Kugisho E14Y Glen Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | December 2012 | Title | Kugisho E14Y Glen: The aircraft that bombed America |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Przemyslaw Skulski | Publisher | Mushroom Model Publications |
| Published | 2012 | ISBN | 978-83-89450-61-6 |
| Format | 128 pages, softbound | MSRP (BP) | £17.99 |
Review
Japan's compact, submarine-launched Kugisho E14Y "Glen" forged a place in history as the only Axis aircraft to bomb the United States mainland during World War II.
Now MMP's marvelous new monograph tells that spellbinding story – and much more – in 128 lavishly illustrated pages.
Coverage naturally begins with Imperial Japanese Navy efforts to develop aircraft-capable "submarine cruisers" – chiefly so-called Itto Sensuikan "I Class" vessels. Text next turns to submarine-borne IJN reconnaissance seaplane designs – and thence to the E14Y itself.
Operational history follows. And that's where this illuminating effort really glows. Authors recap submarine I-25's gripping 1942 reconnaissance mission around Australia and New Zealand, German-Japanese naval cooperation in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, Warrant Officer Nobuo Fujita's bombardment of US territory, transporting technologies between Axis allies, international E14Y use, and more.
MMP's absorbing account unearths dozens of intriguing nuggets – including Japanese-marked Arado Ar 196s defending German U-boats at Penang, Malaysia, and candid IJN assessments of its submarine equipment inferiority.
Zygmunt Szeremeta's outstanding color profiles superbly spice this sumptuous study. Photos, drawings, charts and bibliography ably augment text. And an absorbing addendum on Glen wrecks aboard the sunken Akibasan Maru off Kwajalein Atoll completes coverage.
Treat yourself to tons of fascinating fun – and get this rousing read. Then pray for new E14Y kits to succeed MPM's and Wings' ancient offerings!
Robustly recommended.
With thanks to MMP Books for the review copy. Available in North America from Casemate.