| K XV carrying a Fokker C VIIw seaplane. (Photo: © Collection www.DutchSubmarines.com). |
 |
For additional photos and information please check the 'related pages list' at the bottom of this page.
1929
30 May 1930: K XV is ordered.
1930
31 May 1930: K XV is laid down at the R.D.M shipyard in Rotterdam.
1931
10 Feb 1931- ?:
is stationed in Rotterdam and has the military and nautical
supervision of the
construction of Hr.Ms. "K XIV", "K XV", " K XVI",
"K XVII" and "K XVIII".
1932
10 Dec 1932: K XV is launched.
1933
24 Mar 1933: First trials of the K XV.
30 Dec 1933: K XV is commissioned to the Royal Netherlands Navy.
30 Dec 1933 - 2 June 1934: K XV is under the command of Ltz. I .
1934
7 Feb 1934: K XIV and K XV (group commander) depart from Nieuwediep (Netherlands) and set sail to the Netherlands East Indies. They take a route via Lisbon, Cadiz, Palermo, Port Said, Suez, Aden and Colombo.
12 Apr 1934: The submarines arrive in Padang or Soerabaja (N.E.I.).
1 Oct - 1 Dec 1934: K XV is under the command of Ltz. I .
1935
15 Feb - 9 Mar 1935: K XV is under the command of Ltz. II .
9 Mar - 1 Oct 1935: K XV is under the command of ?
1 Oct 1935 - 6 Feb 1936: K XV is under the command of Ltz. I .
1936
6 Feb - 13 July 1936: K XV is under the command of Ltz. I .
13 July - 1 Aug 1936: K XV is under the command of Ltz. I .
1 Aug 1936 - ? 1937: K XV is under the command of ?
1937
reports: 11 Jan 1937 - 14 Jun 1937: K XV is under the command of Ltz. I .
1938
17 Jan 1938 - 29 July 1939: K XV is under the command of Ltz. II .
The following submarines participate in the fleet show: K XVIII, K XVII, K XV, K XIV, K XIII and K XII.
1939
21 Aug - ?20 Oct? 1939: K XV is under the command of Ltz. I .
20 Oct 1939 - 18 Jan 1940: K XV is under the command of Ltz. II .
1940
18 Mar - 11 May 1940: K XV is under the command of Ltz. I .
10 May 1940: Germany attacks the Netherlands.
25 Nov 1940 - 20 Feb 1946: K XV is under the command of Ltz. II / Ltz. I Baron .
1941
28 Apr 1941 - <= 9 Sep 1941: The Cdt , , is stationed on board the K XV.
18 Nov 1941 at 08:00 hrs: (K XIV, K XV and K XVI) departs from Soerabaja and heads for Tarakan.
22 Nov 1941: The division arrives off Tarakan (Borneo) and patrols the area.
24 Nov 1941: / K XIV orders the K XV to Balikpapan.
26 Nov 1941: K XV arrives in Balikpapan where she re-fuels and charges/fills her batteries.
29 Nov 1941: K XV departs from Balikpapan and heads for Tarakan.
1 Dec - 8 Dec 1941: K XV patrols off Tarakan.
1 Dec 1941: K XV arrives off Tarakan.
2 Dec 1941: In radio message #16 1202-0757 is ordered to patrol the Celebes Sea.
2 Dec 1941 at 15:15 hrs: K XV departs off Tarakan for a patrol off Tarakan. She has to patrol the area between 03°10'N, 03°20'N, 118°00'E and 120°30'E.
7 Dec 1941: The USA declares war on Japan after Japanese forces attack Pearl Harbour. Approximately 7 hours after the attack the Netherlands also declares war on Japan.
7 Dec 1941: The CZM radios (#109 1207-2215) that "War with Japan has broken out".
8 Dec 1941 at 06:40 hrs:: K XV receives a message from K XVI that the US is at war with Japan. At 08:07 hrs the CZM radioes: "War with Japan has broken out". (radio message #109 1207-2215)
8 Dec 1941: After receiving contact reports #126 1208-0533 and #127 1208-0535 by radio (reports include Japanese forces in Gulf of Siam and off Kota Baroe) Submarine Division III departs from Tarakan.
