USMC M4A2 Sherman vs Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go

The Central Pacific 1943–44

USMC M4A2 Sherman vs Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go cover

Description

The different national tank doctrines of the United States and Imperial Japan resulted in a terrible mismatch of the predominant tank types in the crucial Central Pacific campaign. A flawed Japanese doctrine emphasized light infantry support tanks, often used in small numbers. Tactically, tanks were often frittered away in armored versions of the familiar banzai attacks. Meanwhile, the Americans saw the tank as an infantry support weapon, but developed a more systematic tactical doctrine. They settled upon a larger medium tank – in the case of most Marine Corps tank battalions, the diesel-powered M4A2 (unwanted by the US Army).

This superbly detailed title reveals how both the two sides' tactical and technical differences in the approach to armored warfare soon became apparent over a series of deadly engagements, from the first tank fight at the battle of Tarawa in November 1943, through to engagements on Parry Island, Saipan, and Guam, before ending with Peleliu in September 1944.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chronology
Design and Development
Technical Specifications
The Strategic Situation
The Combatants
Combat
Analysis
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published Feb 18 2021
Format Ebook (Epub)
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472840127
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Series Duel
Short code DUE 108
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Romain Cansière

A native of southeastern France, Romain V. Cansièr…

Author

Ed Gilbert

Ed Gilbert has written numerous titles in Osprey’s…

Illustrator

Edouard A. Groult

Edouard Groult grew up inspired by watching histor…

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