List of shipwrecks in December 1943
The list of shipwrecks in December 1943 includes ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during December 1943.
| December 1943 | ||||||
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | ||
| Unknown date | ||||||
1 December
- HMT Avanturine (
Royal Navy): World War II: The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel off Beachy Head by S-142 (
Kriegsmarine).[1] - Konei Maru (
Japan): World War II: Convoy 1272: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (01°16′N 146°45′E / 1.267°N 146.750°E) by USS Peto (
United States Navy). 39 crew killed.[2] - Nichiryo Maru ( Japan): World War II: Convoy 2612: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Celebes Sea (01°28′N 120°53′E / 1.467°N 120.883°E) by USS Bonefish ( United States Navy). Six passengers, one Guard and 18 crew killed.[3]
- Shoko Maru (
Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: Convoy 3123: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 280 miles west north west of Guam (18°02′N 138°55′E / 18.033°N 138.917°E) by USS Pargo ( United States Navy). Sunk with all 43 crew killed.[4] - Teiren Maru ( Japan): World War II: Convoy 1272: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged by 14th Air Force B-25 Mitchells at Hong Kong. Beached and declared a total loss.[5]
2 December
- Ardito (
_crowned.svg.png)
Regia Marina): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The minesweeper was bombed and sunk at Bari, Italy by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6] - Assam ( Japan): World War II: The paddle steamer was bombed and damaged on the Irrawaddy River, Burma by R.A.A.F. Bristol Beaufighters, she was bombed and sunk the next day by U.S.A.A.F. B-25s.[7]
- Aube (
France): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6] - Barletta ( Regia Marina): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The auxiliary cruiser was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
- Bollsta (
Norway): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of five of her 30 crew. She was raised in 1948, repaired and entered Italian service as Stefano M.[6] - Cassala (
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Italy): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship bombed and damaged at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was declared a constructive total loss.[6] - Corfu ( Italy): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship bombed and damaged at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was declared a constructive total loss.[6]
- Devon Coast (
United Kingdom): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The coaster was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6] - Fort Athabasca (
Canada): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The Fort ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[8] - Fort Lajoie ( Canada): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The Fort ship was bombed and sunk by the Luftwaffe at Bari.
- Frosinone ( Italy): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
- Genespesca II ( Italy): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
- Goggiam ( Italy): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship bombed and damaged at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was declared a constructive total loss.[6]
- Inaffondabile ( Italy): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The schooner was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.
- John Bascom (
United States):World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The Liberty ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft. The wreck was scrapped in 1948.[9] - John Harvey ( United States): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The Liberty ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft. 10 gunners and four crew killed. The wreck was scrapped in 1948.[9]
- John L. Motley ( United States):World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The Liberty ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft. All on board were killed, 22 gunners and 42 crew.[9]
- Joseph Wheeler ( United States): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The Liberty ship was bombed, blew up and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft. All on board were killed; one passenger, 13 gunners and 15 crew. The wreck was scrapped in 1948.[10]
- Lars Kruse ( United Kingdom): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
- USS LCT-242 ( United States Navy): World War II: The Landing Craft, Tank was torpedoed and sunk off Naples, Italy.[11]
- Lom ( Norway): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of four of her 32 crew.[12]
- Luciano Orlando ( Italy): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
- Lwów (
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Poland): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6] - MB 10 13 ( Regia Marina): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The boat was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
- SS Nitsa (
Greece): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk by I-27 ( Imperial Japanese Navy) in the Gulf of Aden (11°42′N 45°32′E / 11.700°N 45.533°E). 11 crewmen killed.[13] - Norlom ( Norway): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was refloated in November 1946 and scrapped at Bari in 1947.
