Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (2) Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | November 2013 | Title | Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Mark Stille | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2013 | ISBN | 9781849089876 |
| Format | 48 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $17.95 |
Review
Mark Stille continues his competent coverage of IJN warships with Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (2) – the second series volume from Osprey.
This installment recaps the history of classes constructed during the conflict:
- Asashio
- Kagero
- Yugumo
- Shimakaze
- Akitsuki
- Matsu/Tachibana
Chapters chart design, construction, armament, modifications, and – ship by ship – wartime service and fates. In fact, only 30 "wartime" IJN destroyers survived World War II. And only one actually entered Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force service – the Tachibana-class Nashi.
Accompanying tables summarize shipyard, building and launching details. And technical specifications conclude sections. For a summary of IJN destroyer weapons and tactics, though, you must reference Stille's first volume.
A final section analyzes Japanese destroyer combat performance. Photos, color drawings and action artwork illustrate text. And a selected bibliography and index neatly wrap things up.
Stille's compact compendium capably complements his informative Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (2) (1) (New Vanguard 198) and USN Destroyer vs IJN Destroyer (Duel 48). Consider them a set.
Recommended!
My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!