on 10 march 1942, "natori" was assigned to cruiser division 16 with the light cruiser . after the occupation of java, "natori" participated in the battle of christmas island. at christmas island on 1 april 1942 the submarine fired three torpedoes at "natori", but all missed. the cruiser which was hit starboard near her no. 1 boiler was not so lucky, and had to be towed back to bantam bay by "natori".