{"title":"Books by Mark Stille","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781472865311","title":"Pearl Harbor","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA detailed re-examination of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Day of Infamy that saw the USA enter World War II.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this the first comprehensive treatment of Pearl Harbor since the early 1990s. respected Pacific War naval historian Mark E. Stille traces the road to war and the Japanese attack itself. He examines the role of the man behind the operation, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the plan. The American preparations for an attack are also carefully reviewed. The heart of the book is a comprehensive narrative of Pearl Harbor along with an appreciation of its results placed in proper perspective.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn common with many of the major campaigns of the Pacific War, many myths surround the Battle of Pearl Harbor, and, amongst others, Mark explores and dismantle the myth of Yamamoto as a military genius, as well as the myth that the attack was brilliantly planned. Long regarded as brilliant strike, Mark argues in \u003ci\u003ePearl Harbor\u003c\/i\u003e that the attack was instead a tactical disappointment, an operational failure and a strategic disaster.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":55896507089269,"sku":"9781472865311","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":57682779767157,"sku":"9781472865328","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472865311_3148b1a4-21c5-47d2-9ec5-260b58858bba.jpg?v=1792511719"},{"product_id":"9781472866554","title":"New Guinea 1942–43","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLavishly illustrated, this book studies the role of airpower in the New Guinea battles of 1942–43, as the Allies checked and halted Japan's last significant offensives. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMark Stille and John Rogers offer a new history of a previously neglected part of the South Pacific air war - the battles over New Guinea and the waters around it. The first of two books on the subject, drawing on Japanese, American and Australian sources, it details operations from February 1942 until April 1943, which saw the Allies stop the last Japanese efforts to expand their faltering empire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAllied air operations focused on denying the Japanese the use of the sea to send reinforcements to New Guinea, during the battles for Buna and Gona, the unsuccessful and little-known Japanese invasion at Milne Bay, and the Battle of the Bismarck Sea in which a major Japanese effort to move troops to New Guinea was crushed by air power. While the Japanese had over-extended and lost operational focus, the Allies were successful in interdicting sea movement of Japanese forces to New Guinea. However, immature tactics meant air power was largely ineffective supporting their ground campaign. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePacked with photos, superb original battlescenes, 3D diagrams and maps, this book explains the roles of Japanese and Allied air power in the crucial battle of New Guinea.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55897385730421,"sku":"9781472866554","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472866554_743a1b42-6a6b-42f6-9ae7-f6e334696a62.jpg?v=1786020427"},{"product_id":"9781472801227","title":"Axis Midget Submarines","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDuring World War II, Germany, Japan, and Italy built approximately 2,000 small, inherently stealthy, naval craft to perform special operations and conventional naval missions.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMuch more numerous and more technically advanced than their Allied counterparts, they saw service worldwide, operating in the Pacific, Mediterranean, Black Sea, Indian Ocean, North Sea, and the English channel. Manned by courageous crews, these vessels made daring attacks on Allied ships in heavily protected anchorages using torpedoes and mines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost notable were attacks against Gibraltar – launched from an Italian cargo vessel interred in nearby neutral Spain that had been converted into a clandestine support base and equipped with an underwater hatch – and Pearl Harbor. They were used against shipping in coastal waters and, near the end of the war, in desperate attempts to offset their opponents’ overwhelming naval superiority during the US advance across the Pacific and the Allied amphibious landings in France and Italy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis volume details the history, weapons, and operations of German, Japanese, and Italian midget submarines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300115624309,"sku":"9781472801227","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472801227_05b9bf6d-176f-4c22-8d9d-41de3cbb97f5.jpg?v=1786020390"},{"product_id":"9781472826336","title":"Pacific Carrier War","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA detailed and comprehensive study of the carrier formations of the Pacific War, including their origins, development and key battles from the Coral Sea, through Midway and Guadalcanal to the battle of the Philippine Sea.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe defining feature of the Pacific Theatre of World War II was the clash of carriers that ultimately decided the fate of nations. The names of these battles have become legendary as some of the most epic encounters in the history of naval warfare.