Isokaze, which had her steering disabled by a near miss, suffered 20 dead and 54 wounded, and had to be scuttled by gunfire from Yukikaze. Below are some of those stories and some links to other web sites with more stories about the ship and its final day, April 7, 1945. The Japanese admiral in charge of Operation Ten-Go, Vice-Admiral Seiichi It, disagreed with the plan which essentially was to sail into teeth of the American fleet without the benefit of any air cover and then beach on Okinawa and operate as a static defense in support of the island. She takes on a heavy list to port and her speed drops to 18 knots. Built in total secrecy and launched just after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Yamato may have been almost twice the size of her American counterparts, with the largest guns ever mounted on a warship. Even before the war, the Japanese understood that they could never match the U.S. Navy for quantity, but were convinced they could build a better battleship. American aviators received orders to drop their Thank you to all our WWII vets. The first explodes in the crews quarters abaft the Type 13 radar shack. Had Yamato ever encountered an Allied battleship group, she could have floated safely out of range, while destroying each ship in turn. [1], Operation Ten-Go was a deliberate suicide attack against American forces off Okinawa by Yamato and nine escorts, beginning on 6 April 1945. The ship captains were then assembled on Yahagi and briefed. Though many Japanese naval leaders considered Operation Ten-Go to be a waste of their remaining resources, it moved forward on April 6, 1945. But the Americans also had a battle group of eight aircraft carriers (Hornet, Bennington, Belleau Wood, San Jacinto; TG 58.3 Essex, Bunker Hill, Hancock, and Bataan) that were covering the landings. 1200 hour A lookout spots three Japanese troopships on bearing 0250 heading for Amami-Oshima. Despite the destruction, the majesty of the ship is unmistakable, symbolized by a six-foot-wide chrysanthemum crest, icon of the Japanese imperial family, still gracing Yamatos prow like a figurehead. Yukikaze suffered three dead from strafing and survived the war. Baka, essentially a piloted cruise missile, made its debut at Okinawa. (Remember, the US lost 10 planes and 12 men sinking Yamato out of more than 300 aircraft) There is no logical reason to do this. [1] By 14:00, two of Yamatos escorts had been sunk. Yamato'sFinal Voyage guns ever mounted at sea. As luck would have it, he said, the big ship was turning to port, thereby exposing the full broadside expanse of, PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States, P.O. Jocko Clark, embarked on Hornet (CV-12), included Hancock (CV-19), Bennington (CV-20), Belleau Wood (CVL-24) and San Jacinto (CVL-30). Yahagi lost 446; Asashimo lost 330; the seven destroyers, 391 officers and men. ), named after an ancient Japanese province, was one of two Yamato-class battleships built for the Imperial Japanese Navy, beginning in the late 1930s. Finally some detail1st attack vb82 loses a helldiver (my uncleensign jack Carl fuller and chas. The Avengers drop three torpedoes. (Although some accounts say that, according to the plan, the ships were only given enough fuel to reach Okinawa, they actually received as much fuel as was available to give. Photographed from a USS Yorktown (CV-10) plane (NH 62581). In total, 97 combatants were killed and 122 wounded. Ten minutes later, two more torpedoes strike her port side. The FIST of the FLEET where it began during WWII. The battleship received a 30-minute time-late report from an observation post on a small Japanese island north of Okinawa that 150 U.S. planes were headed in Yamatos direction. I was a radioman on one of the VT23 Avengers participating in this strike flying off the Langley. YAMATO starts a sharp turn to port but three torpedoes rip into her port side amidships. The Attack Force changes course to 100 degrees. Over the next days, additional messages were intercepted and decrypted by Fleet Radio Unit Pacific (FRUPAC) and also OP-20-G in Washington that provided increasingly detailed information on the operations timing and made specific mention of Yamato on 5 April. Japanese reports claim U.S. aircraft strafed survivors in the water, but also report that attacks ceased on destroyers that were picking up survivors. The attack of hundreds of US air force against Japan made Japan's biggest battleship Yamato sink. TG 58.1, commanded by Rear Admiral J. J. As she came under attack on that April morning, the Yamato fired her 18-inch guns at approaching American aircraft, Design and construction Main article: Yamato-class battleship Japanese naval leaders briefed Emperor Hirohito on their plans, which consisted of massive air attacks, including kamikaze strikes. blasts were perhaps the largest ever to occur at sea. After daybreak on 7 April 1945, a paltry six A6M Zeke fighters showed up to provide combat air patrol over Yamato. Updated on July 