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Leyte Gulf: A New History of the World's Largest Sea Battle
A fascinating re-examination of the battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval encounter in history and probably the most decisive naval battle of the entire Pacific War, and one that saw the Imperial Japanese Navy eliminated as an effective fighting force and forced to resort to suicide tactics.
Leyte was a huge and complex action, actually consisting of four major battles, each of which are broken down in detail in this book, using original sources. The plans of both sides, and how they dictated the events that followed, are also examined critically.
So much of the accepted wisdom of the battle has developed from the many myths that surround it, myths that have become more firmly established over time. In this new study, Pacific War expert Mark Stille examines the key aspects of this complex battle with new and insightful analysis and dismantles the myths surrounding the respective actions and overall performances of the two most important commanders in the battle, and the “lost victory” of the Japanese advance into Leyte Gulf that never happened.
Leyte was a huge and complex action, actually consisting of four major battles, each of which are broken down in detail in this book, using original sources. The plans of both sides, and how they dictated the events that followed, are also examined critically.
So much of the accepted wisdom of the battle has developed from the many myths that surround it, myths that have become more firmly established over time. In this new study, Pacific War expert Mark Stille examines the key aspects of this complex battle with new and insightful analysis and dismantles the myths surrounding the respective actions and overall performances of the two most important commanders in the battle, and the “lost victory” of the Japanese advance into Leyte Gulf that never happened.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 14, 2023
There is something to be said for an author with a clear point of view who takes a stand. In the case of Mark Stille, his book Leyte Gulf contains multiple stands. It's refreshing and makes for an eminently readable story. Stille takes a deep dive into the actions of both the U.S. and Japanese navies as they converge on the Philippines. The result (I do not consider this a spoiler because, come on, this was 80 years ago and we know how it ended) was a significant defeat for the Japanese Navy.
This is not to say there wasn't a lot of controversy. In fact, Stille takes each one head on while giving a full accounting of the battles and the decisions made by various naval leaders. I am not educated enough on naval battle in World War II to comment on Stille's conclusions. However, at the very least the author makes his interpretations clear and direct. That said, this writing choice means some things seem to be repeated numerous times throughout the book. This is a minor quibble. I believe anyone interested in this battle will find a lot to love in Stille's style.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Osprey Publishing.)
This is not to say there wasn't a lot of controversy. In fact, Stille takes each one head on while giving a full accounting of the battles and the decisions made by various naval leaders. I am not educated enough on naval battle in World War II to comment on Stille's conclusions. However, at the very least the author makes his interpretations clear and direct. That said, this writing choice means some things seem to be repeated numerous times throughout the book. This is a minor quibble. I believe anyone interested in this battle will find a lot to love in Stille's style.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Osprey Publishing.)
December 28, 2024
In the area of strategic and operational planning, the shortcomings of Sho-Go have already been detailed. On the strategic level it was a plan without a purpose. There was no hope of defeating the invasion before it occurred, and without this the entire operation lacked a strategic rationale.
A solid summary of another ridiculous Imperial Japanese Navy plan that got closer than it should have.
What Stille does well is that when he presents his analysis of certain decisions, he provides real time commentary by participants supporting his analysis – something that seems simple but that I have seen go missing a few times in books. Kurita (partly because he survived the war) is the best advocate:
When Kurita outlined the final plan, there was disbelief and dissent from the officers present. Nothing about the role of the First Diversionary Attack Force made sense to many of Kuritas officers.
The decision to withdraw after a mutual mauling action against the Taffies is also reasonably justifiable in the context of the information Kurita had, and what it achieved. Stille also has little truck with those that would see it as worth doing from an objective perspective -the invasion force had been offloaded, the actual impact would be minimal (again, Stille provides a link to contemporary thinking/actions, including a later attack on a Philippine beachhead in 1945).
Worst of all, the success of the diversionary aspect of Sho-Z set up the mythology that the Japanese came close to victory. If only Kurita would have stuck to the plan! However clever the diversion of Halsey to the North was, it did not constitute victory nor did it lay the foundation for victory. Nothing could save Sho-Z from itself.
Another strength is Stille’s emphasis on timing and impact of Halsey’s air assault on Formosa, which unhinged the air support element of the plan, along with taking action before the Japanese carrier air groups had been reconstituted. Stille is a little speculative when proposing the alternative course was to oppose the later Lingayen Gulf landings, but I am willing to grant him a bit of rope since he’s built the facts leading up to it. The coverage of the individual battles is competent, the overconcentration on certain targets (like Musashi) being the most useful insight.
My (relatively) low rating is that, while Stille provides a good summary and corrections, none of it really matters or massively enlightens one’s understanding of World War II. It’s a harsh handicap system I apply, but this is a dry book on a subject that probably does need more energy to entice new readers (e.g. Shattered Sword). I do think this is worth a read for those interested in the battle, but you’re probably a World War II aficionado already if you’re looking into it.
