World War II: The ferry struck a mine and sank in the Gulf of Patras off Missolonghi, Greece. 20 crew, 2 gunners and 56 British troops were killed.[3]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The refrigerated cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Skaggerak by Allied aircraft with the loss of 82 lives.[4][5]
Saar
Germany
World War II: The fishing trawler was shelled and sunk in the Baltic Sea by K-51 (Soviet Navy).[6]
2 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 2 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Japan
World War II: Convoy MI-29: The Standard 2AT tanker (a.k.a. Awagawa Maru) was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea west of Yakushima Island (30°24′N128°17′E / 30.400°N 128.283°E / 30.400; 128.283) by USS Sea Devil (United States Navy). A total of 249 troops, seven guards and eighteen crewmen were killed. One hundred and eighty-six survivors were rescued by (Japan). seventy-nine other survivors reached the shore.[7]
World War II: Convoy MI-29: The Hawaii Maru-class transport was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea west of Yakushima Island (30°24′N128°17′E / 30.400°N 128.283°E / 30.400; 128.283) by USS Sea Devil (United States Navy). Lost with all hands; 1,843 troops of the Imperial Japanese Army 23rd Infantry Division, 60 other troops, 83 gunners and 148 crewmen were killed. Also, 60 explosive motor boats aboard are lost.[7]
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Maine 10 nautical miles (19 km) off Mount Desert Island, Maine, United States (43°59′N68°20′W / 43.983°N 68.333°W / 43.983; -68.333) by U-1230 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 43 of her 48 crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing vessel Notre Dame (United States).[12]
Francis Asbury
United States
World War II: The Liberty ship struck a mine and was damaged in the North Sea (51°21′N3°00′E / 51.350°N 3.000°E / 51.350; 3.000). Of her 41-man merchant complement and 28-man armed guard, 9 of the former and 6 of the latter were killed. Forty-six from both groups were injured, and one merchant sailor and one armed guard died later of their injuries. She drifted aground off Ostend, Belgium, where she was sunk by gunfire as a menace to navigation.[13][14]
Kuwa
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: Battle of Ormoc Bay: The Matsu-class destroyer was shelled and sunk in Ormoc Bay by USS Allen M. Sumner, USS Cooper and USS Moale (all United States Navy). About half her crew was lost.[15][16]
World War II: The oiler was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea west of Palawan Island (13°12′N116°37′E / 13.200°N 116.617°E / 13.200; 116.617) by USS Flasher (United States Navy). Twenty-four passengers and 24 crewmen were killed. Survivors were rescued by CD-17 and (both Imperial Japanese Navy).[19]
Kishinami
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The Yūgumo-classdestroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea west of Palawan Island (13°12′N116°37′E / 13.200°N 116.617°E / 13.200; 116.617) by USS Flasher (United States Navy) with the loss of 90 of her 240 crew. Survivors were rescued by CD-17 and (both Imperial Japanese Navy).[20]
and
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The SS-classlanding ships were sunk by US aircraft near Mindoro.[21]
5 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 5 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Germany
World War II: Convoy BE-1075-AL: The cargo ship was sunk in Ørstafjorden, Norway, by de Havilland Mosquito aircraft of 143, 235 and 248 Squadrons, Royal Air Force. Three crewmen were killed.[10][22][23]
Antoine Saugrain
United States
World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Leyte Gulf by Japanese aircraft. She was taken in tow but was torpedoed again on 6 December and sank. A total of 376 troops, 26 gunners, and 42 crewmen were rescued by USS San Pedro, USS Coronado, (both United States Navy), and (United States Army).[24]
World War II: The picket ship was damaged in an air attack at Rabaul, New Guinea and beached in Karavia Bay. Salvaged post war by HMAS Reserve and used as a tender at Madang.[30]
Royal Navy
World War II: The landing craft tank was sunk by a mine off Missolonghi, Greece. Two crew and 13 Indian soldiers were killed.[31][3]
World War II: The landing ship medium was sunk in the Philippine Sea off Leyte, Philippines by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft attack. Five sailors were killed and another nine were wounded. Survivors were rescued by USS Flusser (United States Navy).[32]
The landing ship medium was lost by grounding in the Philippines, or off Sansapor, New Guinea.[33]
Lapwing
The oil vessel was wrecked on the beach 500 feet (150 m) from the jetty at Fort McRee, Florida, at the mouth of Pensacola Bay.[34]
Soviet Navy
World War II: : The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north of (69°57′N32°53′E / 69.950°N 32.883°E / 69.950; 32.883) by U-995 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 29 of her 56 crew. Survivors were rescued by MO-426 (Soviet Navy).[35]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft off Ålesund, Norway.[36]
