Japanese Raiders in The Indian Ocean - Aftermath

Aftermath

One question that remains concerning this action is, who fired the fatal shot that resulted in the destruction of the Hokoku Maru? It is not clear, as both the Ondina and Bengal claimed to have scored the vital hit so this mystery may never be solved. The Japanese themselves thought it was the Ondina. According to them, her shell hit the starboard torpedo launcher, causing the torpedo to explode. At the time, the Bengal was given the credit, which was used by the British as propaganda in India, where they were struggling to keep control of the local population.

In retrospect, this battle was not only a tactical success for the Allies, it also had strategic implications. The loss of the Hokoku Maru led to the abandoning of 'raider warfare' by the IJN, who did not (with one exception), try to break the lifeline again.

Ondina was given a rare Dutch distinction, the "Koninklijke Vermelding by Dagorder", issued on 9 July 1948. Captain W. Horsman became "Ridder in de Militaire Willemsorde der 4de Klasse" posthumously and was Mentioned in Dispatches, while gunner Hammond received the "Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronzen Kruis". The captain of the Bengal, Lieutenant-Commander Wilson, received the "Distinguished Service Order", while others of his crew were also decorated.

Aikoku Maru became a high-speed transport and was sunk in February 1944 during Operation Hailstone, the bombardment by American aircraft of the Japanese base at Truk (South Pacific Mandate).

The wreck is still very popular with divers.