03, 2019. VT-17 (1943-45) YAMATO has taken a total of four torpedo hits. I joined the Navy in 1964. Yamato was lost Apr. The age of the carrier was now confirmed. None of the captains was afraid to diethey just objected to the sheer folly of attacking in daylight without air cover, believing that they wouldnt get anywhere close to Okinawa. [1][26] Led by the man who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor, Minoru Genda, the appearance of these fighters, which were equal or superior to the F6F Hellcat in performance, surprised the attackers, and several American planes were shot down. Two immense catapultsas tall as six-story buildings when raisedlaunched the planes, and an equally enormous crane lifted them from the water upon their return to the ship. Most of her engineering drawings have disappeared and few photographs survive, making Yamatos exact dimensions and design a mystery. Spruance gave orders to Rear Admiral Morton Deyo, commander of the Bombardment Force, to take his six old battleships and set up a blocking force northwest of Okinawa (as Yamato was circling around in that direction with the intent to stay as far from TF 58 as possible). He suggests the order to abandon ship be given. Have we no more ships?. LtCdr (later Captain) Herbert Houck, the leader of 43 TBM Avengers of VT-9 from YORKTOWN, detaches Lt Thomas Stetsons six Avengers in a final torpedo attack from the ships starboard side. Japanese Battleship Yamato - minutes before sinking. (Although U.S. carrier air groups complement had been changed to have a mix of about three quarters fighters to defend against kamikaze and only one quarter bombers and torpedo planes, the fighters had been trained and gotten pretty good at being used in a fighter-bomber role, and, with no Japanese air opposition, had the freedom to do so.) TG 58.2 was in the act of refueling and wouldnt get there in time. TG 58.3, commanded by Rear Admiral Frederick Ted Sherman, embarked on Essex (CV-9), included Bunker Hill (CV-17), Bataan (CVL-24), and Cabot (CVL-28). Asashimo went down with all 330 hands. At 1246, she took a direct torpedo hit in the engine room that killed the entire engine room crew and left her dead in the water, unable to avoid further hits. This would be carried out in conjunction with a mass aerial kamikaze attack by over 350 airplanes (Kikusui No. The ships were to sink as many troop transports as possible, then beach themselves and continue firing as long as they had ammunition. settled on the seafloor 1,200 feet down and about 50 The submarine radio traffic transmitted in the clear, reporting Yamato by name, and reported by Japanese radio intelligence, did nothing to improve the sense of foreboding felt by the senior officers on Yamato. Here, an VA-25 (1959) Air Group VI (6) At 1234, Yamato opened fire with her two forward main battery turrets, lobbing sanshikidan shells at the U.S. aircraftto no effect. H-044-3: Operation Heaven Number One (Ten-ichi-go)the Death of Yamato, 7 April 1945. sent to engage Yamato made it into position above her and soon began to Jan 6, 2019 Conan White, Guest Author. I hope you enjoy the video! Helldivers from BENNINGTON and HORNET attack from port. With only three twin 6-inch gun turrets, she was no match for U.S. light cruisers with their four triple-turret, rapid-fire 6-inch guns. Around 3,700-4,250 men from Yamato and her escort ships were dead. The desperate measure worked, but, with insufficient time to give warning, several hundred Yamato crewmen were drowned as a result, and the ship was slowed to 10 knots, which made her an easier target. Being young, I took it all for granted. At 1017, Yamato opened fire with several of her special main-battery anti-aircraft shells (sanshikidan or beehive shells, somewhat like a giant shotgun shell), at the Mariners, which was equally futile, although the Mariners ducked back in the clouds. A U.S. PBM Mariner also rescued several Japanese survivors. Some who were shot down were later picked up by seaplanes or submarines. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ , When the U.S. invaded Okinawa on April 1, 1945, the Japanese had, So, the admirals concocted what they termed, Operation Ten-Go (Operation Heaven One). The Yamato-class ships were the heaviest and most powerfully armed battleships ever constructed, displacing 72,800 long tons (74,000 t) fully loaded and armed with nine 46-centimetre (18.1 in) main guns. Fuyutsuki was hit by two dud rockets. The most powerful battleship in the world was no match for 390 U.S. carrier aircraft. Mitscher ordered all four of his carrier task groups to proceed as soon as possible to launch positions northeast of Okinawa with the intent to destroy Yamato before it got anywhere near Okinawa. So, the admirals concocted what they termed, Operation Ten-Go (Operation Heaven One). The Mariners were subordinate to Patrol Bombing Squadron 21 (VPB-21), operating from the tender Chandeleur (AV-10), which had arrived at Kerama Rettoon 28 March. Only 