8 Dec 1941 in the evening: The CZM orders (radio message #133 1208-0803) to form a picket line North-West of 'Stroomenkaap' in order to cover the Northern entrance to the Makassar Strait. From this position the boats could also be used for the defence of Tarakan (Borneo).
9 Dec - 16 Dec 1941: K XV patrols off west Borneo. No attacks are made.
9 Dec 1941 at 09:00 hrs: K XV arrives in Tarakan. The K XV off-loads the dinghy, tables, benches and the gangway. She is also supplied with water and fuel.
9 Dec 1941 at 15:00 hrs: K XV departs from Tarakan. And heads for her patrol area (see Dec 8, radio message #133 1208-0803).
11 Dec 1941: The CZM orders to proceed to the Java Sea in order to intercept a reported Japanese aircraft carrier (radio message #185 1211-0911).
K XIV and K XV sail via the East side of Makassar Strait around the South tip of the Sunda Islands (radio message #265 1212-1400).
12 Dec 1941: The CDOZ 3 orders in radio message #230 1212-0133 the K XV to sail towards K XIV, that was just returning from Menado, in the direction of the line Stroomenkaap N70°E. In radio message #236 1212-0330 the EC orders K XV to quickly follow orders from message #209 1211-090. Message #209 included the order that has to proceed to the South China Sea.
12 Dec 1941, after receiving radio message #236: K XV changes her course to N228°E, direction of Aroe Banks. Her current position is 01°04'N-119°54'E.
12 Dec 1941 at 21:00 hrs: K XV changes course to N191°E. This because the CZM has radioed that US units might be present on the East side of the Makassar Strait (radio message #261 1212-1235).
13 Dec 1941 at 07:45 hrs: K XV has to shut down her port side diesel engine due to a compressor fire.
13 Dec 1941 at 08:00: Both diesel engines are shut down. The fire is probably caused because Socony 975 oil was use instead of compressor oil.
K XV radios the K XIV that she has stopped at position 01°32'N-118°35'E and urgently needs compressor oil (Socony 975) since one diesel already is shut down due to a fire. (radio message #269 1213-0045). K XIV replies that she will sail towards the K XV on a N222°E course and that she expects to be at K XV's position at 13:30 hrs. (radio message #274 1213-0130)
The Squadron Commander also asks the K XIV to assist the K XV until she arrives in Soerabaja (radio message #275 1213-0145).13 Dec 1941 at 13:30 hrs: K XIV arrives at K XV's position and transfers the requested compressor oil. K XV starts her starboard diesel engine and sails a N175°E course with a speed of 9 kts.
The / K XIV reports to the CZM that K XV will transit to Soerabaja on her own (using one propeller) via Madura Strait. She is expected to arrive on Dec 16 between 12:00 and 16:00 hrs. The time required for repairs will be radioed later. (radio message #294 1213-0725).
13 Dec 1941 at 17:30 hrs: At position 02°20'N-118°51'E the K XV spots a warship, probably the US Marblehead. The submarine submerges and reports the sighting to the CZM (radio message #302 1213-1035). At 18:00 hrs she surfaces again and continues with previous speed and heading.
13 Dec 1941: is ordered to concentrate at the South China Sea together with Hr.Ms. De Ruyter, Hr.Ms. Tromp and a group of destroyers in order to encounter Japanese forces (radio message #305 1213-1135). Earlier messages indicated that over a 100 transports, 1 or 2 carriers, submarines, 1 aux. cruiser and others have been spotted off Indo China at +/- 11°00'N-109°00'E (radio message #283 1213-0741 and #301 1213-1005).
14 Dec 1941: Japanese planes bomb Tarempah (Anambas Islands) which is Netherlands East Indies territory.
14 Dec 1941 at 10:45 hrs: K XV's port side diesel engine is back online. The submarine continues her transit with a speed of 10.5 kts.
