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Re: Heavy Cruisers: Takao Class

Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:20 am
by Brian James
Takao Class Heavy Cruiser Chokai pictured at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on June 18th 1938.

Re: Heavy Cruisers: Takao Class

Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:36 am
by Brian James
Lead Ship, Heavy Cruiser Takao pictured on speed trials off Tateyama on July 1st 1932...the Royal Navy launched Operation Struggle on July 31st 1945 with the midget submarines HMS XE3 (Lieutenant Ian Edward Fraser) assigned to attack Takao, and HMS XE1 (Lieutenant J. E. Smart) to attack Myōkō. After penetrating the harbour defenses, XE3 manoeuvered under Takao, where diver Acting Leading Seaman James Joseph Magennis exited the Submarine and attached six limpet mines to Takao's hull using an improvised piece of rope (the hull was covered with a thick layer of seaweed, and the magnets of the limpet mines would not hold them on the hull); when the mines exploded, they blew a hole 66 ft by 33 ft. Several compartments below the lower deck were flooded, including two ammunition magazines, the main gun plotting room and the lower communications room. Fraser and Magennis were awarded the Victoria Cross...It was discovered after the end of the war that Takao was manned by a skeleton crew and had no ammunition aboard for her 8-inch main armament. Japanese forces surrendered Seletar Naval Base to the British on September 21st 1945. On October 27th 1946, Takao was towed to the Strait of Malacca and was sunk as a target ship by the Light Cruiser HMS Newfoundland on October 29th 1946.

Re: Heavy Cruisers: Takao Class

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 6:34 am
by Brian James
Lead Ship, Heavy Cruiser Takao pictured under construction at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on September 21st 1931.

Re: Heavy Cruisers: Takao Class

Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2021 6:01 pm
by designeraccd
ATAGO ready for sea, one last time in 1944. :o She will be welcomed with open torpedo tube doors by the USS DARTER. DFO

Re: Heavy Cruisers: Takao Class

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2021 6:22 am
by Brian James
Takao Class Heavy Cruiser Atago pictured at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal post her major rebuild refit on November 30th 1939. During operational duties in 1937, issues with their stability and seaworthiness due to the top-heavy design became evident. Takao and Atago were rebuilt, resulting in an improved design: the size of the bridge was reduced, the main mast was relocated aft, and hull bulges were added to improve stability. After rebuilding was completed, Takao and Atago patrolled off the coast of China in 1940 and early 1941. She was torpedoed and sunk by Gato Class Submarine USS Darter on October 23rd 1944.

Re: Heavy Cruisers: Takao Class

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2022 4:27 am
by Brian James
Takao Class Heavy Cruiser Atago pictured on sea trials post her rebuild refit, off Sukumo Bay on February 12th 1932...She was torpedoed and sunk by Gato Class Submarine USS Darter on October 23rd 1944.

Re: Heavy Cruisers: Takao Class

Posted: Tue May 03, 2022 6:21 am
by Brian James
Lead Ship, Heavy Cruiser Takao pictured at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal during her major rebuild refit on May 1st 1938...Takao and sister Atago were rebuilt at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal between 1938 and 1939, resulting in an improved design: the size of the bridge was reduced, the main mast was relocated aft, and hull bulges were added to improve stability......The RN launched Operation Struggle on July 31st 1945 with the Midget Submarines HMS XE3 (Lieutenant Ian Edward Fraser) assigned to attack Takao, and HMS XE1 (Lieutenant J. E. Smart) to attack Myōkō. After penetrating the harbour defenses, XE3 maneuvered under Takao, where diver Acting Leading Seaman James Joseph Magennis exited the Submarine and attached six limpet mines to Takao's hull using an improvised piece of rope (the hull was covered with a thick layer of seaweed, and the magnets of the limpet mines would not hold them on the hull); when the mines exploded, they blew a hole 20 by 10 metres (66 by 33 ft). Several compartments below the lower deck were flooded, including two ammunition magazines, the main gun plotting room and the lower communications room. Fraser and Magennis were awarded the Victoria Cross.
It was discovered after the end of the war that Takao was manned by a skeleton crew and had no ammunition aboard for her 8-inch main armament. Japanese forces surrendered Seletar Naval Base to the British on September 21st 1945. On October 27th 1946, Takao was towed to the Strait of Malacca and was sunk as a target ship by the Light Cruiser HMS Newfoundland on October 29th 1946.

Re: Heavy Cruisers: Takao Class

Posted: Tue May 10, 2022 6:55 am
by Brian James
Lead Ship, Heavy Cruiser Takao pictured at Sakumo Bay on May 10th 1937.

Re: Heavy Cruisers: Takao Class

Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 5:57 am
by Brian James
Lead Ship, Heavy Cruiser Takao pictured on launch day, on slipway No 2 at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal on May 12th 1930.

Re: Heavy Cruisers: Takao Class

Posted: Thu May 12, 2022 7:34 pm
by designeraccd
Nice detail view of MAYA's bridge.........prewar. DFO