Battle of Koh Chang 1941 - Book (in Polish)

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Battle of Koh Chang overview

Battle of Koh Chang site on a foggy day

Order of Battle (Royal Thai Navy during French-Thai War)
RTN order no.133/83 Fleet organizing Nov.29,1940.

Naval fighting force would divided to 3 flotilla as following

1st Flotilla, Captain Luang Sangwornyuttakij (Sangworn Suwannacheep) commanding, divided to 2 divisions.

     1st Division,  Lt. Commander Luang Monkol Yuthanavy (Monkol Srivethin) commanding, comprised of 

             HTMS Sri Ayudhya (gunboat),
             CO, Lt. Commander Luang Chamnan Attayut (Uan Kulkrailas),
             on Jan 16,1941 replaced by Commander Sunthorn Chauywongwan.
             HTMS Phuket (torpedo boat),
             CO, Lt. Commander Luang Monkol Yuthanavy (Monkol Srivethin).

             HTMS Pattani (torpedo boat), CO, Lt. Commander Amphan Pamornbutra.
             HTMS Surasdra(Surat) (torpedo boat), CO, Lieutenant Chuan Saengtai.

             HTMS Matchanu (submarine), CO, Lt. Commander Kanok(Sui) Noppakoon.

             HTMS Sinsamut (submarine), CO, Lt. Commander Tasna Kranlert.

     3rd Division, Commander Luang Phromveerapan (Phrom Veerapan) commanding, comprised of 

             HTMS Thonburi (gunboat), CO, Commander Luang Phromveerapan (Phrom Veerapan)

             HTMS Rayong, CO, Lt. Commander Bai Tesanasadab.
             HTMS Songkhla, CO, Lt. Commander Chan Singhachan.
             HTMS Cholburi, CO, Lieutenant Pratin Chaipanya.

             HTMS Bang Rajan

2nd Flotilla, Captain Chalit Kulkamtorn commanding, divided to 2 divisions.

     2nd Division,  comprised of 

             HTMS Tachin (sloop) CO, Lt. Commander Chamroen Kantahirun.

             3 torpedo boats

             HTMS Wirun (submarine)

             HTMS Phlai Chumpon(submarine)

     4th Division,  comprised of 

             HTMS Mae Klong (sloop) CO, Commander Luang Yuttakitpilat (Mee Pattamanavin)

             3 torpedo boats

             HTMS Nongsa-rhai, CO, Lieutenant Daoreung Petchart.

3rd Flotilla,  Commander Luang Prompisut (Pisut Yoopanont) commanding 

            HTMS Sukhothai (gunboat)

            HTMS Chao Phraya (gunboat)

            HTMS Phra Ruang (destroyer)

            6 coastal boats (armed transport)

            3 fishing boats (acted as general purpose ships)
            HTMS Kram ,CO, Lieutenant JG Chet Chulachat.
            HTMS Chang, CO, Lieutenant Sanit Anginant.

HTMS AangThong acted as a RTN flagship.

After Jan.1,1941 There would be some change.

• HTMS Bang Rajan from 3th Division transfer to 1th Division.
• HTMS Kram from 3th Flotilla transfered to 3th Division.
• HTMS Kram from 3th Division again transfered to 1th Division.
• HTMS Nongsa-rhai from 4th Division transfered to 3th Division.
• Some switching for torpedo boats in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Division.

The Battle of Koh Chang

Jan. 14, 1941 
2200 3rd Division (HTMS Thonburi, HTMS Songkhla , HTMS Rayong, HTMS Cholburi and HTMS Nongsa-rhai) sailed from Sattahip for switching duty with 1st Division. Captain Sangworn and Commander Phrom were on HTMS Thonburi.

Jan. 15, 1941
0900 3rd Division arrived at Koh Chang and anchored at the southern part near Koh Ngam and relieved 1st Division. Captain Sangworn moved on HTMS Sri Ayudhya, returning to Sattahip with Lt.Commander Chamnan's 1st Division.