- Porto Pisano ( Italy): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The coaster was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
- Puck ( Poland): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
- Samuel J. Tilden ( United States): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The Liberty ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft. 17 troops and 10 crew killed. The wreck was scrapped in 1948.[14]
- Testbank ( United Kingdom): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
- Volodda ( Italy): World War II: Air Raid on Bari: The cargo ship bombed and sunk at Bari by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
3 December
- Azuma Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Azuma Maru-class oiler was torpedoed and sunk in the Molucca Passage (06°34′N 131°40′E / 6.567°N 131.667°E) by USS Tinosa ( United States Navy). 18 passengers and 50 crew killed.[15]
- Touchet ( United States): World War II: The Type T2-SE-A2 tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (25°50′N 86°30′W / 25.833°N 86.500°W) by U-193 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of ten Gunners. 11 survivors were rescued by USS Falgout ( United States Navy), and 43 by Lillemor ( Norway) on Dec 5. USS Raven ( United States Navy) rescued the remaining 16 on the 6th.[16]
4 December
- Asakaze Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The collier was sunk at Kwajalein Atoll by aircraft based on USS Lexington and USS Independence (both ( United States Navy)). 19 crew killed.[17]
- Chūyō ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Taiyō-class escort carrier was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (31°55′N 143°40′E / 31.917°N 143.667°E) by USS Sailfish ( United States Navy). 730 passengers and 513 crew killed. 160 survivors rescued by Sazanami and Urakaze (both( Imperial Japanese Navy)).[18]
- Daido Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The auxiliary Gunboat was sunk north of Ponape (08°22′N 159°02′E / 8.367°N 159.033°E) by USS Apogon ( United States Navy).[19]
- Hiyoshi Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: Convoy No. 3201: The Transport was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean east of Honshū (29°36′N 145°54′E / 29.600°N 145.900°E) by USS Gunnel ( United States Navy). 38 crew killed. Survivors rescued by Inazuma ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[20][21]
- Kembu Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): The cargo ship was sunk at Kwajalein Atoll by aircraft based on USS Lexington ( United States Navy).
- Libertad (
Cuba): World War II: Convoy KN 280: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (34°30′N 74°34′W / 34.500°N 74.567°W) by U-129 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 25 of her 43 crew. Survivors were rescued by the convoy escorts, including USS Natchez ( United States Navy).[22] - MAS 557 (
Italian Social Republic Navy): World War II: The MAS 552 class MAS boat was sunk by British aircraft off Maronisi. Later raised.[23] - Mikuni Maru No. 5 ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The guard ship was sunk at Kwajalein Atoll by aircraft based on USS Lexington and USS Independence (both ( United States Navy)).[17]
- Takunan Maru No. 7 ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The auxiliary submarine chaser was sunk at Kwajalein Atoll by aircraft based on USS Lexington and USS Independence (both ( United States Navy)).[17]
- Tateyama Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The cargo ship was sunk at Kwajalein Atoll by aircraft based on USS Lexington and USS Independence (both ( United States Navy)). Five crew killed.[17]
5 December
- Choko Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The transport was bombed 1.5 miles north of Little Bustard Island (Orobeppu) by SBD Dauntless dive bombers based on USS Lexington and USS Independence (both ( United States Navy)). She sank the next day. 4 crew killed.[24]
- Himeno Maru ( Japan): World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk in Alajacar Bay off Camiguin Island (09°09′N 124°29′E / 9.150°N 124.483°E) by USS Narwhal ( United States Navy).[25][26]
7 December
- Soyo Maru ( Japan): World War II: Convoy 4205B: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean by USS Pogy ( United States Navy). An unknown number of civilian refugee passengers and 35 crew killed.[27]
8 December
- Colombia (
Panama): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean 20 nautical miles (37 km) north of San Blas Point (9°50′N 78°55′W / 9.833°N 78.917°W) by U-516 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 27 crew.[28] - HMT Rysa ( Royal Navy): World War II: The Isles-class trawler struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean off La Maddelena, Sicily, Italy with the loss of 18 of her 19 crew.[29]
- Sansei Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Santo Maru-class transport was torpedoed and damaged in the Pacific Ocean 27 miles east north east of Iwo Jima (25°20′N 141°46′E / 25.333°N 141.767°E) by USS Sawfish ( United States Navy). She was towed to Iwo Jima and unloaded and then on to Chichi Jima. Decommissioned 5 February 1944. Broke in two and sank while still under repair 12 March 1944.[30][31]
9 December
- Cap Padaran ( United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HA 11: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean north east of Cape Spartivento, Italy (39°15′N 17°30′E / 39.250°N 17.500°E) by U-596 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 197 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Sheppey ( Royal Navy).[32]
