Jump to content

Japanese cruiser Suzuya (1934): Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 11°45.2′N 126°11.2′E / 11.7533°N 126.1867°E / 11.7533; 126.1867
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m repaired link(s) to disambiguation pages (you can help) - Ayanami
fix ship links
Line 11: Line 11:
|Ship flag=[[File:Naval Ensign of Japan.svg|50px|Japanese Navy Ensign]]
|Ship flag=[[File:Naval Ensign of Japan.svg|50px|Japanese Navy Ensign]]
|Ship name=''Suzuya''
|Ship name=''Suzuya''
|Ship namesake=[[Susuya River]] in [[Karafuto]]
|Ship namesake=[[Suzuya River]] in [[Karafuto]]
|Ship owner=
|Ship owner=
|Ship operator=
|Ship operator=
Line 54: Line 54:
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Header caption=
|Ship class=[[Mogami class cruiser]]
|Ship class={{sclass-|Mogami|cruiser}}
|Ship type=
|Ship type=
|Ship tonnage=
|Ship tonnage=
Line 103: Line 103:
|}
|}


{{nihongo|'''''Suzuya'''''|鈴谷}} was the third of four vessels in the [[Mogami class cruiser|''Mogami''-class]] of [[heavy cruiser]]s in the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]].<ref name="Whitley">Whitley, ''Cruisers of World War Two'', pp. 181-184</ref> She was named after the Suzuya river on [[Karafuto]] ([[Sakhalin]]).
{{nihongo|'''''Suzuya'''''|鈴谷}} was the third of four vessels in the {{sclass-|Mogami|cruiser|4}} of [[heavy cruiser]]s in the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]].<ref name="Whitley">Whitley, ''Cruisers of World War Two'', pp. 181-184</ref> She was named after the Suzuya river on [[Karafuto]] ([[Sakhalin]]).


==Background==
==Background==
Line 114: Line 114:
''Suzuya'' was completed at [[Yokosuka Naval Arsenal]] in January 1936, but on completion was immediately placed in the reserves while waiting for [[dry dock]] space to permit modifications. She was officially commissioned on 31 October 1937, but reconstruction and refit work was not completed until 30 September 1939, at which point her main armament had been converted from the 6.1 inch guns to the 8 inch guns of a heavy cruiser.<ref name="Whitley"/>
''Suzuya'' was completed at [[Yokosuka Naval Arsenal]] in January 1936, but on completion was immediately placed in the reserves while waiting for [[dry dock]] space to permit modifications. She was officially commissioned on 31 October 1937, but reconstruction and refit work was not completed until 30 September 1939, at which point her main armament had been converted from the 6.1 inch guns to the 8 inch guns of a heavy cruiser.<ref name="Whitley"/>


Assigned to CruDiv7 with her [[sister ship]]s [[Japanese cruiser Mogami (1934)|''Mogami'']], [[Japanese cruiser Mikuma|''Mikuma'']] and [[Japanese cruiser Kumano|''Kumano'']], ''Suzuya'' participated in the occupation of [[Cochinchina]], [[French Indochina]] from her forward operating base on [[Hainan]], after Japan and [[Vichy French]] authorities reached an understanding on use of air facilities and harbors from July 1941. At the time of the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], ''Suzuya'' was assigned to cover the invasion of [[British Malaya|Malaya]] as part of CruDiv7 under [[Vice Admiral]] [[Jisaburo Ozawa]]'s First Southern Expeditionary Fleet, providing close support for landings of Japanese troops at [[Singora]], [[Pattani, Thailand|Pattani]] and [[Kota Bharu]].<ref name="Whitley"/>
Assigned to CruDiv7 with her [[sister ship]]s {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Mogami|1934|2}}, {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Mikuma||2}} and {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Kumano||2}}, ''Suzuya'' participated in the occupation of [[Cochinchina]], [[French Indochina]] from her forward operating base on [[Hainan]], after Japan and [[Vichy French]] authorities reached an understanding on use of air facilities and harbors from July 1941. At the time of the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], ''Suzuya'' was assigned to cover the invasion of [[British Malaya|Malaya]] as part of CruDiv7 under [[Vice Admiral]] [[Jisaburo Ozawa]]'s First Southern Expeditionary Fleet, providing close support for landings of Japanese troops at [[Singora]], [[Pattani, Thailand|Pattani]] and [[Kota Bharu]].<ref name="Whitley"/>


On 9 December 1941, [[Japanese submarine I-65|Japanese submarine ''I-65'']] reported sighting of [[Royal Navy]] [[Force Z]] (the Royal Navy [[battleship]] [[HMS Prince of Wales (53)|HMS ''Prince of Wales'']], [[battlecruiser]] [[HMS Repulse (1916)|HMS ''Repulse'']] and supporting [[destroyer]]s). The report was received by [[light cruiser]] ''[[Japanese cruiser Sendai|Sendai]]'', which relayed the message to Admiral Ozawa aboard his flagship, [[Japanese cruiser Chokai|''Chokai'']]. However, the reception was poor and the message took another 90 minutes to decode. Moreover, ''I-65's'' report was incorrect about the heading of Force Z. Two [[Aichi E13A]]1 "Jake" floatplanes from ''Suzuya'' and ''Kumano'' attempted to shadow Force Z, but both were forced to ditch due to lack of fuel. Only ''Suzuya's'' crew was recovered. The following day, Force Z was overwhelmed by [[torpedo bomber]]s of the 22nd Air Flotilla from Indochina.
On 9 December 1941, {{Jsub|I-65}} reported sighting of [[Royal Navy]] [[Force Z]] (the Royal Navy [[battleship]] {{HMS|Prince of Wales|53|6}}, [[battlecruiser]] {{HMS|Repulse|1916|6}} and supporting [[destroyer]]s). The report was received by [[light cruiser]] {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Sendai||2}}, which relayed the message to Admiral Ozawa aboard his flagship, {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Chōkai||2}}. However, the reception was poor and the message took another 90 minutes to decode. Moreover, ''I-65''{'}}s report was incorrect about the heading of Force Z. Two [[Aichi E13A]]1 "Jake" floatplanes from ''Suzuya'' and ''Kumano'' attempted to shadow Force Z, but both were forced to ditch due to lack of fuel. Only ''Suzuya''{{'}}s crew was recovered. The following day, Force Z was overwhelmed by [[torpedo bomber]]s of the 22nd Air Flotilla from Indochina.


