Japanese destroyer Miyuki explained

^[1] was the fourth of twenty-four s, built for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) following World War I. When introduced into service, these ships were the most powerful destroyers in the world.^[2] They served as first-line destroyers through the 1930s, and remained formidable weapons systems well into the Pacific War.

History

Construction of the advanced Fubuki-class destroyers was authorized as part of the IJN's expansion program from fiscal 1923, intended to give Japan a qualitative edge with the world's most modern ships.^[3] The Fubuki class had performance that was a quantum leap over previous destroyer designs, so much so that they were designated . The large size, powerful engines, high speed, large radius of action and unprecedented armament gave these destroyers the firepower similar to many light cruisers in other navies.^[4] Miyuki, built at the Uraga Dock Company was laid down on 30 April 1927, launched on 29 June 1928 and commissioned on 29 June 1929.^[5] Originally assigned hull designation “Destroyer No. 38”, she was completed as Miyuki.

Operational history

Miyuki was lost in a collision with the Japanese destroyer on 29 June 1934 in the Korea Strait, south of Cheju. (33°N 155°W) The number of casualties is not certain, but at least five crewmen perished in the accident. Miyuki was struck from the navy list on 15 August 1934.^[6]

Miyuki was the only modern Japanese destroyer that did not serve in World War II, and was the only Japanese destroyer lost in a collision with another Japanese destroyer.

References

• Book: Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946. Chesneau. Roger. Conway Maritime Press. Greenwich, UK. 1980. 0-85177-146-7.
• Book: Jentschura. Hansgeorg. Dieter . Jung. Peter . Mickel. 1977. Warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1869–1945. United States Naval Institute. Annapolis, Maryland. 0-87021-893-X. amp.
• Book: Nelson, Andrew N. . 1967 . Japanese–English Character Dictionary . Tuttle . 0-8048-0408-7 . registration .
• Book: Stille . Mark . Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919-45 (1): Minekaze to Shiratsuyu Classes . 2013 . Osprey Publishing . Botley, UK . 978-1-84908-984-5. New Vanguard. 198.
• Book: Whitley, M. J.. Destroyers of World War Two: An International Encyclopedia. Naval Institute Press. 1988. 0-87021-326-1 . Annapolis, Maryland . Michael J. Whitley.

Notes and References

1. Nelson. Japanese-English Character Dictionary. Page 558
2. Web site: Globalsecurity.org. IJN Fubuki class destroyers.
3. Fitzsimons, Illustrated Encyclopedia of 20th Century Weapons and Warfare p.1040
4. Peattie & Evans, Kaigun page 221-222.
5. Web site: Fubuki class 1st class destroyers . Nishidah . Hiroshi . 2002 . Materials of the Imperial Japanese Navy . 2009-03-01 . https://archive.today/20120711190830/http://homepage2.nifty.com/nishidah/e/stc0423.htm . 2012-07-11 . dead .
6. Web site: Fubuki class destroyers . Nishidah . Hiroshi . 2002 . Materials of the Imperial Japanese Navy . 2009-03-01 . https://archive.today/20120711190830/http://homepage2.nifty.com/nishidah/e/stc0423.htm . 2012-07-11 . dead .