- R-56 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Type R-41 minesweeper was sunk by Soviet aircraft north of Norway.[33]
11 December
- Lynghaug ( Norway): The cargo ship ran aground at Preston, Lancashire. She was refloated, but later declared a constructive total loss.[34][35]
- HMS Cuckmere ( Royal Navy): World War II: Convoy KMS 34: The River-class frigate was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean off Bougie, Algeria by U-223 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 16 crew. She was towed into Algiers but was declared a total loss.[36]
12 December
- HMS Holcombe ( Royal Navy): World War II: Convoy KMS 34: The Hunt-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean off Bougie, Algeria (37°20′N 5°30′E / 37.333°N 5.500°E) by U-593 with the loss of 84 of her 164 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Niblack ( United States Navy).[29][37]
- Tosei Maru ( Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Flores Sea by USS Tuna ( United States Navy).[38]
- HMS Tynedale ( Royal Navy): World War II: Convoy KMS 34: The Hunt-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Jijel, Algeria (37°10′N 6°05′E / 37.167°N 6.083°E) by U-593 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 73 of her 155 crew. Survivors were rescued by Hengist ( United Kingdom) and HMS Hyderabad ( Royal Navy).[1][29]
- Valery Chkalov (
Soviet Union): World War II: The Liberty ship broke in two in the Pacific Ocean (54°22′N 164°04′E / 54.367°N 164.067°E). Both sections were salvaged and the ship was repaired and returned to service.[39] - USS YCK-8 ( United States Navy): World War II: The Open Lighter foundered off Key West, Florida.[40]
13 December
- Friedrich Bischoff (
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Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Bremen by Royal Air Force aircraft. She was later salvaged, repaired and returned to service. - R-306 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The minesweeper was bombed and sunk by aircraft at Kiel, Germany.[41]
- T-15 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Type 37 torpedo boat was bombed and sunk by aircraft while docked at the Deutsche Werke yard in Kiel, Germany.[42]
- Totai Maru ( Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean south of Kyushu by USS Sailfish ( United States Navy).[43]
- U-172 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk by Grumman TBF Avenger and Grumman F4F Wildcat aircraft based on USS Bogue and also by USS Clemson. USS Du Pont, USS George E. Badger and USS Osmond Ingram (all United States Navy) with the loss of 13 of her 59 crew.
- U-391 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The German Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Bay of Biscay north west of Cape Ortegal, Spain (45°45′N 9°38′W / 45.750°N 9.633°W) by a Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of 53 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 51 crew.[44]
- U-593 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged, shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean north of Algiers, Algeria (37°38′N 5°58′E / 37.633°N 5.967°E) by HMS Calpe ( Royal Navy) and USS Wainwright ( United States Navy). All 51 crew survived and were rescued by USS Wainwright.[45][46]
14 December
- Hakozaki Maru ( Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean by USS Herring ( United States Navy).[47]
- USS PT-239 ( United States Navy): World War II: PT Boat burned in Lambu Lambu Cove, Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands (07°42′N 156°47′E / 7.700°N 156.783°E),.[48]
15 December
- Borgsten ( Norway): The cargo ship collided with Pinguin ( Germany) and sank off Bastøy Island. Raised in 1947, repaired and re-entered service in 1949.[49]
_sinking.jpg)
Nevada
- Genmei Maru ( Japan): World War II: Convoy KAI-13: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged by Dutch Army B-25 Mitchells off Timor. She was scuttled by shore batteries the next day. Four passengers, 10 gunners and eight crew killed.[50]
- Nevada ( United States): The cargo ship was abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina with the loss of 34 of her 63 crew. Survivors were rescued by USCGC Comanche (
United States Coast Guard). Nevada subsequently foundered on 18 December.
16 December
- Ginyo Maru ( Japan): World War II: Convoy No. 447: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk by USS Flying Fish ( United States Navy) 50 miles south west of Takao. 198 passengers, three gunners and 66 crew killed.[51]
- McDowell ( United States): World War II: The Type T2-SE-A2 tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean 30 nautical miles (56 km) north of Aruba, Netherlands Antilles (13°08′N 70°02′W / 13.133°N 70.033°W) by U-516 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 73 crew. Survivors were rescued by Fairfax ( United States) and USS YMS-56 ( United States Navy).[52]
- R-54 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Type R-41 minesweeper was sunk by a mine north west of Anholt.[53]
- U-73 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Type VIIB submarine was depth charged, shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean off Oran, Algeria by USS Edison, USS Trippe and USS Woolsey (all United States Navy) with the loss of 16 of her 48 crew.
