Shōkaku and Cavalla, a Confrontation of the WWII Pacific Theater

In June 1944, one of the largest, most modern and most important ships in the Imperial Japanese Navy, Shōkaku, encountered a US submarine, Cavalla, out on its first patrol. The History Guy remembers a WWII confrontation in the Pacific Theater. It is history that deserves to be remembered.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
This episode covers a period of conflict. All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Script by THG
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[@BradRange]

I think it’s often under appreciated how damaging the loss of experienced crew was to the Japanese war effort. Ships and planes can be replaced but those well trained and battle tested to operate them are not

[@mkvv5687]

Yes, I was reflecting on that also. A similar analysis is made for after Midway, also. I'm not sure how much the US really knew at the time as to how degraded the Japanese were. For sure Halsey didn't think they were degraded when he went on "Bull's Run" (a Japanese feint using the carriers).

[@kyleparrish2026]

This is something I'm seeing more and more recently, and it's encouraging. As Omar Bradley said, "amateurs talk tactics, while professionals talk logistics." And it appears that our historians are heeding his wisdom.

[@dnphoto]

As a former submariner, it's nice to see the Silent Service get credit for the role it played in the Pacific Theater. Bravo Zulu!

[@ollietsb1704]

If the Navy Brass had understood their stupidity doomed good torpedoes for the first 3 years (until the Brass pulled their heads out of their *****), the American sub warfare would been even more effective. Of course, the American surface leadership refused to believe the Japanese torpedo superiority which doomed EVERY American cruiser and so many more ship. H. L. Willmott points out "that every American cruiser was sunk or damaged in the Pacific theater" and most by li'l torpedoes that traveled so much faster and so much further. And surviving Americans were never believed back at Pearl. This was very much a war pitting American idiocy vs. Japanese idiocy... which was, fortunately for all, much worse.

[@andrewdewit4711]

Good for you, from a Canadian permanent resident of Japan

[@balancedactguy]

@@ollietsb1704 Amazing the US possessed the resources to make the First Atomic Weapons, but made 4th Rate torpedos!

[@robertstack2144]

Yes the sub service needs to be given the credit for the Battle of the Phillapine Sea....especially Cavalla

[@brucepkelly2000]

I regularly see the Cavalla at Seawolf Park as I pass it on the Galveston-Bolivar ferry. Wasn’t aware of its significance. Will salute it hereafter!

[@RINGMASTER75]

Wow, been there when I was a kid. Didnt know the significance either! I'm gonna have to plan a trip now!

[@jimtalbott9535]

@colin minhinnick Don't forget about HMS Warrior (heavily rebuilt though it is).

[@jimtalbott9535]

Don't just salute - go pay it a visit - museum organizations depend on paying visitors and donors to perform much-needed maintenance.

[@brucepkelly2000]

Good point, Jim. I live in the area and visited it a while back. I’ve served on a museum board and understand sustainability. Will send a donation.

[@berrytharp1334]

@@brucepkelly2000 Message this info to The History Guy and he may pin the link to the ship's preservation foundation.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

There are no known photos of the sinking of the Shōkaku. The photos in the episode show damage to the Shōkaku and Zuikaku in previous battles, as well as other aircraft carriers.

[@fire304]

Amazing story! Thank you!

[@markwhite1780]

mac please don't holler at The History Guy because using CAPITAL LETTERS means just that mister....

[@saintchuck9857]

@@John77Doe what exactly is midleading?

[@lordgarion514]

I think you're the first history show I've seen, that's used footage from different battles and actually let it be known that you did, and why.

[@chrishein2074]

Love your videos. Have you thought of doing a video on JFK's 1st assassination attempt that took place in Charleston SC before he became a PT Captain.

[@minkymott]

I love this video. Instead of just saying "They fired a torpedo at the Shokaku" you went into detail how that actually works. Thank you so much.

[@mastersplintersdaddy5640]

As a former submariner, who served on a boat named after a WWII boat, two thumbs up for this story. Great content as always. Proof that there are only two types of warships: submarines and targets...

[@dickfitswell3437]

Spoken like a true Submariner! Thanks for your service! My buddy was a Sub Officer in the Navy. I always gave him shi+ for being in the Navy as Im a Marine but it was all in fun. Both branches are the best the World has to offer!

[@clearingbaffles]

David Shipman Robert E Lee (75-77) and Guitarro (77-79) for me Thanx

[@clearingbaffles]

Ambrose Burnside helps when I have MRI’s about the same size as my bunk lots of air conditioning and noises just like on the boat 💤 We lost 52 boats and thousands of my brothers I met Admiral O’Kane at Mare Island when we were in overhaul on Robert E Lee

[@mastersplintersdaddy5640]

@@clearingbaffles Nice coincidence, I was on the Gut-fish from 72 to 75. The WWII boat was also the USS Guitarro SS 363, another of the Gato - class submarines. I happened to be be staying at a hotel in Manitowoc, WI, and next door was a submarine museum. Turned out the WWII Guitarro was built at a shipyard in Manitowoc, right on Lake Michigan.

