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.

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<p>Introduction<br />Chronology<br />Design and Development<br />Technical Specifications<br />The Strategic Situation<br />The Combatants<br />Combat<br />Analysis<br />Bibliography <br />Index</p>
Drawing upon personal testimonies from veterans, official reports, and never-before published photographs, this superbly detailed title explores the duels between the USMC M4A2 and the Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go, which often proved to be epic and unique.
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USMC vs Japanese tank battles are often ignored by historians, and when considered are poorly dramatized. This study proposes to provide key detail on the various tank vs tank engagements that took place on the islands of the Central Pacific in 1943–44.
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781472840110
Publisert
2021-02-18
Utgiver
Vendor
Osprey Publishing
Vekt
266 gr
Høyde
248 mm
Bredde
184 mm
Aldersnivå
G, P, 01, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
80

Illustratør

Biographical note

Romain Cansière has studied the Marine Corps since his teenage years. His main area of interest is the Marine Corps armored units of World War II. Romain lives and works in Provence, France.

Ed Gilbert has written numerous titles in Osprey’s Warrior, Battle Orders and Campaign series, with a focus on the history of the US Marine Corps and state militias in the American War of Independence and the War of 1812. The author of a four-volume history of Marine Tank battalions, and co-author of Tanks in Hell: A Marine Corps Tank Company on Tarawa and True for the Cause of Liberty (with his wife Cathy), Ed sadly passed away in February 2019.

Edouard Groult grew up inspired by watching historical documentaries with his father and developed a fascination for historical and fantasy art. Following art studies in both Paris and Belgium he worked as a concept artist in the videogame industry and in recent years has also undertaken historical commissions while working as a freelancer for historical magazines. He lives and works in Oxford, UK.