Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:23:11-3:23:32

Japan's limited use of motor torpedo and gun boats

Japan possessed small coastal attack craft, but they rarely made a significant operational impression.

Coastal ForcesImperial Japanese NavyMotor Gun BoatsMotor Torpedo BoatsTribal Class Destroyers (1936)
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Question

How did Japan use motor torpedo boats and motor gun boats?

Short answer

It had them, but their wartime use was limited and generally unsuccessful.

Notes

The Imperial Japanese Navy fielded motor torpedo boats and motor gun boats, but they had little effect on the main course of the war. Their presence did not translate into a sustained or especially successful coastal campaign. Tribal-class destroyers caught Japanese small craft in some operations. Possessing a type did not ensure that it was integrated effectively into naval operations.