The Japanese Destroyer Akizuki Book Review

By Michael Benolkin

Review

In 1940, the Imperial Japanese Navy commissioned the first of a new class of destroyers designated as the 'Type B' destroyer. This new class featured 100mm guns mounted in four twin-gun turrets, was the first destroyer class to receive radar, and reduced the number of torpedo tubes in exchange for more anti-aircraft armament. The first in class was the Akizuki, launched in July 1941 and commissioned in June 1942. The Akizuki would serve as a an escort for various combatants and support vessels as they transited between Japan and Truk or Rabaul. In March 1943, the Akizuki suffered heavy keel damage while departing Saipan and had to be beached. After emergency repairs were completed, the Akizuki was towed back to Japan for repairs. Returning to service in October 1943, the Akikuze resumed its escort duties through October 1944 when on 25 October at the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Akikuze was sunk by either US Navy aircraft or the USS Halibut.

In their continuing series of 3D Super Drawings monographs, Kagero has produced yet another great reference title that takes the reader through close-up views of a super-detailed digital model of the Akizuki from deck-level, overhead, underneath, and all around the hull to show details that would not be seen in normal photography. Many of the views show the various weapons stations, fire direction posts, and support structures around the main deck and superstructure.

This is another great work from Kagero that will provide the historian and modeler with some great references, especially if you're tackling the Trumpeter 1/350 scale kit.

Definitely recommended!

My sincere thanks to Kagero for this review sample!