*Japanese, WW2, Midget Submarines at Kure Naval Base 1946 – Original Photograph*
Original Photograph of WW2 Japanese Midget Submarines. This photograph originally formed part of the Lou Britton British Submarine Collection, which was acquired by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport in 2007.
Approximate Dimensions: 11.3cm x 9.5cm
Marked on the reverse: "Japanese midget submarines in dry dock at Kure Naval base. Feb 1946*
Midget submarines, typically under 150 tons and operated by small crews (1-9), were often launched and recovered from mother ships. The Type A Kō-hyōteki-class midget submarines played a key role in several World War II operations, including the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Sydney Harbour, and Diego Suarez Harbor. In Pearl Harbor, one submarine successfully fired a torpedo at the USS West Virginia in 1941. At Diego Suarez on 29 May 1942, two midget submarines fired torpedoes, damaging HMS Ramillies and sinking the British oil tanker British Loyalty.
The Kō-hyōteki class was later refined into improved versions: the Type B (Ha 45), a prototype for Type A upgrades; the Type C (Ha 62–76) with a larger crew and increased range; and the Type D (Kōryū class), which had a crew of five and a significantly improved range.
The Kure Naval District, a key area for the Imperial Japanese Navy, included the Hashirajima Anchoring Area. Located south of Hiroshima Bay, this area served as a staging point for fleet operations and helped ease congestion at Kure’s piers.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAOXAH_2342195338