World War II: Convoy TAMA-34: The transport was torpedoed, blew up and sank in the South China Sea north of Bagui Bay, Luzon, Philippines (30°24′N128°17′E / 30.400°N 128.283°E / 30.400; 128.283) by USS Trepang (United States Navy). A total of 913 naval personnel, 66 gunners and 94 crewmen were killed.[39]
Japan
World War II: Convoy TAMA-34: The transport was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea north of Bagui Bay, Luzon (18°30′N121°57′E / 18.500°N 121.950°E / 18.500; 121.950) by USS Trepang (United States Navy). A total of 1,383 troops and 44 crewmen were killed.[39]
Japan
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea by USS Segundo (United States Navy).[10]
World War II: The Type VIIC/41submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 16 nautical miles (30 km) west of Yesnaby, Orkney Islands, United Kingdom by a Short Sunderland aircraft of 201 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 50 crew.[40]
United States Navy
The car float broke in two and sank in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Lookout, North Carolina.[41]
Japan
World War II: Convoy TAMA-34: The ore carrier was torpedoed and damaged in the South China Sea north of Bagui Bay, Luzon (18°30′N121°57′E / 18.500°N 121.950°E / 18.500; 121.950) by USS Segundo (United States Navy). Torpedoed and damaged again on 7 December by USS Razorback (United States Navy). She was beached and abandoned on Fugo Island 37 miles (60 km) north of Cape Mayraira. Three troops and 25 crewmen killed. The ship was bombed and destroyed by United States Navy carrier aircraft on 15 December.[42]
7 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 7 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: Convoy TA-8: The Akagisan Maru-class transport was beached at San Isidro, Leyte, Philippines (11°23′N124°23′E / 11.383°N 124.383°E / 11.383; 124.383) to facilitate landing of troops. She was bombed and destroyed by United States Fifth Air Force aircraft and Vought F4U Corsair aircraft of Squadrons VMF 211, 218, and 313, United States Marine Corps. All 69 gunners and 58 crewmen were killed.[43][44]
World War II: Convoy BE-1081-ST: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in Bjørnefjord, Norway by and (both Royal Norwegian Navy). 36 crew were killed.[10][46][47]
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: Convoy TA-8: The transport was beached at San Isidro, (11°23′N124°23′E / 11.383°N 124.383°E / 11.383; 124.383) to facilitate landing of troops. She was bombed and destroyed by United States Fifth Air Force aircraft and Vought F4U Corsair aircraft of Squadrons VMF 211, 218, and 313, United States Marine Corps.[43]
World War II: The landing ship medium was sunk by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft in Ormoc Bay, Leyte, Philippines. Two crew were killed and about 10 wounded.[48][49][50]
USS Mahan
United States Navy
World War II: The Mahan-classdestroyer was damaged in the Camotes Sea by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft and was abandoned. She was scuttled by USS Walke (United States Navy). Six crewmen were missing and 13 were seriously wounded.[51]
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: Convoy TA-8: The transport was beached at San Isidro, Leyte (11°23′N124°23′E / 11.383°N 124.383°E / 11.383; 124.383) to facilitate landing of troops. She was bombed and destroyed by United States Fifth Air Force aircraft and Vought F4U Corsair aircraft of Squadrons VMF 211, 218, and 313, United States Marine Corps.[43]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed by (Soviet Navy) in the Baltic Sea off Ventspils, Latvia, and was beached.[52]
United Kingdom
World War II: The Liberty ship struck a mine and was damaged in the Scheldt, Belgium. The wreck was scuttled by a Royal Navy ship. Six crew were killed.[53][54]
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: Convoy TA-8: The transport was beached at San Isidro, Leyte (11°23′N124°23′E / 11.383°N 124.383°E / 11.383; 124.383) to facilitate landing of troops. She was bombed and destroyed by United States 5th Air Force fighter-bombers, and United States Marine Corps F4U Corsairs of squadrons VMF 211, 218, and 313.[43]
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: Convoy TA-8: The No.1-classlanding ship (high speed transport) was beached at San Isidro 30 miles (48 km) north of Ormoc, The Philippines (11°23′N124°23′E / 11.383°N 124.383°E / 11.383; 124.383) to facilitate landing of troops. She was bombed and destroyed by United States Fifth Air Force aircraft and Vought F4U Corsair aircraft of Squadrons VMF 211, 218, and 313, United States Marine Corps.[43]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Vorpostenboot was torpedoed and sunk in the Baltic Sea off Steinort, Pomerania by Soviet Douglas A-20 Havoc aircraft. 13 crewmen killed.[10][55]
USS Ward
United States Navy
USS Ward
World War II: The Wickes-class destroyer was hit by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft in Ormoc Bay and was abandoned. She was scuttled by USS O'Brien (United States Navy). Wreck found in 2017. The whole crew was saved, with only one injured.[56]