15 Dec 1941 at 12:00 hrs: K XV is off Senapndjang and sets course to Tg. Patjinan.
15 Dec 1941 from 17:00 to 18:30 hrs: K XV is stopped because of diesel engine repairs.
15 Dec 1941: K XIV and K XV are ordered to take a route via Discovery East bank and Momparang Islands to a point, in Karimanta Strait, South-West off Seroetoe. The CZM has to be informed when Discovery Bank is passed (radio message #389 1215-1402).
16 Dec 1941 at 09:00 hrs: K XV arrives in Soerabaja.
16 Dec - 17 Dec 1941: K XV is in Soerabaja for repairs and supplies. Her starboard diesel engine is also repaired.
K XV off-loads three torpedoes and loads four torpedoes
17 Dec - 30 Dec 1941: K XV patrols the Java Sea. No attacks are made.
17 Dec 1941 at 20:30 hrs: K XV departs from Soerabaja and sails through the Westervaarwater. She has passed the minefield at 24:00 hrs.
18 Dec 1941: K XV sails in the direction of the Discovery East Bank. The submarine transits with decks awash (airplane attacks are expected) with a speed of 11.9 kts to the South China Sea. (see 15 Dec 1941, radio message #389 1215-1402)
19 Dec 1941: CZM orders the to the equator between Pedjantan and Pengiri. There might be a carrier in a 240 m radius from that place since Pontianak (West coast of Borneo) has been attacked by planes. The submarine have to stay submerged during the day (radio message #501 1219-1141). Submarines K XVI, K XV and K XIV are ordered to a position 12, 24 and 36 m off Pedjantan.
20 Dec 1941: Submarine Division III is radioed that: A second Japanese fleet has been spotted off the Condor Islands, several Japanese units (including carriers) are off West Borneo and a carrier is off Malakka. The division is order to head north. One boat has to take the Api passage and patrol the area as far as 04°00'N-111°00E' and two boats have to patrol the area Greater Natoena Islands, Soebi Besar, Saint Petrus, parallel Petrus. They are all ordered to attack the enemy radio message #517 1220-0739).
The CDOZ 3 orders K XIV to the Api passage. K XV will patrol the Eastern part of the second patrol area and K XVI the Western part (radio message #529 1220-1438).
20 Dec 1941 at 22:00 hrs: K XV is at her assigned patrol area. (radio message #527 1220-1430).
20 Dec 1941: K XVI requests K XV to meet her at 00°06'N-107°35E' (radio message #528 1220-1430).
22 Dec 1941: is ordered back to the positions at the equator (see 19 Dec 1941). One boat has to has to stop at Tandjong Priok (Batavia/Jakarta) at all times (radio message #559 1222-1645).
Because of new intelligence the above order (radio message #559 1222-1645) is postponed. First has to attack a Japanese force, consisting of 2 large cruisers,3 destroyers and 10 merchants, at position 03°16'N-110°36'E (radio message # 575 1222-1645 and #595 1223-0915)
23 Dec 1941: K XV patrols of Kuching, north west Borneo, since Japanese landings are expected.
23 Dec 1941: K XV reports her position, off Saint Petrus, to K XIV / (radio message #599).
24 Dec 1941: K XV ask CZM what allied forces are at Serawak because she observed a Japanese destroyer being destroyed by artillery fire. (radio message #623 1224-1315).
24 Dec 1941: CZM responds that she is unaware of any allied forces at that position. (radio message #626 1224-1427).
25 Dec 1941: K XV is ordered to remain in the area and patrol the route Serawak - Indo China. (radio message #635 1225-0355).
26 Dec 1941: K XV is ordered to take the safest route to Tandjong Priok (Batavia/Jakarta) (radio message #660 1226-0645).
27 Dec 1941: Japanese invaders occupy Tambelan Islands, Dutch territory, between Borneo and Singapore.
30 Dec 1941: K XV arrives in Tandjong Priok (Batavia/Jakarta). She re-fuels and charges her batteries. (radio message 724 1229-13130).
