Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War II (Elite) [Paperback]

Gordon Rottman (Author), Akira Takizawa (Author), Mike Chappell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Elite | Publication Date: September 10, 2005

Osprey's examination of Japan's parachute units of World War II (1939-1945). For the first time in English, this book offers a concise but fact-packed account of the organization, equipment, and all operations of Japan's small but elite wartime parachute forces. Correcting and amplifying previous accounts based on wartime intelligence, it traces the Imperial Army's Raiding Regiments and the Imperial Navy's parachute-trained Yokosuka 1st & 3rd Special Naval Landing Forces from the first trials units, through their successful assaults in early 1942, to the last desperate battles and raids of 1944–45. The text is illustrated with rare photographs, and meticulously reconstructed color artwork of the men and their gear.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book concisely encompasses the paratroops' organization, equipment and operations ... The history includes the parachute-trained units' first tirals, their first successful assaults in early 1942, and raids and battles of 1944-45. Color illustrations of the Japanese troops and their equipment are accompanied by rare photographs." -Tony Little, Toy Soldier & Model Figure (April 2008)

From the Publisher

An unrivalled illustrated reference source on fighting men and commanders, past and present. Each volume is packed with full colour artwork, making military history uniquely accessible to enthusiasts of all ages.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (September 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841769037
• ISBN-13: 978-1841769035
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #370,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good reference material, June 27, 2010

By 

James D. Crabtree "Doc Crabtree" (Fort Leavenworth, Kansas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War II (Elite) (Paperback)

This Osprey book looks at the airborne forces employed by the Imperial Japanese Navy and the Imperial Japanese Army. The IJN and IJA both competed for resources and primature in certain typs of missions and like other aspects of the Japanese military at this time this led to unnecessary competition and confusion. Also, of all the major combatants of WWII Japan entered with the smallest resources available to it to prosecute the war. Thus Japan only dedicated resources to airborne forces after their German allies proved their worth. Even so, they could not commit to creating entire airborne divisions since they did not have the necessary lift. The few airborne operations actually carried out used aircraft largely inappropriate for the delivery of paratroopers. Some other operations were planned but not carried out.

As with all books by Osprey it is well-illustrated with paintings, maps, photos and other resources. It is a useful reference for this chapter of the airborne experience.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction, December 23, 2009

By 

Nick Dowling - See all my reviews

This review is from: Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War II (Elite) (Paperback)

This book provides a very useful overview of the Imperial Japanese Army and Imperial Japanese Navy's airborne units. It provides good coverage of how these units were raised, organised and equipped and the battles they took part in. I was, however, disappointed that the doctrine which governed how the Japanese employed their airborne units is only covered in passing and the logistical arrangements for supporting airborne operations isn't really addressed. The many photos and drawings of the airborne soldiers' equipment and dress are excellent, and I imagine that they would be useful to model makers.

I was pleasantly suprised by the in-depth coverage of the battles Japanese airborne troops took part in - these are clear and well illustrated with maps and photos. The book would have been stronger though if it had discussed why the role of the paratroopers evolved from seizing strategic objectives in 1942 to performing suicide missions in 1944-45, though this isn't a major issue as the changed role is clear from the accounts of the battles. I was disappointed that the caption to a photo of the commander of the Yokosuka 1st SNLF on page 24 states that he was executed in 1948 for war crimes his unit committed, while what these were wasn't covered in the section on the relevant battle.

All up, Rottman and Takizawa have succeeded in writing a good overview of these units which should be valuable to people with an interest in the Pacific War.