8 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 8 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The minesweeper was attacked in Bömmelenfjord by Fairey Firefly aircraft of 771 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, based on HMS Implacable (Royal Navy). She caught fire and capsized.[10]
Japan
World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk off the coast of Malaya by USS Hammerhead and USS Paddle (both United States Navy). 42 crewmen were killed.[10][57]
9 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 9 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Norway
World War II: The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Florø, Norway by Bristol Beaufighter aircraft of 455 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of five lives.[10][58]
World War II: The Hiyō-classaircraft carrier was torpedoed and heavily damaged in the Strait of Formosa by USS Plaice, USS Redfish or USS Sea Devil (all United States Navy). 19 crewmen were killed. Withdrawn from service and saw out the war as a guard ship, she was subsequently declared a constructive total loss and scrapped post-war.[59]
The Town-classdestroyer collided with HMS Florizel (Royal Navy) in the North Sea off Harwich, Essex, United Kingdom and was damaged. She was not repaired.[61]
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Egersund, Norway by de Havilland Mosquito aircraft of 235 and 248 Squadrons, Royal Air Force.[10][64]
United States Navy
World War II: The landing craft tank was set on fire at Leyte, Philippines by a kamikaze hitting the Liberty shipMarcus Daly (United States) while she was alongside receiving cargo. The burning wreck was consequently beached. One crew was killed, two missing and ten wounded, one dying of his wounds later.[65][66][67][68]
World War II: The MAS 526-class MAS boat was sunk off southern France by Sabre (Free French Naval Forces). There were 5 killed, 6 wounded and 12 prisoners.[74][75]
Royal Navy
World War II: The MMS-classminesweeper was sunk by a mine off the mouth of the Scheldt. Two of her crew were killed.[76][77]
Japan
World War II: Convoy TA-9: The transport was bombed and sunk 30 nautical miles (56 km) off Palompon, Philippines (11°20′N124°10′E / 11.333°N 124.167°E / 11.333; 124.167) by Vought F4U Corsair aircraft of Squadrons VMF 211, 218, and 313, United States Marine Corps.[43]
USS Reid
United States Navy
World War II: The Mahan-classdestroyer was sunk in the Philippine Sea off Leyte, Philippines (9°57′40″N124°56′01″E / 9.96111°N 124.93361°E / 9.96111; 124.93361) by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft attack with the loss of at least 103 crew. One hundred and fifty survivors were rescued.
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: Convoy TA-9: The Shanghai Maru-class transport was bombed and sunk 30 nautical miles (56 km) off Palompon, (11°20′N124°10′E / 11.333°N 124.167°E / 11.333; 124.167) by Vought F4U Corsair aircraft of Squadrons VMF 211, 218, and 313, United States Marine Corps.[43]
12 December[]
For the sinking of the Japanese tanker Yuho Maru on this date, see List of shipwrecks in November 1944 § 26 November.
List of shipwrecks: 12 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Germany
World War II: The transport ship was sunk in a Soviet air raid on Liepāja, Latvia.[10]
Germany
World War II: The coastaltanker was sunk in a Soviet air raid on Liepāja.[10]
Panama
The cargo ship, one of the seized Danish ships, Anna Maersk, operated under Panamanian flag for the War Shipping Administration, struck a sunken wreck and foundered in the North Sea off Vlissingen, Zeeland, Netherlands.[78][79][80]
Germany
World War II: The coaster was sunk in a Soviet air raid on Liepāja.[10]
The naval trawler/Vorpostenboot (223 GRT, 1939) was lost on this date.[87]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Davik, Norway by de Havilland Mosquito aircraft of 143, 235 and 248 Squadrons, Royal Air Force. Three German soldiers and the Norwegian pilot were killed. She was broken up in place in 1950.[10][88][89]
World War II: Battle of Ormoc Bay: Convoy TA-9: The Mutsuki-class destroyer was bombed and sunk 65 nautical miles (120 km) north-west of Cebu, Philippines (11°20′N124°10′E / 11.333°N 124.167°E / 11.333; 124.167) by United States Army and United States Marine Corps aircraft with a loss of 20 crewmen. One hundred and twenty survivors, including her captain, were rescued by Kiri (Imperial Japanese Navy).[90]
Z35
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The destroyer struck a mine and sank after entering a German minefield northeast of Tallinn in the Gulf of Finland. 262 crew were killed.[91]
Z36
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The destroyer struck a mine and sank after entering a German minefield northeast of Tallinn in the Gulf of Finland. 278 crew were killed.[91]
World War II: The Myōkō-classcruiser was torpedoed and severely damaged in the Java Sea by USS Bergall (United States Navy). She was towed in to Singapore where it was found that she was unrepairable. She saw out the war as a floating anti-aircraft battery.
