Cruisers and torpedoes

As long ago as the Spanish American War, naval officers realized that carrying torpedo tubes above water on cruisers was extremely hazardous. The conventional response was to carry below-water torpedo tubes on the larger cruisers. The smaller scouts carried torpedo tubes almost like they were destroyers. The modern light cruisers, such as the Arethusa, carried substantial above-water torpedo armaments during World War One. They were frequently used in action, with some success. By the 1930's, the US Navy had removed torpedo tubes from their cruisers. The only exceptions were the Omaha's and the Atlanta class. The British never removed their torpedo tubes, while the Japanese carried highly effective and sophisticated torpedo armaments on their cruisers, especially the heavy cruisers. They proved their effectiveness at Savo Island and other battles. The Allies, especially the Americans, were shocked by the range and effectiveness of the Japanese 24in Long Lance torpedoes. At one point, the Americans actually were considering remounting torpedoes on 6in and 8in cruisers. It only happened post war, however, and only as ASW weapons.