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Sokuten class auxiliary minelayer (1913)

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Succeeded by
  
Tsubame class

In commission
  
1911 – 1970

Built
  
? – 1921

Sokuten-class auxiliary minelayer (1913)

Name
  
Natsushima Sokuten class auxiliary minelayer

Builders
  
Kure Naval Arsenal Maizuru Naval Arsenal Uchida Zōsen Yokohama Iron Works Yokohama Dock Company

Operators
  
Imperial Japanese Navy Japan Maritime Safety Agency Republic of China Navy Soviet Navy People's Liberation Army Navy

The Sokuten class auxiliary minelayer (測天型敷設特務艇,, Sokuten-gata Fusetsu-Tokumutei) was a class of minelayers of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), serving during the 1910s and World War II. They were called the Sokuten class from their nameship. And, they were called Toshima class after the Sokuten retired. Also, by the book, the Natsushima was included to this class. This article handles the Natsushima and Sokuten class collectively, because they do not have a big difference. Their official class name was not mentioned in the IJN official documents.

Contents

Background

  • The IJN intended to update their mineboats for local guards.

    • Construction

  • In 1911, the IJN built the first experimental boat Natsushima (Natsushima Maru). The Natsushima attached importance to gun-fights. Therefore, she was equipped with two 3 inches Armstrong guns.
  • In 1913, the IJN built the second experimental boat Sokuten (Sokuten Maru No. 1). She was improved model of the Natsushima, and her equipments were almost the same as Natsushima.
  • The IJN adopted Sokuten's hull designs, and started productions.
  • Kuroshima, Kurokami and Kurosaki were equipped netlayer facilities. However, those armaments were not announced.

    • Service in the World War II

  • Natsushima was retired in 1927, and Sokuten was retired in 1936.
  • The other sisters participated to World War II, and 9 boats survived war.

    • References

    Sokuten-class auxiliary minelayer (1913) Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA


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