The Japanese Army 1931-45 (2): 1942-45

Description

Within months of its greatest triumph in 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army began to face the difficulties which would eventually destroy it - overstretched supply lines, and inadequate industrial support. Yet as the Allies grew steadily stronger and more skilful, the Japanese Army and Naval Landing Forces dug in to defend their conquests with a determination which shocked all who fought them. In this second book the author describes the deployments, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the Army - including the dreaded Kempei-tai military police - the naval infantry, paratroopers, special raiding units, and foreign auxiliaries during the long and savage war in Burma and the Pacific. His text is illustrated with many rare photographs, three insignia charts, and eight highly detailed colour plates.

Philip Jowett was born in Leeds in 1961, and has been interested in military history for as long as he can remember. His original interest lies in small and little-known wars and armies; before beginning his series on the Italian Army of World War II he was the author of the much praised MAA 306: Chinese Civil War Armies 1911-49. A rugby league enthusiast and amateur genealogist, he is married and lives in Lincolnshire. Stephen Andrew was born in 1961 in Glasgow, where he still lives and works. An entirely self-taught artist, he worked in advertising and design agencies before going freelance in 1993. Military history is his passion, and in the past few years he has established himself as a respected artist in this field. Since 1997 he has illustrated half a dozen Men-at-Arms titles including MAA 306: Chinese Civil War Armies 1911-49, and a five-part sequence on The German Army 1939-45 (MAA 311, 316, 326, 330 & 336).

"Although the book is very brief in its description of the JIA's military background, organization and character (due to that information being kept within the series' previous installment), its brilliant artwork coupled with detailed descriptions is a treasure trove for any modeller interested in the subject." --Chas Young, Armorama (March 2008)