[@TreeTop1947]

@Jon Doe I'll have you know that the United States Marine Corps comprises the upper 10% of the Dept. of the Navy! At least, that's what our Drill Instructor told us at MCRD, San Diego in April of 1968. :-) Semper Fi, TreeTop

[@davidrees1279]

A brief but detailed description of the sinking of the Shokaku by the U.S.S. Cavalla. I first learned of this engagement in an old Computer Game Simulation called Silent Service back in the 1980's. The Gamer was given the opportunity to re-enact this very engagement. You present these clips very well and articulately. I shall be watching more.

[@umberct]

Wow! You are what the History Channel used to be, so long ago. Great story teller. Thank you.

[@stephenz2822]

Yeah the History Channel rarely shows any cool stuff like this anymore like they used to

[@stephenz2822]

@NPCs U Can’t Laugh _____ Bahahaha I'm 98 and still kicking!

[@jwrn4u]

Correct, I miss the history channel, may she rest in peace.

[@dirgeslatki3637]

@@stephenz2822 yeah...what on earth happened to the history channel?? It's pretty poor now.

[@gmosphere]

@@dirgeslatki3637 they went from Hitler to Hillbillies

[@DeathAngelHRA]

Never too early in the morning to learn something new....or old!

[@benderrodriguez142]

Is that a Steve reference? Nice!

[@ThePhoenix198]

@@benderrodriguez142Nice hiss!

[@propellhatt]

USS Cavallo: let s get that carrier onto a tray.. Nice!

[@johnnycheung5824]

I love this video. Instead of just saying "They fired a torpedo at the Shokaku" you went into detail how that actually works. Thank you so much.

[@michaelcuff5780]

Those men in those subs have balls of steel! I could not take a pounding like that in a sub . No way!

[@brendanquinlan5936]

Our lives pale into insignificance when we hear about what these men did and under such difficult circumstances. Bless them all

[@Bardin7094]

I’m a history buff mostly ww2 and ww1. Since joining your channel days ago I realize how much wider I can cast my net beyond the rehashed history I’ve read over and over. Thanks for the work you do. And thanks for finding and providing stories not often heard.

[@richardcoggins739]

I've toured the USS Cavalla several times at Seawolf park along with the USS Stewart a WW II destroyer escort that is also on permanent display next to the Cavalla. It is a wonderful educational experience of our past naval history. If you are in the area you can also visit the Battleship Texas BB35 the last dreadnought class battleship surviving from WW I in the world. It is located at the San Jacinto Battleground not far from Galveston Island.

[@williestyle35]

I hope they can stabilize and preserve the Texas soon.

[@webbtrekker534]

I have also toured Cavalla a number of times and even worked on several work parties helping maintain her. The hurricane a few years ago actually had her floating again for a short while. She had been buried in a trench when made into a museum ship. She now sits higher.

[@ShadrachVS1]

The Texas is closed to tours until She goes to Alabama for repairs, which won't happen until her next berth is decided. I know many want her back at San Jacinto, but an actual Dry Berthing like what could be done in Galveston would be a better place in the long term.

[@dangooch5267]

@@williestyle35 They aught to issue a Texas Lottery ticket to raise money, even I would buy one!

[@dangooch5267]

@@ShadrachVS1 I took the Hard Hat tour some years ago with a friend who was ex navy. It was interesting, but you could see much that needed work.

[@derweibhai]

My Grandfather was a tailgunner in a Dauntless on the USS Enterprise CV6N at this time in the war. That generation was full of true heros. They would be disgusted with the current state of the country they fought so valiantly to protect.

[@jnstonbely5215]

Herbert Norkus You couldn’t have said it any better HN I night propose a Mandatory 12 month enlistment in the military for EVERY age 18 male * After 12 months they’d get discounted enrollment in State & City colleges for a 2 year degree , or for 4 years of they remained in the military for 18 months , anf Job Placement including Federal & State job placement provided they had conducted themselves for a Good Soldier Standard. ...Just trying to get these pajama clad, slipper wearing kids out of their parents basements and to see the Real World as it is and become Men . * oh yes : also to apply to females if they choose to join the program .

[@LaGuerre19]

I agree. Could you imagine we'd ever have a "president" that would say that there are some good people on the side of the Nazis? Unreal. Death to nazis, death to nationalism and nationalists. That was how it was in WW2 and ever should be. What a shame. Ask not what your country can do for you, right?

