No.1-class patrol boat

The No. 1-class patrol boat (第一号型哨戒艇,) was a class of patrol boats of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), serving during World War II. 2 vessels were converted from Minekaze-class destroyers in 1940.

Background

 * In 1939, the IJN was liberated from London Naval Treaty, and they built many Kagerō-class destroyers. On the other hand, aging of the Minekaze-class destroyers was serious. Their boilers were worn down very much because they were destroyers. Some Minekazes were not able to show 30 knots speed. The Navy General Staff made Confidential Document No.456, an order to rebuild about four Minekaze-class destroyers and six Momi-class destroyers into patrol boats. The IJN chose Shimakaze and Nadakaze among the Minekaze class.

Rebuilt

 * Shimakaze and Nadakaze were sent to Yokosuka Naval Arsenal for rebuilding. B turret, four torpedo tubes, and two boilers were removed in 1940. In this point in time, they left a feature of the destroyer.
 * Second half of 1941, the IJN rebuilt them once again for war preparations. They were rebuilt to the landing craft carrier. They were removed Y turret and torpedo tubes, and the enclosed well deck. Furthermore, a slope for Daihatsu-class landing craft was installed at the stern. Well-deck ruins were able to accommodate 250 troops (for two companies of Navy Landing Force).

Service

 * 8 December 1941: Sortie for invasion of Batanes Islands. (No.1 and No.2)
 * 24 December 1941: Sortie for invasion of Lamon Bay. (No.1 and No.2)
 * 11 January 1942: Sortie for Battle of Manado. (No.1, No.2 and No.34)
 * 12 February 1942: Sortie for invasion of Makassar. (No.1 and No.2)
 * 20 February 1942: Sortie for invasion of Kupang. (No.1, No.2 and No.39)
 * (after): The IJN which finished First Phase Operations allotted them to the convoy escort operations and No.1 and No.2 were sunk by Allied submarines.