In December 1941, ''Suzuya'' was tasked with the invasion of [[Sarawak]], together with ''Kumano'', covering landings of Japanese troops at [[Miri]]. From her base at [[Cam Rahn Bay]], she sortied with ''Kumano'' to cover landings of troops at [[Anambas]], [[Endau]], [[Palembang]] and [[Banka Island]], [[Sabang, Indonesia|Sabang]] on [[Sumatra]] and [[Java]] from the end of December 1941 to the middle of March. ''Suzuya'' also participated in the seizure of [[Andaman Islands]] on 20 March 1942.
In December 1941, ''Suzuya'' was tasked with the invasion of [[Sarawak]], together with ''Kumano'', covering landings of Japanese troops at [[Miri]]. From her base at [[Cam Rahn Bay]], she sortied with ''Kumano'' to cover landings of troops at [[Anambas]], [[Endau]], [[Palembang]] and [[Banka Island]], [[Sabang, Indonesia|Sabang]] on [[Sumatra]] and [[Java]] from the end of December 1941 to the middle of March. ''Suzuya'' also participated in the seizure of [[Andaman Islands]] on 20 March 1942.


===Indian Ocean Raids===
===Indian Ocean Raids===
From 1 April 1942 CruDiv 7 based from [[Mergui]], [[Burma]] joined with CruDiv 4 to participate in the [[Indian Ocean raids]].<ref name="Whitley"/> ''Mikuma'', ''Mogami'' and destroyer [[Japanese destroyer Amagiri|''Amagiri'']] detached and formed the "Southern Group", which hunted for merchant shipping in the [[Bay of Bengal]], while ''Suzuya'', ''Kumano'', and [[Japanese destroyer Shiokaze|''Shiokaze'']] covered the northern areas. [[Japanese cruiser Chokai|''Chokai'']], light cruiser [[Japanese cruiser Yura|''Yura'']], aircraft carrier [[Japanese aircraft carrier Ryujo|''Ryujo'']] and destroyers ''[[Japanese destroyer Ayanami (1929)|Ayanami]]'', [[Japanese destroyer Yugiri|''Yugiri'']], [[Japanese destroyer Asagiri|''Asagiri'']] formed a center group to reinforce northern or southern wings as necessary. Over the next few weeks, the northern groups claimed kills on a 4,986-ton American merchant vessel ''Exmoor'', British 7,621-ton freighter ''Autoclycus'', British 9,066-ton freighter ''Malda'' and the 2,440-ton British freighter ''Shinkuang''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Klemen |last=L |url= http://www.dutcheastindies.webs.com/allied_losses.html |title=Allied Merchant Ship Losses in the Pacific and Southeast Asia |date=1999-2000 |work=Forgotten Campaign: The Dutch East Indies Campaign 1941-1942}}</ref> In total the commerce raiding expedition sank over twenty ships during their brief stay in the Bay of Bengal. Afterwards, ''Suzuya'' was withdrawn back to [[Kure, Hiroshima|Kure]] for repairs, and was then sent to [[Guam]] to join the Midway Invasion Task Force.<ref name="Whitley"/>
From 1 April 1942 CruDiv 7 based from [[Mergui]], [[Burma]] joined with CruDiv 4 to participate in the [[Indian Ocean raids]].<ref name="Whitley"/> ''Mikuma'', ''Mogami'' and destroyer {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Amagiri|1930|2}} detached and formed the "Southern Group", which hunted for merchant shipping in the [[Bay of Bengal]], while ''Suzuya'', ''Kumano'', and {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Shiokaze||2}} covered the northern areas. {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Chōkai||2}}, light cruiser {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Yura||2}}, aircraft carrier {{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Ryūjō||2}} and destroyers {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Ayanami|1929|2}}, {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Yūgiri|1930|2}}, {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Asagiri|1929|2}} formed a center group to reinforce northern or southern wings as necessary. Over the next few weeks, the northern groups claimed kills on a 4,986-ton American merchant vessel ''Exmoor'', British 7,621-ton freighter ''Autoclycus'', British 9,066-ton freighter ''Malda'' and the 2,440-ton British freighter ''Shinkuang''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Klemen |last=L |url= http://www.dutcheastindies.webs.com/allied_losses.html |title=Allied Merchant Ship Losses in the Pacific and Southeast Asia |date=1999-2000 |work=Forgotten Campaign: The Dutch East Indies Campaign 1941-1942}}</ref> In total the commerce raiding expedition sank over twenty ships during their brief stay in the Bay of Bengal. Afterwards, ''Suzuya'' was withdrawn back to [[Kure, Hiroshima|Kure]] for repairs, and was then sent to [[Guam]] to join the Midway Invasion Task Force.<ref name="Whitley"/>


