Kamikazes, Corsairs, and Picket Ships: Okinawa, 1945
Robin L. Rielly
Language: English
Pages: 448
ISBN: 1935149415
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
“To any who want to learn more about the age of the Kamikaze at Okinawa, this book is to be desired. For the serious historian who wants a “blow by blow” coverage of the US defense against the Japanese airpower portion of the battle for Okinawa, it is a must. And for the casual reader…you’ll gain insight even if you just peruse this book.” ―Airborne Quarterly
“. . . crisp, engrossing narrative . . . puts the reader right onto the blazing decks and into the cockpits of the attackers and defenders during one of the most hard-fought engagements of the entire war.”―World War II History
This is the previously untold story of one of the most ferocious and prolonged air/naval battles in history: the battle at the radar picket stations during the American assault on Okinawa in the spring of 1945. The US fleet and its accompanying airpower that took station off Okinawa was of gigantic proportions, such that the Japanese could only rely on suicide attacks to inflict critical damage. While losses in the main fleet, including damage to ships such as the Enterprise and Intrepid, have been well covered, less known is the terrific battle waged on the radar picket line, the fleet’s outer defense against Japanese marauders.
Of the 206 ships that served on radar picket duty, nearly 30 percent were sunk or damaged by Japanese air attacks, making theirs the most hazardous naval surface duty in World War II. The great losses were largely due to the relentless nature of the kamikaze attacks, but also the improper use of support gunboats, failure to establish land-based radar at the earliest possible time, the assignment of ships ill-equipped for picket duty, and, as time went on, crew fatigue.
The nature of the US air cover is also described in full, as squadrons dashed from their carriers and land bases to intercept the Japanese swarms, resulting in constant melees over the fleet. Toward the end of the battle, the radar picket ships became the prime kamikaze targets as Japanese pilots despaired of getting through the “big blue blanket” of American fighter planes to reach larger prey. Robin L. Rielly has written an engrossing narrative of air/naval combat, combining firsthand action with astute tactical and strategic analysis.
REVIEWS
“To any who want to learn more about the age of the Kamikaze at Okinawa, this book is to be desired. For the serious historian who wants a “blow by blow” coverage of the US defense against the Japanese airpower portion of the battle for Okinawa, it is a must. And for the casual reader…you’ll gain insight even if you just peruse this book.”
Airborne Quarterly, Winter 2009
“…a masterpiece of research and dedication… classic study in how to write about a non mainstream military subject and still make it accessible to the military lay person.”
Play History, 11/2008
“fantastically well documented story…”
Flypast, 11/2008
"…if you want to know anything about this topic… this is the book to read. Profusely illustrated with maps, photographs and drawings, the subject is covered as completely as possible…"
IPMS, 12/2008
“… an enlightening and captivating account of radar picket duty…a worthy resource for anyone interested in naval war tactics and battle strategies during this era of maritime history…”
The Northern Mariner, 03/2009
“…a fascinating account replete with photos, maps and insightful analysis.”
Proceedings, 02/2009
“Highly detailed yet accessible account on the Pacific War.”
Airfix Model World, 04/01/2011
“…an engaging, well-documented, fast moving and previously untold history of 150 days and nights of continuous attacks on the picket boats. ..highly documented, extensive and well-written account of the picket line ordeal and the air action provided to combat the kamikazes.”
The Hook, Spring 2009
“…crisp, engrossing narrative…puts the reader right onto the blazing decks and into the cockpits of the attackers and defenders during one of the most hard-fought engagements of the entire war.”
World War II History, 01/2010
"The subject matter of this book by Robin L Rielly is actually very simple... however this is not a simple book at all, it is a master piece of research and dedication that makes it look simple."
Wargamer.com
“… a day-by-day, blow-by-blow, retelling of the attacks on Okinawa in 1945. As a historian, this is one of the best, most researched books I have ever seen. The bibliography is extremely detailed, and the use of primary sources and evidence makes for a very “real to life” book…. Rielly has done some amazing research and painstaking time to tell this story…”
San Francisco Book Review, 03/2011
“…related a thrilling but harrowing chapter in the Pacific War and is able to bring events to life with consummate, startling ease.”
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Carried Okas and exploded when they were hit. A flight of six Bettys with Okas was reported to have taken off from Kanoya at 0543. Japanese sources claim to have lost four.23 Among the Oka pilots was Tomitaro Horie who was one of the last of his unit left at the Kanoya base. Domei News Agency in Japan reported that he had been lost in that attack.24 Aggressive marine flyers made short work of the intruders; none were able to successfully attack the ships. Taking off from Ie Shima at 0720, were.
Tactical Air Force Tenth Army Operation Plan No. 1-45. Tactical Air Force Tenth Army Periodic Reports Periodic Reports April-June 1945. Tactical Air Force, Tenth Army War Diary for 1 May to 31 May 1945. Tactical Air Force, Tenth Army War Diary for 1 June to 30 June 1945. Record Group 165 War Department Generaland Special Staffs Captured Personnel and Material Reports Reports–(Air) 20-22 Japanese Interrogations 1945 through A (Air) 186-192 Japanese Interrogations + (A) 193-204 Japanese.
Lt. George E. Lantz of VMF-441 at Yontan, had been flying radar picket patrol over the station. They caught a Zeke making a run on the ships and shot it down. Another Japanese plane, an Oscar, circled directly overhead, making tracking and firing on it difficult. The plane made a dive on Bennion, coming in from astern at a steep angle. Continued hits from 20mm and 40mm guns did not stop the plane and, as it crossed over the fantail of the destroyer, debris was scattered over the deck. Its wing.
All that diesel smoke was blowing across that aft area all the time.53 CHAPTER 5 “The dead were the luckiest of us all...” Foul weather would make May a difficult month for the planes flying on combat air patrol and radar picket patrol. Major P.L. Shuman, the commanding officer of VMF-311, reported: Weather conditions, throughout the month, were the most hazardous ever encountered even by the most experienced pilots. Winds up to 30 knots on the ground and 80 knots aloft, blew from.
Afire…”39 Nine minutes later the 84 shot down her second Zeke and a few minutes later she downed a Tojo. LCS(L) 82had her hands full as well. An Oscar dove on her starboard bow at 0910. Fire from the gunboat disinte grated the plane as it was overhead. Commanding officer Lt. P.G. Beierl gave the command for flank speed and the plane’s parts crashed astern. Casualties from Evans being brought aboard PCE(R) 855 from Ringness APD 100 on 11 May 1945. Photo by A.J. Gordon S 1/c. NARA 80G 331077.