Us Official Photographs

Japanese Cargo Ship Sunk Off Shimushu Island

Beginning of the end of a 2,500 ton Japanese cargo ship, sunk in Kataoka Naval Base, off Shimushu Island in the far northern Kuriles, 11 May 1945, when 11th AF Liberators and Mitchells surprised a Jap convoy in Paramushiru Strait and accounted for six enemy cargo and escort vessels sunk or damaged. This picture was shot from a Mitchell bomber which has just scored two hits, one blowing off the stern, and two near misses. A second later another Mitchell hit the same target.