Japanese destroyer Ikazuchi (1931)
The Ikazuchi (雷, "Thunder") was the fifth vessel of the Fubuki-class destroyers, or Special Type destroyers, built for the Imperial Japanese Navy following World War I. The large size, powerful weaponry, and high speed of these destroyers were unprecedented at the time of their introduction, and they served as the model for other destroyer designs around the world.
Background
The Fubuki-class destroyers were designed to give the Japanese Navy a qualitative edge with the world's most advanced destroyers. These vessels were a significant advancement over previous Japanese destroyer designs, boasting greatly improved speed, range, and armament. The Ikazuchi, built at the Uraga Dock Company, was laid down on March 7, 1930, launched on October 22, 1931, and commissioned into service on August 15, 1932.
Design
The Ikazuchi, like her sisters, displaced 1,750 tons standard and 2,190 tons full load. The ships were powered by two Kampon geared turbines, each driving one propeller shaft, using steam provided by three Kampon water-tube boilers. This powerplant generated 50,000 shaft horsepower, enabling a design speed of 38 knots (70 km/h; 44 mph). The ships had a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km; 5,800 mi) at 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph).
Armament
The Ikazuchi’s primary armament consisted of six 12.7 cm (5 in)/50 Type 3 naval guns in three twin turrets. One turret was located forward, and two were located aft in a superfiring arrangement. For torpedo armament, the ship carried nine 61 cm (24 in) torpedo tubes in three triple mounts. These were equipped with Type 8 torpedoes. The ship also carried two Type 94 depth charge throwers with 18 depth charges.
Service History
The Ikazuchi participated in numerous naval operations during World War II, including the invasion of Malaya, the Battle of the Java Sea, and the Battle of Midway. She participated in numerous convoy escort duties and fleet actions throughout the Pacific theater. Notably, the Ikazuchi and her sister ship Inazuma are known for rescuing survivors from the British destroyer HMS Stronghold and the Dutch submarine HNLMS O-16 in 1942, acts of humanitarianism during wartime.
Fate
On April 13, 1944, while escorting a convoy, the Ikazuchi was torpedoed and sunk by the American submarine USS Harder approximately 200 nautical miles (370 km; 230 mi) southeast of Guam. All 191 crewmen were lost.