Japanese ships did sometimes pick up enemy survivors during World War II, but this practice was inconsistent and varied depending on the circumstances, the orders of the ship's commander, and the broader strategic context. Here's a closer look at this topic:
Humanitarian Rescues
Early in the War: At the beginning of World War II, there were several instances of Japanese ships rescuing Allied survivors. For example, Japanese naval officers were trained in the traditions of chivalry at sea, which included aiding enemy sailors in distress.
Examples:
After the sinking of the British battleship Prince of Wales and battlecruiser Repulse in December 1941, some Japanese aircraft reportedly signaled the location of survivors to nearby Allied ships.
In other battles, Japanese vessels occasionally took Allied survivors aboard, especially if they were of strategic interest, such as pilots or officers.
Strategic Considerations
Interrogation of Survivors: Rescuing enemy personnel was sometimes done to gather intelligence. Captured sailors, particularly officers or airmen, could provide valuable information about enemy operations, tactics, or equipment.
Treatment of Survivors: Once aboard, the treatment of survivors varied. Some were treated relatively well, as per naval traditions, while others were subjected to harsh conditions or interrogation, particularly as the war progressed and Japan faced increasing pressures.
Shift in Attitudes
Changing Circumstances: As the war dragged on and Japanese forces began to suffer significant defeats, attitudes toward rescuing survivors shifted. Japanese resources became strained, and the priority shifted to ensuring the survival of their own forces over aiding enemies.
Hostile Orders: In some cases, Japanese ships and submarines were ordered not to rescue survivors. For example:
During the Battle of Midway, Japanese destroyers prioritized retrieving their own sailors after the sinking of carriers like the Akagi, Kaga, and Soryu, leaving many American airmen in the water.
Following the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in 1945, a Japanese submarine that had attacked the cruiser did not attempt to assist survivors.
War Crimes and Atrocities
Instances of Hostility: There are documented cases where Japanese forces not only refused to rescue survivors but actively targeted them. For example:
After sinking enemy vessels, some Japanese ships or submarines machine-gunned survivors in the water, considering them a potential threat if rescued later by Allied forces.
The sinking of the HMAS Armidale in 1942 saw Japanese aircraft attacking survivors clinging to life rafts.
Post-War Reflections
Comparison with Allies: The Allies, particularly the U.S. Navy, also faced moral and strategic dilemmas regarding rescuing enemy survivors. However, the Allied naval forces generally adhered more consistently to the conventions of rescuing survivors when feasible.
Legacy: The Japanese Navy's inconsistent approach to rescuing enemy survivors reflected the broader challenges and moral complexities of total war. While some commanders adhered to traditional naval codes, others acted under the influence of wartime brutality and desperation.