Jan. 16, 1941 
1200 HTMS Thonburi received telegraph from RTN that they want to know maximum and minimum flood tide for a week and should install a measuring pole at Koh Ngam.
HTMS Sri Ayudhya's CO, Lt. Commander Chamnan relieved by new CO, Commander Sunthorn. There was a farewell ceremony on board.

1300 Commander Prom Veeraphan made landfall on Koh Ngam for surveying for flooding tide pole installing site. In the evening, he ordered 2 petty officers and 2 sailers who were not on guarding duty to temporarily station on Koh Ngam for recording the flood tide. (One of the petty officer was a turret trainer, so the gunnery officer 'Jongjitt Sanghadul' would have to do it instead when the battle started.) HTMS Thonburi folded the ceiling canvas, took off unneccessary poles and clear any obstacles on deck for preparing the emergency.

1445 French plane (Loire 130) at Ream send report to Terraux, French Indo-China Navy commander "4 Thai ships anchor at Koh Chang, 1 Armored gunboat, 3 torpedo boats" which was correct. Another Loire 130 scouted at Sattahip also sent report " 1 Armored gunboat, 4 torpedo boats, 2 submarines, 2 light vessels" which is relatively correct because HTMS Sri Ayudhya's 1st Division was at Sattahip.


At evening,  Commander Phrom Veerapan ordered HTMS Rayong to patrol south of Koh Kood.

1915 HTMS Thonburi sailed with HTMS Nongsa-rhai and HTMS Theo Utok from Koh Ngam to Ao(Bay)Salak Kok, arrived with HTMS Theo Utok and her motor boat being moored on her starboard at anchoring. Her right ladder folded and her left ladder hanged with the davits. HTMS Cholburi and HTMS Songkhla anchored at the same place south of Koh Chang near Koh Ngam. HTMS Cholburi's bow bearing 022, HTMS Songkhla's bow bearing 045, about 300 metres apart. 

Jan. 17, 1941
0530 French "7th Task Group" sailed in column at 13 knots bearing 043 toward Koh Klum using this island as cover.


0550 HTMS Thonburi assembled the sailors for morning exercise.


0600 The current weather partial cloud on the horizon, light fog on the surface, SW wind(blow from SW to NE), Seastate-1(no waves), visibility 6 miles, 27 degrees celsius.


0605 Searchlight watchmen on HTMS Thonburi saw French plane (Loire 130), AA battle station was ordered. French plane turned toward Koh Ngam. HTMS Thonburi fold the ceiling canvas, started the main engine, radioed to Chantaburi(Chantaboon) Wing, they did not receive.(Sattahip naval base, almost 100 miles away, received this news and order by two-hand signal flags from HTMS Aang Thong, navy flagship to HTMS Sri Ayudhya "Sri Ayudhya to attack the enemy, Thonburi is engaging" another submarine, Matchanu or Sinsamut was ordered to attack. HTMS Sri Ayudhya cut off her anchor, set sail on full speed to Koh Chang alone with only one submarine separately set sail. The rest of the warships were mysteriously not recorded to engage in any source.) Later Chantaburi(Chantaboon) Wing heard sound of guns. Thonburi heard the rapid guns at Koh Ngam, and see the flak burst (from HTMS Cholburi and Songkhla). Thonburi sailed, watchmen on the bridge saw enemy ship south of Koh Chang between Koh Chang and Koh Maisi Yai  (La Motte Picquet sailed bearing 065) and saw the flash from that ship( firing at HTMS Cholburi and Songkhla).Commander Prom Veerapan order radio message to the navy "La Motte Picquet engaging south of Koh Chang" and signaled two hand flags to HTMS Nong Sa-Rhai not to follow.

Battle of Koh Chang Map, I will improve this map later. The arrows are the line of fire.

0620 (Thonburi's) Anchor weighed, HTMS Thonburi start to sail, at the moment La Motte Picquet went behind Koh Maisi Yai. Thonburi headed SE. Aft turret was not yet ready (turret trainer was at Koh Ngam).Commander Prom ordered left full rudder to stay behind Koh Maisi Yai (from LMP's line of fire).