- USS YP-426 ( United States Navy): World War II: The Patrol boat ran aground and sank east of Tybee Island, Georgia(31°59′N 80°48′W / 31.983°N 80.800°W).[54]
17 December
- USS APc-21 ( United States Navy): World War II: The coastal transport was bombed and sunk by Japanese dive bombers off Arawe, New Britain (06°15′S 149°01′E / 6.250°S 149.017°E).[55]
- Kingswood ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Guinea south west of Cotonou, French West Africa (5°57′N 1°43′E / 5.950°N 1.717°E) by U-515 ( Kriegsmarine). All 48 crew survived.[56]
- Wakatsu Maru (
Imperial Japanese Army): World War II: Convoy KAI-13: The transport was bombed and sunk by RAAF Bristol Beaufighters off Timor. 14 troops and six crew killed.[57]
18 December
- HMS Felixstowe ( Royal Navy): World War II: The Bangor-class minesweeper was sunk off Capo Ferro, Sardinia (41°10′N 09°40′E / 41.167°N 9.667°E) by a mine.[58]
- Gyokurei Maru ( Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea by USS Grayback ( United States Navy).[59]
- Numakaze ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Minekaze-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea east of Naha, Okinawa 26°29′N 128°26′E / 26.483°N 128.433°E by USS Grayback ( United States Navy) with the loss of all 148 crew.
19 December
- Alaska Maru ( Imperial Japanese Army:) World War II: Convoy No. N-206: The Alaska Maru-class transport was bombed and damaged by USN PBY Catalinas in the Pacific Ocean 30 miles north of the Gazelle Peninsula, off Kavieng, New Ireland. One crewman killed. Sinks the next day (03°45′N 151°21′E / 3.750°N 151.350°E). Survivors rescued by CH-37 ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[60]
- James Withycombe ( United States): The Liberty ship ran aground off Cristóbal, Colón, Panama (8°58′N 79°32′W / 8.967°N 79.533°W). She broke in two and was abandoned as a constructive total loss.[61]
- Kaito Maru ( Japan): World War II: Convoy No. N-206: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged by USN PBY Catalinas in the Pacific Ocean 30 miles north of the Gazelle Peninsula, off Kavieng, New Ireland. 262 troops, and 26 crew killed. Sinks the next day (04°35′N 151°21′E / 4.583°N 151.350°E). Survivors rescued by CH-37 ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[60]
- Shoei Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The transport was bombed and damaged by B-24 Liberators at Kwajalein. Sinks the next day with a loss of 5 crewmen.[62]
20 December
- USCGC Bodega ( United States Coast Guard): The patrol vessel became stranded while attempting to rescue the crew of the SS James Withycombe, and was subsequently abandoned.[63]
- Fuyō ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: Convoy No. 782: The Wakatake-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off Subic Bay, The Philippines (14°45′N 119°54′E / 14.750°N 119.900°E) by USS Puffer ( United States Navy).[64][65]
- Phemius ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Guinea 30 nautical miles (56 km) south of Accra, Gold Coast (5°01′N 0°47′E / 5.017°N 0.783°E) by U-515 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 23 of the 116 people on board. Survivors were rescued by Commandant Drogou (
Marine Nationale).[66] - Tsuneshima Maru ( Japan): World War II: convoy No. 1182: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk with out casualties in the Pacific Ocean north of the Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea (01°26′N 148°36′E / 1.433°N 148.600°E) by USS Gato ( United States Navy).[67]
- U-850 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Type IXD2 submarine was depth charged, torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (32°54′N 37°01′W / 32.900°N 37.017°W) by Grumman TBM Avenger and Grumman F4F Wildcat aircraft based on USS Bogue ( United States Navy) with the loss of all 66 crew.[68][69]
21 December
- CH-5 (
Free French Naval Forces): The CH-5 class submarine chaser foundered in a storm in La Manche.[70] - Norhauk ( Norway): World War II: the cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary with the loss of 11 of her 41 crew.
