World War II Database

Ashigara participated in the invasion of the Philippines and was involved in the sinking of HMS Exeter and HMS Encounter in the Battle of the Java Sea. Between 1942 and 1944, she patrolled rear areas and transported troops. In Oct 1944, she participated in the Leyte Campaign under Captain Hayao Miura (who commanded the ship until her sinking in 1945), sailing with Vice Admiral Kiyohide Shima's force. Shima's group entered Surigao Strait on 25 Oct 1944 after the battle with an earlier force had already taken place; Ashigara launched her torpedoes and retreated from the scene with the fleet. In late Dec 1944, she took part in an attempted attack on the American landings on Mindoro of the Philippine Islands, receiving damage from a 500-lb bomb during the operation. After shelling American positions on 27 Dec, she retired to Singapore and served in a logistical role under Vice Admiral Shigeru Fukudome.

On 8 Jun 1945, Ashigara left Batavia for Singapore with 1,600 troops on board, escorted by destroyer Kamikaze. Three Allied submarines, USS Blueback, HMS Trenchant, and HMS Stygian attacked her in the Bangka Strait. At 1215, Ashigara was hit by five of the eight torpedoes launched against her. She sank at 1237 with 1253 survivors (400 troops and 853 crew).

Ashigara Operational Timeline

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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Anonymous says:
   28 Aug 2007 12:10:40 AM
   
   we shall dive on this vessel shortly
2. yanto manurung says:
   23 Nov 2009 04:53:07 PM
   
   I have dived in the location of ashigara sunk, with my friends from Balai Pelestarian Peninggalan Purbakala Jambi (Indonesia),
   it's amazing experience.............

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