0640 Both turrets ready, Thonburi went all ahead full bearing SE and prepared on starboard to LMP.

0645 La Motte Picquet emerged east of Koh Maisi Yai and started firing at 12,000-13,000 metres. First French salvos (from LMP) overshot only  300 metres, the second salvos splashed only 50 metres short form Thonburi, the third salvo splashed 150 metres short. Thonburi started firing her main guns on both turrets after French second salvo, setting at 13,000 metres ,Thai first salvo splashed short for 2,000 metres.
 Thonburi's secondary guns (2 x 3 inches) on the starboard started firing by not setting the correct range (gun no.1 fired 15 rounds and gun no.3 fired 11 rounds at 8,000 metres setting), the gunnery officer' assistant were exciting and forgot to change the range.

0648 French fourth salvo straddled Thonburi, a shell hit the parlor under control bridge and exploded to upstairs killing and wounding those officers in control bridge including commander Prom killed. Rudder wheel was disable, the ship caught fires, Thonburi with 14 knots left circled for 4 rounds, navigator survived the hit went to rudder wheel on the aft of the ship, second shell piercing on the port deck near the parlor cutting water tube and explode in PO's room on the starboard tearing the hull and PO's bedclothes caught fire. Manually controlled, Thonburi stopped circling, the third shell hit at 3 inches ammo box on the starboard between secondary gun no.1 and no.3 piercing the deck at gunnery officer's room exploded in commanding room cutting the doctor's leg and wounding several men. The fourth shell hit around waterline on the starboard aft exploding in sailor room 4 , she was taking the water. The fifth shell hit porthole on the starboard aft exploding on the aft turret base, water in sailor room 4 pouring into aft magazine, the splinter cut off a sailor's arm (Shoon Saechua), he was trying to do his job with one arm. The sailor room 4 was full of smoke.

0655 La Motte Picquet turnabout right on bearing 230 degree to avoid shallow water and pulled out of the firing range.

0700 After finishing with 2 Thai torpedo boats 4 French ships attached west of Koh Laoya Nai and sailed south past Koh Laoya Nok then turn left to go between Koh Wai and Hin Look Wai Nok took bearing about 100. After saw Thonburi between Koh Ngam and Koh Maisi Yai, 4 French ships concentrated on her.

After LMP got behind Koh Maisi Yai taking SW, Thonburi changed target to Amiral Charner.

La Motte Picquet closed to Koh Chan and turned right to bearing 260 degree reached Koh Bitang, turning right to 10 degree, then turned right again to go between Koh Chan and Koh Bitang passing Koh Chan then turned left to 045 degree. LMT signaled to other 4 sloops to follow her but they couldn't catch up. All 4 sloops as one division taking 230 degree outside firing range.

Looking between Koh Maisi Yai and Koh Maisi Lek, LMP saw Thonburi as she was on fire and taking list on the starboard, she was still firing at LMP.

0751  La Motte Picquet was firing on port side and released 3 torpedoes at Thonburi, no hit. Captain Berenger decided to disengage, thought Thonburi would be definitely sunk.

0801 La Motte Picquet turned right to 230 degree and signaled other 4 ships to attach in formation, passing Koh Bitang, change to 270 degree to open sea.

0830 Thonburi was moving to Lam Nam, fires dispersed all over the passage, couldn't be put out. With ship aft sinking and slightly listing on starboard, her XO (Lieutenant Thong-yoo Sawangnetr) carried her to Lam Ngob. The fires increased as sailing.

0950 Thonburi stopped, HTMS Chang tried to put out fires from her starboard side, HTMS Chang could only put the fires on the deck out. Fire in the passage and control room could not be put out.
HTMS Chang towed Thonburi by the side toward Ngob cape and evacuated the wounded as HTMS Thiew Utok towed Thonburi on the port side.

