, with vertical dipole transmitter and Yagi mattress receiver. 1000 sets produced. Air defense, range 100 km (group), and single aicraft 50km.
⚙ Specs:
Wavelength 200 cm, pw 10 ms, PRF 500 Hz PP 10 kW
Range: 30-60 nautical miles (50-100 km)

Type 93 mod 3 Active Sonar

Produced from 1942-44. Weight 2000 kg or 4400 lbs
Frequency: 17.5 kHz, Receiver gain: 120 decibels
Pulse repetition interval: 2, 4, or 8 seconds
Power: 2 kW
Ranges: 1500m-3000m-6000m (1640-3300-6600 yards)
Accuracy: 3 degrees, Resolution: 10 degrees

Type 93 mod 2 Hydrophones

The Japanese Type 93 hydrophones used sixteen receivers in two elliptical arrays on opposite sides of the keel. Each receiver was 145mm in diameter and had a sensitivity of 35 decibels.
It was inspired by the US MV hydrophone imported in 1930. It Weighted one ton or 2,200 lbs for an average range of 900 m (1000 yd).

Modifications

None actually but the addition of a few extra 25 mm AA Type 96 as the shipos were completed or shortly after, from thirteen to nineteen single ones.

(to come)
Planned illustration of the Tachibana class as built in 1945.

⚙ specifications F55B Tachibana
Displacement	1,350 tons* standard, 1,640 tons* in battle condition
Dimensions	100 x 9.35 x 3.41 m* (328 ft 1 in x 30 ft 8 in x 11 ft 2 in*)
Propulsion	2 shafts Kampon impulse geared turbines, 2 Kampon water tube boilers: 19,000 shp (14 MW)
Speed	27.8 knots (32.0 mph; 51.5 km/h)
Range	3,500 nmi (6,500 km) at 18 knots (21 mph; 33 km/h)
Armament	3× 127 mm L/40 Type 89, 25* × 25 mm Type 96 AA, 4× 610 mm Type 92 TTs, 4 DCT, 2 DCR, 48 DC*s.
Sensors	Type 22, 13 radars; Type 3 active sonar*, Type 3 hydrophone*
Crew	211

*main changes compared to the Matsu class.

The case of JDS Wakaba (1956)

JDS Wakaba just rebuilt making a trials run in 1956.
In 1953, IJN Nashi’s wreck, still visible in shallow waters (sunk in July 1945 by US aviation) and was surveyed. She was found in good enough conditions to be salvaged and repaired, then modernized. The salvage was done on 30 September 1954. The repair, then modenrization worked started the same year and went on until 12 May 1956, rebuilt at Kure D Yd, renamed JDS Wakaba, and commissioned by JMSDF as escort, a rare case in the new maritime self defence force that kept practically no vessel from WW2. JDS Wakaba was the only Matsu/Tachibana in service in modern Japan, albeit her career was not overly long in that role. She was indeed refitted in 1958 as a radar trials ship and had a sonar added in 1960. She was decommissioned, then stricken on 31 March 1971 and scrapped 1972–1973 as the last of her class in existence.

Career of the Tachibana class

Yaezakura 八重櫻 (Prunus verecunda Antiqua) was N°5491, ordered from Yokosuka Naval Arsenal as a Tachibana class, laid down on 18 December 1944, launched on 17 March 1945. Construction was suspended on 23 June 1945 at 60%. Her unfinished hull was sunk on 18 July 1945 during an air raid.

Yadake 矢竹 (Arrow bamboo) was N°5494 when ordered from Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 2 January 1945 as a Tachibana class, launched on 1 May 1945 but construction stopped on 17 April 1945. She was later launched to empty the dock and converted postwar to a breakwater, sank in 1948.

Kuzu was hull number N°5495 葛 (alt. name Madake 真竹 -Phyllostachys bambusoides). She was laid down as a Tachibana class at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 19 March 1945. Discontinued on 17 April 1945. BU postwar to free the shipyard.

