World War II Database

Ryujo was laid down as an 8,000 ton carrier in 1929. When she was completed, it was discovered that her design was not capable to safely travel in the rough seas. In the mid-1930s and 1940 she was reconstructed to improve her sea-worthiness. Her construction was unique that her forecastle was built within the hangar structure, giving her a clean and streamlined look.

Ryujo's first WW2 service came in 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. When the Pacific War began, she was commanded by Captain Tadao Kato as the flagship of Carrier Division 4. She was constructed as a fleet carrier, but her relative small size prevented her from being used effectively as one, so her role was relegated to a supporting one alongside of other larger and more modern fleet carriers. In Dec 1941, she provided air support for the landings at Davao and Jolo. In Jan 1941 she supported operations in Malaya. In Feb 1942, she fought at the Battle of the Java Sea, assisting in sinking the American destroyer Pope. In Apr 1942 she also participated in the Japanese Navy's raid into the Indian Ocean; she launched aircraft against Cocanada and Vizagapatam in India. On 3 and 4 Jun 1942, she participated in Operation AL to attack and occupy the Aleutian Islands in the North Pacific.

In Aug 1942, Ryujo was sent as a bait for American air attacks while the main force attacked the American carriers; what resulted was the 24 Aug Battle of the Eastern Solomons. The bait Ryujo was overwhelmed and was eventually hit by several 1,000-lb bombs then subsequently one hit by aerial torpedo. She listed 20 degrees to port, then a moment later her engines stopped. Captain Kato ordered abandon ship at 1315. All but 120 of her crew were removed by the flagship cruiser Tone and destroyers Amatsukaze and Tokitsukaze; her aircraft were sent to Buka Island. At 2000 that day she sank under the waves. Only one American aircraft was lost during the attack on her.

Photographs

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