===Battle of Midway===
===Battle of Midway===
On 5 June, Admiral [[Isoroku Yamamoto]], [[CINC]] of the [[Combined Fleet]] ordered CruDiv 7 to shell [[Midway Atoll|Midway Island]] in preparation for a Japanese landing. CruDiv 7 and DesDiv 8 were {{convert|410|mi|km}} away from the island, so they made a high-speed dash at {{convert|35|kn|km/h}}. The sea was choppy and the destroyers lagged behind. At 2120, the order was canceled. However, this dash placed CruDiv 7 within torpedo range of the [[USS Tambor (SS-198)|USS ''Tambor'']], which was spotted by [[Japanese cruiser Kumano|''Kumano'']]. ''Kumano'' signaled a 45° simultaneous turn to starboard to avoid possible torpedoes. The emergency turn was correctly executed by the flagship and ''Suzuya'', but the third ship in the line, ''Mikuma'', erroneously made a 90° turn. Behind her, ''Mogami's'' navigator, watching ''Suzuya'', did not see ''Mikuma's'' movement and turned 45° as commanded. This resulted in a collision in which ''Mogami'' rammed ''Mikuma's'' portside, below the bridge. Both vessels were severely damaged. ''Suzuya'' returned to Kure on 23 June and CruDiv 7 was transferred from the Second Fleet to the Third Fleet.
On 5 June, Admiral [[Isoroku Yamamoto]], [[CINC]] of the [[Combined Fleet]] ordered CruDiv 7 to shell [[Midway Atoll|Midway Island]] in preparation for a Japanese landing. CruDiv 7 and DesDiv 8 were {{convert|410|mi|km}} away from the island, so they made a high-speed dash at {{convert|35|kn|km/h}}. The sea was choppy and the destroyers lagged behind. At 2120, the order was canceled. However, this dash placed CruDiv 7 within torpedo range of the {{USS|Tambor|SS-198|6}}, which was spotted by {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Kumano||2}}. ''Kumano'' signaled a 45° simultaneous turn to starboard to avoid possible torpedoes. The emergency turn was correctly executed by the flagship and ''Suzuya'', but the third ship in the line, ''Mikuma'', erroneously made a 90° turn. Behind her, ''Mogami''{{'}}s navigator, watching ''Suzuya'', did not see ''Mikuma''{{'}}s movement and turned 45° as commanded. This resulted in a collision in which ''Mogami'' rammed ''Mikuma''{{'}}s portside, below the bridge. Both vessels were severely damaged. ''Suzuya'' returned to Kure on 23 June and CruDiv 7 was transferred from the Second Fleet to the Third Fleet.


After returning to Singapore, CruDiv 7 (''Suzuya'' and ''Kumano'') were tasked with the Invasion of Burma from 28 July 1942. While in the [[Straits of Malacca]], ''Suzuya'' was attacked by [[Royal Netherlands Navy]] [[submarine O-23]], which fired four torpedoes, but missed. However, with the American invasion of [[Guadalcanal]] on 7 August, ''Suzuya'' was quickly recalled to the Pacific front.
After returning to Singapore, CruDiv 7 (''Suzuya'' and ''Kumano'') were tasked with the Invasion of Burma from 28 July 1942. While in the [[Straits of Malacca]], ''Suzuya'' was attacked by [[Royal Netherlands Navy]] submarine {{HNLMS|O 23||2}}, which fired four torpedoes, but missed. However, with the American invasion of [[Guadalcanal]] on 7 August, ''Suzuya'' was quickly recalled to the Pacific front.


===Operations in the Solomon Islands===
===Operations in the Solomon Islands===
On 24 August 1942, CruDiv 7 joined Vice Admiral [[Chuichi Nagumo]]'s Carrier Strike Force ([[Japanese aircraft carrier Shokaku|''Shokaku'']], [[Japanese aircraft carrier Zuikaku|''Zuikaku'']], [[Japanese aircraft carrier Zuiho|''Zuiho'']] and [[Japanese aircraft carrier Ryujo|''Ryujo'']]) with cruiser [[Japanese cruiser Chikuma (1938)|''Chikuma'']] northeast of Guadalcanal. During the resultant [[Battle of the Eastern Solomons]], [[USS Saratoga (CV-3)|USS ''Saratoga'']] sank the aircraft carrier ''Ryujo''; but ''Suzuya'' was too far away to be in the combat. ''Suzuya'' subsequently patrolled between [[Chuuk Lagoon|Truk]] and the [[Solomon Islands]] through the middle of October.
On 24 August 1942, CruDiv 7 joined Vice Admiral [[Chuichi Nagumo]]'s Carrier Strike Force ({{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Shōkaku||2}}, {{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Zuikaku||2}}, {{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Zuihō||2}} and {{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Ryūjō||2}}) with cruiser {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Chikuma|1938|2}} northeast of Guadalcanal. During the resultant [[Battle of the Eastern Solomons]], {{USS|Saratoga|CV-3|6}} sank the aircraft carrier ''Ryūjō''; but ''Suzuya'' was too far away to be in the combat. ''Suzuya'' subsequently patrolled between [[Chuuk Lagoon|Truk]] and the [[Solomon Islands]] through the middle of October.


