Japanese aircraft carrier Sōryū

Sōryū: A Carrier of the Imperial Japanese Navy

Imagine a ship that could carry dreams and nightmares across the vast Pacific, a vessel that played a pivotal role in one of history’s most significant naval battles. That’s Sōryū, an aircraft carrier built for the Imperial Japanese Navy in the mid-1930s.

Sōryū, like its sister ship Hiryū, was a marvel of engineering and strategy. But while Hiryū had a modified design, Sōryū remained a stalwart participant in various operations during the Second Sino-Japanese War, invasion of French Indochina, and Pacific War. One question lingers: could this carrier have changed the course of history if it hadn’t been lost at Midway?

Design and Description

Sōryū was a formidable vessel, measuring 227.5 meters in length with a beam of 21.3 meters and a draft of 7.6 meters. Its displacement ranged from 16,200 to 19,100 tonnes, making it a significant presence on the water. With a crew of 1,100 officers and ratings, this carrier was not just a ship but an entire city at sea.

Its machinery consisted of four geared steam turbine sets with eight Kampon water-tube boilers, capable of reaching speeds up to 34.5 knots. This speed allowed it to traverse the vast Pacific swiftly and efficiently, much like a swift bird in flight.

Flight Deck and Hangars

The flight deck was a crucial part of Sōryū’s design, measuring 216.9 meters long and 26 meters wide. It had nine transverse arrestor wires to stop aircraft weighing up to 6,000 kg. Two elevators and three platforms facilitated the transportation of aircraft between hangars and the flight deck, ensuring a seamless operation.

The hangars were equally impressive, with an upper one measuring 171.3 meters by 18.3 meters and a lower one of 142.3 meters by 18.3 meters. Together, they provided approximately 5,736 square meters for aircraft storage and maintenance.

Armament and Armor

Sōryū’s armament included six twin-gun mounts for 12.7cm Type 89 dual-purpose guns, two fire-control directors, and fourteen twin-gun mounts for license-built Hotchkiss 25mm AA guns. The ship also had three Type 96 light AA guns mounted on a platform just below the forward end of the flight deck.

However, its armor was minimal, with a waterline belt of 41 millimeters protecting machinery spaces and magazines. Its deck was only 25 mm thick over machinery spaces and 55 mm thick over magazines and aviation gasoline storage tanks. This design choice made Sōryū vulnerable to enemy attacks.

Operations and Battles

Sōryū’s journey began in November 1934 when it was laid down, launched in December 1935, and commissioned on December 29, 1937. It quickly became a key player in Japanese operations, supporting various campaigns from the Second Sino-Japanese War to the invasion of French Indochina.

One pivotal moment came when Sōryū participated in Japan’s initiation of war with the US by conducting a preemptive strike against Pearl Harbor. On December 8, 1941, it launched aircraft that sank or damaged several US ships and aircraft. This attack marked the beginning of a series of operations that would define its legacy.

The carrier then supported the invasion of Java and attacked Christmas Island before resupplying and training for an Indian Ocean raid. On March 26, 1942, it contributed to attacks on Ceylon but was unsuccessful due to a day’s warning allowing most shipping to evacuate.

Midway: The Turning Point

The turning point in Sōryū’s story came during the Battle of Midway. On June 4, 1942, it was part of a combined air raid on Eastern Island but suffered heavily during the attack. Despite its efforts to defend against US attackers, Sōryū received three direct hits and sank five minutes later.

The loss of Sōryū and other IJN carriers at Midway was a crucial strategic defeat for Japan, contributing significantly to the Allied victory. This battle marked the end of Japanese naval dominance in the Pacific and changed the course of World War II.

Conclusion

The story of Sōryū is one of power, strategy, and ultimately, defeat. From its construction in the 1930s to its final moments at Midway, this carrier played a significant role in shaping the course of history. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by nations during times of war.