USS Nashville
United States Navy
World War II: The Brooklyn-class cruiser was severely damaged off Negros Island, Philippines by a kamikaze attack. Repairs took until 15 April 1945 to complete.
World War II: The Type VIICsubmarine was depth charged and sunk in the Arctic Ocean east of Jan Mayen, Norway (70°43′N8°07′E / 70.717°N 8.117°E / 70.717; 8.117 by Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 813 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm based on HMS Campania (Royal Navy) with the loss of all 50 crew.
14 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 14 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
HMS Aldenham
Royal Navy
World War II: The Hunt-classdestroyer struck a mine and sank in the Adriatic Sea 45 nautical miles (83 km) south-east of Pola, Italy with the loss of 121 of her 184 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Atherstone, and (all Royal Navy).[10][92]
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The Type D escort ship was torpedoed and sunk 100 nautical miles (190 km) north-west of Manila, Phlippines (15°50′N119°45′E / 15.833°N 119.750°E / 15.833; 119.750) by USS Blenny (United States Navy). One hundred and fifteen crewmen were lost.[93]
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean by HMS Shalimar (Royal Navy).[10]
Germany
World War II: The transport was sunk by Soviet aircraft, at Liepāja, Latvia.[55]
Germany
World War II: The transport was sunk by Soviet aircraft at Liepāja, Latvia.[94]
Germany
World War II: The tanker was sunk by Soviet aircraft at Liepāja, Latvia.[94]
Germany
World War II: The transport was lost in a collision, or sunk by Soviet aircraft, at Liepāja, Latvia.[94][95]
World War II: The transport was bombed and damaged by aircraft from USS Hornet (United States Navy) and beached off Suesute Point. Patched and refloated at high tide. She was bombed and damaged again the next day by aircraft from USS Hornet. She ran onto rocks on Caimon Reef, capsized and sank 300 yards (270 m) off (14°45′N120°13′E / 14.750°N 120.217°E / 14.750; 120.217). A total of 442 Japanese civilian evacuees, 286 prisoners of war, 38 gunners and ten crewmen were killed.[97]
Germany
World War II: The transport was sunk by Soviet aircraft, at Liepāja, Latvia.[55]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off Moss, Norway.[98]
Schauenberg
Germany
World War II: The Hansa A Type cargo ship was severely damaged in an Allied air raid on Libau.
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The landing ship was sunk off Luzon, Philippines by aircraft based on USS Hornet (United States Navy).[10]
The Artilleriefährprahm, a converted Type C Marinefährprahm, was sunk in a collision off Thybören. There were 2 dead, 3 missing and 45 survivors. SHe was salvaged by the Soviets and put in service as (Soviet Navy) in February 1946.[1][100]
World War II: The landing ship tank was damaged in the South China Sea off Mindoro, Philippines by a Japanese kamikaze attack. She was scuttled by USS Hall (United States Navy). Three crew were missing and four died of their wounds.[105][106]
USS LST-738 and USS Moale. Smoke from USS LST-742 in the left background.
World War II: The landing ship tank was damaged in the South China Sea off Mindoro by a Japanese kamikaze attack. USS Moale (United States Navy) rescued 88 survivors before LST-738 was scuttled by USS Hall (United States Navy).
Momo
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The Matsu-classdestroyer was torpedoed and sunk 140 nautical miles (260 km) west-south-west of Cape Bolinao, Luzon (16°00′N117°39′E / 16.000°N 117.650°E / 16.000; 117.650 by USS Hawkbill (United States Navy) with a loss of her captain and 91 crew members, there were 36 wounded.[107]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type 1939/40schnellboot was sunk at IJmuiden, North Holland, Netherlands by Avro Lancaster aircraft of 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force using Tallboy bombs. Ten of her crew were killed.[10][108]
World War II: Convoy BE-102-AL: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at , Norway by de Havilland Mosquito aircraft of 143, 235 and 248 Squadrons, Royal Air Force. The crew survived while three German Flak gunners were killed.[111]
Japan
World War II: The transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the Bonin Islands by USS Finback (United States Navy).[10]
Kriegsmarine
The minesweeper/naval trawler (244 GRT, 1905) was lost on this date.[112]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The minesweeper, a converted Neuwerk-class naval trawler (470 t, 1918), was scuttled in the mouth of the Loire River.[113]
Norway
World War II: The salvage tug was bombed and sunk at Krakhellesund, Norway by de Havilland Mosquito aircraft of 143, 235 and 248 Squadrons, Royal Air Force. There was no casualties.[10][114]
The trawler foundered off Peterhead, Scotland.[116]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The net tender was sunk at Gotenhafen, German-occupied Poland by Royal Air Force aircraft.[10]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was sunk at Gotenhafen by Royal Air Force aircraft.[10]
USS Hull
United States Navy
Typhoon Cobra: The Farragut-classdestroyer foundered in the Philippine Sea (14°57′N127°58′E / 14.950°N 127.967°E / 14.950; 127.967) with the loss of 98 of her 160 crew. Forty-one survivors were rescued by USS Tabberer (United States Navy), the rest of the survivors rescued on 20 December.
