MYOKO CLASS

NACHI CLASS

History:

These ships formed the 4th cruiser squadron and served with the 2nd fleet . From 1931 to 1936 all four ships were reduced to reserve. During the Sino-Japanese War, they served in Chinese waters until the outbreak of war in December 1941.

Ashigara

Nachi, Myoko and Haguro covered the landings in Philippine Islands, while Ashigara remained in Pescadores Islands. In January 1942, joined again, were transferred to Dutch East Indies. During the battle of the Java Sea, Haguro sank the Dutch cruiser De Ruyter and the Dutch destroyer Kortenaer. Nachi sank the Dutch cruiser Java. In March the same ships fought an action which led to the sinking of British cruiser Exeter, while the destroyers USS Pope and Encounter were sunk by Ashigara and Myoko. USS Pillsbury were also sank by Ashigara.

After this campaign, Myoko and

Haguro formed part of cover force at the Battle of Coral Sea. Nachi was sent to Aleutians Islands and Ashigara was transferred to Singapore.

Myoko and Haguro took part in the Guadalcanal Campaign from August to November 1942 and then transferred to Aleutians from May to June 1943. Nachi participated in the Battle of Komandorski Islands and then transferred to Singapore. Myoko and Haguro returned to Truk in August 1943 and both ships took part in the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay.

Ashigara and Nachi were transferred to North Area Fleet, remained there until June 1944. Their place in Singapore was taken by their sisters. In June 1944, all four cruisers were joined in Singapore and took part in Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the battle, the cruisers, less Nachi, were based on Singapore, while Nachi, badly damaged during the battle, was sunk by US aircraft near to Corregidor Island. Ashigara and Haguro were sunk by allied submarines during the year 1945. When the war finished, the sole survivor, Myoko, remained in Singapore