[@jkorshak]

@@jnstonbely5215 The real world isn't mandatory enlistment. You're literally proposing changing the world to get some straw man (lazy young people) to change what you think is their perspective (which leads them to wear pajamas and slippers in some basement wherever.) You're advocating a change in culture and society so these caricatures will then see things as they are - while you change what it is. Not arguing the merits of such a vast series of programs - it's like a clumsy GI Bill or GI Bill lite with the added result of spending a significant amount of money on basic then specialist training over that year or eighteen months only to watch that investment slip away after a year, because they can and might have no interest or ability in a military career. Then there's the public money which will cover the discount millions in discount enrollments. Then preferential(?) job placement, presumably after undergoing some method of review to measure the good soldier against some ambiguous and not quite codified standard. And all that because of cultural angst over the deadbeat young people straw man. Public money, and a lot of it, to push a cultural agenda addressing lazy young people, basically. Serious socialism.

[@allgrainbrewer10]

LaGuerre19 He didn’t say that. Turn off CNN, listen to the whole statement, and start thinking for yourself. Death to nationalism? Sounds like you are just spouting talking points. Nationalism is loving the Nation you are in. It doesn’t mean you hate any other nation. Quit projecting your hatred and bigotry on everyone you disagree with.

[@jnstonbely5215]

Jerry K. You’ve offered a very good rebuttal JK. I agree the last thing we need is yet another ‘free money government giveaway’ program, which costs the American Taxpayer even more, and might do little if anything to solve a problem. I was no fan of the last administration of eight Long years,; so I realize my idea of motivating young men does sounds like something it would have hatched , if it in fact cared about the future of young men or our country. But looking at the situation of a good percentage of these young men who are going to wake up sone day in their mid- 30’s or 40’s with nothing to show, no skills, experience or career got me thinking that an investment in their future is an investment in America’s future too, no ? And anything which Mr Trump or Congressional members of either party might propose to put something on the table ; I’d be interested in looking at. Or we can just leave the situation alone , and see what if any good that does, yes ?

[@sarjim4381]

The Cavalla was one of the first WWII submarines to have a periscope mounted version of the SJ radar. This allowed Cavalla to only have the periscope above the sea surface about 20 seconds before finding an accurate fix on the Shokaku. It was able to enter the fix data in the TDC and have a more accurate fire control solution that in earlier subs. Because the position of the Shokaku was so accurately fixed by radar before the torpedoes were fired, Captain Kossler was able to use the radar again when he searched for the Shokaku. When the ship was nowhere to be seen in any of the predicted ranges from the radar, he could be fairly confident the carrier had actually sunk. It was the first time in the war that a submarine wasn't solely dependent on visual ranging through the periscope to find and sink a ship. Later improvements allowed the radar to work as far as 3 meters below the surface so there was no need to have the periscope break the surface and leave a distinctive "feather" behind.

[@phil4826]

Radar can work from underwater? That's pretty amazing.

[@sarjim4381]

@@phil4826 Yes, it was even more amazing in 1945. It obviously didn't have anywhere near the range compared to being six feet above water but, by manually focusing the SJ radar screen and increasing the output power, it could search about 15 degrees for about two miles at six feet below the surface. Once a target had been spotted with the periscope radar, the separate SJ was able to track it as long as the target was within that two mile range. Obviously a pretty handy thing compared to having to constantly raising the periscope and expose your position. Since the SJ was centimetric radar, the frequency was far above any kind of detector the Japanese had until about a month before the end of the war. Because of that, our subs had no fear of being detected by the radar emissions. The Japanese had the technical ability to develop more advanced radar and sonar. The constant infighting with the army over who would develop what kind of technology plus the IJNs seeming inability to understand why such technology was necessary doomed the Japanese fleet. [Edited for my usual typos and grammatical errors]

[@skipmaloney178]

I passed this on to an old friend who's dad served on the Cavalla.

[@vf12497439]

When you said so many fell down the deck into the fire I had to stop myself and remember those men were people like me following orders and doing as they felt was their duty to country. So many young lives during WW2 from all sides. It's hard to imagine all of the talent, ideas, and invention lost because of that awful war.

[@mkvv5687]

Yeah, that got to me too.

[@todd4866]

Really . Well did you throw babies into the air and bayonet them ? Did you rape women and little girls and then bayonet them . Did you starve POWs and torture march them until the died . etc,etc,etc . They where nothing like us . They where nothing like you . They where animals that needed to be destroyed .

[@garywagner2466]

I’d prefer to think about the young Americans who died horribly at Pearl Harbor before war had been declared. Or the prisoners of war who were cruelly treated by their Japanese captors.

