World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseDesigned as an enlarged cruiser, Tatsuta was a fast cruiser meant to lead destroyers into battle, providing heavier firepower. Along with the lead ship, the Tenryu-class light cruisers were also the first Japanese ships to be equipped with triple torpedo tubes, further hinting their role as destroyer leaders. For an extended period between 1927 and 1930 she underwent an extensive overhaul. After the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War in Jul 1937, she served off the Chinese coast in support of Japanese landing operations. In May 1938, she participated in the Battle of Amoy in Fujian, China, which deprived the Chinese the use of the port. In 1939 she received two 13-mm anti-aircraft mounts. Tatsuta participated in the opening chapters of the Pacific war by supporting the invasion of Wake Island in Dec 1941. In May 1942, she supported landing operations at New Guinea and Tulagi. In Jul 1942, she landed troops in Buna in eastern New Guinea. On 13 Mar 1944, she was sunk by American submarine Sand Lance off Hachijojima.

Light Cruiser Tatsuta Interactive Map

Photographs

Tatsuta Operational Timeline