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk by aircraft at Danzig, Germany,[117] or at Gotenhafen.[10]
World War II: The training ship, a former Deutschland-classbattleship, was bombed and sunk in shallow waters in Gotenhafen by Royal Air Force aircraft. Raised post-war and used as training hulk.
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Gotenhafen by Royal Air Force aircraft. Refloated in 1946 and repaired. Entered Polish service in 1949 as Warta.[120]
Typhoon Cobra: The Fletcher-class destroyer foundered in the Philippine Sea (14°57′N127°58′E / 14.950°N 127.967°E / 14.950; 127.967) with the loss of 312 of her 336 crew. Fourteen survivors were rescued by USS Tabberer (United States Navy), the rest of the survivors rescued on 20 December.
United States
World War II: Convoy ATM-16: The United States Army chartered cargo ship struck a mine in the Scheldt. She split in two and sank near Buoy NF 16. Two crewmen were killed. A passenger, 26 gunners and 45 crewmen were rescued by La Combattante (Free French Naval Forces).[122]
World War II: The Type VIICsubmarine hit the Wolf Rock between the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall, United Kingdom and was consequently scuttled with the loss of nine of her 44 crew. The survivors were picked up by Royal Navy vessels.[124][125]
Germany
World War II: The factory ship was sunk at Gotenhafen by Royal Air Force aircraft.[10]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The submarine tender was bombed and sunk by aircraft off the German coast. Raised in 1950 and transferred to the Soviet Union in 1951.[126]
World War II: The target ship, a former Wittelsbach-class battleship, was bombed and sunk at Gotenhafen by Royal Air Force aircraft.
19 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 19 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Japan
World War II: The Type 1K ore carrier was bombed and damaged at Hong Kong by four North American P-51 Mustangs of the United States Fourteenth Air Force. She was beached in a sinking condition. The wreck was bombed again on 16 January 1945 by United States Navy carrier-based aircraft. The wreck was totally abandoned on 4 May 1945.[127]
Soviet Union
The incomplete Leninets-classsubmarine sank 15 nautical miles (28 km) off Pitsunda whilst being towed from Tuapse to Sevastopol.[128]
Japan
World War II: The cargo ship, which had been torpedoed and damaged on 6 December by USS Segundo (United States Navy), was sunk west of Manila, Philippines by Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft of the United States Navy.[10]
World War II: The Type VIICsubmarine was bombed and damaged at Gotenhafen, Pomerania by a Soviet air raid. She was stricken from the navy register in April 1945. The wreck was scrapped in 1947.[129]
World War II: The aircraft carrier was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea (29°59′N124°03′E / 29.983°N 124.050°E / 29.983; 124.050) by USS Redfish (United States Navy) with the loss of 1,239 of her 1,386 crew. Survivors, an officer and 146 crewmen, were rescued by Shigure (Imperial Japanese Navy).
20 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 20 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Norway
The cargo ship collided with (Norway) at Oslo, Norway, and sank with the loss of one crew member. Raised in 1945, repaired and returned to service.[120]
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: Convoy No. 3217: The transport was damaged by a mine off Chichijima, Japan, and was beached. She was refloated on 6 January 1945.[133]
World War II: The landing ship tank was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north-east of the Azores, Portugal (42°04′N19°08′W / 42.067°N 19.133°W / 42.067; -19.133) by U-870 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 107 crew. Survivors were rescued by (United States).[134][135]
World War II: The landing ship tank was sunk in the Sulu Sea by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft attack with the loss of many lives. Survivors were rescued by USS Converse (United States Navy).
