Overview

The popular image of the Japanese tanks which faced the markedly superior tanks fielded by the Allies during the Second World War is one of poorly armed and armoured Lilliputian tin cans which failed to make any impression upon the battlefield. In this absorbing new history, David McCormack looks beyond widely held and unchallenged misconceptions to create a new narrative in which Japan's rightful place as a leading innovator in tank design and doctrine is restored. Why did Japan produce tanks in such limited numbers? What contribution did Japanese tanks make to the war effort? Why did it take Japan so long to develop heavier tanks capable of meeting the Allies on more equal terms? Drawing from primary and secondary sources, the author's meticulous research provides the reader with an objective appraisal of both the successes and failures of the Empire of the Sun's tank forces.

Full Product Details

Author:   David McCormack
Publisher:   Fonthill Media Ltd
Imprint:   Fonthill Media Ltd
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.412kg
ISBN:  

9781781558102

ISBN 10:   1781558108
Pages:   176
Publication Date:   10 December 2020
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Introduction; Prologue; 1 Innovation and Stagnation---Issues in Japanese Tank Development; 2 A Mauling by the Red Bear---The Undeclared Border Conflicts with the Soviet Union; 3 Three: ‘Don’t Miss the Bus’---Stalemate in China and the Expansion of the War into South East Asia; 4 Bicycles and Tank Tracks---The Malayan Campaign; 5 From Victory to Defeat---Burma, Java, and Guadalcanal; 6 The Imitation Game---German Influences on Japanese Doctrine and Tank Design; 7 A Miracle on Tarawa---The Against all Odds Survival of Volunteer Tank Crewman Chief Petty Officer Tadao Onuki; 8 The Road to India---The Imphal Operation; 9 Breaking the Deadlock---The Continental Cross---Through Operation in China; 10 Carnage on Red Beach---Saipan; 11 ‘The Enemy Must Be Annihilated’---The Defence of Luzon; 12 Bloody Beaches---The Evolution of Island Defence Tactics; 13 The Last Lines of Defence---Iwo Jima and Okinawa; 14 Shattered Jade---The Homeland Defence Strategy and the Soviet Invasion of Manchuria; Epilogue; Appendix 1 The Kungchuling Mixed Brigade, Appendix 2 The Yasuoka Detachment; Appendix 3 Tank Groups; Appendix 4 The 1941 Army Mobilisation Plan; Appendix 5 Tank Divisions; Appendix 6 Japanese Armoured Tactical Principles; Appendix 7 Principal Japanese Tank Models; Appendix 8 Principal Japanese Self-Propelled Guns and Tank Destroyers, Appendix 9 Japanese Tank and Armoured Fighting Vehicle Production 1931-1945; Appendix 10 Tank Guns; Appendix 11 Communications; Appendix 12 Maintenance; Appendix 13 Tank Crews; Appendix 14 Uniforms and Equipment; Appendix 15 Tank Schools; Appendix 16 Tank Commander Kojiro Nishizumi and the Japanese propaganda machine; Bibliography.

Reviews

"""This book is meant for anyone who has interest in World War II in the Pacific or the Japanese Armed Forces before and during the war.""-- ""A Wargamers Needful Things"" ""...benefits from extensive research and has both useful appendices and an interesting photo insert.""-- ""WWII History Magazine"""

...benefits from extensive research and has both useful appendices and an interesting photo insert. -- WWII History Magazine

Author Information

David McCormack had a long career in health and social care before enrolling as a mature student at the University of Salford in 2006. In 2009, he graduated with first-class honours in Contemporary Military and International History. Since then, David has worked as a private tutor and a historical/battlefield guide. He has also been a guest speaker at his former university, lectured on board cruise ships, and delivered talks to history groups and charities. David is married, and since 2017 has lived in Bournemouth, Dorset.

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