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePre-war assumptions about the impact and effectiveness of carriers were comprehensively tested in early war battles such as Coral Sea, while US victories at Midway and in the waters around Guadalcanal established the supremacy of its carriers. The US Navy’s ability to adapt and evolve to the changing conditions of war maintained and furthered their advantage, culminating in their comprehensive victory at the battle of the Philippine Sea, history’s largest carrier battle, which destroyed almost the entire Japanese carrier force.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Examining the ships, aircraft and doctrines of both the Japanese and US navies and how they changed during the war, Mark E. Stille shows how the domination of American carriers paved the way towards the Allied victory in the Pacific.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300127977845,"sku":"9781472826336","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472826336_5c9aef6b-206a-43b6-9c13-f584477f7a5a.jpg?v=1786020565"},{"product_id":"9781472836441","title":"US Navy Ships vs Japanese Attack Aircraft","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe striking power of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s carrier-­based attack aircraft was established at Pearl Harbor, and the IJN’s carrier-­based torpedo­ and dive-­bombers showed their prowess again at the Battle of Coral Sea when they sank the US Navy carrier USS \u003ci\u003eLexington \u003c\/i\u003eand damaged the carrier USS \u003ci\u003eYorktown\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEven at the disastrous Battle of Midway, the relatively small number of IJNAF attack- and torpedo-bombers that were launched against the US fleet proved that they remained a potent force by heavily damaging \u003ci\u003eYorktown \u003c\/i\u003eagain, which allowed an IJN submarine to sink the carrier. At Guadalcanal, IJNAF carrier-based aircraft sank the carrier USS \u003ci\u003eHornet \u003c\/i\u003eand badly damaged USS \u003ci\u003eEnterprise \u003c\/i\u003etwice. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowever, throughout 1942, US Navy ship defences brought down an increasing number of attacking IJNAF aircraft. The final major battle of the year, the Battle of Santa Cruz, exacted crippling losses on the IJN, setting the stage for the eclipse of the IJNAF’s highly trained and effective aviation attack forces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePacked with illustrations and contemporary photographs, this engrossing volume details the design, tactics, and operational records of both the US Navy ships and the IJNAF aircraft which attacked them over the year following Pearl Harbor.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300133941621,"sku":"9781472836441","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472836441_9f81f0ef-a16a-4389-bf1d-3013d1e66eee.jpg?v=1786020686"},{"product_id":"9781472840516","title":"US Navy Frigates of the Cold War","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThough they were never the most glamorous of warships, found US Navy frigates were frequently found on the frontlines of the Cold War at sea.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese warships were the descendants of World War II's destroyer escorts, designed primarily to escort convoys. They specialized in anti-submarine warfare, but were intended to be numerous, tough, versatile, and well-armed enough to show US naval power around the world, performing roles that varied from intercepting drug-smugglers to defending aircraft carriers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e When the Cold War turned hot, frigates were often there. It was a US Navy frigate, \u003ci\u003eHarold E. Holt\u003c\/i\u003e, that conducted the US Navy's first hostile boarding action since 1826 during the SS \u003ci\u003eMayaguez \u003c\/i\u003eincident. Frigates were at the forefront of operations in the Persian Gulf during the Tanker War, with the frigate USS \u003ci\u003eStark \u003c\/i\u003esuffering a notorious Exocet attack by Iraqi warplanes, and proving the Oliver Hazard Perry-class's legendary toughness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This book explains how the technology and design of frigates changed during the Cold War, how the classes were modified to keep up to date, and explores the many varied missions they performed during the Cold War and since.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300138660213,"sku":"9781472840516","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472840516_3c1c0863-3d58-4581-93ec-90814d22a8e9.jpg?v=1786020743"},{"product_id":"9781472825353","title":"Italian Cruisers of World War II","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Italian Royal Navy (\u003ci\u003eRegia Marina\u003c\/i\u003e) operated one of largest cruiser forces of World War II.