On 26 October 1942, Nagumo's Carrier Strike force engaged the {{USS|Enterprise|CV-6|6}}, [[USS Hornet (CV-8)|USS ''Hornet'']], battleship [[USS South Dakota (BB-57)|USS ''South Dakota'']] and cruiser [[USS San Juan (CL-54)|USS ''San Juan'']] in the [[Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands|Battle of Santa Cruz]], sinking the ''Hornet'' and damaging other ships. The battle was a long-range air battle, and again ''Suzuya'' was far enough away to avoid direct combat.<ref name="Whitley"/>
On 26 October 1942, Nagumo's Carrier Strike force engaged the {{USS|Enterprise|CV-6|6}}, {{USS|Hornet|CV-8|6}}, battleship {{USS|South Dakota|BB-57|6}} and cruiser {{USS|San Juan|CL-54|6}} in the [[Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands|Battle of Santa Cruz]], sinking the ''Hornet'' and damaging other ships. The battle was a long-range air battle, and again ''Suzuya'' was far enough away to avoid direct combat.<ref name="Whitley"/>


In early November, CruDiv 7 was ordered to reinforce Vice Admiral [[Gunichi Mikawa]]'s [[IJN 8th Fleet|Eighth Fleet]] at [[Shortland Islands|Shortland]], and participated on the [[Guadalcanal campaign|bombardment of Henderson Field]] on Guadalcanal on 14 November. ''Suzuya'', cruisers ''Maya'', [[Japanese cruiser Tenryu|''Tenryu'']], ''Chokai'', ''Kinugasa'' and [[Japanese cruiser Isuzu|''Isuzu'']] and destroyers [[Japanese destroyer Kazagumo|''Kazagumo'']], [[Japanese destroyer Makigumo|''Makigumo'']], [[Japanese destroyer Michishio|''Michishio'']], [[Japanese destroyer Yugumo|''Yugumo'']], [[Japanese destroyer Asashio|''Asashio'']] and [[Japanese destroyer Arashio|''Arashio'']] bombarded the air strip with 989 203&nbsp;mm (8&nbsp;in) shells. On withdrawing, the task force was attacked by [[USS Flying Fish (SS-229)|USS ''Flying Fish'']] (which missed) and aircraft from ''Enterprise'' and Guadalcanal. ''Kinugasa'' was sunk, ''Chokai'' and ''Maya'' were damaged; ''Suzuya'' escaped unscathed, and through early January 1943 continued her patrols and coverage of transport convoys between Truk, [[Kavieng]] and Rabaul.
In early November, CruDiv 7 was ordered to reinforce Vice Admiral [[Gunichi Mikawa]]'s [[IJN 8th Fleet|Eighth Fleet]] at [[Shortland Islands|Shortland]], and participated on the [[Guadalcanal campaign|bombardment of Henderson Field]] on Guadalcanal on 14 November. ''Suzuya'', cruisers ''Maya'', {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Tenryū||2}}, ''Chōkai'', ''Kinugasa'' and {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Isuzu||2}} and destroyers {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Kazagumo||2}}, {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Makigumo|1942|2}}, {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Michishio||2}}, {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Yūgumo|1941|2}}, {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Asashio|1936|2}} and {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Arashio||2}} bombarded the air strip with 989 203&nbsp;mm (8&nbsp;in) shells. On withdrawing, the task force was attacked by {{USS|Flying Fish|SS-229|6}} (which missed) and aircraft from ''Enterprise'' and Guadalcanal. ''Kinugasa'' was sunk, ''Chōkai'' and ''Maya'' were damaged; ''Suzuya'' escaped unscathed, and through early January 1943 continued her patrols and coverage of transport convoys between Truk, [[Kavieng]] and Rabaul.
''Suzuya'' returned to Kure on 12 January 1943 for repairs, at which time additional AA guns and a Type 21 air search radar were installed. She returned to Kure again on 6 April, at which time her dual 13&nbsp;mm machine guns were replaced by two triple-mount [[Type 96 25 mm AT/AA Gun]]s.
''Suzuya'' returned to Kure on 12 January 1943 for repairs, at which time additional AA guns and a Type 21 air search radar were installed. She returned to Kure again on 6 April, at which time her dual 13&nbsp;mm machine guns were replaced by two triple-mount [[Type 96 25 mm AT/AA Gun]]s.


''Suzuya'' departed Yokosuka on 16 June 1943, with another major resupply convoy to the Solomon Islands, and shuttled back and forth from Truk to Rabaul through the end of the year. On 18 July, ''Suzuya'' was attacked by Guadalcanal-based Marine [[TBM Avenger]]s off [[Kolombangara]], but escaped without damage. On 3 November, ''Suzuya'' with ''Mogami'' and ''Chikuma'' were dispatched from Rabaul to bombard American forces that just landed at [[Empress Augusta Bay]], [[Bougainville Island]], but the raid was prevented to reach gun range thanks to US Admiral Merill's victory, sinking cruiser Sendai. ''Suzuya'' was back in Rabaul harbor on 5 November, when the United States launched an attack with 97 planes from USS ''Saratoga'' and [[USS Princeton (CVL-23)|USS ''Princeton'']]. ''Suzuya'' was one of the few ships not hit in the raid.
''Suzuya'' departed Yokosuka on 16 June 1943, with another major resupply convoy to the Solomon Islands, and shuttled back and forth from Truk to Rabaul through the end of the year. On 18 July, ''Suzuya'' was attacked by Guadalcanal-based Marine [[TBM Avenger]]s off [[Kolombangara]], but escaped without damage. On 3 November, ''Suzuya'' with ''Mogami'' and ''Chikuma'' were dispatched from Rabaul to bombard American forces that just landed at [[Empress Augusta Bay]], [[Bougainville Island]], but the raid was prevented to reach gun range thanks to US Admiral Merill's victory, sinking cruiser ''Sendai''. ''Suzuya'' was back in Rabaul harbor on 5 November, when the United States launched an attack with 97 planes from USS ''Saratoga'' and {{USS|Princeton|CVL-23|6}}. ''Suzuya'' was one of the few ships not hit in the raid.