- Terukawa Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Terukawa Maru-class fleet oiler was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the Caroline Islands (09°45′N 152°00′E / 9.750°N 152.000°E) by USS Skate ( United States Navy). An unknown number of passengers and 12 crew killed. Survivors rescued by Amagiri ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[71]
- Uyo Maru ( Japan): World War II: Convoy O-106: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bungo Channel by USS Sailfish ( United States Navy).[43]
- U-284 ( Kriegsmarine): The Type VIIC submarine suffered storm damage in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Greenland and was consequently scuttled. All 49 crew survived.[72]
22 December
- HMS BV 42 ( Royal Navy): World War II: The Parkgate-class Barrage/Gate Vessel was sunk by an explosion at Leith Docks, Edinburgh East Scotland.[73]
- Ginrei Maru ( Japan): World War II: The Ore Carrier was bombed and sunk in the South China Sea 105 miles south of Hong Kong (12°12′N 130°40′E / 12.200°N 130.667°E) by 14th Air Force B-25 Mitchells.[74]
- Haferland Go ( Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk east of Kashinosaki, Japan (33°30′N 135°57′E / 33.500°N 135.950°E) by USS Gurnard ( United States Navy). (Some references say the cargo ship was torpedoed off Kobe, Japan and scrapped in Kobe in 1946.)[75][76]
- Niobe ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Gazelle-class light cruiser was torpedoed and sunk by MTB 276 and MTB 298 (both Royal Navy) off Silba, Yugoslavia after running aground on the 19th. Wreck scrapped postwar.
23 December
- Nankai Maru No. 2 ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Type D Transport was bombed and sunk at Mili Atoll, Marshall Islands, (06°05′N 171°43′E / 6.083°N 171.717°E) by USN SBD Dauntless dive bombers.[77]
- Nanyo ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Nanyo class gunboat, a former Chinese Ho class Customs Cruiser, was bombed and sunk by 14th Air Force B-25s at Matsu Island, off Foochow in the South China Sea (26°10′N 119°55′E / 26.167°N 119.917°E).[78]
- Raimo-Ragnar (
Finland): The cargo ship was wrecked south of Nygrundet, Sweden.[79]
24 December
- Dumana (
United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy STL 8: The seaplane tender straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 70 nautical miles (130 km) south west of Sassandra, Côte d'Ivoire (4°27′N 6°58′W / 4.450°N 6.967°W) by U-515 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 39 of the 169 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMT Arran and HMT Southern Pride (both Royal Navy).[80] - Hans Christophersen ( Germany): The cargo ship was wrecked 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south of Sælgrund, Denmark.[81]
- HMS HDML 1388 ( Royal Navy). World War II: Convoy STL 8: The Harbour Defence Motor Launch was wrecked at Hartepool.[82]
- Heiwa Maru ( Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Morotai Strait by USS Raton ( United States Navy).[83]
- HMS Hurricane ( Royal Navy): World War II: The H-class destroyer was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by U-415 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 152 crew. She was scuttled the next day by HMS Watchman ( Royal Navy).
- I-39 ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Type B1 submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Lunga Point, Guadalcanal by USS Griswold ( United States Navy).(Or sunk byUSS Boyd ( United States Navy) on 26 Nov, 1943 60 miles south west of Tarawa.)[84][85]
- USS Leary ( United States Navy): World War II: The Wickes-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by U-275 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 97 of her 176 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Schenck ( United States Navy).
- Seizan Maru No.2 ( Japan): World War II: Convoy No. 8222: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean east of Honshū (34°03′N 136°19′E / 34.050°N 136.317°E) by USS Gurnard ( United States Navy). 28 crew killed.[20]
- Tofuku Maru ( Imperial Japanese Army): World War II: Convoy No. 8222: The transport was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean east of Honshū by USS Gurnard ( United States Navy). Three gunners and 49 crew killed.[20]
- U-645 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of the Azores, Portugal (45°20′N 21°40′W / 45.333°N 21.667°W) by USS Schenck ( United States Navy) with the loss of all 55 crew.[86][87]
25 December
- Daikami Maru (
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Empire of Japan): World War II: The vessel sank near Tsukumi. 2 survivors rescued by Gokoku Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[88] - Frederick Bartholdi ( United States): World War II: Convoy HX 270: The Liberty ship ran aground off Skye (57°44′N 6°26′W / 57.733°N 6.433°W). All on board survived. She was later refloated but consequently scrapped.[89][90]
- HMT Kingston Beryl ( Royal Navy): World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the Irish Sea north of Ireland with the loss of all 28 crew.[29]
- Osorno ( Germany): World War II: The Blockade Runner/cargo ship struck the sunken wreck of Sperrbrecher-21 ( Kriegsmarine) and beached on the coast of France to save her cargo.[91]
- Tenryu Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Tenryu Maru-class transport was bombed and sunk at Kavieng, New Ireland (02°36′S 150°49′E / 2.600°S 150.817°E) by USN carrier planes.[92]
26 December
- Asian (
British Hong Kong):The cargo ship sunk in a collision with Harmatris ( United Kingdom) in the Indian Ocean, south of Nagercoil, India (7°45′N 77°40′E / 7.750°N 77.667°E).[93] - USS Brownson ( United States Navy): World War II: The Fletcher-class destroyer was bombed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Cape Gloucester, New Britain (5°20′S 148°25′E / 5.333°S 148.417°E) by Japanese aircraft with the loss of 108 of her 336 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Daly and USS Lamson (both United States Navy).
