…of History
"To readers versed in the battle of Surigao Strait (25 October 1944), the story of the collision between the two Japanese cruisers MOGAMI and NACHI is a familiar one. However, it may come as a surprise (as it did to the author) to learn that the published historical record to date on the subject has been faulty, even inaccurate. This results in a distortion of the event that becomes noticeable when examined closely, but otherwise remains subtly hidden. To understand how this is so, and to appreciate the purpose of this article, it is best to begin with the story as it has been invariably rendered to date. For example, in S.E. Morison's LEYTE, Vol XII of the History of U.S. Naval Operations in W.W.II on page 233 appears the standard account. Flagship of Vadm Shima Kiyohide's Second Striking Force, the NACHI was rushing to the supposed aid of the ill-fated Nishimura section of Kurita's fleet when she sighted the blazing MOGAMI, one of the few survivors of Nishimura's force. Morison writes:
"Presently burning MOGAMI was encountered. Believing her to be dead in the water, Captain Kanooka of NACHI turned to course 110 to clear, but MOGAMI was actually moving slowly south and the two heavy cruisers collided at 0430. NACHI's stern was badly damaged, there was some flooding and her speed was reduced to 18 knots."
"They [NACHI's officers] ascertained that it [the burning cruiser sighted] was the MOGAMI, not dead, but moving very slowly southward. And as the attack proceeded, and the cruisers changed course to launch the torpedoes, [Admiral Shima] ordered right rudder, not knowing that the ship ahead was moving…..On came the Shima cruisers, at 26 knots,and on limped the MOGAMI directly into their line of approach.`We turned rudder full to starboard', said Commander Mori. But it was too late. The MOGAMI's bow crashed into the NACHI's port quarter at an angle of about 10 degrees. The ASHIGARA was luckier; she managed to evade by swinging to the outside, but the NACHI caught it squarely. The knifing bow of the MOGAMI sliced through the shell and into the anchor windlass room which flooded, and then into the steering room which began to flood. Bells and sirens screamed, and the NACHI's speed fell immediately to 18 knots."…"
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