Solomons Air War - Volume 1: Guadalcanal August – September 1942
Product ID: 410057990
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“The level of detail in the book is far greater than I have ever seen before about the story of Guadalcanal and the Solomons, and most especially, that it is I think fairly balanced with detail for both sides, right down to individual aircrew names. Well written, this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and couldn't put down once started. Easy one to recommend in my view.” - Military Model Scene This first volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare in the opening phase of the war in the Solomons Islands theater, being the critical period of August-September 1942. After occupying the Solomon Islands capital of Tulagi with ease in May 1942, the Imperial Japanese Navy commenced building an airfield on the adjacent island of Guadalcanal. The indispensable airfield was over 600 miles distant from their main base of Rabaul and promised to extend the reach of their aircraft into the Allied occupied island chains of Fiji, the New Hebrides and New Caledonia. Much was at stake and the airfield would be held at all costs. Then, in early August 1942 a bold American invasion of both Tulagi and Guadalcanal caught the IJN completely off guard. Nevertheless, Japanese air power responded swiftly and in some cases desperately. So began the knife-edge struggle for Guadalcanal. An ever-increasing variety and number of IJN units was poured into the struggle, met initially with USN carrier-based Wildcats backed up by SBD Dauntless dive-bombers and the new TBF torpedo bomber. These were soon joined by USAAF fighters operating from the newly operational Henderson Field. From late August, Japanese carriers entered the fight, adding more complexity to the intense and frenzied air battles. For the first time belligerents are closely matched and the rationale of the IJN’s sometimes erratic response is explained. The full extent of both Japanese and US involvement is outlined to a level of detail never before presented. Review: Worth getting - My dad's a WWII vet and he likes it. That's all I need to know. Review: All was great - All was great
| Best Sellers Rank | #795,860 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #266 in Model Building #1,030 in Military Aviation History (Books) #4,846 in World War II History (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 stars 21 Reviews |
K**L
Worth getting
My dad's a WWII vet and he likes it. That's all I need to know.
A**R
All was great
All was great
J**H
The ultimate account of the first two months of air combat over Guadalcanal.
Typical Claringbould book. Excellent maps. Numerous photos. First hand accounts from both sides of the action. Many computer generated color profiles. I purchased it at an excellent price and it was here in 4 days. It's another much needed addition to the titles he continues to publish. He's renewed my interest in the Pacific War with the way he presents his information. As long as he continues to write, I will be continue to add his books to my library.
M**R
Another Superlative Pacific Air War Title from Michael Claringbould!
Michael Claringbould continues his winning series of books on the Pacific air war with SOLOMONS AIR WAR, VOLUME 1. A chronicle of the August-September 1942 period of the war in the Pacific, SOLOMONS AIR WAR is a well-researched, wonderfully illustrated and entertaining account of several absolutely crucial months where ultimate victory hung in the balance. Using American and Japanese records, Claringbould presents one of the very first accurate accounts of the desperate, hard-fought air battles waged over the previously unknown island of Guadalcanal. The Americans' bold gamble to seize and hold Guadalcanal caught the Japanese by surprise but both sides faced a steep learning curve and grappled with their own unique difficulties as they attempted to prevail over their opponents. SOLOMONS AIR WAR, VOLUME 1 is a great read that all Pacific air war fans will enjoy and appreciate. Highly recommended!
S**Y
Excellent Book
Lots of pictures and easy to read, packed full of information
R**S
First volume of what promises to be another excellent series of books!
This volume is the first in a series of books devoted to the Air War in the Solomon Islands during WW2 and again, has been approached with a thoroughness and historical accuracy that is truly inspiring. The authors have clearly researched and studied the subject in great detail and provide many interesting insights into the conflict which, while chronicled before; has not been covered in such painstaking detail. I highly recommend this latest series from these two authors and eagerly look forward to Volume 2 in the series.
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