Japanese cruiser Nachi

Japanese cruiser Nachi was the second of four Myōkō-class cruisers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy during the 1920s. She served extensively during the Pacific War, participating in major engagements from the invasion of the Philippines to the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The cruiser was ultimately sunk in Manila Bay by United States Navy aircraft in late 1944.

Design and description

The *Nachi* was constructed as part of the *Myōkō* class, the first heavy cruisers built by Japan under the restrictions of the Washington Naval Treaty. Designed by Vice Admiral Yuzuru Hiraga, these ships emphasized powerful armament and high speed, pushing treaty limits. Her main battery consisted of ten 20 cm/50 3rd Year Type naval guns mounted in five twin gun turrets. Significant armor protection was provided by a belt armor system and an armored deck, while propulsion came from four-shaft Kampon geared steam turbines fed by twelve Kampon boilers. This machinery was rated for 130,000 shaft horsepower, designed to achieve a top speed of over 35.5 knots.

Construction and career

*Nachi* was laid down on 26 November 1924 at the Kure Naval Arsenal, launched on 15 June 1927, and commissioned into the Imperial Japanese Navy on 26 November 1928. Initially assigned to the 5th Squadron, she conducted routine training and port visits in the late 1920s and 1930s. In 1934, she underwent a significant reconstruction at Sasebo Naval Arsenal, which included the addition of torpedo tubes and improved anti-aircraft guns. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, *Nachi* was deployed to the coast of China to support naval operations and the Shanghai Expeditionary Army.

Wartime service

At the start of the Pacific War, *Nachi* was flagship of Vice Admiral Boshirō Hosogaya's Fifth Fleet, based in Hokkaido. She supported the invasion of the Philippines and the Battle of the Java Sea, where she contributed to the sinking of the Allied cruisers HNLMS *De Ruyter* and HNLMS *Java*. In 1942, she participated in the Aleutian Islands campaign, including the Battle of the Komandorski Islands. After being damaged by the United States Navy submarine USS *Swordfish* in 1943, she returned to Japan for repairs and further anti-aircraft upgrades. She was subsequently involved in transport missions and the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Fate

During the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944, *Nachi* was part of the First Diversion Attack Force under Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita. She survived the Battle of Surigao Strait but was damaged in a collision with her sister ship *Mogami*. On 5 November 1944, while anchored in Manila Bay for repairs, she was attacked by multiple waves of aircraft from the United States Task Force 38. Hit by several aerial bombs and torpedoes launched from Grumman TBF Avenger and Vought F4U Corsair aircraft, *Nachi* capsized and sank with heavy loss of life, including her commanding officer, Captain Kanooka Enpei.

Legacy

The wreck of *Nachi* was located in Manila Bay after the war and was later partially salvaged. Her service history exemplifies the Imperial Japanese Navy's initial cruiser superiority and the devastating impact of Allied air power later in the conflict. One of her 14 cm/50 3rd Year Type naval guns is preserved as a memorial at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. The *Myōkō*-class design, including *Nachi*, influenced subsequent Japanese cruiser construction, such as the Takao-class cruiser and Mogami-class cruiser.

Category:Myōkō-class cruisers Category:Ships built in Japan Category:World War II cruisers of Japan