Histroy of Services:
1939
Hull laid down in Yokusuka.
June 1942
Battleship construction suspended, urgent reconstruction as carrier began.
November 1944
Photographed by B-29 while under trials in the Yokusuka harbour. Naval Staff decided to transfer SHINANO to Kure for final fitting out.
She carried suicide boats and "Ohka" suicide rocket bombs on the way to Kure. Escorted by destroyers ISOKAZE, HAMAKAZE and YUKIKAZE.
29 November 1944
Received 4 torpedoes hits on the starboard side by submarine USS Archerfish. Heavy starboard list developed, but she was able to continue her way. Eventually she went dead in water after the engine room was flooded because the damage control facilities in the form of pumps and watertight doors were incompleted. The flooding spreaded into engine room and empty petrol tanks as well. Two destroyers attempted to tow her, but the attempt failed. Eventually she rolled over and sank seven hours later. |