- Kyoku Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Kyoku Maru-class tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Tioro Strait 14 miles north west of Kabaena Island (05°07′S 121°38′E / 5.117°S 121.633°E) by USS Ray ( United States Navy). 29 passengers and 12 crew killed.[94]
- Scharnhorst ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: Battle of North Cape: The Scharnhorst-class battleship was shelled and sunk in the Arctic Sea off North Cape, Norway by HMS Duke of York ( Royal Navy) with the loss of 1,942 of her 1,968 crew.
27 December
- Alsterufer ( Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk by aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean, west of France (46°40′N 19°30′W / 46.667°N 19.500°W).[95]
- José Navarro ( United States): World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Laccadive Sea 175 nautical miles (324 km) south west of Cochin, India (8°20′N 73°55′E / 8.333°N 73.917°E) by U-178 ( Kriegsmarine). All 166 people on board were rescued by HMIS Rajputana (
Royal Indian Navy).[96] - Kenyo Maru ( Japan): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean by USS Guardfish ( United States Navy).[97]
- Kyuei Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy): World War II: The Standard 1TL tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 162 miles west south west of Takao (21°25′N 118°05′E / 21.417°N 118.083°E) by USS Flying Fish ( United States Navy). 54 crewmen killed. Survivors rescued by Musawa ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[98]
28 December
- Axum ( Regia Marina): World War II: The Adua-class submarine was scuttled after running aground off Morea, Greece.[99]
- Oldenburg ( Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk by a submarine off Ålesund, Norway.[100]
- R-64 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Type R-41 minesweeper sank south of Honningsvåg, Norway.[101]
- Shuntai Maru ( Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea by USS Tambor ( United States Navy).[102]
- T-25 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: Battle of the Bay of Biscay: The Type 39 torpedo boat was sunk in action with HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise (both Royal Navy) in the Bay of Biscay. Survivors rescued by U-505 ( Kriegsmarine) and Kerlogue (
Ireland). - T-26 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: Battle of the Bay of Biscay: The Type 39 torpedo boat was sunk in action with HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise (both Royal Navy) in the Bay of Biscay. Survivors rescued by Kerlogue ( Ireland).
- Z27 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: Battle of the Bay of Biscay: The Type 1936A-class destroyer was sunk in action with HMS Glasgow and HMS Enterprise (both Royal Navy) in the Bay of Biscay. Survivors rescued by U-618 ( Kriegsmarine) and Kerlogue ( Ireland).
29 December
- Protée ( Free French Naval Forces): World War II: The Redoutable-class submarine was sunk by German aircraft in the Mediterranean (43°04′16″N 5°32′14″E / 43.07111°N 5.53722°E) off La Ciotat with the loss of all 85 crew.[103]
- Ryuto Maru ( Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Palau by USS Silversides ( United States Navy).[104]
- Shichisei Maru ( Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Palau by USS Silversides ( United States Navy).[104]
- Tenposan Maru ( Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Palau by USS Silversides ( United States Navy).[104]
30 December
- Empire Housman ( United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy ON 217: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (60°30′N 24°35′W / 60.500°N 24.583°W) by U-545 ( Kriegsmarine). She then straggled behind the convoy and was again torpedoed and damaged on 3 January 1944 at 60°50′N 22°07′W / 60.833°N 22.117°W by U-744 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 46 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Elm and HMS Earner (both Royal Navy). Empire Housman was taken in tow but sank on 5 January.[105][106]
31 December
- HMS Clacton ( Royal Navy): World War II: The Bangor-class minesweeper struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean east of Corsica, France with the loss of 32 of her 60 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Polruan ( Royal Navy).