1000 HTMS Nongh Sarhai arrived and turned to rescue HTMS Cholburi and Songkhla survivors at Tian Cape, Salakpet Bay
Thonburi still ablazed, heavily listed on the starboard, her deck reached the water. HTMS Chang untowed. Later, HTMS Chang towed her again to run her aground at Ngob cape.

1050 HTMS Chang and Thonburi reached Ngob cape at the 6 metres depth, untowed. Thonburi was left there.

1100 Thonburi's XO ordered abandon ship.

1600-1700 Too late, HTMS Sri Ayudhya with her new CO, Commander Sunthorn and Flotilla CO, Captain Sangworn, went beyond Chantaburi and arrived alone at the vicinity of Koh Chang. Her guard saw the smoke dead ahead. 30 minutes later, she saw her sister, Thonburi capsized showing red hull, with 1 torpedo boats aside (HTMS Rayong). HTMS Rayong crew didn't see or know the French Fleet position, only know as there were 5 French vessels. The Chantaburi(Chantaboon) wing also lost contact with the French Fleet.

1740 Thonburi capsized by starboard and get stucked at the ground, her hull was upside down.

HTMS Songkla (torpedo boat) was on fire before sinking, HTMS Cholburi seen in the background.Even Thai artist got it wrong, both ships' number were erased during Franco-Siamese Conflict.

HTMS Songkla was on fire.

Both Thai torpedo boats about to sink as seen from French ship, Tahure. The island on the left should be Koh Chang and the one on the right Koh Ngam. HTMS Thonburi was behind Koh Chang .

HTMS Thonburi was in flames. Her crew trying to put out fires while French Fleet disengaging, this picture took from HTMS Chang.

The fires being controlled on HTMS Thonburi taking picture from HTMS Chang , commanding officer later decide to beach her near Laem(Cape) Ngob because of flooding. After beaching, She started to capsize.

HTMS Thonburi capsizing to starboard. Courtesy elder brother "Nyenava" from Thaimsot.com.

 Capsized HTMS Thonburi, picture taken by Thai Corsair(V93 S) Aircraft near Ngob cape. Later raised and repaired at Thonburi naval dockyard, Bangkok, used as training ship.

HTMS Thonburi refloated and towed to Thonburi naval dockyard,Bangkok around 1941.

HTMS Thonburi at drydock, December 1941, picture taken by Japanese.

HTMS Thonburi was repaired in Bangkok, Thailand with Japanese aid.With her condition after repairing, she was used as a training ship. The allied mistook that she was towed to Japan for repair.

Prime Minister "Phiboon" decorated HTMS Thonburi's jack, image courtesy "Nyenava" of Thaimsot.com.

 Thonburi's officer

Thonburi's medal recipients.

Seaman Chun Saechua lost his arm by AP shell as loading ammo from aft turret magazine, with one arm left,  he continued loading. (From book "Thonburi fights")

Lamotte-Picquet's Armor Piercing Shell that hit HTMS Thonburi now displaying at Royal Thai navy Museum.


(to be continued)

HTMS Sri Ayudhya

Drawing of HTMS Sri Ayudhya on Admiral Sangworn's memoir.

HTMS Sri Ayudhya "ศรีอยุธยา" at Kobe,Japan 26 June 1938.

Our beloved King Rama IX modelling HTMS Sri Ayudhya.

HTMS Sri Ayudhya and her crew.

 HTMS Sri Ayudhya on exercise

When Thonburi fights

The book "When Thonburi fights".

Battle of Koh Chang

"Koh" means "island"."Chang" means "elephant"."Koh Chang" mean "Elephant Island".

From the book " When Thonburi fights" by Admiral Jitt Sanghadul published in 1941 after the battle(Translated from Thai by Watcharayui)

We must know that the book published in time of war to tell what happened and to promote patriotism among Thai people.Some sentences may be his only thoughts, not an official report.However, it's his direct experience.