Kaki was hull number 5499 柿 (Persimmon). She was laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 5 October 1944, launched on 11 December 1944 and commissioned on 5 March 1945. She was assigned to the 11th Destroyer Squadron, Combined Fleet for working up, still under captain Lieutenant (s.g.) Hamazaki Chotaro, and later sustained minor damage after being strafed by Task Force 58 (TF 58) raid on Kure Naval Arsenal on 19 March. She was then attached to the Second Fleet on 1–20 April and joined the Combined Fleet. She was assigned to the Maizuru Naval District on 15 July, still unrepaired until the surrender of Japan. Stricken on 5 October she was disarmed, converted as repatriation ships for Japanese personnel in 1945–1947, then turned over to the United States as war reparation on 4 July at Qingdao and broken up, then this was countermanded and she was sunk as target on 19 August 1947.

Kaba was hull number 5500 樺 (Birch). She was laid down at Fujinagata Shipyards on 15 October 1944, launched on 27 February 1945 and commissioned on 29 May 1945. Kaba was assigned to the 11th Destroyer Squadron, Combined Fleet for working up. On 15 July she received a completion of her crew by men from her disabled sister Nire. She was transferred to Destroyer Division 52, Escort Squadron 31, Combined Fleet. Wheh TF 38 (Task Force 38) attacked the Kure Naval Arsenal on 24 July, she was strafed but damage was light, although she had 16 kill and 52 wounded.In another attack on 11 August, she was again damaged, with 19 men killed. Never repairs, nable to operate due to the lack of fuel she was surrendered to the Allied forces at Kure at the time on 2 September, stricken on 5 October. Disarmed, she was used to repatriate Japanese personnel in 1945–1947 until turned over to the US on 4 August 1947, then in turn scrapped by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding at its Tamano facility, completed by March 1948.

Hayaume was hull number 5501 早梅 (early blooming Prunus mume). She was to be laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, but instead, she was cancelled in 1945.

Katsura was hull number 5503 桂 (Cercidiphyllum). She was laid down at Fujinagata Shipyards on 30 November 1944, launched on 23 June 1945 but construction was stopped that day. Instead she was converted as a breakwater postwar.

Tobiume was hull number 5504 飛梅 (A sacred Prunus mume at Dazaifu Tenman-gū). She was planned at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal but construction was cancelled in 1945.

Fuji was hull number 5506 藤 (Wisteria). She was planned at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal but cancelled in 1945.

Wakazakura was hull number 5507 若櫻 (Young cherry blossom). She was laid down at Fujinagata Shipyards on 15 January 1945, but construction was suspended on 11 May 1945, and scrapped on slipway.

Keyaki was hull number 5508 欅 (Zelkova serrata). She was laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 22 June 1944, launched on 30 September 1944 and commissioned 15 December 1944.
She was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 11, Combined Fleet for training and on 15 March, reassigned to the DesDiv 53. The squadron was briefly attached to the 2nd Fleet from 1–20 April and was bacck to the Combined Fleet until disbanded on 15 July 1945. Keyaki was assigned to the Osaka Guard District, inactive due to the lack of fuel until the 15 of August. She was turned over to Allied forces at Yokosuka (surrender of Japan, 2 September), then stricken on 5 October. Disarmed she was used as repatriation vessel for Japanese personnel until 1947, making a dozen of trips. She was turned over to the United States as war reparation on 5 July 1947, which had them sunk as a target off Yokosuka on 29 October.

Yamazakura was hull number 5509 山櫻 (Cherry blossom at mountain). She was planned at Fujinagata Shipyards but cancelled in 1945.

Ashi was hull number 5510 葦 (Phragmites). She was planned down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal but cancelled on 26 March 1945.

Tachibana was hull number 5511 橘 (Citrus tachibana or Mandarin Orange). She was ordered in Fiscal Year 1943 under the Modified 5th Naval Armaments Supplement Program as part of the Matsu class bur reordered as a modified version, laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 8 July 1944, launched on 14 October 1944 and commissioned on 20 January 1945 under command of Lieutenant Commander Hayashi Toshifusa. She was assigned to the Combined Fleet for working up and attached to the Second Fleet on 1–20 April, Desdiv 53 (SAKURA, NARA, TSUBAKI, YANAGI, TACHIBANA, KEYAKI), DesRon 11. By 22 May she was in Ominato, northern Honshu for her first escort missions, and patrols. She was was sunk on 14 July by an US aircraft from TF 38 as parft of the raids on Hakodate Bay. Having no double bottom she filled and sank quickly with 135 crewmen, but many others and captain Hayashi survived. She was then stricken on 10 August.

