Imperial Japanese Navy Light Cruisers 1941–45 Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | June 2012 | Title | Imperial Japanese Navy Light Cruisers 1941–45 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Mark Stille | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2012 | ISBN | 9781849085625 |
| Format | 48 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $17.95 |
Review
Unlike their heavy sisters, Imperial Japanese Navy light cruisers often proved weak and vulnerable in World War II combat. Intended as destroyer squadron flagships, they nevertheless performed well in secondary missions.
Another excellent overview from Osprey Publishing, Imperial Japanese Navy Light Cruisers 1941–45 outlines the development and operations of all 25 ships during the Second World War.
Contents follow author Stille’s proven prescription. Text traverses Japanese naval strategy and combat doctrine, shifts to international treaty and construction considerations, then segues to armament and radar details.
Coverage courses through all IJN light cruiser classes. Subsections detail design, construction, armament, modifications, wartime service, and fates of each. And a closing analysis discusses doctrine and combat performance.
Photos, illustrations, and bibliography supplement this superb summary.
Heartily recommended.
My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!