(At that time he was lieutenant junior grade Jongjitt Sanghadul, gunnery officer in an 8 inches aft turret on HTMS Thonburi )

When Thonburi fights


            Before the conflict between our Thailand and French Indochina on territorial problem that was once belonged to Thailand as obvious to every Thai citizen. Our fleet went on weapon training as annual duty as always did for generating expertise and  increasing our navy efficiency and to be strong as national naval fence. But our training was not yet finished according to chief of staff department’s plan. An serious unforgiving incident had occurred that was French aircraft bombing our frontier province, Nakorn Panom.

            On November 28, 1940 ,the navy organized and formed the fleet, finishing on November 29, 1940 for preparing the oncoming condition. Modern Thai nation with the navy, naval fence, would not let 1893 incident happen again. That bitter lesson had been buried on our hearts, it was most valuable lesson for current Thai people, especially Thai navy.

            Those land contacts and battles had begun without declaring a war. Our navy was always doing as planned, but it seemed we could not fully operate because war did not declared yet. However we did transport troops landing on our naval frontier provinces. We secured our troops flank from bombarding by enemy ships. We patrolled for search and destroy invading enemy ship in front sea and inner sea. But during our patrol, no enemy ship was found, we keep patrolling until the naval headquarters send a division to securing around Koh Chang and Koh Kut(Kood), being our easternmost frontier. Meanwhile, our naval headquarters keep waiting for additional enemy movement for planning the next necessary steps.

            3^rd division of the 1^st flotilla consisted of HTMS Thonburi, HTMS Songkla, HTMS Rayong, HTMS Cholburi and HTMS Nongsarhai receiving the order from the commander-in-chief(navy) for switching the duty with 1^st division of the 1^st flotilla consisted of HTMS Sri Ayudhya, HTMS Phuket, HTMS Pattani, HTMS Surasdra(Surat), and HTMS Kram that was securing around Koh Chang within January 15,1941. The 3^rd Division, Commander Luang Prom Veerapan, captain of HTMS Thonburi commanding, sailed from Sattahip on January 14,1941 at 22:00 arriving and anchoring south of Koh Chang near Koh Ngam on January 15,1941 at 09:00 and relieved 1^st division which left for Sattahip at 22:00 on the January 15^th night. On January 16, 1941 around 15:00 as 3^rd division anchored at the same place, there was a mono-wing floatplane (Loire 130) patrolling around Koh Chang on high altitude far from our division. Every ships were on AA battle stations but did not fire because an enemy floatplane flew away. The patrolling of an enemy floatplane cause my commander Luang Prom diagnosed the occurrence that the enemy could send the air strike on our ship division and buildings of Koh Ngam (because enemy had floatplane base on Koh Kong and Koh Rong 40-50 miles away from Koh Chang). In that evening, he then ordered HTMS Rayong sailed at night to patrolling south of Koh Kut(Kood) and at dusk, he took HTMS Thonburi, HTMS Nongsarhai and HTMS Thiew Utok(fishing patrolling boat for miscellaneous use such as supplying provisions) to anchor east of Koh Chang near Koh Lim, with HTMS Songkla and HTMS Cholburi stayed anchoring at the same place. In the evening before leaving, our ship(Thonburi) uncovered the canvas and took off unnecessary canvas poles left only 5-6 poles for comfortable in the next battle station.

            That night, we heard broastcasting about the victory of the Eastern army for destroying the enemy foreign legion and took their color. Upon hearing, we feel proud and delightful in our army ability, we lay down thinking when would be our chance, the seamen. At last ,January 17,1941 came, the day we could never forget for all our lives, the day we fight the French Fleet outnumber us 4 to 1 and we drove them away.

            In the morning of January 17 (1941), the weather was little bit cold, the Southwest wind softly breezed. The twilight was foggy red at the horizon. The visibility was little unclear. The sky was fully clouded. After morning review at 0550 as usual, our crews were separated for exercise as scaling pole and net, it was normal routine of the crews.