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a signatory to the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty, the \u003ci\u003eRegia Marina\u003c\/i\u003e immediately attempted to reinforce its treaty-limited battleship force by building seven large 10,000-ton heavy cruisers. Italian light cruisers also possessed an interesting design history and were involved in every major fleet engagement in the Mediterranean, as well as several smaller encounters with units of the British Royal Navy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFully illustrated with specially commissioned artwork, this fascinating volume examines the history of the \u003ci\u003eRegia Marina\u003c\/i\u003e’s cruisers during World War II where they came up against the might of the British Royal Navy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300376293749,"sku":"9781472825353","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472825353_f614d717-023d-46e7-90de-0765c6456c60.jpg?v=1786020551"},{"product_id":"9781472842817","title":"Leyte Gulf 1944 (1)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe first in a two-part study of the October 23-26 Battle of Leyte Gulf, which resulted in a decisive defeat for the Japanese.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn October 1944, the US prepared to invade the Philippines to cut Japan off from its resource areas in Southeast Asia. The Japanese correctly predicted this, and prepared a complex operation to use the remaining strength of its navy to defend its possessions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Imperial Japanese Navy's  First Diversion Strike Force took part in two major actions during the course of the battle: the intense air attacks from US Navy carriers on October 24 (the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, which accounted for superbattleship Musashi), and the compelling action off Samar the following day.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book examines in detail why, following the Samar action, the Imperial Japanese Navy commander of the First Diversion Strike Force (Takeo Kurita) chose to ignore orders and break off the attack into Leyte Gulf—one of the two most controversial decisions of the entire battle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt also covers the Japanese planning for Leyte Gulf, and the strengths and weaknesses of the Imperial Japanese Navy in this phase of the war alongside the US Navy’s planning and command arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300390482293,"sku":"9781472842817","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472842817_46c1d3e2-5af6-4cfb-8259-9313bd0df63e.jpg?v=1786034344"},{"product_id":"9781472854186","title":"Japan’s Indian Ocean Raid 1942","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn detailed \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eillustrated \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eexploration of the Japanese raid into the Indian Ocean in April 1942 – one of the largest operations conducted by the Imperial Navy during the war.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the wake of Japan’s conquest of Burma in early 1942, plans were formed by the Imperial high command to capture Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka) to consolidate Japan’s defensive perimeter and disrupt British shipping lanes to India, Australia, and the Middle East. The Imperial Japanese Army, however, could not release sufficient troops for an invasion, and so in response the Japanese Navy developed Operation \u003ci\u003eC\u003c\/i\u003e, an aggressive raid by the Combined Fleet into the Indian Ocean. The key objective was to destroy the British Eastern Fleet in port.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpert naval historian Mark Stille documents the high point of Japanese naval air power as its carriers struck Ceylon – the heart of British naval power in the East – sinking several Allied ships. He describes the Allied air attempts to destroy Admiral Chuichi Nagumo’s force, and the Japanese attacks against British shipping and the cities along the Indian coast.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecially commissioned battlescenes bring to life the sinking of British carrier \u003ci\u003eHermes\u003c\/i\u003e, the Bristol Blenheim attacks on the Japanese carrier force, and a Zero vs Hurricane dogfight over Colombo on 5 April. Easy to follow maps and diagrams reveal the strategic situation at the start and end of the campaign, and track the movements of the Japanese carrier task force and the British Eastern Fleet throughout. Details of weaponry, equipment, personnel and the events of the fascinating battles that took place are revealed in over 60 photographs, many of which are from Japanese sources.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300408897909,"sku":"9781472854186","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472854186_f2995143-f7a2-479a-8498-8ab9038f2c2f.jpg?v=1786021007"},{"product_id":"9781472856999","title":"Philippines Naval Campaign 1944–45","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe forgotten story of the major naval operations conducted in the Philippines by the US and Japanese navies after Leyte Gulf up to the US invasion of Luzon in January 1945. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe events that took place in the aftermath of the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944 are often overlooked by military historians. An impressive array of naval operations continued in the Philippines up to January 1945, which included (on the Japanese side) the largest convoys to a contested island during the war, the first kamikaze campaign, and the second largest Imperial Japanese Navy surface operation during the last nine months of the conflict. On the American side, US forces were involved in efforts to cut off Leyte from enemy reinforcement, a massive amphibious invasion off Luzon, and large-scale operations by the Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 38).