[@vf12497439]

@@garywagner2466 oh absolutely, I just know not every 15 year old Jap was evil but they died just the same like our kids did. War sucks.

[@johngalt3568]

Great vignette sir. Thanks for the technical explanation of the torpedo aiming system. The Navy did such a mighty work in the Pacific in WWII.

[@andyZ3500s]

I really enjoyed the explanation of the guidance system also.

[@johngalt3568]

I think it amazing that there were such devices prior to digitization. In our modern hubris we laud systems we use today with total ignorance of ingenious devices used before the advent of GPS and digital targeting systems. The USAAF K-14 gunsight, the Bendix remote control turrets in the B-29 and so many other examples innovation demonstrate that dire necessity is indeed the mother of ingenious invention.

[@phil4826]

@@johngalt3568 . The B-29 gun control system was truly amazing. History Guy should do an episode.

[@johngalt3568]

I think the K-14 lead computing gun sight was amazing too. How it did what it did before solid-state, digitization, integrated radar ranging, etc, I have no idea.

[@ut000bs]

@@johngalt3568 We went to the moon using computers that make our smartphones look like supercomputers.

[@joephelan5427]

As a former Submariner I really appreciated this article. The US Submarine force stood out during the second World War with the highest casualty rate of any branch yet (while only making up 2% of the Navy) sunk more tonnage than all naval action. There are only two types of ships in the Navy, Submarines and targets!

[@douglasjackson5007]

Excellent story. Thanks for this one. My father served aboard LSM139 which, along with sister LSM138, earned 5 Battle Stars. I'd love to see you 'remember' the role the Landing Ship Medium played in the conflict.

[@canberradogfarts]

Four words, "Run Silent, Run Deep."

[@canberradogfarts]

"Take me down, to one hundred feet."

[@Hunpecked]

I first read about Shokaku and Cavalla in the book "Submarine", written by the author of "Run Silent, Run Deep", Edward L Beach Jr. My paperback copy of "Submarine", purchased in the 1950s, is tattered but still readable. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_L._Beach_Jr.

[@ElGato-uo8vf]

Dive ! Dive!

[@lonnarheaj]

Thank you for sharing this! My Father in Law served inside the conning tower on a sub during the last few months of WWII, and after. Visiting the Cavalla is something we try to do on every trip to Galveston. Knowing more of the history of the submarine helps bring it even closer to home. Thank you!

[@donb7113]

Your recognition of minor vessels vs fleet carriers and battleships is appreciated. My uncle was a submariner, though I do not know which submarine he served aboard. Without the submarines we had in the pacific, the war would have been much longer, and much different. I suggest you do a episode on the sinking of the Japanese prisoner ship the Shino Maru. Me best friends uncle was a prisoner onboard the freighter turned “Hell Ship,” and died when a US sub sank her.

[@jamescorbello6658]

I was able to go to Galveston and visited the Cavalla. I really enjoyed my walk thru the submarine with pictures and it's story. It peaked my interest and I did a lot of research, including shows Silent Service and your program on the Cavalla. Thank you for your programs! I have really enjoyed your shows on history.

[@shawngilliland243]

What a superbly executed attack! Truly history that deserves to be remembered; thank you, History Guy.

[@dickfitswell3437]

I live 25 mins from Seawolf Park. I go flounder fishing there often (wading) and have seen the Cavalla. Never knew this History. What an amazing Submarine. Thanks for making this video. I know the Cavalla is open & you can do a tour. They also have 1 of only 3 Destroyer escorts..The USS Stewart on Display. The remains of the tanker S.S. Selma, the largest concrete ship constructed, can be seen at Seawolf Park. They have a popular fishing pier. Ive never fished from it cause I dont pot lick. Cool video!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I was just there again last month. The pictures inside are all original. You can look through the periscope.

[@adalai7649]

Excellent episode. Thank you. I am amazed at how much I have learned from your channel. I love history as an adult but hated it as a kid because of the way if was taught. So now, at age 69, I'm catching up!🙂

[@b.santos8804]

Having an excellent teacher(s) in a particular subject very often dictates whether someone will love or hate a thing, whether it is history, athletics, math, English literature, music, or just about anything. I had excellent history teachers and so have had a lifelong love of history, and particularly military history. I could watch THG and other similar channels all day long!

[@roberthogan5457]

I would like to hear something about the coast Guard and what they did along the Mississippi River during ww2. Robert

[@michaelskidmore5086]

I would love to see an episode on the us submarine Archerfish vs the Shinano the biggest Japanese aircraft carrier of ww2

[@BHuang92]

And to date, the largest vessel ever sunk by a submarine.

[@jamesricker3997]

The Shinano was heading to another port to complete its construction. The watertight doors weren't installed yet

[@josephvalvano829]

@James Ricker Was the Shinano, the carrier conversion of the final Yamato hull?