Soviet Union
World War II: The gunboat was rammed and sunk in the Barents Sea off by U-995 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 28 of the 31 people on board. Survivors were rescued by MO-251 (Soviet Navy).[10][141]
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk by aircraft at Hamburg, Germany. Wreck scrapped in the Soviet Union from August 1950.[143]
and
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The naval trawler/submarine chasers struck mines and sank off the Feistein Lighthouse, Norway.[132][144]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The naval trawler/submarine chaser was lost on this date.[145]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank near Stavanger, Norway.[146]
22 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 22 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Japan
World War II: Convoy HI-82: The Type 2TL standard tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) east of Quảng Ngãi, French Indochina (15°07′N109°05′E / 15.117°N 109.083°E / 15.117; 109.083) by USS Flasher (United States Navy). Fifty-seven crewmen were killed.[147]
World War II: Convoy TAMA-36: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk 9 nautical miles (17 km) north of North San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines by USS Blenny (United States Navy). One thousand, seven hundred and forty-two troops were killed.[152]
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: Convoy HI-82: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea 25 miles east of Quang Ngai, French Indochina (15°07′N109°05′E / 15.117°N 109.083°E / 15.117; 109.083) by USS Flasher (United States Navy). Two crewmen were killed.[153]
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: Convoy HI-82: The Otowasan Maru-class tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) east of Quảng Ngãi, (15°07′N109°05′E / 15.117°N 109.083°E / 15.117; 109.083) by USS Flasher (United States Navy). Fifty-six troops, a passenger, her captain and 62 crewmen were killed.[154]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type R-401 minesweeper was sunk by a mine off Feiestein, Norway.[155]
Germany
World War II: The customs vessel was sunk in the Baltic Sea by Soviet Petlyakov Pe-2 aircraft.[55]
Germany
World War II: The police vessel was sunk in the Baltic Sea by Soviet Petlyakov Pe-2 aircraft.[55]
Kriegsmarine):
The Seeteufel-class naval whaler/submarine chaser was wrecked at Ulvenfeuer.[156]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Vorpostenboot struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea north of Usedom, Pomerania.[10]
Kriegsmarine
The KFK 2-class naval drifter/Vorpostenboot was sunk in a collision.[157]
Japan
World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Strait of Malacca by HMS Terrapin and HMS Trenchant (both Royal Navy).[10]
23 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 23 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Assault demolition motorboats
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: Fifty were destroyed in their base in a cave on Corregidor, Philippines, when an engine compartment fire detonated the explosives on board one boat as the boats are preparing to sortie. One hundred crewmen were killed.[158]
World War II: The Type 1940 minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk in Bømlafjorden, Norway by (Royal Norwegian Navy). Of the 75 crew on board, 46 were killed.[160]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type 1939/40schnellboote was shelled and sunk in a battle against HMS Curzon, and HMS Torrington (all Royal Navy). Six crew were killed and 22 captured.[108][161]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type 1939/40schnellboote was shelled and sunk in a battle against HMS Curzon, and HMS Torrington (all Royal Navy). There were no survivor.[108][161]
World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and was damaged in the English Channel off Dunkerque, Nord, France (51°22′N2°25′E / 51.367°N 2.417°E / 51.367; 2.417). She was beached but her back was broken. Declared a total loss.[165]
World War II: : The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) off Cherbourg, Seine-Inférieure, France (49°45′N1°34′W / 49.750°N 1.567°W / 49.750; -1.567) by U-486 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 819 of the 2,374 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMS Brilliant (Royal Navy) and (United States Navy).
World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Pacific Ocean off the south coast of New South Wales, Australia (36°32′S150°45′E / 36.533°S 150.750°E / -36.533; 150.750) by U-862 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of the 69 people on board. Survivors – a passenger, 26 gunners, and 40 crewmen, were rescued by HMAS Quickmatch (Royal Australian Navy). She sank the next day.[168][169]
World War II: The Captain-classfrigate was severely damaged by a mine in the North Sea off Ostend, West Flanders, Belgium. Declared a total constructive loss.[170]
Japan
World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea by USS Mingo (United States Navy).[171]
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk in the Strait of Makassar by HMS Terrapin and HMS Trenchant (both Royal Navy).[10]
World War II: The Captain-classfrigate was torpedoed and damaged in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) off Cherbourg, Manche, France by U-486 (Kriegsmarine). Seven crew were killed. She was towed to Cherbourg but was declared a constructive total loss.[172]
World War II: The Captain-class frigate was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) north-east of Cherbourg (49°50′N1°41′W / 49.833°N 1.683°W / 49.833; -1.683) by U-486 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 76 of her 156 crew.[173]
Germany
World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk off , Norway by and (both Royal Norwegian Navy). Raised post-war, repaired and entered Swedish service as Servus.[174]
United States
World War II: The Liberty ship was damaged in the Philippine Sea at Mindoro, Philippines by Japanese ships and then bombed, probably by an American aircraft. She was later written off as a total loss. All 33 crewmen and 27 Armed Guards survived.[175][176]
Kiyoshimo
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The Yūgumo-classdestroyer was bombed and damaged by United States Army aircraft off Mindoro, Philippines. She was then torpedoed and sunk 145 nautical miles (269 km) south of Manila (12°20′N121°00′E / 12.333°N 121.000°E / 12.333; 121.000) by (United States Navy). Eighty-two crewmen were killed, 74 were wounded. One hundred and sixty-nine survivors, including her captain, were rescued by Asashimo (Imperial Japanese Navy) and five by United States Navy PT boats.[177]
