Re: Paging IJN Experts
This is certainly an interesting pic of the IJN Hakachi. The Japanese flag painted on the hull under the bridge structure would seem to indicate a post war picture. Many ex-IJN ships used in the repatriation services had the flag painted on the hull along with in many cases the ships name. Usually, the repatriation vessels were completely disarmed. If you look on page 271 of Warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1869-1945 by Jentschura, Jung, and Mickel you will find a drawing of the Hakachi as in 1945 after conversion to an escort vessel. In addition to the armament additions, it looks like a type 13 air search radar was installed on the main mast forward. The apparent camouflage scheme is a mystery as to the colors used. Greens were usually reserved for aircraft carriers and merchant ships although on page 12 of Malcolm Wrights Imperial Japanese Navy 1932-1945 he does show the ISE in 1945 with a green/brown camo scheme. So most likely different shades of gray were used to create the scheme seen in the picture. However, that is just an opinion maybe someone else can provide more information on the colors used.
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