[@baltsosser]

@@josephvalvano829 Not the final, as there were to have been 5 in that class, but it was a carrier converted from that hull design. The massive losses the Japanese took in the carrier class of their ships forced them to adapt the hull to use as a carrier. That had a poor outcome for them as well.

[@GrahamCStrouse]

Joseph Valvano Yup!

[@servico100]

USN, naval aviation, WW2 Pacific. A long ball out of the park. Thank you, Sir.

[@grahamlait1969]

Why does History deserve to be remembered?... Because those who forget it condemn themselves to repeating it.

[@timmbentley451]

I especially enjoy the follow up on key figures in the episode.

[@woodyjade9097]

I really enjoyed this snippet!!! I never miss The History Guy show!!!

[@jansultan4850]

That was a real exciting episode. Thanks for your fine story telling.

[@donfelipe7510]

An interesting fact about Shokaku and Zuikaku her sister ship. Shokaku had the ship's "island" containing the bridge and control room on the starboard side of the ship which is standard to this day in aircraft carrier design. Zuikaku on the other hand had these installations on the port side of the ship, rather unorthodox. The reason for this was that Shokaku and Zuikaku were intended to operate together in a single battle group and the flight pattern of their aircraft were supposed to be opposite to one another to avoid collisions of aircraft in mid-air. An interesting idea that to my knowledge did not work well in practise. Aircraft with propellers suddenly applying power in an emergency "wave off" are usually dragged to the port side by the torque of their engine. In the case of Zuikaku, aircraft would potentially fly straight into the unusually placed "island" structure rather than over the clear side of the ship as in most cases.

[@drewdederer8965]

Shokaku and Zuikaku both had "standard" starboard islands. The Japanese had given up the experiment by the time they were built. Akagi and Hiryu were the port island carriers (and "twins" of Kaga and Soryu).

[@donfelipe7510]

@@drewdederer8965 Ah right well fair enough I must have gotten mixed up with my Japanese carriers since I thought it was these two. It seemed relevant to the discussion however I'm aware that both Kaga and Soryu were both sunk at Midway.

[@kossguitar]

my grandfather's boat... Pretty damn cool..

[@db4858]

Adam, D Blanchard, Grandson JW Blanchard, [e-mail]

[@webbtrekker534]

About 15 to 20 years ago I volunteered at a number of weekend work parties held aboard Cavalla. As she is seen today shows some of her post WW II modifications. One being the huge modified Sonar bow that necessitated the removal of the top 2 torpedo tubes in the bow, tube 1 and 2. Tubes 3 and 4 are shown in the video. Tubes 5 and 6 are under the deck and not seen but if you visit you can see them when you look down. I've also volunteered aboard Torsk in Baltimore Harbor for their work weekends in the past.

[@hazchemel]

Thanks Sir, Good to see you doing your thing so well. J. Ford Wagga Wagga, Australia

[@mcuddy799]

This was excellent. As a footnote I was surprised to learn that Shokaku meant ‘soaring crane.’ I had always thought it was named after one of the Japanese home islands, the one called Shikoku.

[@davidorth4906]

My grandfather was a machine Gunner in WW1. He came to America from Austria. Good story about the .50 water cooled machine gun.

[@charlesbaxter3302]

Although my degrees are in electrical engineering and physics, I absolutely love history! I have no particular questions for you but I'm sure some will arise, thank you for your efforts in educating those of us who are ignorant of our own history.

[@graybeardproductions2597]

There’s a “silent service “ episode about this. Good watch

[@markdavis2475]

Thanks for another great episode. The losses of men and material, on both sides, in the Pacific theatre was staggeringly high.

[@philgiglio7922]

The Kreigsmarine's submarine losses were about 75%, both in boats and crew, including Donetz's own son! US losses were iirc 57 boats and about 4000 Kia. That's about 20% of the total of 263 built. The Germans build more than 1100 and loose 760 or so. Yes, losses were high in the Pacific... fanaticism leads to massive casualties, both civilian and military .

[@davidncw4613]

Another outstanding presentation. If young folks could be exposed to your work I think many would discover the relevance of history.

[@williamjohnson4475]

The U.S. Submarine Veterans Salute you Sir. I and we would like to see more on the WWII Subs and the Subs that are still out there keeping America safe this very day.

[@englishinba]

I've been on lots of submarines but never underway, as I was a diver stationed in Groton, Connecticut doing Submarine Escape Training. Takes a lot of guts doing what you guys do.

[@williamjohnson4475]

@@englishinba I went thru Escape Training in Groton in early 1977. It was about the most scary thing I went thru in training. I was amazed at the divers in the tank. I remember that if you did not do it right that the Diver would beat the crap out of you if you held your breath. Didn't happen to me,I did it right. Thank you for your Service Brother.

