Q&A · 21:38

Why gunfire supplemented Takao's scuttling

Six-inch gunfire was used to accelerate the sinking rather than wait for flooding alone.

Naval Damage Royal Navy Scuttling Takao Class Heavy Cruisers

Question

Why were Kingston valves and demolition charges not enough to scuttle Takao?

Short answer

They wanted the ship to sink quickly, so six-inch shells were used to enlarge existing damage and accelerate the process.

Notes

Time and certainty explain the extra shelling. Takao was already damaged and repairable in principle, but the force wanted it on the bottom quickly and did not want to remain alongside managing a slower scuttle. Gunfire worsened the existing damage and sped the sinking.