- Empire Livingstone ( United Kingdom): The cargo ship ran aground at Bizerta, Tunisia. Declared a total loss and scrapped in situ.[105]
- HMS HDML 1121 ( Royal Navy): World War II: The Harbour Defence Motor Launch foundered off Pantelleria Island.[107]
- Shoho Maru ( Japan): World War II: Convoy No.5282: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the Caroline Islands (5°18′N 160°20′E / 5.300°N 160.333°E) by USS Greenling ( United States Navy). 20 crewmen killed.[108]
Unknown date
- USS Capelin ( United States Navy): World War II: The Gato-class submarine went missing of Halmahera Island, in December.[109]
- Fernando Ybarra (
.svg.png)
Spain): The cargo ship was driven ashore at Peniche, Portugal in a storm and was wrecked with the loss of 23 of her 33 crew.[110] - Oscar Chappell ( United States): World War II: Convoy HX 271: The cargo ship collided with Charles C. Jones ( United States) and was beached.[111]
- D-4 Revolutsyoner (
Soviet Navy): World War II: The Dekabrist-class submarine was sunk in a minefield in the Black Sea off the west coast of Crimea, Ukraine, USSR after December 1 with a loss of all crew members.[112] - S-55 ( Soviet Navy): World War II: The S-class submarine was lost with all 52 crew members.[113]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "MS Trawler HMS Avanturine of the Royal Navy". Uboat. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
- ↑ "Peto". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
- ↑ "Japanese Patrol Boats". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
- ↑ "Japanese Transports". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
- ↑ "Ex-French Merchants in Japanese Service". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 "D/S Bollsta". Warsailors. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
- ↑ "Assam Cargo Ship 1909-1943". Wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
- ↑ "Fort Ships A-J". Mariners. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Liberty Ships - Joaquin - Johns". Mariners. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
- ↑ "Liberty Ships - Jonas - Justo". Mariners. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
- ↑ "LCT 242 of the US Navy". U Boat.net. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
- ↑ "D/S Lom". Warsailors. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
- ↑ "Imperial Submarines". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
- ↑ "Liberty Ships - S". Mariners. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
- ↑ "Tinosa". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
- ↑ "Touchet". Uboat. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 "Japanese Supply Ships". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
- ↑ "Japanese Flattops". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
- ↑ "auxiliary gunboats of World War II". Navypedia. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 "Gunnel". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 3 January 2012.
- ↑ "Hiyoshi Maru (4042939)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 12 October 2013. (subscription required (help)).
- ↑ "Libertad". Uboat. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ↑ "Italian motor torpedo boat Type MAS 552". Warshipsww2. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
- ↑ "Japanese Transports". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 30 March 2014.
- ↑ "Narwhal (SS-167)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
- ↑ "Dos Hermanos Cargo Ship 1942-1943". Wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
- ↑ "Japanese Escorts". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
- ↑ "Colombia". Uboat. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 "NAVAL EVENTS, JANUARY-DECEMBER 1943 (in outline only)". Naval History. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
- ↑ "Sawfish". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
- ↑ "Japanese Transports". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
- ↑ "Cap Padaran". Uboat. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ↑ "German coastal minesweeper Type R-41". Warshipsww2.Eu. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
- ↑ "D/S Lynghaugh". Warsailors. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
- ↑ "Page 5". Warsailors. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
- ↑ "HMS Cuckmere (K 299)". Uboat. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
- ↑ "HMS Holcombe (L 56)". Uboat. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
- ↑ "Trout". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
- ↑ "Liberty Ships - A". Mariners. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
- ↑ "YCK-8 Barge, Lighter 1943". Wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ↑ "R-306 Minesweeper 1943". Wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- ↑ "T-15 (6112436)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 20 July 2012. (subscription required (help)).