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpert naval historian Mark Stille throws new light on this often forgotten phase of the Pacific naval war. Among the actions covered are the battles for Ormoc Bay, the invasion of Mindoro, Japanese kamikaze attacks, and US Third Fleet's rampage through the South China Sea between January 10 and 20, 1945. Superb battlescene artworks bring the war at sea and in the air vividly to life, and maps and diagrams guide readers through a range of actions in clear, step-by-step detail.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300413649269,"sku":"9781472856999","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472856999_a300f3ab-a0a2-4f1c-897b-532a6896a473.jpg?v=1786021072"},{"product_id":"9781472801463","title":"The Imperial Japanese Navy in the Pacific War","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA highly illustrated examination of the key ships, tactics and operations of the Imperial Japanese Navy in the War in the Pacific in World War II.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) was the third most powerful navy in the world at the start of World War II, and came to dominate the Pacific in the early months of the war. This was a remarkable turnaround for a navy that only began to modernize in 1868, although defeats inflicted on the Russians and Chinese in successive wars at the turn of the century gave a sense of the threat the IJN was to pose.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBringing together for the first time material previously published in Osprey series books, and with the addition of new writing making use of the most recent research, this book details the Japanese ships which fought in the Pacific and examines the principles on which they were designed, how they were armed, when and where they were deployed and how effective they were in battle.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Imperial Japanese Navy in the Pacific War\u003c\/i\u003e provides a history of the IJN's deployment and engagements, analysis of the evolution of strategy and tactics, and finally addresses the question of whether it truly was a modern navy, fully prepared for the rigors of combat in the Pacific. Illustrated throughout with photographs and detailed colour artworks, this is a valuable reference source for Pacific War enthusiasts and historians alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56301006913909,"sku":"9781472801463","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472801463_0682b272-7e44-4351-be5e-c05f84403d00.jpg?v=1786020391"},{"product_id":"9781472843050","title":"USN Submarine vs IJN Antisubmarine Escort","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis fully illustrated study examines and compares the roles of the US Navy submarines and the Imperial Japanese Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities during World War II.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 1941 and 1942, US Navy submarine operations in the Pacific were largely ineffective, hampered by faulty torpedo design, conservative tactics, and insufficiently aggressive submarine captains. Eventually, though, a new generation of wartime submarine commanders, combined with reliable torpedoes, new generation boats, improved intelligence, and advanced radar, inflicted devastating losses on Japanese shipping. Antisubmarine warfare was initially accorded a low priority by the Imperial Japanese Navy; the lack of ASW escorts and modern weaponry, and an inability to develop tactics, resulted in devastation to vital convoys, and hampered its ability to deter and destroy enemy submarines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book explores all these factors, and the role that US submarines played in supporting the major fleet operations in the Pacific Theater, notching up almost 500 patrols by war’s end for the loss of 52 submarines to the Japanese. The technical and tactical developments implemented by the opposing sides are documented in detail, including  US improvements to submarine design and weaponry and more aggressive tactics, and the Japanese development of destroyer escorts, changes to depth charge design, and improved submarine detection capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56301016908149,"sku":"9781472843050","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472843050_b012c93d-6df7-4fc9-a5c8-8b0c3b961083.jpg?v=1786020788"},{"product_id":"9781472842855","title":"Leyte Gulf 1944 (2)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe second volume in a two-part \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eillustrated \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003estudy of the October 23-26 Battle of Leyte Gulf, which resulted in a decisive defeat for the Japanese.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Battle of Leyte Gulf—the largest naval battle in history—comprised four major actions conducted over the course of two days, plus several associated minor clashes. The size and complexity of this epic battle remains unmatched, with two United States Navy (USN) fleets (Third and Seventh) facing a much-reduced Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), severely outnumbered and fatally lacking in airpower. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComplementing the first volume’s coverage of the IJN’s First Diversion Attack Force at the battles of the Sibuyan Sea and off Samar, this superbly illustrated second volume focuses on the forces supporting the main Japanese thrust. Naval expert Mark Stille reveals how the Japanese Main Body succeeded in its mission of luring the US Third Fleet to the north, but at a tremendous cost in the ensuing Battle off Cape Engaño.