Introduction

The effectiveness of torpedo hits on ships, especially battleships and carriers, during WWII was a key factor in naval warfare. The ability to withstand multiple hits varied greatly depending on the specific ship and the type of torpedo used.

Variable Torpedo Damage

The impact of a torpedo hit on a ship depended on the torpedo and the ship in question. The effectiveness of torpedoes varied widely, with some being significantly more powerful than others. For instance, the Japanese Long Lance submarine torpedo was renowned for its destructive capabilities, making it a highly feared weapon.

US Navy Mk XIV Torpedo

The US Navy's Mk XIV submarine torpedo, despite having flaws, became a highly effective weapon once its issues were addressed. Nevertheless, multiple hits on a large target were often necessary to inflict significant damage. The Mk XIV's advanced design, combined with its powerful warhead, made it a formidable weapon in the hands of skilled operators.

British and German Torpedoes

The British and German torpedoes were also effective. However, the Japanese Long Lance was undisputedly the champion, with its long range, high speed, and heavy warhead. This made it the most devastating torpedo of the war, capable of causing extensive damage to even heavily armored ships.

Damage Assessment and Survival

Survival post-torpedo hit was determined by the ability to isolate and seal damaged compartments. US capital ships, such as carriers and battleships, were designed with multiple small compartments that could be sealed in case of a hit, preventing a single torpedo from causing catastrophic damage. However, sufficient hits could overwhelm such systems, leading to a ship's destruction.

Historical Case Studies

One of the most infamous examples of torpedo damage to a battleship occurred during the Guadalcanal campaign. US cruisers like the Los Angeles class suffered extensive damage, with some losing entire bows or critical turrets after being hit by a single torpedo. Pre-war treaty cruisers were more susceptible to extensive damage, while the later Baltimore class had better protection and survived multiple hits.

Surface-Launched Torpedoes

Surface-launched torpedoes from other navies were also lethal but not as destructive as the Long Lance. Submarine-launched torpedoes, on the other hand, were particularly effective. Air-dropped torpedoes, due to their smaller size and lower payload, were less potent but still capable of causing significant damage.

Big Ships, Long Hits

To sink large ships, a significant amount of water needs to be let in. This was evident in the sinking of battleships and carriers at sea. For instance, the hits from Washington's 16-inch shells on the Kirishima below the waterline led to her eventual capsizing and sinking. Such hits not only drove deep into the ship but also decimated watertight integrity and machinery spaces.

Notable Losses

Notable losses due to torpedo hits include the Prince of Wales, Repulse, Barham, Royal Oak, Yamato, Musashi, and Hiei. Additionally, the Hood likely suffered a hit below the waterline from the Bismarck in the wave trough, essentially replicating a torpedo hit. In Guadalcanal, numerous US cruisers and destroyers were lost to torpedo hits. Every US fleet carrier sunk was due to torpedo hits, with the Taiho and Shinano succumbing to similar torpedoes from submarines.

Operational Context

The IJN's loss of carriers at Midway was due to an unusual set of circumstances, with the carriers having fully fuelled aircraft on deck and in the hangars. The resulting explosions, while devastating, likely could not have been replicated by enemy bombing or torpedo attacks from aircraft alone.