USN PT Boat vs IJN Destroyer

Tokyo Express 1942–43

USN PT Boat vs IJN Destroyer cover

USN PT Boat vs IJN Destroyer

Tokyo Express 1942–43

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Pre-order. Available Feb 25 2025
$23.00

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Description

This fully illustrated book assesses the trial of strength between US Navy PT boats and Japanese destroyers operating in the Solomon Islands during 1942–43.

During the Solomons fighting, the IJN was forced to rely on destroyers to move men and materiel to its forward garrisons. Conducted at night to avoid American air power, these missions, first seen during the struggle for Guadalcanal, were dubbed the Tokyo Express. Unable to derail the Tokyo Express by using its destroyers, the USN deployed PT boats off Guadalcanal from October 1942; sinking one destroyer and damaging another.

As the fighting moved into the Central Solomons, the USN attempted to disrupt the build-up of Japanese forces on New Georgia Island and other Japanese strongholds by using cruisers and destroyers, but this approach resulted in heavy losses. PT boat operations were increasingly important after the Japanese turned to barges to move troops and supplies.

Full-colour artwork and mapping and carefully chosen archive photographs complement vivid battle narratives and shrewd analysis in this lively account of the ships and men fighting on both sides in the crucial Solomon Islands campaign at the height of World War II. Renowned authority Mark Stille explores the background to this epic clash of arms, charts its course during 1942–43, and offers insights into the performance of both sides in this pivotal campaign of World War II in the Pacific.

Table of Contents

(Subject to confirmation)
Introduction
Chronology
Design and Development
The Strategic Situation
Technical Specifications
The Combatants
Combat
Analysis
Aftermath
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published Feb 25 2025
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472860972
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Colour illustrations throughout, including profiles, technical drawings, battlescene artworks, maps and photographs.
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
Series Duel
Short code DUE 141
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Mark Stille

Mark Stille is the author of numerous Osprey title…

Illustrator

Edouard A. Groult

Edouard Groult grew up inspired by watching histor…

Resources

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