Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (1) Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | July 2013 | Title | Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Mark Stille | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2013 | ISBN | 9781849089845 |
| Format | 48 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $17.95 |
Review
At the beginning of World War II in the Pacific, the Imperial Japanese Navy possessed some of the world's most powerful destroyers.
Now Mark Stille begins the fascinating tale in Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45: Minekaze to Shiratsuyu Classes – first of two volumes from Osprey.
This installment recaps the history, weapons and tactics of classes built before the conflict:
- Minekaze
- Kamikaze
- Mutsuki
- Fubuki
- Akatsuki
- Hatsuharu
- Shiratsuyu
Sections summarize design, construction, armament, modifications, and – ship by ship – wartime service and fates. Companion charts record shipyard, building and launching details. And technical specifications conclude chapters.
Final analyses discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Japanese destroyer designs. Photos and color artwork illustrate chapters. And a summary of secondary sources with index complete contents.
This handy handbook perfectly complements Osprey's two-volume set on US World War II destroyers – New Vanguard 162 and 165. And I eagerly await Stille's sequel.
Recommended!
My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!