At 0610 a watch NCO whistled, finishing exercise every crews running to the bow in rows for gun training. Suddenly watchman from searchlight bridge shouted “a floatplane inbound right bow” flying from the south coming toward our anchoring position. Because of the early morning, the floatplane was seen as black point coming out of the thick clouds. Now, the commander on the bridge looking through binoculars seeing that it’s a French floatplane and suddenly ordered trumpeter sounding battle stations for anti-aircraft guns. Every men were running and jumping to their stations, 4 AA light gun and 4 heavy machine gun turning caliber toward that floatplane as order. We didn't commence firing yet, but that plane turned off toward the strait between Chang island and Ngam island. Our commander ordered for general engagement (our blanket was already wrapped last night) and ordered navigator to radio about floatplane to Chantaburi combined air squadron. Meanwhile, we heard the sound of our torpedo ships' AA guns roaring and saw group of tracers, colored smoke shells and flak burst near enemy floatplane. Our sailors shouted "Chaiyo"(Hurray or Banzai in Thai) with joy and then that floatplane soon disappeared. Another moment we heard guns' roaring more increasingly without tracers and smoke shells in the air as the last time. Definitely, our torpedo ships were being attacked, enemy ships must slip through our patrol vessels without being detected.However, the moment that we were waiting for and dreamed for had come.Everybody were exciting to fight the enemy to restore our honour lost in the year 1893 incident.

           Trumpet sound of sailing alert the sailors who were in charge with the anchor to take their stations.Those who are available jump to (surface) battle stations.The anchor pulled out of the water, watchman at the bridge yelling enemy ship spotted at the edge of Chang Island.That was "Lamotte Picquet",the misty gully white, 2 big funnels ship looked enormous.She was Lamotte Picquet that moored besides Thonburi at Manila and onto Saigon.The ship that our commander always talked about.What If we could evade her,No, never! we were waiting for you. The enormous ship appeared between Mai Si Island and Ngam Island.She's taking easterly course at about 20 knots speed.Her aft turret firing at Ngam Island.We could see the flash from her guns all the time.

           Our commander ordered navigator,lieutenant junior grade Chalerm Sathirathavorn to send radio messages to our fleet HQ that cruiser Lamotte Picquet attacking our squadron anchoring south of Chang Island and ordered siqnalman to send 2 hand signal flags to HTMS Nong Sarhai following not to follow. Then he walked to aft bridge yelling and pointing to sailors at AA gun aft mast bridge who're finding range “ Lamotte-Piquet’s there. Fight them, no retreat.” This is our beloved commander’s leading and fighting blood, isn’t it? Our engines are ready, our anchor’s aweight, our ship started moving to enemy. Everyone’s heart focused on destroying the enemy. Now they’re behind Mai Si island, not firing at each other yet. Sailing for a moment, our commander received words from fire control that aft turret was not ready yet, he then ordered left full rudder and stop the engines to stay behind the island. Assistant weapon officer, lieutenant Sanit Upathampanont commanding secondary guns rallying “Men, now our chance has come, do your duty with courage for our nation and glory of Royal Thai navy”.

               At 06.30, that was 5 minutes later, both turrets were ready, the commander ordered both engines ahead full and ordered prepare fighting on starboard targeting enemy cruiser. Our fire control start working, every guns trained to target.
               At 06.35, Lamotte-Picquet emerged from Koh Mai Si Yai, battle between Thonburi and Lamotte-Picquet commenced with big guns at 13,000 metres. As firing commenced commander move from bridge to control room, the navigator followed and AA gun crews were taking cover as ordered. The next few salvos began to hit us, the aft crew room had been shot through and were taking water. Another shell exploded around supplying light guns ammo line, inside the passage in front of officers' mess under the deck. It caught fire, two men were burnt into red meat until death, another 10 men critically wounded. Some men had arm broken, both edges were almost cut off, looking poorly. Those who were not on firing duty, started putting out fire and helping those wounded men under the order of the executive officer (lieutenant Thong-yoo Sawangnet). From now on, our main guns still always roaring without pause. Those who were
              

(to be continued)

HTMS Thonburi ( aka HTMS Dhonburi )

HTMS Thonburi in painting. Courtesy "Nyenava" and Thawatchai "Uma" P. of Thaimsot.com.

