South Pacific Air War Volume Four chronicles aerial warfare in the South Pacific in the critical period between 19 June and 8 September 1942. It can be read alone or as a continuation of the first three volumes that spanned the first six months of the Pacific War, culminating in the Battle of the Coral Sea.
This volume conveys detailed stories of aerial warfare in the South Pacific, with a focus on matching Japanese and Allied records for accurate accounting. The actual outcomes often differ significantly from the exaggerated claims made by both sides, which have influenced traditional histories. Each selected story is supported by photographic or other evidence, allowing for an accurate depiction of the aircraft involved. The narrative centers on confrontations with the Japanese Navy Air Force (JNAF) in New Guinea and the Solomons, referred to as the "South Seas" by the Japanese. The JNAF emerged in the South Pacific in December 1941, leading offensive efforts throughout 1942. Following the intense Guadalcanal campaign, the JNAF transitioned to a largely defensive posture in New Guinea and the Solomons against increasingly powerful Allied forces. Surprisingly, the JNAF continued to resist Allied advances until late 1943, maintaining air superiority near its key base of Rabaul. It was only in 1944, with the withdrawal of units to the Central Pacific and the Philippines, that the JNAF presence in the South Pacific diminished to a token force. This volume offers unprecedented detailed accounts that closely match adversaries, illuminating key events in the Pacific skies from years past.
This third volume details aerial warfare in the South Pacific during May and June 1942, focusing on the Battle of the Coral Sea. It can be enjoyed independently or as part of a trilogy covering the first half of the Pacific War. In early May, Japan initiated Operation MO to capture Tulagi and Port Moresby, leading to a historic clash between opposing fleet carriers. The battle resulted in the loss of the USS Lexington and the withdrawal of the USS Yorktown. While traditionally viewed as an Allied victory that thwarted Japan's plans for Port Moresby, the authors argue that Japan's invasion capacity remained largely intact, and postponing the invasion was a significant miscalculation. Following the Coral Sea battle, a fierce aerial campaign ensued between land-based air forces, resembling a slugfest between Lae and Port Moresby, just an hour apart by air. The Allies launched offensives with B-17, B-25, and B-26 bombers from Australia, while P-39 Airacobra fighters defended Port Moresby, suffering heavy losses. Japanese forces, utilizing Betty and Nell bombers, targeted Moresby and its harbor, protected by the skilled Zero fighters of the Tainan Kokutai. This campaign is presented in unprecedented detail, combining Allied and Japanese accounts. The authors, Michael Claringbould and Peter Ingman, bring unique expertise to this critical chapter of military history.
Pacific Profiles Volume Three illustrates, by squadron, USAAF Fifth Air Force and RAAF Douglas A-20 series medium bombers operating in New Guinea from July 1942 to the end of 1944.
This volume presents detailed accounts of aerial warfare in the South Pacific, utilizing matched records from both Japanese and Allied forces for an accurate portrayal. The actual outcomes of battles often contrast sharply with the exaggerated claims made by both sides, which have influenced traditional histories. Each selected story is supported by photographic evidence, allowing for a precise depiction of the aircraft involved. The focus is on confrontations with the Japanese Navy Air Force (JNAF) in New Guinea and the Solomons, regions referred to by the Japanese as the "South Seas." The JNAF emerged in the South Pacific in December 1941, leading offensive operations throughout 1942. After the intense Guadalcanal campaign, the JNAF shifted to a defensive stance against increasingly powerful Allied forces in New Guinea and the Solomons. Surprisingly, until the end of 1943, the JNAF maintained significant resistance and never relinquished air superiority near its crucial base in Rabaul. It wasn't until 1944, when units were redeployed to the Central Pacific and the Philippines, that the JNAF's presence in the South Pacific diminished to a mere token force. This volume uniquely aligns adversarial accounts, illuminating pivotal events in the Pacific theater.
Volume One of Pacific Profiles presents detailed profiles and descriptions of Japanese Army Air Force aircraft and units operating in New Guinea and the Solomons from December 1942 to April 1944.
Volume Eight of the Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate profiles and histories to date of Imperial Japanese Navy floatplanes which served in the South Pacific theatre, throughout New Guinea and the Solomons.
Conveys detailed stories of aerial warfare in the Solomons theatre, chosen because both Japanese and Allied records can be matched for an accurate accounting.
Whilst the F4U Corsair eventually proved to be a superior fighter in Pacific operations, its introduction into combat in this theatre initially demonstrated its weaknesses. Indeed, the 'Saint Valentine's Day Massacre' debacle showcased exemplary Zero-sen fighter tactics, and American losses were of sufficient magnitude that further daylight missions toward Bougainville were discontinued until Allied fighter tactics could be improved. As a result, for the next two months the Corsair's combat results were much subdued. Indeed, the F4U only became a superb fighter when both its pilots and their commanders worked out how to deploy the gull-wing design effectively. Optimum circumstances for effective engagement did not always occur, and the Zero-sen remained effective against the Corsair until February 1944 in the South Pacific, after which all IJNAF fighter units vacated Rabaul. This book closely examines these two different fighters in the Solomons/Rabaul theatre, and the unique geographic conditions which shaped their deployment and effectiveness. It contains rare photographs and digital artwork that accurately showcases and aligns combats of both types in-theatre with unprecedented accuracy. Both sides vastly over-claimed. With full access to IJNAF and US Navy/US Marine Corps records, these numbers will be presented accurately
An extensively researched and accurate examination of the eight-month confrontation between two key World War II fighter planes in New Guinea.