IJN DESTROYER TERUZUKI (WL 427)

Teruzuki was a Japanese destroyer whose keel was laid in 1940, launched in November 1941, and commissioned in the Imperial Japanese Navy in August 1942. The length of the ship at the time of launching was 134.2 m, width 11.6 m, and the actual full displacement - 3,700 tons. Destroyer Teruzuki's maximum speed was up to 33 knots. The main armament at the time of the launch was 8 100 mm guns in four twin turrets, and the secondary armament was 4 25 mm cannons, depth charge launchers and four 610 mm torpedo tubes. Teruzuki was the second Akizuki class destroyer. Destroyers of this type were designed as anti-aircraft destroyers, intended to protect high-speed Japanese aircraft carriers, which resulted in the arming with 100 mm universal artillery and weak - by Japanese standards - torpedo armament. Initially, 55 ships of this type were planned to be launched, but due to problems with the supply of raw materials, only 12 Akizuki-class destroyers entered service. However, they received very positive reviews due to their long range, high speed, good stability and sea prowess. They were considered to be one of the best destroyers of World War II. Teruzuki (side number 105) immediately after entering service was assigned to fight in the Guadalcanal area. There, in October 1942, he took part in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. He fought in this area until December this year, being part of the so-called Tokyo Express. Teruzuki was sunk by the American PT-37 and PT-40 torpedo boats on the night of December 11-12, 1942.