Japanese Nagara-class (1921) Light Cruisers

The Nagara-class light cruiser was essentially a slightly modified version of the Kuma-class light cruiser. The main differences were found in the construction around the bridge, the bridge itself and the fire control. Although already outdated at the time of the Second World War, the ships were still used as flagships for squadrons of smaller vessels and were modernised several times. All six ships of the Nagara-class were lost during the Second World War.

Yura near Sasebo, February 1923. Source: Wilco Vermeer collection

The Nagara-class was developed according to a standard program for 5,500-ton light cruisers and was the second design in this series. In terms of dimensions and performance they were virtually identical to the previous Kuma-class, except that the Nagara-class was equipped with a larger torpedo launching facility for its new 610 mm Type 93 torpedoes. The hull, propulsion and standard armament were entirely the same as the Kuma-class. Of the standard 12 boilers, ten were designed for burning oil and two for a mixture of coal and oil.^[1]]^[2]

The main distinction of the Nagara-class ships from the previous Kuma-class was the configuration of the bridge, which now incorporated an aircraft hangar. Initially, a 10-meter platform was positioned above the forward gun turret No. 2, which was later replaced by a catapult. This arrangement proved to be impractical and during later modifications the catapult was transferred to a position aft, between the No. 5 and No. 6 gun turrets. The outline of the bridge could differ per ship in this class due to the variety of instruments used and the different localisation of instruments such as rangefinders, etc.^[3][4]

Kinu in 1937, still equipped with the original catapult on the aft deck. Source: Wilco Vermeer collection

The standard armament consisted of seven 14 cm/50 guns in individual turrets. Two positioned fore, three aft and one positioned on either side of the bridge. This meant that only six of the seven main guns could come into action in a broadside engagement. The anti-aircraft defence capacity was extremely modest and consisted of two 8 cm/40 anti-aircraft guns and two 6.5 mm machine guns. The number of anti-aircraft guns would therefore be increased in the course of time.^[5]

Initially, three ships were ordered, namely the Nagara, Isuzu and Natori. Because they differed only slightly from the Kuma-class, the ships were at first referred to as the ‘modified Kuma-class’ or also ‘5500-ton class Type II’. However, they were soon designated as the Nagara-class and three more ships were ordered in late 1920, initially to be named Suzuka, Otonase and Minase. However, in November 1921 these ships were given their final names, Yura, Kinu and Abakuma.

A Kawanishi E7K 2 aircraft could be launched with the catapult. The small cruisers were actually already outdated at the start of the Second World War. They were already unsuitable for their original task, and most were therefore used as flagships for cruiser, destroyer or submarine squadrons.

Isuzu, after her conversion into an anti-aircraft cruiser, September 1944. Source: Wilco Vermeer collection

Initially, all ships of this class were to receive new torpedo launchers for the Type 93 torpedoes, but due to shortages, only the Abakuma had them installed. In order not to exceed the maximum weight during the necessary modifications, the catapults were removed during the Second World War. The gun turrets No. 5 and no. 7 were replaced by double-barrelled 12.7 cm/40 Type 89 guns and the anti-aircraft defence was expanded with single-barrelled and triple-barrelled Type 96 25 mm anti-aircraft guns and, where space allowed for it, 13 mm machine guns. Around 1943-1944 there were five ships left, all of which were equipped with radar. By the end of the Second World War, all ships had been lost.

Notes

1. Gray, 1984, pag. 238
2. Stille, 2012, pag. 20
3. Gray, 1984, pag. 238
4. Stille, 2012, pag. 20
5. Stille, 2012, pag. 21