Japanese Naval Aviation Uniforms and Equipment 1937-45

Description

This long awaited title provides a fantastic reference resource on the uniforms, dress, flight gear and personal weaponry of the Imperial Japanese Navy airmen of World War II. It includes detailed descriptions of flight gear, including manufacture information, and interviews with IJN pilots such as Sakai, Komachi, Tanimizu, Kawato and Saito regarding the use of a variety of equipment are integrated into the text. Packed with great contemporary illustrations, photographs of original items, and colour pictures, this title provides a meticulously detailed examination of the dress and equipment of the Imperial Japanese Navy's aviators in World War II.

Gary Nila is a former Los Angeles Police Officer and FBI Special Agent who now works as an investigator with Northrop Grumman Corp. Air Combat Systems. He has been a collector of World War II Japanese military uniforms and equipment for over 30 years, but specializes in researching and collecting Japanese naval flight equipment and dress. He has interviewed many former IJN pilots including Saburo Sakai, Sudamu Komaichi, and Masajiro Kawato. Gary lives in Lakewood, California. Bill Younghusband was born in 1936. He has been interested in all things military since childhood, an interest compounded through the reading of authors such as G. A. Henty. In 1954 he joined the Life Guards and saw service in Egypt and Cyprus. Bill is a respected military illustrator of many years' experience, and for this title contributes the detailed insignia illustrations. He is married, and lives in Ireland.

"I would give it the highest recommendation for anyone interested in WW2 Japanese subjects and it is an essential addition to the modelling references if you are contemplating a diorama or vignette. The low price is perfect and the easy-to-read format make this spot on as a reference for the workbench." --Rowan Baylis, AeroScale "Although much is published on American and German uniforms and equipment, there are far fewer titles related to those of the Japanese written in English. Gary Nila's new book will be a title be a worthwhile addition to the bookshelf of historians, collectors and those interested in Japanese forces... The book begins with a helpful references to Japanese numbering systems, kanji and other manufacturer related markings. Clearly and concisely written, with many photographs of each piece of equipment, patch and uniform used by the Imperial Navy. The book traces the influences of naval equipment, from early gear used during the war in China thru WWII. Every detail of each uniform -- from headgear down to boots is covered. Like other Osprey titles, the book is amply illustrated with wartime photos, and detailed photos of uniforms and equipment from collections. This book is a worthy reference and historical text, that anyone interested in this topic will want to add to their library." --www.pacificwrecks.com