On 1 February, ''Suzuya'' assisted with the evacuation of Truk. On 20 March Rear Admiral [[Kazutaka Shiraishi]] assumed command of CruDiv 7. ''Suzuya'' went into refit at Singapore on 24 March, at which time an additional eight single-mount Type 96 25&nbsp;mm AA guns were installed.
On 1 February, ''Suzuya'' assisted with the evacuation of Truk. On 20 March Rear Admiral [[Kazutaka Shiraishi]] assumed command of CruDiv 7. ''Suzuya'' went into refit at Singapore on 24 March, at which time an additional eight single-mount Type 96 25&nbsp;mm AA guns were installed.


===Battle of the Philippine Sea===
===Battle of the Philippine Sea===
On 13 June 1944, Admiral [[Soemu Toyoda]], CINC, Combined Fleet, activated the "A-Go" plan for the defense of the [[Mariana Islands]]. Suzuya was assigned to [[Admiral Kurita]]'s "Force C" with the battleships [[Japanese battleship Yamato|''Yamato'']], [[Japanese battleship Musashi|''Musashi'']] and aircraft carriers [[Japanese aircraft carrier Zuiho|''Zuiho'']], [[Japanese aircraft carrier Chiyoda|''Chiyoda'']], [[Japanese aircraft carrier Chitose|''Chitose'']],and cruisers [[Japanese cruiser Atago|''Atago'']], [[Japanese cruiser Takao|''Takao'']], [[Japanese cruiser Maya|''Maya'']], [[Japanese cruiser Chokai|''Chokai'']], [[Japanese cruiser Kumano|''Kumano'']], [[Japanese cruiser Chikuma (1938)|''Chikuma'']], [[Japanese cruiser Tone (1937)|''Tone'']], and [[Japanese cruiser Noshiro|''Noshiro'']].
On 13 June 1944, Admiral [[Soemu Toyoda]], CINC, Combined Fleet, activated the "A-Go" plan for the defense of the [[Mariana Islands]]. Suzuya was assigned to [[Admiral Kurita]]'s "Force C" with the battleships {{ship|Japanese battleship|Yamato||2}}, {{ship|Japanese battleship|Musashi||2}} and aircraft carriers {{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Zuihō||2}}, {{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Chiyoda||2}}, {{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Chitose||2}}, and cruisers {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Atago||2}}, {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Takao|1930|2}}, {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Maya||2}}, {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Chōkai||2}}, {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Kumano||2}}, {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Chikuma|1938|2}}, {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Tone|1937|2}}, and {{ship|Japanese cruiser|Noshiro||2}}.


Later in the day, the Mobile Fleet's aircraft attacked [[Task Force 58]] off [[Saipan]], but suffered overwhelming losses in the "[[Great Mariana's Turkey Shoot]]". At 2030 on 20 June, two hours after she was hit by torpedoes by [[Grumman]] TBM Avengers from [[USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)|USS ''Belleau Wood'']], the ''Hiyo'' exploded and sank. That night, ''Suzuya'' retired with the remnants of the Japanese fleet to [[Okinawa]].
Later in the day, the Mobile Fleet's aircraft attacked [[Task Force 58]] off [[Saipan]], but suffered overwhelming losses in the "[[Great Mariana's Turkey Shoot]]". At 2030 on 20 June, two hours after she was hit by torpedoes by [[Grumman]] TBM Avengers from {{USS|Belleau Wood|CVL-24|6}}, the {{ship|Japanese aircraft carrier|Hiyō||2}} exploded and sank. That night, ''Suzuya'' retired with the remnants of the Japanese fleet to [[Okinawa]].


Back in Kure on 25 June 1944, ''Suzuya'' was refit once again. Four triple-mount and 10 single-mount Type 96 25&nbsp;mm AA guns were installed, bringing the total to 50 barrels (14×3 and 18×1) and a Type 22 surface search radar and Type 13 air-search radar were fitted. On 8 July, ''Suzuya'' departed Kure back for Singapore and [[Brunei]], and was involved in fleet training and patrols in the Singapore-Brunei area through October. By this time, her Type 22 Kai 4M radar was upgraded to Kai 4S for fire control.
Back in Kure on 25 June 1944, ''Suzuya'' was refit once again. Four triple-mount and 10 single-mount Type 96 25&nbsp;mm AA guns were installed, bringing the total to 50 barrels (14×3 and 18×1) and a Type 22 surface search radar and Type 13 air-search radar were fitted. On 8 July, ''Suzuya'' departed Kure back for Singapore and [[Brunei]], and was involved in fleet training and patrols in the Singapore-Brunei area through October. By this time, her Type 22 Kai 4M radar was upgraded to Kai 4S for fire control.


