Sakura class 2nd class destroyers




Displacement605t normal, 830t full load
Length79.2m pp, 83.6m oa
Width7.3m
Draught2.2m
Machinery3-shaft recipro, 5 boilers, 9500ihp
Fuelcoal 228t, oil 30t
Speed30kt
Range2400nm by 15kt
Armament1-12cm/40cal gun, 4-8cm/40cal gun, 4-45cm TT (2x2)
Complement92



Name Plan Builder Laid down Launch Complete
SakuraFY1907Maizuru NYd1911.3.311911.12.201912. 5.21DD1912. 8.28 DD2
1932. 4. 1 disc
TachibanaFY1907Maizuru NYd1911. 4.291912. 1.271912. 6.25DD1912. 8.28 DD2
1932. 4. 1 disc


Sakuras were named after trees - Japanese second class destroyers were named after trees, flowers or grasses. Even though there was no class in Japanese destroyers when Sakuras were completed (monoclassed), Sakuras were the first destroyers named after tree, and later classified as second class destroyers.
Sakura means cherry, and Tachibana is a kind of wild orange. Sakura and Tachibana were not just names of tree, Sakura (cherry) was symbol of Navy, Tachibana (wild orange) was one of Army. In the ancient era of Japan (about 8-11th centuries), Sakura (cherry) tree is placed on the left hand, and Tachibana (wild orange) on right, at garden in front of ceremony hall building in the imperial palace. These trees were symbols of imperial guard forces, and later become symbols of imperial forces, Army and Navy.

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Copyright © Hiroshi Nishida (Misohito), 2003.