Japanese destroyer Shirakumo (1901)

The Shirakumo was a Murakumo-class destroyer of the Imperial Japanese Navy. She was commissioned in 1901 and served during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905.

The Murakumo-class destroyers were based on an improved British Thornycroft design and were ordered as part of the expansion of the Japanese Navy preceding the Russo-Japanese War. The class consisted of six vessels: Murakumo, Shinonome, Yugiri, Shiranui, Kagero, and Shirakumo.

The Shirakumo displaced 310 tons and was armed with two QF 12-pounder (3 inch) guns and four 18-inch (450 mm) torpedo tubes. She was powered by two triple-expansion steam engines driving two shafts, giving her a designed speed of 31 knots.

During the Russo-Japanese War, the Shirakumo participated in various naval operations, including patrols, escort duties, and engagements with Russian warships. She was present at the Battle of Tsushima in May 1905.

After the Russo-Japanese War, the Shirakumo continued to serve with the Imperial Japanese Navy. She was stricken from the navy list in 1919 and subsequently scrapped.

The Shirakumo represents an early generation of Japanese destroyers and played a role in establishing Japan as a significant naval power in the early 20th century.