三菱神风特攻队零式战机在英舰甲板上的撞击印记

That *kamikaze* aircraft that hit the 'Sussex' was not a Mitsubishi A6M Zero. The *kamikaze* was [identified](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Sussex_\(96\)#Pacific_theatre) as a Mitsubishi Ki-51 'Sonia' two-seat light bomber, which had [a fixed undercarriage](). You can see the fixed undercarriage imprinted on 'Sussex's hull as well, below the wings; [the Zero had a retractable undercarriage]().

It’s like the silhouette a bird leaves when it hits a window.

...recollection from: George Coyne of Lightwater, Surrey. >In 1945 I was serving in cruiser HMS Sussex. My ship was part of a task force (Operation Livery) in action at Phuket Island in what is now Thailand. >The Japs attacked us with suicide planes, one of which hit us and another struck and sank HMS Vestal. She was a minesweeper and was Camberley's adopted warship. She was the last British warship to be sunk during WW2... >...then proceeded to Singapore to help with the liberation there. We were the first major British warship to enter Singapore Harbour. On 5th September the Japs signed the Surrender Documents aboard "Sussex". There was much jubilation and satisfaction. However, this was to be shortlived. >When we tied up alongside we were shocked to see hundreds of ex-POWs on the jetty. They had walked out of the prison camps and were waiting for us. Most were in pitiful condition, starving and dressed in rags and many were very sick. I was just 18 and most of my shipmates were young lads. It was very traumatic and frightening. There were no counsellors then and it was up to us to do what we could for these poor men of all nationalities. >We helped to get them on board, most of them were crying with relief and happiness, whilst we were crying with compassion. We then arranged food, clothing, medical attention, cigarettes etc. We also helped them write letters home. Unbelievably sickening... Interesting times!

The imprint of the Ki-51 for proof https://m.imgur.com/qKUy0AE?r

The Sussex was a heavy cruiser. Looks like the kamikaze hit right on its 4.5' armor belt.

It was a Mitsubishi Ki-51, not a Zero. Awesome find, nonetheless.

It doesn't even seem like there are any dents. It almost looks as though it's a drawn silhouette. How is this possible?

That's my granddads ship! After this incident the ships company were honour guard at the Pedang on 12 September 1945 for the signing of the surrender of the imperial Japanese forces in South East Asia, I have a sepia tone photo of my grandad standing at attention while Lord Louis Mountbatten inspects the troops! Edit: found the picture. My grandfather is the sixth sailor from the right, with his chin up -

Not one to nitpick, but it's a history sub, it's actually a Mitsubishi Ki-51 'Sonia', not an A6M 'Zero'.

Were kamikaze planes reinforced to maximize damage?

I wonder how much damage that one plane did.... hull seems only a bit bent near the waterline

Japanese Zero used Kamikaze.... it was not effective

HMS Sussex was a solid fucking ship. Jesus.

I want to turn this into a motivational poster. >Even if you fail, >you can still make your mark.

I wonder if he died thinking he had done a perfect job and sunk the ship.

It’s unfathomable to me that an airplane could crash into the hull like that and leave only an imprint. I can’t wrap my head around that... I had no clue the hulls of those ships were so strong!

Looks like the mark a moth swatted against a wall.

I visited the Kamikaze exhibit at Pearl Harbor (it is on the mighty Mo) a few weeks ago. They have several hand-written letters from Kamikaze soldiers addressed to their families back home, along with photographs of many soldiers and the stories of some. It’s heart breaking stuff.

Perfect shot on behalf of the pilot! Unfortunately for him, he impacted right in the armor belt. Look at that dent though from the engine.

I'm not familiar with the history of world war II. I especially didn't know the Japanese used kamikaze attacks on British naval vessels. Very interesting.