[@englishinba]

@@williamjohnson4475 I was there from 92-94. We weren't using the tower anymore but escape hatches on the side of a pool. It was only about 3 feet to the surface but almost every class of 25 would have one guy freak out. I'd jump in, approach from behind, pull them to side of pool, open their hood and get them air while I calmed them down. It sucked because it meant they couldn't be a submariner if they failed, and very few who failed the first time were able to pass a second try. Speaking of getting crap beat out of you by divers, I took plenty of kidney punches to knock the air out of me while underwater during "pool week" in dive school. I probably drank a gallon of pool water that week. No exaggeration. Thank you for your service, as well.

[@Otswartz]

@@williamjohnson4475 I went through the tank in Pearl in '67. It didn't seem like a big deal to me but I do remember a few guys having trouble with it. ........ "blowing and going."

[@williamtarpley4025]

Check out silent service on yt

[@euie48]

I love these episodes on little known happenings during WW2... please keep them coming... your site is FABULOUS! Thank you

[@goofyiest]

My first submarine was USS Cavalla, SSN684, not SS244. How about the Shinano story? Great episode!

[@thomashoward9806]

I went out on the Cavalla in 1963 for 8 hrs.as it was a school boat at New London where I was stationed as a hospital corpsman. 16 dives fired water slugs and two torpedos. The Captain gave me the run of the boat. Listened to sonar, looked thru periscope as we dove, only time I was uncomfortable is when the boat was periscope depth, they used the snorkel and I happened to be in the engine room. Ears,ears,ears. 12 ft. Seas snorkel was a killer. Enjoyed it immensely. Lunch was great too. Ha.

[@CallieMasters5000]

I drive by the Cavalla every day here in Gaveston but never knew all these details. No wonder it's a museum now, along with other ships and a rig here.

[@solus48]

Can you do an episode on the Battle off Samar and the story of Taffy 3? I know its well known to naval buffs, but it is courageous history that deserves to be remembered.

[@6aNapoleon]

Although I'm well aware of that aspect of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, I would like to see that also. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I served with a Senior CPO who had survived the sinking of USS Gambier Bay. I only found out about it years after I left the Navy, when I came across his name while reading "Men of the Gambier Bay," by noted Naval historian Edwin P. Hoyt.

[@MW-eb1qh]

An old friend of mine was on USS Haggard in Taffy 2 during that time. He's mid 90s now and almost deaf. His son told me his dad was on Haggard. I wish I'd known 20 years sooner so I could have gotten some of his memories of it.

[@donaldwyant3483]

In the early 80's I knew a survivor that was on the USS Indiana, when she went down..told me all first hand accounts on what happen when she went down, and then the saga of the sea...it opened my eyes...it's one thing to see news clips and read about it...its another thing to actually to talk to a survivor and see his view on the things going on around him, and what's going on, in his head & heart at the time.....Thanks! once again.

[@jameshickok2349]

That's why I love to talk to veterans, you see a whole different picture than the sanitized, stripped down and approved version in books or media.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I suspect you mean the Indianapolis, as the Indiana survived the war.

[@donaldwyant3483]

The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered. Thank you, I did...

[@wbrunelle1]

I qualified for submarines in Cavalla in 1964. All crew members were kept well aware of Cavalla's WWII exploits and we proudly flew the Presidential Unit Citation pennant while in port and were entitled to wear the ribbon while assigned to the ship. A highlight of my time in Cavalla was when one of the original crew members and a veteran of that first war patrol rode us for two weeks during one of his annual Reserve training periods. Commander "Zeke" Zellmer, USNR, an Ensign during the infamous patrol, who would end his USNR career as a full Captain. this unsung hero rested his oars in August 2018 at the age of 97.

[@Kevin_Kennelly]

Sea Wolf Island, home of the Cavalla, is located alongside Galveston Island. Galveston is a fun community. Enjoy the beach. The fishing. And the seafood.

[@txusmc69]

I've been on that sub at the park. It's been so long I don't remember if I knew this about it. I'm gonna have to go back and properly show respect.

[@oldesertguy9616]

I can't imagine the mix of emotions, fright, excitement, etc, the sub crew felt. Thank God we had men like that at that time, in that place.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I cannot imagine sitting under 106 depth charges in three hours. Those were brave men.

[@Betweenlostandfound1]

My wife and I took a tour of it in the sea wolf park at Galveston and really enjoyed it as there is no better history lesson you can learn than being able to touch and read all the signs and story plaques that you will see on the walk through of this submarine .

[@rnreajr9184]

I regret that I have but one "thumb-up" to give to this video. Good video, great recounting of the battle, kudos to The History Guy.