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 "Sailfish". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
- ↑ "U-391". Uboat. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
- ↑ "DD-419". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
- ↑ "U-593". Uboat. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
- ↑ "Herring". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ↑ "PT-239 of the US Navy". U Boat.net. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
- ↑ "Norwegian Homefleet - WW II, Ships starting with Bo through Bø". Warsailors. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
- ↑ "Japanese Submarine Chasers". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
- ↑ "Japanese Oilers". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
- ↑ "McDowell". Uboat. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ↑ "German coastal minesweeper Type R-41". Warshipsww2.Eu. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
- ↑ "Official Cronology of the US Navy in WWII". Ibiblio. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
- ↑ "ApC-21 Cargo ship 1943-1943". Wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
- ↑ "Kingswood". Uboat. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ↑ "Japanese Sub Chasers". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
- ↑ "HMS Felixstowe J126 of the Royal Navy". UBoat.net. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
- ↑ "Gar". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
- ↑ 60.0 60.1 "Japanese Army Auxiliary Transports". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
- ↑ "Liberty Ships J - Ji". Mariners. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
- ↑ "Japanese Transports". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
- ↑ http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/Bodega_WYP342.pdf
- ↑ "Puffer". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
- ↑ "2nd Class Destroyers". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
- ↑ "Phemius". Uboat. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ↑ "Gato". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
- ↑ "Bogue". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
- ↑ "U-850". Uboat. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
- ↑ "French submarine chaser type CH-5". Warshipsww2.Eu. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ↑ "Skate". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
- ↑ "U-284". Uboat. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
- ↑ "HMS BV 42 of the Royal Navy". UBoat.net. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ↑ "Japanese Ore Carriers". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 22 Dec 2012.
- ↑ "Havelland Passenger/Cargo Ship 1939-1943". Wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
- ↑ "Havelland (5605572)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 18 August 2012. (subscription required (help)).
- ↑ "Japanese Transports". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
- ↑ http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/escorts/de7.htm "Japanese Gunboats". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
- ↑ "Raimo-Ragnar (5603811)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 18 September 2012. (subscription required (help)).
- ↑ "Dumana". Uboat. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ↑ "Hans Christophersen (5605396)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 25 April 2015. (subscription required (help)).
- ↑ "HDML 1388 of the Royal Navy". Uboat. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
- ↑ "Raton". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
- ↑ "Griswold". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ↑ "Imperial Submarines". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
- ↑ "DD-159". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
- ↑ "U-645". Uboat. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
- ↑ "Japanese Auxiliary Cruisers". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
- ↑ "Liberty Ships - F". Mariners. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
- ↑ "Convoy HX.270". Convoyweb. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ↑ "Orsorno cargo ship 1943". Wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 25 December 2013.
- ↑ "Japanese Transports". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 25 December 2013.
- ↑ "Asian (1110358)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 16 August 2012. (subscription required (help)).
- ↑ "Ray". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
- ↑ "Alsterufer (5613877)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 19 July 2012. (subscription required (help)).
- ↑ "José Navarro". Uboat. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
- ↑ "Guardfish (SS-217)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
- ↑ "Japanese Oilers". Combinedfleet.com. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
- ↑ "IT Axum of the Italian Navy". UBoat.net. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
- ↑ "Oldenburg (5606019)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 1 April 2012. (subscription required (help)).
- ↑ "German coastal minesweeper Type R-41". Warshipsww2.Eu. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
- ↑ "Tambor". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
- ↑ "FR Protee of the French Navy". UBoat.net. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
- ↑ 104.0 104.1 104.2 "Silversides". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ↑ 105.0 105.1 Mitchell, W H; Sawyer, L A (1995). The Empire Ships. London, New York, Hamburg, Hong Kong: Lloyd's of London Press Ltd. p. not cited. ISBN 1-85044-275-4.
- ↑ "Empire Houseman". Uboat. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
- ↑ "HMS HMDL 1121 of the Royal Navy". Retrieved 31 December 2012.
- ↑ "Greenling (SS-213)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
- ↑ Silverstone, Paul (1965). US Warships of World War II. Garden City NY: Double Day. p. 399.
- ↑ "Gallant Rescues By Portuguese" The Times (London). Thursday, 23 December 1943. (49736), col C, p. 3.
- ↑ "Convoy HX.271". Convoyweb. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ↑ "Soviet submarines of the D Class.". U Boat.net. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
- ↑ "Soviet submarines of the S Class.". U Boat.net. Retrieved 1 Dec 2012.
| Ship events in 1943 | |||||||||||
| Ship launches: | 1938 | 1939 | 1940 | 1941 | 1942 | 1943 | 1944 | 1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948 |
| Ship commissionings: | 1938 | 1939 | 1940 | 1941 | 1942 | 1943 | 1944 | 1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948 |
| Ship decommissionings: | 1938 | 1939 | 1940 | 1941 | 1942 | 1943 | 1944 | 1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948 |
| Shipwrecks: | 1938 | 1939 | 1940 | 1941 | 1942 | 1943 | 1944 | 1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948 |
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