===Battle of Leyte Gulf===
===Battle of Leyte Gulf===
In late October, the Japanese fleet assembled in Brunei in response to the threatened American invasion of the [[Philippine Islands|Philippines]]. On 25 October 1944, in the [[Battle off Samar]], ''Suzuya'' engaged the three [[Escort aircraft carrier|"Jeep carriers"]] in American Task Group 77.4, but was attacked by ten TBM Avenger torpedo-bombers. A near-miss destroyed her port propeller. At 1050, ''Suzuya'' was attacked by 30 other carrier aircraft. Another near-miss caused the [[Long Lance]] torpedoes in ''Suzuya's'' No. 1 torpedo tubes to explode, which in turn started other fires, damaged the starboard engine rooms and the No. 7 boiler room. ''Suzuya'' was abandoned at 1150, and at 1322 sank at {{coord|11|45.2|N|126|11.2|E}}.<ref name="Whitley"/> Destroyer [[Japanese destroyer Okinami|''Okinami'']] took off Captain Teraoka and 401 crewmen. US warships later rescued more sailors.
In late October, the Japanese fleet assembled in Brunei in response to the threatened American invasion of the [[Philippine Islands|Philippines]]. On 25 October 1944, in the [[Battle off Samar]], ''Suzuya'' engaged the three [[Escort aircraft carrier|"Jeep carriers"]] in American Task Group 77.4, but was attacked by ten TBM Avenger torpedo-bombers. A near-miss destroyed her port propeller. At 1050, ''Suzuya'' was attacked by 30 other carrier aircraft. Another near-miss caused the [[Long Lance]] torpedoes in ''Suzuya''{{'}}s No. 1 torpedo tubes to explode, which in turn started other fires, damaged the starboard engine rooms and the No. 7 boiler room. ''Suzuya'' was abandoned at 1150, and at 1322 sank at {{coord|11|45.2|N|126|11.2|E}}.<ref name="Whitley"/> Destroyer {{ship|Japanese destroyer|Okinami||2}} took off Captain Teraoka and 401 crewmen. US warships later rescued more sailors.


''Suzuya'' was removed from the Navy List on 20 December 1944.
''Suzuya'' was removed from the Navy List on 20 December 1944.
Line 282: Line 282:


==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of World War II ships]]
* [[List of World War II ships]]
* {{sclass-|Ibuki|cruiser|4}}
*[[Ibuki-class cruiser|Ibuki class]]


{{Mogami class cruiser}}
{{Mogami class cruiser}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Suzuya}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Suzuya (1934)}}
[[Category:Mogami-class cruisers]]
[[Category:Mogami-class cruisers]]
[[Category:Ships built in Japan]]
[[Category:Ships built in Japan]]

Revision as of 18:55, 18 February 2014

For other ships with the same name, see Japanese cruiser Suzuya.
Warning: Display title "Japanese cruiser <i>Suzuya</i> (1934)" overrides earlier display title "Japanese cruiser<i> Suzuya </i>(1934)" (help).
Heavy cruiser Suzuya
History
Japanese Navy EnsignJapan
NameSuzuya
NamesakeSuzuya River in Karafuto
Ordered1931 Fiscal Year
BuilderYokosuka Naval Arsenal
Laid down11 December 1933
Launched20 November 1934
Commissioned31 October 1937[1]
Stricken20 December 1944
Fatesunk 25 October 1944 at Battle off Samar at 11°45.2′N 126°11.2′E / 11.7533°N 126.1867°E / 11.7533; 126.1867
General characteristics
Class and typeTemplate:Sclass-
Displacementlist error: <br /> list (help)
8,500 tons (official, initial)
13,670 tons (final)
Lengthlist error: <br /> list (help)
197 m (initial)
198 meters (final)
Beamlist error: <br /> list (help)
18 meters (initial)
20.2 meters (final)
Draughtlist error: <br /> list (help)
5.5 meters (initial)
5.89 meters (final)
Propulsionlist error: <br /> list (help)
4-shaft geared turbines
10 Kampon boilers
152,000 shp
Speedlist error: <br /> list (help)
37-knot (69 km/h) (initial)
35 knots (65 km/h) (final)
Range8,000 nmi (15,000 km) @ 14 knots (26 km/h)
Complement850
Armamentlist error: mixed text and list (help)
(initial)[2]
  • 15 × 155 mm (6.1 in) / 60-cal guns (5×3)
  • 8 × 127 mm (5 in) / 40-cal guns (4×2)
  • 4 × 40 mm AA guns
  • 12 × 610 mm (24 in) torpedo tubes

(final)[2]

Armorlist error: <br /> list (help)
100-125 mm (belt)
35-60 mm (deck)
25 mm turret
Aircraft carried11 x floatplanes

Suzuya (鈴谷) was the third of four vessels in the Template:Sclass- of heavy cruisers in the Imperial Japanese Navy.[4] She was named after the Suzuya river on Karafuto (Sakhalin).

Background

Built under the 1931 Fleet Replenishment Program, the Mogami-class cruisers were designed to the maximum limits allowed by the Washington Naval Treaty, using the latest technology. This resulted in the choice of a 155 mm (6.1 in) dual purpose (DP) main battery in five triple turrets capable of 55° elevation. To save weight, electric welding was used, as was aluminum in the superstructure, and the use of a single funnel stack. New impulse geared turbine engines, coupled with very heavy anti-aircraft protection, gave the class a very high speed and protection. However, the Mogami-class ships were also plagued with technical problems due to their untested equipment, and proved to be top-heavy with stability problems in heavy weather as well.[4]

Service career

Early career

Line drawing of Suzuya as she appeared in 1944

Suzuya was completed at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal in January 1936, but on completion was immediately placed in the reserves while waiting for dry dock space to permit modifications. She was officially commissioned on 31 October 1937, but reconstruction and refit work was not completed until 30 September 1939, at which point her main armament had been converted from the 6.1 inch guns to the 8 inch guns of a heavy cruiser.[4]