Oh, for the Halsey haters out there, there’s plenty of material – most of it has been covered elsewhere so nothing revelational.
A solid summary of another ridiculous Imperial Japanese Navy plan that got closer than it should have.
What Stille does well is that when he presents his analysis of certain decisions, he provides real time commentary by participants supporting his analysis – something that seems simple but that I have seen go missing a few times in books. Kurita (partly because he survived the war) is the best advocate:
When Kurita outlined the final plan, there was disbelief and dissent from the officers present. Nothing about the role of the First Diversionary Attack Force made sense to many of Kuritas officers.
The decision to withdraw after a mutual mauling action against the Taffies is also reasonably justifiable in the context of the information Kurita had, and what it achieved. Stille also has little truck with those that would see it as worth doing from an objective perspective -the invasion force had been offloaded, the actual impact would be minimal (again, Stille provides a link to contemporary thinking/actions, including a later attack on a Philippine beachhead in 1945).
Worst of all, the success of the diversionary aspect of Sho-Z set up the mythology that the Japanese came close to victory. If only Kurita would have stuck to the plan! However clever the diversion of Halsey to the North was, it did not constitute victory nor did it lay the foundation for victory. Nothing could save Sho-Z from itself.
Another strength is Stille’s emphasis on timing and impact of Halsey’s air assault on Formosa, which unhinged the air support element of the plan, along with taking action before the Japanese carrier air groups had been reconstituted. Stille is a little speculative when proposing the alternative course was to oppose the later Lingayen Gulf landings, but I am willing to grant him a bit of rope since he’s built the facts leading up to it. The coverage of the individual battles is competent, the overconcentration on certain targets (like Musashi) being the most useful insight.
My (relatively) low rating is that, while Stille provides a good summary and corrections, none of it really matters or massively enlightens one’s understanding of World War II. It’s a harsh handicap system I apply, but this is a dry book on a subject that probably does need more energy to entice new readers (e.g. Shattered Sword). I do think this is worth a read for those interested in the battle, but you’re probably a World War II aficionado already if you’re looking into it.
Oh, for the Halsey haters out there, there’s plenty of material – most of it has been covered elsewhere so nothing revelational.
July 13, 2025
History books usually favor either narrative or analysis. The practitioners of the later sometimes sneer at the former but also look upon it with jealous. Stille's work here is more analysis, but like the best of its breed it is clearly written and has a good narrative too. Leyte Gulf needs it considering the scale, complexity, and the way errors by both sides dictated the battle's course. As such you get a fair and incisive book, hurt only by occasional flourishes and muddled thinking since Stille sees no chance at all for Japan to win. I agree with him, but the tone does not always match; in that regard Tully's work on Surigao Strait is better. Still, this is a model battle history from one of the recognized experts on the IJN.
Also there is a sly reference to film The Hunt for Red October in regards to Halsey. That is always a good idea.
Also there is a sly reference to film The Hunt for Red October in regards to Halsey. That is always a good idea.
July 24, 2025
A dry compendium of numbers that appeals only to hard-core WW II naval historians. Dismisses all contrary theories as myths. A little bit over apologetic for the blunders made by Halsey.
April 14, 2025
The Battle of Leyte Gulf, fought in October 1944, was the largest sea battle in history, involving hundreds of ships and nearly 2,000 aircraft, though most of them on the US side. The scene was the Philippines, which the US intended to invade, and the Japanese had to defend at all costs. Stille points out that the battle consisted of a series of engagements over three days, and the outcome was decided by mistakes on both sides. The US split their fleet, which led to a communications breakdown, but the Japanese erred much more by joining battle in the first place, which was tantamount to a suicide mission. The resulting Japanese debacle left the US in charge of the Pacific. But, Stille notes, the battle is still controversial and obscured by myths. To dispel those myths is the purpose of his book.
Stille takes on the challenge of the purpose of the Japanese battle plan, which they thought they could win when every indicator was against them. The second myth is the role of Halsey in what some argue was an American military defeat – it was certainly not, argues Stille. Halsey famously broke off the main fleet to pursue a Japanese force to the north with his fleet. Many see that as foolish or an act of braggadocio, but Stille argues otherwise even though Halsey performed poorly in the battle that ensued. The third myth Stille explores is that the Japanese should have destroyed the US force known as Taffy 3 at the Battle of Samar, one of the Leyte Gulf engagements. Stille sees that as unreasonable. The Japanese commander at Samar, Kurita, should have then attacked into the gulf where the main invasion force lay, goes the next myth. Again, Stille argues in favour of Kurita. Moreover, Stille contends that even if Kurita had done so, it would not have impacted the American progress in the Philippines to any tangible effect. Stille highlights the engagement off Formosa as the preamble to Leyte Gulf and proposes that the Japanese defeat there made US victory at Leyte Gulf almost inevitable; a ‘maritime execution’, in Stille’s words, in which Japanese sailors ‘paid an appalling price for the vanity of their leaders’.