Shinodake was hull number 5512 篠竹 (Simon bamboo). She was planned at Fujinagata Shipyards but cancelled in 1945.

Yomogi was hull number 5513 蓬 (Artemisia princeps). She was planned at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal but cancelled in 1945.

Tsuta was hull number 5514 蔦 (Parthenocissus tricuspidata). She was laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 31 July 1944, launched on 2 November 1944 and commissioned on 8 February 1945.
She was assigned to the 11th Destroyer Squadron, Combined Fleet for working up and attached to the Second Fleet on 1–20 April but transferred to Destroyer Division 43, Escort Squadron 31, Combined Fleet, on 25 April. Five days later she was moored and camouflaged in the Seto Inland Sea. She was turned over to Allied forces at Kure on 2 September and stricken from the navy list on 5 October. She was disarmed and used to repatriate Japanese personnel in 1945–1947 and was later handed over to the Republic of China on 31 July 1947 in Shanghai. She was renamed ROCN Hua Yang. She ran aground in the Pescadores en route to Taiwan in 1949, remained there until she stricken from the navy list on 11 November 1954.

Aoi was hull number 5515 葵 (Malvaceae). She was planned at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal but Cancelled in 1945.

Shiraume was hull number 5516 白梅 (White blossom of Prunus mume). She was planned at Fujinagata Shipyards but cancelled in 1945.

Hagi was hull number 5517 萩 (Lespedeza). She was laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 11 September 1944, launched on 27 November 1944, commissioned on 1 March 1945.
She was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 11, under Lieutenant Commander Morimoto Yoshikitsu, Second Fleet, on 1 April for working up, then reassigned to the Combined Fleet on 20 April. She was attached to Destroyer Division 52 on 25 April with Sugi, Kashi, Kaede, Nire and Nashi, assigned to Escort Squadron 31, Combined Fleet. She was damaged by an US carrier raid on Kure on 24 July. Never repaired, she lingered there until turned over to Allies at Kure on 2 September, stricken from the navy list on 5 October. Disarmed, she was used to repatriate Japanese personnel in 1945–1947. She was turned over to Great Britain on 16 July 1947 and broken up in Japan.

Kiku was hull number 5518 菊 (Chrysanthemum). She was planned at Fujinagata Shipyards but Cancelled in 1945.

Kashiwa was hull number 5519 柏 (Daimyo oak). She was laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal but cancelled in 1945.

Sumire was hull number 5520 菫 (Viola). She was laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 21 October 1944, launched on 27 December 1944 and commissioned on 26 March 1945.
She was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 11, Combined Fleet for working up under Lieutenant Takayanagi Chikamitsu, and briefly attached to the Second Fleet on 1–20 April. She was still training in the Seto Inland Sea on 1 June to 23 July when transferred to the Maizuru Naval District on the 15th, seeing no further activity. She was turned over to the Allied forces at Maizuru on 2 September, stricken on 5 October. Disarmed, she was used to repatriate Japanese personnel in 1945–1947. Turned over to Great Britain on 20 August 1947 at Hong Kong, she was sunk as a target ship.

Kusunoki was hull number 5521 楠 (Cinnamomum camphora). She was laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 9 November 1944, launched on 8 January 1945 and commissioned on 28 April 1945.
She was assigned the same day to Destroyer Squadron 11, Combined Fleet for working up, then transferred to the Maizuru Naval District on 15 July. Seeing no further action she was turned over to Allied forces at Maizuru on 2 September and stricken on 5 October. Disarmed, she was used to repatriate Japanese personnel in 1945–1947 until she was turned over to Great Britain on 16 July and broken up in Japan.

Hatsuzakura was hull number 5522 初櫻 (Year’s first cherry blossom). She was laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 4 December 1944, launched on 10 February 1945 and commissioned on 18 May 1945. She was assigned that day to Destroyer Squadron 11, Combined Fleet (5th Fleet), for working up. On 15 July, she was transferred to the Yokosuka Naval District. On 27 August she started to ferry Japanese emissaries and local pilots to the entrance to Tokyo Bay to meet the USS Missouri. She was turned over to Allied forces at Yokosuka on 2 September, stricken on 15 September. Disarmed, she was used to repatriate Japanese personnel in 1945–1947. Hatsuzakura was turned over to the Soviet union as war reparation, renamed Vyrazitelny (Выразительный) on 2 October, placed in reserve on 14 February 1949. She was disarmed, converted into a target ship as TsL-26 on 17 June. She was then transferred to the Pacific Fleet on 23 April 1953 and stricken on 11 March 1958, scrapped from 19 February 1959.