Assigned to CruDiv7 with her sister ships Mogami, Mikuma and Kumano, Suzuya participated in the occupation of Cochinchina, French Indochina from her forward operating base on Hainan, after Japan and Vichy French authorities reached an understanding on use of air facilities and harbors from July 1941. At the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Suzuya was assigned to cover the invasion of Malaya as part of CruDiv7 under Vice Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa's First Southern Expeditionary Fleet, providing close support for landings of Japanese troops at Singora, Pattani and Kota Bharu.[4]

On 9 December 1941, Japanese submarine I-65 reported sighting of Royal Navy Force Z (the Royal Navy battleship HMS Prince of Wales, battlecruiser HMS Repulse and supporting destroyers). The report was received by light cruiser Sendai, which relayed the message to Admiral Ozawa aboard his flagship, Chōkai. However, the reception was poor and the message took another 90 minutes to decode. Moreover, I-65{'}}s report was incorrect about the heading of Force Z. Two Aichi E13A1 "Jake" floatplanes from Suzuya and Kumano attempted to shadow Force Z, but both were forced to ditch due to lack of fuel. Only Suzuya's crew was recovered. The following day, Force Z was overwhelmed by torpedo bombers of the 22nd Air Flotilla from Indochina.

In December 1941, Suzuya was tasked with the invasion of Sarawak, together with Kumano, covering landings of Japanese troops at Miri. From her base at Cam Rahn Bay, she sortied with Kumano to cover landings of troops at Anambas, Endau, Palembang and Banka Island, Sabang on Sumatra and Java from the end of December 1941 to the middle of March. Suzuya also participated in the seizure of Andaman Islands on 20 March 1942.

Indian Ocean Raids

From 1 April 1942 CruDiv 7 based from Mergui, Burma joined with CruDiv 4 to participate in the Indian Ocean raids.[4] Mikuma, Mogami and destroyer Amagiri detached and formed the "Southern Group", which hunted for merchant shipping in the Bay of Bengal, while Suzuya, Kumano, and Shiokaze covered the northern areas. Chōkai, light cruiser Yura, aircraft carrier Ryūjō and destroyers Ayanami, Yūgiri, Asagiri formed a center group to reinforce northern or southern wings as necessary. Over the next few weeks, the northern groups claimed kills on a 4,986-ton American merchant vessel Exmoor, British 7,621-ton freighter Autoclycus, British 9,066-ton freighter Malda and the 2,440-ton British freighter Shinkuang.[5] In total the commerce raiding expedition sank over twenty ships during their brief stay in the Bay of Bengal. Afterwards, Suzuya was withdrawn back to Kure for repairs, and was then sent to Guam to join the Midway Invasion Task Force.[4]

Battle of Midway

On 5 June, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, CINC of the Combined Fleet ordered CruDiv 7 to shell Midway Island in preparation for a Japanese landing. CruDiv 7 and DesDiv 8 were 410 miles (660 km) away from the island, so they made a high-speed dash at 35 knots (65 km/h). The sea was choppy and the destroyers lagged behind. At 2120, the order was canceled. However, this dash placed CruDiv 7 within torpedo range of the USS Tambor, which was spotted by Kumano. Kumano signaled a 45° simultaneous turn to starboard to avoid possible torpedoes. The emergency turn was correctly executed by the flagship and Suzuya, but the third ship in the line, Mikuma, erroneously made a 90° turn. Behind her, Mogami's navigator, watching Suzuya, did not see Mikuma's movement and turned 45° as commanded. This resulted in a collision in which Mogami rammed Mikuma's portside, below the bridge. Both vessels were severely damaged. Suzuya returned to Kure on 23 June and CruDiv 7 was transferred from the Second Fleet to the Third Fleet.

After returning to Singapore, CruDiv 7 (Suzuya and Kumano) were tasked with the Invasion of Burma from 28 July 1942. While in the Straits of Malacca, Suzuya was attacked by Royal Netherlands Navy submarine O 23, which fired four torpedoes, but missed. However, with the American invasion of Guadalcanal on 7 August, Suzuya was quickly recalled to the Pacific front.

Operations in the Solomon Islands

On 24 August 1942, CruDiv 7 joined Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo's Carrier Strike Force (Shōkaku, Zuikaku, Zuihō and Ryūjō) with cruiser Chikuma northeast of Guadalcanal. During the resultant Battle of the Eastern Solomons, USS Saratoga sank the aircraft carrier Ryūjō; but Suzuya was too far away to be in the combat. Suzuya subsequently patrolled between Truk and the Solomon Islands through the middle of October.

On 26 October 1942, Nagumo's Carrier Strike force engaged the USS Enterprise, USS Hornet, battleship USS South Dakota and cruiser USS San Juan in the Battle of Santa Cruz, sinking the Hornet and damaging other ships. The battle was a long-range air battle, and again Suzuya was far enough away to avoid direct combat.[4]

In early November, CruDiv 7 was ordered to reinforce Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa's Eighth Fleet at Shortland, and participated on the bombardment of Henderson Field on Guadalcanal on 14 November. Suzuya, cruisers Maya, Tenryū, Chōkai, Kinugasa and Isuzu and destroyers Kazagumo, Makigumo, Michishio, Yūgumo, Asashio and Arashio bombarded the air strip with 989 203 mm (8 in) shells. On withdrawing, the task force was attacked by USS Flying Fish (which missed) and aircraft from Enterprise and Guadalcanal. Kinugasa was sunk, Chōkai and Maya were damaged; Suzuya escaped unscathed, and through early January 1943 continued her patrols and coverage of transport convoys between Truk, Kavieng and Rabaul.

