JAPANESE FLEET

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 December 1941, Page 5

JAPANESE FLEET

AN ESTIMATE OF STRENGTH.

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 13.

The most recent information about the Japanese navy at the outbreak of war is that the first’ and second fleets, known together as the combined fleet, under the command of Admiral Yamamoto, probably included ten battleships, nine aircraft carriers, 28 cruisers (12 with eight-inch guns, six with sixinch guns), about 126 destroyers, 86 submarines and six seaplane carriers. In addition a small force in northern waters consists of a few destroyers, small craft', and another in the mandated islands consists of destroyers, small craft and submarines. The Japanese have no separate air force, and the naval air strength probably consists of about 1550 aircraft. Of these, about 500 are borne on carriers and other ships, and the remainder are at shore bases in Japan, Formosa, Indo-China, and mandated islands. The majority of naval air pilots are drawn from the lower deck, but officers are in command of the units. The Japanese have no marines, but all officers and seamen have training in land warfare.

Besides Admiral Yamamoto the most prominent commanders are Admiral Shimada, Minister of Marine, Admiral Nagano, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Admiral Koga, commanding the China fleet under Admiral Yamamoto,