Description
Book SynopsisThe first in a two-part study of the October 23-26 Battle of Leyte Gulf, which resulted in a decisive defeat for the Japanese. In October 1944, the US prepared to invade the Philippines to cut Japan off from its resource areas in Southeast Asia. The Japanese correctly predicted this, and prepared a complex operation to use the remaining strength of its navy to defend its possessions. In the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Imperial Japanese Navy's First Diversion Strike Force took part in two major actions during the course of the battle: the intense air attacks from US Navy carriers on October 24 (the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, which accounted for superbattleship Musashi), and the compelling action off Samar the following day. This book examines in detail why, following the Samar action, the Imperial Japanese Navy commander of the First Diversion Strike Force (Takeo Kurita) chose to ignore orders and break off the attack into Leyte Gulfone of the two most controversial decisions of th
Trade ReviewPlenty of archive photos as ever throughout the book, along with some fine artwork as we'd expect and some very good colour diagrams showing the two sides/individual ships and the courses they took during the different encounters. An interesting read and good value for money for a nice clear assessment of the story of what happened back in 1944. -- Robin Buckland * Military Model Scene *
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces and Orders of Battle Opposing Plans The Battle Aftermath The Battlefield Today Bibliography Index