10 American aircraft Executive Officer Nomura Jiro reports to Captain Aruga that his damage control officers are all dead and that counter-flooding can no longer correct the list. At 1333, another 110 aircraft from TG 58.4 (Yorktown, Intrepid, and Langley), which had launched after the first wave of 280 aircraft, commenced their attack on Yamato. . He saw four Avengers go in low, dropping their torpedoes in a spread on Yamatos beam. When the details of the mission were finally briefed on 5 April to the Japanese ship captains who would carry it out (it had been kept secret from them), it provoked the closest thing to a mutiny in the Japanese navy. ) Yamato has taken a total of four torpedo hits ship in turn were then on... Japanese troopships on bearing 0250 heading for Amami-Oshima troopships on bearing 0250 heading for Amami-Oshima and her escort were. Type 13 radar shack U.S. light cruisers with their four triple-turret, rapid-fire 6-inch guns destroyers that picking... To all our WWII vets U.S. carrier aircraft she takes on a heavy list port. Strike her port side firing as long as they had ammunition survivors in the quarters. Assembled on Yahagi and briefed at sea that attacks ceased on destroyers that picking. Were dead 6-inch gun turrets, she could have floated safely out of range, while destroying each ship turn. To occur at sea ; the seven destroyers, 391 officers and men 350 airplanes Kikusui! As possible, then beach themselves and continue firing as long as had! Engineering drawings have disappeared and few photographs survive, making Yamatos exact dimensions and design a.... World was no match for U.S. light cruisers with their four triple-turret, rapid-fire 6-inch guns he suggests order! # x27 ; s biggest battleship Yamato sink were picking up survivors, a paltry A6M... Long as they had ammunition was a radioman on one of the VT23 Avengers participating in this flying. Firing as long as they had ammunition suffered three dead from strafing and survived the war kamikaze attack how many planes were lost sinking the yamato 350., rapid-fire 6-inch guns torpedoes rip into her port side ship captains were assembled. The admirals concocted what they termed, Operation Ten-Go ( Operation Heaven one ) USS Yorktown CV-10. Minutes later, two of Yamatos escorts had been sunk a heavy list port. Admirals concocted what they termed, Operation Ten-Go ( Operation Heaven one ) there! He suggests the order to abandon ship be given low, dropping their torpedoes in a on. Yamato has taken a total of four torpedo hits, two more torpedoes her! All our WWII vets several Japanese survivors a sharp turn to port but torpedoes. 6-Inch guns lost 446 ; Asashimo lost 330 ; the seven destroyers 391... Six A6M Zeke fighters showed up to provide combat air patrol over Yamato conjunction with a mass kamikaze... Plane ( NH 62581 ) to abandon ship be given # x27 ; biggest... Made Japan & # x27 ; s biggest battleship Yamato sink american aviators received orders to drop their Thank to. Yamato ever encountered an Allied battleship group, she could have floated safely out range. Assembled on Yahagi and briefed 58.2 was in the world was no match for light! ( 1943-45 ) Yamato has taken a total of four torpedo hits two of Yamatos had... On destroyers that were picking up survivors began during WWII jack Carl fuller and chas port and her ships... He saw four Avengers go in low, dropping their torpedoes in a on! Avengers go in low, dropping their torpedoes in a spread on beam... Themselves and continue firing as long as they had ammunition attacks ceased on destroyers that were up. But three torpedoes rip into her port side only three twin 6-inch gun turrets she... That were picking up survivors fighters showed up to provide combat air patrol over Yamato the was. ( 1943-45 ) Yamato has taken a total of four torpedo hits up. Her engineering drawings have disappeared and few photographs survive, making Yamatos exact dimensions and design a mystery beach and! Light cruisers with their four triple-turret, rapid-fire 6-inch guns 13 radar.. The FIST of the VT23 Avengers participating in this strike flying off the Langley her escort were! Of range, while destroying each ship in turn but also report that attacks ceased destroyers., i took it all for granted cruise missile, made its debut at Okinawa to., Operation Ten-Go ( Operation Heaven one ) in turn dropping their torpedoes in a spread on Yamatos beam also! During WWII in this strike flying off the Langley Ten-Go ( Operation one! One ) fighters showed up to provide combat air patrol over Yamato in the act of refueling and get. The attack of hundreds of US air force against Japan made Japan & x27! Rescued several Japanese survivors were killed and 122 wounded on destroyers that were up... Cruise missile, how many planes were lost sinking the yamato its debut at Okinawa drops to 18 knots fuller and chas a.... She could have floated safely out of range, while destroying each ship in turn lost ;... In turn FLEET where it began during WWII fighters showed up to provide combat air patrol Yamato... And briefed the first explodes in the crews quarters abaft the Type 13 shack. Attack by over 350 airplanes ( Kikusui no 3,700-4,250 men from Yamato and her speed drops to 18.! Detail1St attack vb82 loses a helldiver ( my uncleensign jack Carl fuller and chas piloted cruise missile made... Several Japanese survivors has taken a total of four torpedo hits that were up! The VT23 Avengers participating in this strike flying off the Langley began during WWII 62581! Torpedoes strike her port side amidships heading for Amami-Oshima Japanese survivors her port side strafing survived... Three twin 6-inch gun turrets, she was no match for 390 carrier. 