[@tdvcleve]

I've learned history, here, that I probably would've never , otherwise. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@manilajohn0182]

A truly outstanding job, History Guy! Complete even with first class footage of the Imperial Navy. Kudos to you, sir!

[@dr.ofdubiouswisdom4189]

....I swear my admiration for the armed forces grows everyday & everytime, when I hear these stories of Valor from ordinary 'Joe's' who stood tall when the chips were down. God Bless 'em all - past & present. I will NEVER take you for granted. Thank-you!

[@jnstonbely5215]

Dr. of Dubious Wisdom You are absolutely correct, And remember that a Strong America is a Smart America and a Smart America is a SECURE America ! Not to mention making our enemies THINK before they make a foolish decision . 🇺🇸🗽

[@charlesthomas9089]

As a freshman at The Citadel in 1973, I had the honor and priviledge of hearing the commander of the local Naval district in Charleston, SC (6th?) give a personal recollection of this very event. The commander was Admiral Herman Kossler and we listened in awe as he described in detail his command of the Cavalla and the sinking of the Shokaku. He said they lost count around 105 or 106 depth charges dropped on them. He described the frustration of spotting the fleet and listening to the heavy screws of capital ships pass over them while they waited to report the location. The sub could do maybe 19 knots and the fleet was doing more than 20 so there was no way they could catch back up with them after surfacing to report to Pearl the location. To actually see an enemy capital ship as a submariner was a once in a lifetime event. They were so disappointed but did their duty. Then the Shokaku appeared. He said that they calculated that when they shot the torpedos, the lead destroyer would be right on top of them. After the war, they found out that the destroyer lookouts reported seeing the torpedos come out from under the ship.

[@thomaszinser8714]

Could you do a video on the raid at Taranto, if you haven't already? That seems like it would be rather interesting.

[@dugroz]

And to think the Cavalla was "just passing through!"

[@wiltaft22]

Wow, I've actually been in the Cavalla at Seawolf park in Texas about 8 years ago as you can do a self guided tour on the boat. Fun story.

[@Colonel_Overkill]

the greatest accomplishment of this act, the Mk 14 fish actually bit instead of just slapping Shokaku and scratching the paint....

[@KingXOreo]

Love the channel. Too broke to be a patron but I'll always support with views and likes. You're the voice of history many have forgotten!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

No worries on Patrean, it is purely voluntary. On KZbin you help me best by watching rather than skipping the ads.

[@LadySkyfire]

I grew up in Phenix City, Alabama, where I learned about the city's dark past and the mob that was run out of the city's police department in the 1930's until about 1955 and the assassination of Albert Patterson.

[@frederickevans4113]

My wife and I just got back home (DFW area) from Galveston. Having seen this episode a few weeks ago, I put it on our itinerary. My wife and I toured both the Cavalla and the Stewart yesterday morning. I mentioned having seen this episode of the History Guy on KZbin to another family aboard the Cavalla and they replied that they are in-laws of the History Guy! My wife and I have friends who served in the US Navy (Vietnam era and more recently) and one brother-in-Christ at our Church who, IIRC, served on a USN submarine too. Being able to "step into history" and walk through the Cavalla and the Stewart was such an awesome thing to do. It is best to take a tour early to mid-morning, before it gets too hot (unless you go in the Winter).

[@TheMotorick]

I heard many stories of the Pacific war from my late father who served on the Laffey DD 459 in WWII. But I didn't know about this one. Thank you.

[@richrodriguez8156]

Wow so glad I found this channel thanks History Guy. Very informative

[@BUF20]

Great Story. Thanks for the history lesson. Just unlocked the Shokaku in World of warships

[@joeespo177]

Believe it or not, I was looking to see if the Shokaku was represented in World of Warships just as i saw your post. Good Luck unless you're on the red team!!

[@BUF20]

Thanks same to you

[@mja2001]

Just launched not too long ago on Xbox... Played for the first time last night. I wish I could really customize the controller, but hey, fun none the less. I love being sneaky destroyers...

[@jamesstepp9982]

What a fascinating story!! Thanks so much for bringing it to us! It's amazing to me that during WW-II so many that we considered Heroes,would defer the title,saying things like, "I was just doing what ANY one of us would do under those circumstances." And OFTEN they mention someone they knew during the war and talk at length about what a Hero HE was....Kinda breaks my heart that these men were reluctant to accept the Title of Hero,and now that title is commonly accepted to include ANYONE who went to War and returned

[@philgiglio7922]

The only glory in war is surviving.

[@firemanjim324]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE these videos ! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@ericreif2178]

Cool stuff glad I subscribed.

[@armondedge8840]

Great video. Thanks for posting it.