Hatsuzakura in Tokyo Bay, 27 August 1945

Hastuzakura underway to meet USS Missouri with a Japanese delegation at the entrance of Tokyo Bay.

Kigiku was hull number 4801 黄菊 (Yellow chrysanthemum). She was planned at Yokosuka but Cancelled in March 1945.

Hatsugiku was hull number 4802 初菊 (Year’s first chrysanthemum). She was planned at Yokosuka but Cancelled in March 1945.

Akane was hull number 4803 茜 (Madder). She was planned at Yokosuka but cancelled in 1945.

Shiragiku was hull number 4804 白菊 (White Chrysanthemum). She was planned at Yokosuka but cancelled in 1945.

Chigusa was hull number 4805 千草 (Grass). She was planned at Yokosuka but cancelled in 1945.

Wakakusa was hull number 4806 若草 (Spring grass). She was planned at Yokosuka but cancelled in 1945.

Natsugusa was hull number 4807 夏草 (Summer grass). She was planned at Yokosuka but cancelled in 1945.

Akikusa was hull number 4808 秋草 (Autumn grass). She was planned at Yokosuka but cancelled in 1945.

Nire was hull number 4809 楡 (Elm). She was laid down at Maizuru Naval Arsenal on 14 August 1944, launched on 25 November 1944 and commissioned on 31 January 1945.
She was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 11, Combined Fleet for working up, then attached to the Second Fleet on 1–20 April. On 25 April, she entered Destroyer Division 52 together with Sugi, Kashi and Kaede, assigned to Escort Squadron 31, Combined Fleet. On 22 June at Kure, she was damaged in an air raid by USAAF B-29 Superfortress. Repairs at Kure Naval Arsenal lasted until 2 July. On the 15th she was reduced to reserve and her crew transferred to her sister ship Kaba. She was turned over to Allied forces at Kure on 2 September, unrepaired, then stricken from the navy list on 5 October, scrapped at Kure on 20 April 1948.

Nashi was hull number 4810 梨 (Pyrus pyrifolia). She was laid down at Kawasaki Dockyard Co. on 1 September 1944, launched on 17 January 1945 and commissioned on 15 March 1945.
She was assigned to Desron 11, Combined Fleet and trained from 15 March 1945. In May 1945 she was assigned to Destroyer Division 52, Cruiser-Destroyer Squadron 31. She escaped an attack on Kure by B-29 bombers on 22 June 1945. On 28 July 1945 she was sunk while anchored at Mitajirizaki, Kure by Task Force 38′ aviation. Commander Takeda and most of the crew survived the attack. On 15 September 1945 she was struck from the list. Salvaged on 30 September 1954, she was transferred to the new JMSDF as JDS Wakaba on 31 May 1956 and was againt refitted in 1958 (see earlier).

Shii was hull number 4811 椎 (Castanopsis). She was laid down at Maizuru Naval Arsenal on 18 September 1944, launched on 13 January 1945 and commissioned on 13 March 1945. She was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 11 for training, Combined Fleet, then attached to the Second Fleet on 1–20 April. On 20 May, she entered Destroyer Division 43 with Take, Maki, Tsuta and Kiri and joined Escort Squadron 31, Combined Fleet. On 5 June while underway, Shii struck a mine in the Bungo Strait but damage was moderate (2 killed, 11 wounded). Unrepaired, she was turned over to the Allies at Kure on 2 September, stricken on 5 October. Disarmed, she was used to repatriate Japanese personnel in 1945–1947. She was turned over to the Soviet Union on 5 July, assigned to the 5th Fleet and after being renamed Volny (Вольный (Free)) on 22 July she was placed in reserve on 14 February 1949, converted into a target ship on 17 June as TsL-24. Then she was renamed as OT-4 on 18 November 1959 and scrapped on 8 August 1960.

