The Japanese High Command realized that the loss of Okinawa would give the Americans a base for the invasion of Japan. Its desperate response to the invasion of Okinawa was to unleash the full force of the Special Attack Units; known in the west as the Kamikaze ('Divine Wind'); in the hope of inflicting punishing casualties on the US Pacific fleet that in turn disrupted the invasion. In a series of mass attacks in between April and June 1945; more than 900 Kamikaze aeroplanes were shot down. Conventional fighters and bombers accompanied the Special Attack Units as escorts; and to add their own weight to the attacks on the US fleet. In the air battles leading up to the invasion of Okinawa; as well as those that raged over the island in the three months; that followed; and in strikes on Japanese airfields in Kyushu (the base of the Special Attack Units); the Japanese lost more than 7000 aircraft both in the air and on the ground. In the course of the fighting; 67 Navy; 21 Marine; and three USAAF pilots became aces; destroying at least five aircraft between March and June 1945. In many ways it was an uneven combat. While many regular Japanese Army and Navy aviators volunteered for the Special Attack Units; a large number of the pilots in the Special Attack Units were inexperienced and only recently out of flying training. They also often flew obsolete aircraft. These less experienced pilots were no match for the Hellcat; Corsair and Thunderbolt pilots who were at the peak of their game. Indeed; many of the latter had been flying fighters for two or more years; and had previous combat experience. On numerous occasions following these uneven contests; American fighter pilots would return from combat having shot down up to six Japanese aeroplanes during a single mission. Indeed; during the campaign 13 Navy; five Marine Corps and two USAAF pilots became 'aces in a day'.
#1721335 in Books Pen and Sword 2012-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.40 x .90 x 6.30l; 1.50 #File Name: 1848847807256 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Time on station beats top speed often; a lesion for the A-10 vs F-16 or F-18. Fast seldom means correct actionBy LTCRETI have always been a fan of the PBY. But the Martin Mariner was far better in some aspects and worse in others. While at the VA as a staff member; my patient was Admiral Halsey's personal pilot. My patient had the ability to take any navy plane he needed. One one mission he needed range; so he took a Catalina. They were surrounded by three zeros. My patient could not out perform the zeros so he put in a large cloud. The Japs would charge through but with them having poor loitering time; after three hours they were bingo fuel. Four hours later; he flew the Admiral to safety. To the next adventure.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Very DetaledBy Roger W. Macdonald-evoyThis is a very detailed unit by unit history of the PBY in World War II including British and other allied nations. The print is very fine and information packed. it is not written in the style of a novel but more like a series of unit histories. If you are looking for data like this it is an incredible book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Two StarsBy EVery little about the United States units. Probably a valuable book to others though.
