Data sent by CHARLES A. THOMPSON (519-1988) tells of the loss of the I.J.N. aircraft carrier TAIHO on 19 June, 1944.

Basic Ship Data:
Displacement 30,000 tons
Length 253 meters
Beam 28 meters
Draft not known
Speed more than 30 knots
Power not known
Aircraft approximately 100
Guns not known

Damage to and Circumstances of the Loss of the Ship

TAIHO was the flagship of the Japanese attack forces in the Pacific Ocean. On 19 June, 1944, during her first mission at sea (in a formation in the Philippine Islands), the aircraft carrier was attacked by an American submarine while launching aircraft.

(HARRY'S NOTE - she was hit by USS ALBACORE)

Fires which broke out in various compartments of the carrier as a result of a torpedo explosion, were successfully put out but six hours later, a strong internal explosion led to a great deal of destruction and the outbreak of new fires. Some time later, the carrier sank, but all except a few men were saved. Survivors stated that the internal explosion was caused by an accumulation of gasoline vapors resulting from damage to gasoline lines and tanks by the torpedo blast.

Conclusions:

TAIHO, an aircraft carrier of the newest construction, received serious damage to the hull as the result of the action of one torpedo launched from the submarine, but remained afloat.

The basic reason for the loss of this ship was an internal explosion which was caused by torpedo damage to the gasoline transfer and storage system.

The loss of the I.J.N. aircraft carrier SHOKAKU will be covered next month in KTB 110.