Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces: Uniforms and equipment 1932-45 (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

Gary Nila (Author), Robert A. Rolfe (Author), Christa Hook (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 27, 2006

The spearhead of Japan's assault landing operations both in China pre-Pearl Harbor, and in US and British territory post-Pearl Harbor, was provided by the Special Naval Landing Forces - 12 numbered battalion-size Imperial Japanese Navy units. They garrisoned a number of the islands which the US Marines then had to re-claim in some of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War of World War II (1939-1945). These included the infamous battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. This book provides a comprehensive treatment of the elite force which has never before been examined in such detail in English, covering weapons and equipment as well as uniform and insignia.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Nila's text is a comprehensive treatment of the history of the SNLF and descriptions of their uniforms, equipment, insignia and weapons. Included are breathtaking, never before published wartime photos. The centerpiece of the book is Rolfe's extensive collection of original SNLF equipment. Photographed on real human models these stunning photos represent front and back of officers and enlisted men in each of the SNLF uniforms. Rolfe's collection includes rarities like their bullet proof vests, helmets and all equipment carried by the troops. For anyone interested in the SNLF, this book is one of the only references available in English." -www.pacificwrecks.com

"This book is not only for those with lots of standard Imperial Japanese Army and Navy figures who want to paint something different. The information and photos included make this book a great one to have if you are interested in Pacific Island fighting and the Japanese forces. I used the writing on a flag from one of the photos as the basis for a converted IJA figure of my own!" -Michael Koznarsky, Gamers Closet

About the Author

Gary Nila is a former Los Angeles Police Officer and FBI Special Agent who now works as an investigator with Northrop Grumman Corporation Air Combat Systems. He has been a collector of World War II Japanese military uniforms and equipment for over 30 years. Robert Rolfe is retired from the US Postal Service, and has collected WWII Japanese Military uniforms and equipment for over 42 years. Robert has one of the largest and most complete SNLF collections in the world. Robert lives with his wife in Burbank, CA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (June 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846031001
• ISBN-13: 978-1846031007
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #382,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than an Osprey book!, November 25, 2008

By 

John F. Graf "jagjetta" (Iola, WI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces: Uniforms and equipment 1932-45 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

Gary Nila has produced a book that collectors will not want to miss. Unlike most Osprey titles, this one is packed with photos of artifacts and discussions on markings, variants and construction--just the sort of stuff collectors need and want.
Photo quality is wanting, however. Many images are a too dark to see the details that the author describes. Nevertheless, collecting WWII Japanese material is an area in need of quality research, and author Nila has filled an important niche. It is well-worth the price. I would have happily paid more for a hardcover edition with better photographs. I hope Osprey and Nila work out plans for a more comprehensive treatment of this subject.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting little book, September 5, 2008

By 

Michael N. Ryan (Bel AIr, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces: Uniforms and equipment 1932-45 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

An interesting little book on a little written about subject. A good acquisistion for those interested in WWII and what went on in the Pacific theater of operations.

Nicely written. Well informative. Well illustrated.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Two Thumbs Up!", February 8, 2007

By 

Robert E. Mcelroy "Robert E. McElroy" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces: Uniforms and equipment 1932-45 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

For such a small volume, it is packed with useful information, and vivid pictures, many of which have never been published before. Not only will this book be a useful reference tool for the historian of the WAr in the Pacific, but also useful for those who create wonderful masterpieces in the scale modeling community. Mr. Nila has placed amazing color picutures of uniforms and equiptment used by Japan's elite Naval Landing Forces. This book is a must have...
Keep up the GOOD Work Mr. Nila