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlso explored in full visual detail is the fate of the small detachment of seven IJN ships ordered to attack into Leyte Gulf through Surigao Strait in the south. 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It also details the qualities and importance of IJN leadership, logistics, naval infrastructure, and Japan’s shipbuilding capability, and gives an account and analysis of the IJN's combat performance during these crucial months – not just in the famous carrier battles, but also exploring lesser-known elements such as IJN amphibious forces and land-based aviation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56301039681909,"sku":"9781472856432","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472856432_cf0cbf06-86e0-4b9b-8bb2-d776bd522c52.jpg?v=1786021060"},{"product_id":"9781472860484","title":"Midway-Class Aircraft Carriers 1945–92","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Midway-class were the US Navy's biggest carriers built during World War II. 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Having defeated the U-boats in World War I, the Royal Navy was confident it would succeed again. This was quickly shown to be a delusion, as neither the scale of forces available nor their tactics were sufficient. The Germans were even less prepared, having only a small number of U-boats and fewer still that were large enough for operations in the Atlantic. The Germans attempted to win a tonnage war against Allied shipping, with well-trained and bold U-boat commanders enjoying some brilliant successes. However, torpedo problems and the shortage of U-boats prevented the Germans from inflicting crippling losses, even though the British found it impossible to protect all shipping, primarily because of a lack of convoy escorts and inadequate air cover.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRespected naval historian Mark Stille examines the struggle between Allied naval and air forces and German U-boats in the first 15 months of World War II. 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It had struck a severe blow against the US Navy at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, before spearheading the Japanese advance through Southeast Asia and rampaging across the South Pacific. Only a few months later, in June 1942, the US Navy managed to inflict a decisive defeat on this mighty force off Midway Atoll and the strategic initiative in the Pacific Theater passed to the US Navy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMidway is one of the most mythologized battles of World War II. The traditional view of the battle, popularized in its immediate aftermath and surviving through to the present day, is of a heavily outnumbered American force snatching victory in the face of overwhelming odds. This view is simplistic and, in many respects, wrong.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePacific War expert Mark E. 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Using maps, diagrams, photographs and stunning battlescene artworks, the weapons, personalities, and tactics of the opposing sides are brought vividly to life in a unique and engaging way.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56368893886837,"sku":"9781472867261","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472867261_5bf50aac-1add-4746-bb51-133dca4e34e9.jpg?v=1786020442"},{"product_id":"9781472867759","title":"US Navy Pacific Fleet 1941–42","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIllustrated throughout, an expert account of the US Pacific Fleet in the crucial six months between Pearl Harbor and its revenge at Midway.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite the damage inflicted at Pearl Harbor, the Pacific Fleet still had the ability to hit back. In this book, US Navy expert Mark Stille explains and assesses the fleet's response to the apparent disaster, and how its actions led to the decisive victory at Midway.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe explains how although unable to mount a large-scale offensive into the Central Pacific as called for in prewar plans, the Pacific Fleet carried out a number of carrier raids, while the US submarine service also went on the offensive, although beset by technical problems. Crucially, the Pacific Fleet secured sea communications between the US and Australia, and then moved to stop Japanese advances into the South Pacific, which led to the war’s first carrier battle at Coral Sea. 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Forced to abandon the attacks, he switched the focus of U-boat operations to the central Atlantic, but was met and defeated by US Navy escort carrier groups. In September 1943, Dönitz attempted to resume North Atlantic operations. However, despite some initial success, the plan to resume large-scale U-boat operations in the open Atlantic came to an end. Dönitz pivoted to preserving the U-boat strength in order to repel an expected invasion by the Allies. When the invasion occurred in June 1944, the Germans made an all-out effort to disrupt the landings with submarines, but it was another disastrous failure. After this, the main focus was Britain's waters.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNaval historian Mark Stille concludes his Battle of the Atlantic trilogy by digging into why the U-boat offensive failed against the Allied convoys. 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