Suzuya returned to Kure on 12 January 1943 for repairs, at which time additional AA guns and a Type 21 air search radar were installed. She returned to Kure again on 6 April, at which time her dual 13 mm machine guns were replaced by two triple-mount Type 96 25 mm AT/AA Guns.

Suzuya departed Yokosuka on 16 June 1943, with another major resupply convoy to the Solomon Islands, and shuttled back and forth from Truk to Rabaul through the end of the year. On 18 July, Suzuya was attacked by Guadalcanal-based Marine TBM Avengers off Kolombangara, but escaped without damage. On 3 November, Suzuya with Mogami and Chikuma were dispatched from Rabaul to bombard American forces that just landed at Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville Island, but the raid was prevented to reach gun range thanks to US Admiral Merill's victory, sinking cruiser Sendai. Suzuya was back in Rabaul harbor on 5 November, when the United States launched an attack with 97 planes from USS Saratoga and USS Princeton. Suzuya was one of the few ships not hit in the raid.

On 1 February, Suzuya assisted with the evacuation of Truk. On 20 March Rear Admiral Kazutaka Shiraishi assumed command of CruDiv 7. Suzuya went into refit at Singapore on 24 March, at which time an additional eight single-mount Type 96 25 mm AA guns were installed.

Battle of the Philippine Sea

On 13 June 1944, Admiral Soemu Toyoda, CINC, Combined Fleet, activated the "A-Go" plan for the defense of the Mariana Islands. Suzuya was assigned to Admiral Kurita's "Force C" with the battleships Yamato, Musashi and aircraft carriers Zuihō, Chiyoda, Chitose, and cruisers Atago, Takao, Maya, Chōkai, Kumano, Chikuma, Tone, and Noshiro.

Later in the day, the Mobile Fleet's aircraft attacked Task Force 58 off Saipan, but suffered overwhelming losses in the "Great Mariana's Turkey Shoot". At 2030 on 20 June, two hours after she was hit by torpedoes by Grumman TBM Avengers from USS Belleau Wood, the Hiyō exploded and sank. That night, Suzuya retired with the remnants of the Japanese fleet to Okinawa.

Back in Kure on 25 June 1944, Suzuya was refit once again. Four triple-mount and 10 single-mount Type 96 25 mm AA guns were installed, bringing the total to 50 barrels (14×3 and 18×1) and a Type 22 surface search radar and Type 13 air-search radar were fitted. On 8 July, Suzuya departed Kure back for Singapore and Brunei, and was involved in fleet training and patrols in the Singapore-Brunei area through October. By this time, her Type 22 Kai 4M radar was upgraded to Kai 4S for fire control.

Battle of Leyte Gulf

In late October, the Japanese fleet assembled in Brunei in response to the threatened American invasion of the Philippines. On 25 October 1944, in the Battle off Samar, Suzuya engaged the three "Jeep carriers" in American Task Group 77.4, but was attacked by ten TBM Avenger torpedo-bombers. A near-miss destroyed her port propeller. At 1050, Suzuya was attacked by 30 other carrier aircraft. Another near-miss caused the Long Lance torpedoes in Suzuya's No. 1 torpedo tubes to explode, which in turn started other fires, damaged the starboard engine rooms and the No. 7 boiler room. Suzuya was abandoned at 1150, and at 1322 sank at 11°45.2′N 126°11.2′E / 11.7533°N 126.1867°E / 11.7533; 126.1867.[4] Destroyer Okinami took off Captain Teraoka and 401 crewmen. US warships later rescued more sailors.

Suzuya was removed from the Navy List on 20 December 1944.

References

Books

  • Brown, David (1990). Warship Losses of World War Two. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-914-X.
  • Campbell, John (1985). Naval Weapons of World War Two. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0-87021-459-4.
  • Cox, Robert Jon (2010). The Battle Off Samar: Taffy III at Leyte Gulf (5th Edition). Agogeebic Press, LLC. ISBN 0-9822390-4-1. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  • D'Albas, Andrieu (1965). Death of a Navy: Japanese Naval Action in World War II. Devin-Adair Pub. ISBN 0-8159-5302-X.
  • Dull, Paul S. (1978). A Battle History of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1941-1945. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0-87021-097-1.
  • Howarth, Stephen (1983). The Fighting Ships of the Rising Sun: The drama of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1895-1945. Atheneum. ISBN 0-689-11402-8.
  • Jentsura, Hansgeorg (1976). Warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1869-1945. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0-87021-893-X. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  • Lacroix, Eric (1997). Japanese Cruisers of the Pacific War. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0-87021-311-3. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Watts, Anthony J. (1967). Japanese Warships of World War II. Doubleday & Company. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  • Whitley, M.J. (1995). Cruisers of World War Two: An International Encyclopedia. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-141-6. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

Notes

  1. ^ Lacroix, Japanese Cruisers, p. 794
  2. ^ a b Watts, Japanese Warships of World War II, p. 99
  3. ^ Campbell, Naval Weapons of World War Two, pp. 185-187
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Whitley, Cruisers of World War Two, pp. 181-184
  5. ^ L, Klemen (1999–2000). "Allied Merchant Ship Losses in the Pacific and Southeast Asia". Forgotten Campaign: The Dutch East Indies Campaign 1941-1942.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date format (link)

See also

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Japanese_cruiser_Suzuya_(1934)&oldid=596067331"