Royal Thai Navy ensign

HTMS Thonburi(Dhonburi) Specification in Thai

Ship name HTMS Thonburi

Ship Type Coastal Defense Gunship

Width 13.41 Meters

Length 77 Meters

Displacement 2350 Tons

Speed 15 Knots

Armaments

4 x 8 inches main guns

4 x 3 inches AA guns

4 x 20 mm. AA guns

Crews 234 men

Ship History

Commissioned 1938

Built by Kawasaki Co., Kobe Japan

Same class as HTMS Sri Ayudhya

Her Bridge and forward turret are still preserved at royal naval academy,Samut Prakarn.


Her both turret were as same as IJN Myoko Cruiser
  

 Madsen dual 20 mm AA guns.

Bofors 75/51 mm DP gun.

Courtesy "Nyenava" of Thaimsot.com.

Thai Naval Force on US intelligence.

Thai Destroyer,Submarine and Coastal Defence ship respectively.

Specification of HTMS Thonburi in American Manual.

 Thai Torpedo Boats

Romanization from the word "ธนบุรี" can be Dhornbury,Dhonburi or Thonburi but Royal Thai Navy officially called her "Thonburi".

"Thonburi" was an old capital of Siam(Thailand).This capital last for 15 years before moving to the opposite bank of Chao Praya River,the new capital found on the town called "Bangkok". The name "Bangkok" was changed to "Krung Thep"(city of angels) but the world still call her by the old name.

In fact,Thonburi and her sister Sri Ayudhya are consider by royal Thai navy as flagships of the fleet not just coastal defence ships.Most of thai people called these ships "Gunship".
In fact, Sri Ayudhya was not present at the battle of Koh Chang,she was at Sattahip naval base when the battle was commenced.She came too late to assist her beached sister,Thonburi,grounded and heavily damaged from french 6inches shells.

Thonburi actually was alone at that battle.But the American took that info and printed at the bottom of this manual "Both grounded in 1941". This caused misunderstanding all around the world. Every Thai people who learn this battle know that we have only 3 ships separately engaging French Fleet on that day.

"ร.ล.ธนบุรี เรือปืนหนัก"/"HTMS Thonburi Heavy Gunship".

HTMS Thonburi (Dhonburi) 1/500 drawing.

Twin sisters ships HTMS Thonburi and Sri Ayudhya approximate 1/80 scale
modelled by Boonlue MuangKhem.
โดยอาจารย์ บุญลือ ม่วงเข้ม

HTMS Thonburi at sea.

HTMS Thonburi on 13 Jan 1941 ( 4 days before the fight ).

Thonburi at Yokohama September 12,1938.

Thonburi September 12,1938

Another pic of Thonburi at Yokohama.

Thonburi at unknown port (may be at Thailand).

Thonburi received welcome (I'm not sure which port but it's an arrival, maybe at some port at Japan).

Thonburi forward structure.

 The Spotlight and the funnel.

 Thonburi's aft tower.

 

 Aft tower.

Thonburi's structures, picture taking after berth at port.

Thonburi's aft turret

 Thonburi's ensign.

 Taking picture of a lady at forward turret.

Thonburi's crew.

Picture courtesy elder brother NyeNAVA of www.thaimsot.com

HTMS Thonburi's forward turret and superstructure kept as memorial at Royal Thai Naval Academy.

I'm not sure the painting color is the same as she was in WWII.

Her 8 inches turrets are equivalent to IJN Heavy Cruiser Myoko Class.


HTMS Thonburi's crews
Commander Luang Phrom Veerapan, CO is on the top-left.

HTMS Thonburi and her crew at Kobe,Japan 1938

If you would like to see any picture or data involving Thai forces in WWII, please leave a request or comment. I will find them.Thank you.