[@UsherLinder]

Fantastic! Thank you ever so much!

[@dankay275]

I love this series. GREAT Job. We Need more series like this

[@assessor1276]

Dear History Guy: Wow - your short videos are absolutely excellent with great research and a very nicely balanced commentary. Thanks so much for doing them!

[@dat2ra]

That was great! Thanks so much.

[@billybob9961]

Great video thank you!!

[@lbovee]

I greatly appreciate your military history… Keep it coming!

[@fuyu5979]

The History Guy Another excellent video: Shokaku n Cavalla. Interesting background, pictures, narration n well- researched. Please keep providing more military type videos. Their history is fascinating! Thanks

[@ricardodoliveira2905]

Excellent as always!!

[@ismaelzapater5316]

amazing...thank you..!

[@shadowraith1]

Thank you for a very interesting presentation.👍

[@michaelmccotter4293]

Thank you HG!!! Your work is excellent!!! Keep it coming. Blessings on you and your history (family) crew!!!

[@shawnbeckmann1847]

Thx H.G. Great Info as always

[@oebrooksjr]

One of the best! Thanks.

[@ozzmanzz]

I love the effort you put into these videos thanks for posting. One question though, you said in this episode that the battle of the coral sea was a Japanese victory. Tactically maybe, but wouldn’t it be correct to call it a US strategic victory seeing that the Japanese were prevented from landing their troops at Port Moresby which ultimately saved Australia?

[@mkvv5687]

Yes, it was the first battle where the Japanese were denied a goal. They meant to get back to it, but, for various reasons, didn't.

[@joeespo177]

The Cavallo is on display at Sea Wolf Park, Pelican Island, Texas, which is immediately adjacent to, and north of, Galveston Island. I just thought i'd tie those two things together since you recently featured Galveston's hurricane of 1900. One of my favorite places! thanks for another great lesson HG.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

LOL well the fact that we were just there last month taking pictures of them ties them together as well. We'll have more Galveston related content in the near future.

[@joeespo177]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel i hope you were able to sit on the patio at the Galvez Hotel with a cool drink. it was one of my favorite places on saturday afternoons back in the day. i look forward to more of Galveston from you! thank you again!

[@db4858]

CAVALLA, please get it right, it is important.

[@failureblanket8559]

Always love the videos.

[@JohnDoe-tq3ye]

As always, thank you History Guy.

[@robertcarver4067]

Great video. The detail is so appropriate to the history, I really enjoy your style of story telling!

[@billy56081]

Thank you for posting this interesting bit of history.

[@markwhite1780]

Sounds like everyone aboard the Csvalla did their job right. To calculate a fire solution for MK14 analog computing was a feat in itself. Then hope the critical factors like current, carrier speed, distance and course did not change MUCH was tricky as Richard Milhouse Nixon (a fine navy officer but certainly not a crook.)

[@johnburns9634]

@@markwhite1780 Certainly not of lives.

[@waymondroland4276]

Another excellent episode!

[@walksfletcher]

Great, well presented as always

[@jameskwaka]

A big fan of your wonderful snippets of history here. Well done again!

[@texasyojimbo]

I once delivered a pizza to the USS Cavalla when I was working as a driver for Papa John's in Galveston (Pelican Island in the city limits of Galveston, it is also the home of Texas A&M - Galveston). I believe it was for a scouting group that was doing so overnight camping trip. Unfortunately the boat is no longer in the water; it is mounted on land. There is also a destroyer, the USS Stewart, at Seawolf Park. And the USS Texas occasionally will sail down to Galveston although it is usually 50 miles away at Baytown on the Houston Ship Channel.

[@jonathanguthrie9368]

I don't think the USS Texas is able to move.

[@texasyojimbo]

@@jonathanguthrie9368 I don't believe USS Texas it can move under its own power. I do remember it being moved though at one point in the past 20 years (by tugboat). My recollection is that it was for restoration work. It definitely floats.

[@texasyojimbo]

Ahh, more like 30 years ago. It was when I was a kid. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Texas_(BB-35)#1988%E2%80%931990_dry_dock_period

[@jonathanguthrie9368]

@@texasyojimbo According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife site about The Texas, she was towed to a drydock in Galveston in 1988 and then back in 1990. According to the same site, she barely floats. The words "Severe flooding events" feature prominently in the recent Battleship Texas timeline. The hull has been rusting away for decades and the ultimate hope is to eventually move her to a dry berth. Assuming they can get the money.

[@jerredwayne8401]

Shes going to be towed out again at the end of this year. But this time she isnt going back to the battleground

[@navalenigma]

Another great story and production, thank you

[@robertstreff6945]

Great job, very informative !

[@Genesis1313]

Another "Aced" history video! Well done as always.