Enoki was hull number 4812 榎 (Japanese Hackberry). She was laid down at Maizuru Naval Arsenal on 14 October 1944, lauched on 27 January 1945 and commissioned on 31 March 1945 under Lieutenant (s.g.) Wakamatsu Takejiro. She was assigned to the 11th Destroyer Squadron, Second Fleet for working up and trained in the Seto Inland Sea on 8 April until 27 May. The squadron was then reassigned to the Combined Fleet on 20 April. On 26 June she struck a naval mine which blew her stern, and caused the aft magazine to explode. She sank in shallow water near Obama, Fukui. She was stricken on 30 September. Her wreck was refloated on 1 July 1948 and scrapped.

Azusa was hull number 4813 梓 (Catalpa). She was laid down at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on 29 December 1944 but construction was discontinued on 17 April 1945 and she was BU on slip afterwards.

Odake was hull number 4814 雄竹 (Great Bamboo). She was laid down at Maizuru Naval Arsenal on 5 November 1944, launched on 10 March 1945 and commissioned on 15 May 1945 under Lieutenant Matsuo Keiji. She was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 11, Combined Fleet for working up, transferred to the Maizuru Naval District on 15 July. After inactive months she was turned over to the Allies at Maizuru on 2 September 1945, then stricken on 5 October. Disarmed, she was used to repatriate Japanese personnel in 1945–1947. She was surrendered to United States on 14 July 1947 at Qingdao and sunk as target on 17 September.

The crew of Odake dropping anchor manually, using the capstan in drydock. Postwar. The destroyer was disarmed and used to repatriate Japanese personnel.

Hatsuume was hull number 4815 初梅 (Year’s first Prunus mume). She was laid down at Maizuru Naval Arsenal on 8 December 1944, launched on 25 April 1945 and commissioned on 18 June 1945 under command of Lieutenant (s.g.) Sawaoka Noboru. She was assigned to the 11th Destroyer Squadron, Combined Fleet for working up and damaged when she hit a naval mine near Maizuru just 8 days later. 4 crewmen were lost, many more wounded. She remained unrepaired when transferred to the Maizuru Naval District on 15 July. She was turned over to Allied forces at Maizuru on 2 September then stricken from the navy list on 5 October. Disarmed, she was used to repatriate Japanese personnel in 1945–1947 after being repaired.
She was turned over to the Republic of China on 6 July 1947 and was renamed Xin Yang. Rearmed with two 120 mm (4.7 in), three 57 mm (2.2 in), two Bofors? 40 mm (1.6 in) four 20 mm (0.8 in) Oerlikon? by March 1948 she took part in a fight against Chinese Communist forces. Six years later she was refitted with parts from her disarmed sister sister Hua Yang, this time with two single mounts for 5 in/38 (127 mm) dual-purpose guns, seven 40 mm Bofors, six 20 mm Oerlikon. She was eventually stricken in December 1961 and scrapped.

Tochi was hull number 4816 栃 (Aesculus). She was laid down at Maizuru Naval Arsenal on 23 January 1945 and was scheduled for launch on 28 May 1945 but constructionw as suspended on 18 May and instead she was later launched and converted to a breakwater.

Hishi was hull number 4817 菱 (Water caltrop). She was laid down at Maizuru Naval Arsenal on 10 February 1945 but construction was stopped on 17 April 1945. Her slip was freed postwar, BU on site.

Susuki was hull number4818 薄 (Miscanthus sinensis). She was planned at Maizuru but Cancelled in March 1945.

Nogiku was hull number 4819 野菊 (Aster). She was planned at Maizuru but never laid down and cancelled in March 1945.

Sakaki was hull number 4820 榊 (Sakaki). She was planned at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal and actually laid down on 29 December 1944 but constructionw as stopped on 17 April 1945.

4821–4832 (12 destroyers) were Cancelled in March 1945 and for the Kai-Tachibana, 80 destroyers were cancelled on 30 June 1945.

Read More/Src

Books

John Gardiner’s Conways all the worlds fighting ships 1922-47 p.196

Links

combinedfleet.com
ww2db.com
navypedia.org
ja.wikipedia.org
commons.wikimedia.org
Tachibana class wiki
Type 93 model 2 sonar
Tachibana class the pacific war encyclo
Type 93 model 2 hydrophones
combinedfleet.com
blog.livedoor.jp

Model Kits

scalemates.com
1999.co.jp