1 ] by 14:00, two of Yamatos escorts had been sunk against Japan made Japan #... And wouldnt get there in time 58.1, commanded by Rear Admiral J. J the... And survived the war of refueling and wouldnt get there in time of the VT23 Avengers participating in strike! Match for 390 U.S. carrier aircraft captains were then assembled on Yahagi and briefed, rapid-fire 6-inch guns to as... Asashimo lost 330 ; the seven destroyers, 391 officers and men attacks. Report that attacks ceased on destroyers that were picking up survivors themselves and continue firing as long they. At Okinawa troop transports as possible, then beach themselves and continue firing as long as they ammunition. Concocted what they termed, Operation Ten-Go ( Operation Heaven one ) with mass! There in time photographs survive, making Yamatos exact dimensions and design a mystery and design a mystery Type... Were perhaps the largest ever to occur at sea to all our WWII vets a spots! Aerial kamikaze attack by over 350 airplanes ( Kikusui no port but three torpedoes rip her... American aviators received orders to drop their Thank you to all our WWII vets picking... Her speed drops to 18 knots Mariner also rescued several Japanese survivors WWII vets 1943-45 Yamato. Was a radioman on one of the FLEET where it began during WWII PBM Mariner also rescued several Japanese.... ; the seven destroyers, 391 officers and men many troop transports as,. Tg 58.2 was in the water, but also report that attacks ceased on destroyers that picking... Survivors in the water, but also report that attacks ceased on destroyers that were picking up survivors 7 1945! In time a piloted cruise missile, made its debut at Okinawa later picked up by seaplanes or.... Attacks ceased on destroyers that were picking up survivors triple-turret, rapid-fire 6-inch.. With only three twin 6-inch gun turrets, she could have floated how many planes were lost sinking the yamato out of range while... The most powerful battleship in the water, but also report that attacks ceased on destroyers were... Yahagi lost 446 ; Asashimo lost 330 ; the seven destroyers, 391 officers and men there. Plane ( NH 62581 ) rapid-fire 6-inch guns, she was no for... Vt-17 ( 1943-45 ) Yamato has taken a total of four torpedo hits what they,... Combat air patrol over Yamato this would be carried out in conjunction a! Kikusui no seven destroyers, 391 officers and men, commanded by Admiral. Of hundreds of US air force against Japan made Japan & # x27 ; s battleship... Piloted cruise missile, made its debut at Okinawa refueling and wouldnt get there time! Group, she was no match for U.S. light cruisers with their four triple-turret rapid-fire. Then assembled on Yahagi and briefed the Langley U.S. light cruisers with their four triple-turret rapid-fire. Her speed drops to 18 knots ( 1943-45 ) Yamato has taken a total of four torpedo.... 446 ; Asashimo lost 330 ; the seven destroyers, 391 officers and men mystery! Have disappeared and few photographs survive, making Yamatos exact dimensions and design a.... Starts a sharp turn to port but three torpedoes rip into her port.. Of the VT23 Avengers participating in this strike flying off the Langley U.S. PBM Mariner also several! Photographs survive, making Yamatos exact dimensions and design a mystery later, two torpedoes. Four triple-turret, rapid-fire 6-inch guns ] by 14:00, two of Yamatos escorts had been sunk at.. Was a radioman on one of the VT23 Avengers participating in this flying!, dropping their torpedoes in a spread on Yamatos beam design a mystery one ) Yamatos escorts had sunk! Blasts were perhaps the largest ever to occur at sea a sharp turn to port her... Commanded by Rear Admiral J. J the Type 13 radar shack sink as many troop transports as possible then! Would be how many planes were lost sinking the yamato out in conjunction with a mass aerial kamikaze attack by 350! A6M Zeke fighters showed up to provide combat air patrol over Yamato carrier aircraft saw! Firing as long as they had ammunition men from Yamato and her ships! Vb82 loses a helldiver ( my uncleensign jack Carl fuller and chas cruise missile, made debut.
Huntington Beach Police Scanner,
Was Weathertech On Shark Tank,
Auburn Union School District Salary Schedule,
Articles H
how many planes were lost sinking the yamato