RT-52 Som
Soviet Union
World War II: The fishing vessel was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea off Cape Svyatoy Nos by U-995 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 31 of her 32 crew. The survivor was taken on board U-995 as a prisoner of war.[178]
Liberty ship sank after kamikaze attack at Leyte Gulf with the loss of two crew. The wreck refloated and used as stationary depot ship at site. Scrapped in 1948
World War II: The naval tanker was bombed and sunk by Royal Air Force aircraft off Horten, Norway with the loss of 13 lives.[183][184]
John Burke
United States
World War II: The Liberty ship was sunk in the Philippine Sea off Mindoro by a Japanese kamikaze attack. The ship exploded and sank killing all 28 gunners and 40 crewmen.[185]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The auxiliary minelayer was bombed and sunk at Skudeneshavn, Norway by de Havilland Mosquito aircraft of 143, 235 and 248 Squadrons, Royal Air Force. Refloated in 1946, repaired and returned to Norwegian commercial service.[10][186][187]
World War II: The refrigerated cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) north-east of Nha Trang, French Indochina by USS Dace (United States Navy). Twenty-five survivors were rescued on 29 December off Cam Rahn Bay by Kaya, Kashi, and Sugi (all Imperial Japanese Navy).
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was bombed and sunk by Royal Air Force aircraft off Horten, Norway with the loss of 39 of the 40 crew on board at the time.
29 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 29 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
United States
World War II: : The Liberty ship was torpedoed and damaged in the English Channel 7 nautical miles (13 km) south-east of Portland Bill, Dorset (50°28′N2°28′W / 50.467°N 2.467°W / 50.467; -2.467) by U-322 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 69 crew. She was towed to Weymouth by (Royal Navy) but was declared a total loss.[189]
United States
World War II: : The Liberty ship was torpedoed and damaged in the English Channel by U-322 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 69 crew. Survivors were rescued by (Royal Navy). She broke in two, with the stern section sinking. The bow section was beached and later scrapped.[190][191]
Royal Navy
World War II: The motor torpedo boat was sunk by a mine off the Scheldt with the loss of three of her crew.[77][192]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The U-boat support ship was bombed and sunk off Moss, Norway by de Havilland Mosquito aircraft of 143, 235 and 248 Squadrons, Royal Air Force. One hundred and sixteen crew were killed.[10][193][194]
Soviet Navy
World War II: : The minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea south-east of by U-995 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 49 crew.[10][195]
Germany
World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea off Darß, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.[10]
U-322
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type VIIC/41submarine was depth charged and sunk in the English Channel south of Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom (50°25′N2°26′W / 50.417°N 2.433°W / 50.417; -2.433) by HMCS Calgary (Royal Canadian Navy) with the loss of all 52 crew.[196]
Sweden
World War II: The cargo ship either struck a mine and sank 20 nautical miles (37 km) off the Utklippan Lighthouse with the loss of nineteen of her twenty crew,[197] or was torpedoed and sunk by (Soviet Navy).[10]
Norway
The coaster was driven ashore in a storm at Stokmarknes, Norway and was a total loss.[198]
Germany
World War II: The buoy tender sank in the Baltic Sea off Swinemünde, Pomerania. Probable cause of loss was striking a mine.[10]
130
Japan
World War II: The lighter was sunk in Philippines waters by USS Hawkbill (United States Navy).[10]
30 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 30 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: Convoy MATA-38: The Aobason Maru-class transport was bombed and sunk at San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines by Liberator aircraft of the United States Fifth Air Force. Twenty-five soldiers, a gunner and three crew members were killed.[199]
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: Convoy MATA-38: The Type D escort ship was bombed and sunk at the mouth of Lingayen Gulf, Luzon (06°30′N120°18′E / 6.500°N 120.300°E / 6.500; 120.300) by Douglas A-20 Havoc, North American B-25 Mitchell and Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft of the United States Fifth Air Force. Fifty-two crew members were lost.[200]
CH-18
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: Convoy MATA-38: The CH-13-classsubmarine chaser was bombed and sunk at the mouth of Lingayen Gulf (06°30′N120°18′E / 6.500°N 120.300°E / 6.500; 120.300) by Douglas A-20 Havoc, North American B-25 Mitchell and Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft of the United States Fifth Air Force.[201]
World War II: The Liberty ship was bombed and sunk in the Philippine Sea off Mindoro, Philippines by Japanese aircraft. One crew was killed, another and two gunners were wounded.[14][202]
Juan de Fuca
United States
World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and damaged by a Japanese aircraft, without casualties, in the Philippine Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi) off Mindoro, Philippines. She was beached on Ambulong Island. She was later refloated and towed to Subic Bay. Repaired and entered United States Navy service as USS Araner.[203][204]
World War II: Convoy MATA-38: The transport was bombed and north of Lingayen Gulf (17°17′N120°24′E / 17.283°N 120.400°E / 17.283; 120.400) by Douglas A-20 Havoc, North American B-25 Mitchell and Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft of the United States Fifth Air Force. 71 crewmen were killed. There were only 3 survivors.[201][206]
World War II: The motor torpedo boat tender was damaged in the Pacific Ocean by an Aichi D3A Val aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy which crashed into her amidships killing 45 of her 341 crew. She was beached and later towed to Leyte, Philippines by (United States Navy). Subsequently repaired and returned to service.
