The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia
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National Archives # 80-G-1014615
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Tonnage |
7750 tons standard |
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Dimensions |
373'8" by 51'6" by 16'4" 113.89m by 15.70m by 4,87n |
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Maximum speed |
12 knots |
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Complement |
314 |
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Armament |
2 5"/38
dual-purpose guns 4 3"/50 AA guns |
Canopus was
completed in 1922 for the U.S.
Navy as a submarine tender. She spent most
of her career in the Far East, serving as the flagship for all submarines in the
Asiatic Fleet. She was
anchored off Cavite when war broke
out.
Canopus was moved to Manila and put under camouflage, but was ordered to Mariveles on December 24 as Japanese troops marched on the city. There she was badly damaged by a direct bomb hit during an air raid. Her captain chose to remain on station, setting out smudge pots and leaving topside damage unrepaired to give the impression that the ship was derelict. This apparently fooled the Japanese, who did not attack the Canopus again. At night, the ship's machine shops were hard at work supporting the Army on Bataan.
When Bataan finally fell, Canopus was scuttled, since it was felt that there was no hope of her successfully running the Japanese blockade.
References
The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia © 2007-2008 by Kent G. Budge. Index