31 Dec 1941 - 3 Jan 1942: K XV sails from Tandjong Priok (Batavia/Jakarta) to Soerabaja. (radio message #769 1231-0510).
19422 Jan 1942: The CZM informs that on Jan 6 the submarines K XIV, K XV and K XVIII will form . (radio message #828 0102-0347).
6 Jan 1942 - 3 Feb 1942: K XV is attached to Submarine Division V.
Jan - Feb 1942: K XV is under repair at the Naval yard in Soerabaja.
14 Feb - 13 Mar 1942: K XV patrols the Java Sea and the Indian Ocean. Two ships are attacked.
20 Feb 1942: K XV attacks a Japanese freighter. The attack is unsuccessful.
1 Mar 1942: K XV attacks the Japanese Navy tanker SS Tsurumi (8000t), or 15050t or 14050t according to other sources. K XV fires two torpedoes and the tanker is damaged. Position: Bay of Bantam (north west Java), east of Nicholas Point. The SS Tsurumi is eventually sunk by a US sub on 5th Aug 1944 off southern tip of Mindanao Island.
Japanese Navy tanker SS Tsurumi, Kure, 1930. (Photo: © Utsunomiya & Co, collection Hisashi Noma) After a long Japanese counter attack, during which the fuel tanks of the submarine are damaged, the K XV escapes via the Sunda Strait.
?4? Mar 1942: West of Sumatra the K XV is refuelled by a Navy tanker.
13 Mar 1942: K XV arrives in Colombo and moors alongside the Dutch submarine depot ship Colombia.
Mar - July 1942: K XV is based at Colombo and is under British Eastern Fleet operational control.
3 May - 4 June 1942: K XV patrols the west coast of Sumatra. No attacks are made.
12 May 1942: K XV lands a shore party (First Lieutenant Wijnmalen KNIL) near Atjeh.
Nights of 22 - 24 May 1942: K XV waits for First Lieutenant Wijnmalen, but he does not show up.
K XV will be refitted in the U.S. In order to prepare the boat for the journey the submarine first receives a small refit in Bombay.
8 June 1942: K XV leaves for Bombay.
Mid July 1942: K XV returns to Colombo.
1 Aug 1942: K XV departs from Colombo and sets sail to Philadelphia. She will take a route via Diego Suarez, East London (South Africa), Simons Town, Freetown and the Bermuda's.
The K XV co-operated with S.A. Air Force patrols while in coastal waters.
22 Aug 1942: K XV arranged to meet Amaenthus at 33°30'S-30°00'E (N-E of Port Elizabeth, South Africa) but bad weather prevented the rendezvous. She headed for East London instead, arriving on 22 August.
31 Aug 1942: K XV, escorted by corvette HMS. Rockrose, arrives in Simon’s Town (South Africa).
Sept (exact days unknown) 1942: K XV is under repair in Simon’s Town (South Africa).
1 Nov 1942: K XV arrives in Philadelphia (USA).
Nov 1942 - May 1943: K XV is refitted (including 4 yearly maintenance) at the U.S. Navy yard in Philadelphia. Some of the repairs/changes made during this refit are:
- Sonar (the box on the bow) installed. Until then she only had listening equipment, port and starboard.
- Forward 40 mm Bofors and its platform removed. (According to only the Oerlikon aft of the bridge was left)
- External-traversing torpedo tubes removed. The USN considered the additional hole in the pressure hull too dangerous.
- Forward (the protruding one) hatch removed.
- .....In April 2003 writes: ......There was a rumour in Philadelphia that the yanks wanted to put both boats (K XIV and K XV) on the scrap heap and combine both crews (2x 36 and some odd ones from the London fatpot) on one of their new boats (90 men) or even to give us two of their new boats (and our crews as core and on yankie training line). It was knocked back by London (so the story went and it might be just a story)..........That forward entrance, which disappeared was also escape hatch (drägervests). Torpedoloading hatch forward and aft took over, the yanks did not like holes......