World War II: : The Liberty ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Barents Sea (69°56′N32°29′E / 69.933°N 32.483°E / 69.933; 32.483) by U-956 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 47 of the 139 people on board. Survivors were rescued by and T-115 (both Soviet Navy). Tbilisi was taken in tow by the tugs M-2 and M-12 (both Soviet Navy), eventually arriving at Murmansk. Although she was declared a total loss, she was repaired and returned to service in 1959 when the bow section from (United States) was fitted at Archangelsk.[207]
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: Convoy MATA-38: The transport was bombed and damaged north of Lingayen Gulf, Luzon (17°17′N120°24′E / 17.283°N 120.400°E / 17.283; 120.400) by Douglas A-20 Havoc, North American B-25 Mitchell and Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft of the United States Fifth Air Force. The burning wreck drifted aground on the coast. 22 passengers, fifteen gunners and 23 crew members were lost.[201][208]
31 December[]
List of shipwrecks: 31 December 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was sunk off Flekkefjord, Norway by de Havilland Mosquito aircraft of 143, 235 and 248 Squadrons, Royal Air Force.[10][209]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Hamburg in an American air raid.[210]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The minesweeper was bombed and sunk at Hamburg in an American air raid.[211]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Hamburg in an American air raid.[212]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was sunk in Flekkefjord by de Havilland Mosquito aircraft of 143, 235 and 248 Squadrons, Royal Air Force.[10]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Hamburg in an American air raid.[213]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The unfinished Type VIICsubmarine was bombed and sunk at Hamburg in an American air raid.[214]
World War II: The Type XXIsubmarine was bombed and sunk at Hamburg in an American air raid. Refloated in January 1945.[215]
Japan
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean near Port Blair, Andaman Islands by HMS Shakespeare (Royal Navy). One hundred and forty-nine passengers and crew were killed; two watchmen survived.[216]
Unknown date[]
List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1944
Ship
Country
Description
Ha-83
Imperial Japanese Navy
The midget submarine was lost in late December when she ran aground off Cebu, Philippines.[217]
Royal Navy
The landing craft assault was lost sometime in December.[218]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The MAS 423-class MAS boat was scuttled at Šibenik, Yugoslavia.[219]
Kriegsmarine
The Pionier-class river monitor was lost sometime in December. Salvaged post war and put in service as (Polish Navy).[220]
and
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: Convoy TA-7, 2nd group: The SS craft No. 3-class landing ships, comprising an unescorted convoy, went missing on the night of 1–2 December, and lost with all hands after departing Palompon, Leyte, Philippines. USS Conway, USS Cony, USS Eaton, and USS Sigourney (all United States Navy) did report sinking an enemy vessel in the area the convoy would have been in.[221]
World War II: The Type IXD2submarine went missing on or after 1 December whilst on patrol in the Sunda Strait with the loss of all 65 crew. Cause unknown.
^ abRielly, Robin L. (2010). Kamikaze Attacks of World War II: A Complete History of Japanese Suicide Strikes on American Ships, by Aircraft and Other Means. McFarland. p. 145. ISBN978-0-7864-4654-4.
^"LCT 1075". www.fold3.com. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
^Maritime Administration. "Lookout". Ship History Database Vessel Status Card. U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
^Hegland, Jon Rustung (1989). Angrep i skjærgården – Norske motortorpedobåters operasjoner fra Shetland 1941–1945 (in Norwegian). Oslo: Dreyers Forlag A/S. p. 203. ISBN82-09-10533-7.
^Mitchell, W H, and Sawyer, L A (1995). The Empire Ships. London, New York, Hamburg, Hong Kong: Lloyd's of London Press Ltd. p. not cited. ISBN1-85044-275-4.