This is the paperback edition of Mark Stille’s analysis of the Battle of Leyte Gulf fought in October 1944. Stille takes a thematic approach, analysing the myths in turn. He goes into considerable detail on the significant engagements, and his willingness to take on the myths surrounding this battle sets up enough argument to keep any reader of the Pacific War on their toes. Stille has written an engaging text that will appeal to the novice and specialist alike.
Stille takes on the challenge of the purpose of the Japanese battle plan, which they thought they could win when every indicator was against them. The second myth is the role of Halsey in what some argue was an American military defeat – it was certainly not, argues Stille. Halsey famously broke off the main fleet to pursue a Japanese force to the north with his fleet. Many see that as foolish or an act of braggadocio, but Stille argues otherwise even though Halsey performed poorly in the battle that ensued. The third myth Stille explores is that the Japanese should have destroyed the US force known as Taffy 3 at the Battle of Samar, one of the Leyte Gulf engagements. Stille sees that as unreasonable. The Japanese commander at Samar, Kurita, should have then attacked into the gulf where the main invasion force lay, goes the next myth. Again, Stille argues in favour of Kurita. Moreover, Stille contends that even if Kurita had done so, it would not have impacted the American progress in the Philippines to any tangible effect. Stille highlights the engagement off Formosa as the preamble to Leyte Gulf and proposes that the Japanese defeat there made US victory at Leyte Gulf almost inevitable; a ‘maritime execution’, in Stille’s words, in which Japanese sailors ‘paid an appalling price for the vanity of their leaders’.
This is the paperback edition of Mark Stille’s analysis of the Battle of Leyte Gulf fought in October 1944. Stille takes a thematic approach, analysing the myths in turn. He goes into considerable detail on the significant engagements, and his willingness to take on the myths surrounding this battle sets up enough argument to keep any reader of the Pacific War on their toes. Stille has written an engaging text that will appeal to the novice and specialist alike.
June 15, 2023
I recently finished my read of Mark Stille's "Leyte Gulf: A New History of the World's Largest Sea Battle" from an ARC provided to me by Osprey Publishing. Many of you will be aware that this particular naval battle was a kind of last throw of the dice by the IJN (Imperial Japanese Navy) that has a good deal of controversy surrounding it to this day. In some sense Stille's scholarship sheds a lot of light on what he identifies as the "mythology" that has come to cloud the conventional interpretations of the battle since the war's conclusion. The author breaks the battle collectively known as "The Battle of Leyte Gulf" into four constituent parts. This approach opens things up to a fresh perspective on the complex events surrounding both Japanese strategy and American reactions to it. For example, most western approaches to the battle focus on how close the Japanese came to winning. This author however asserts pretty clearly that under the best possible circumstances, a significant victory for the Japanese forces committed was never a real possibility, and many of the Japanese leaders knew it. Stille is quick to point out that this revised perspective does nothing to detract from the courage and drama inherent in a naval clash of this size, but it does throw new light on Japanese motivations in pursuing a contest that could have no real consequence except in a kind of spiritual sense of redeeming the navy's honor. The author sets this up as an attack on the traditional narrative because it tends to choose drama over an objective analysis of the comparative strengths of the combatants engaged. It is true that the Japanese forces managed to come near to achieving a concentration of forces on their chosen pressure point (largely through American failures like Admiral Halsey's pursuit of the sacrificial fleet carriers offered up for this very purpose), but most narratives examining this seem to just blithely accept the Japanese willingness to virtually tolerate the sacrifice of what was left of Japanese striking power in the Pacific as a mere diversion to allow outdated battleships to make a rather pointless assault on a landing point for American forces attacking in the Philippines. When you begin to think of it this way, a lot of factors become much clearer, and that is, I think, precisely the author's point. The writing is superb, and the analysis is compelling. I strongly recommend this book.
July 13, 2025
A good book, if not a great one.
Stille knows carrier combat and it shows. It was sometimes difficult to keep track of the battles, particularly the aerial combats. These are described as more pivotal than the naval battle, but merely summarized, nor were any participants quoted or American CAP tactics analyzed. However, the author is very good at describing ship combat.
Stille is a known iconoclast, known for taking controversial opinions about the war that differ from most histories. Here he makes several. One, he criticizes the whole Japanese battle plan as an example of a morally and intellectually bankrupt regime. Second, he excuses Halsey entirely for his rightly criticized decision to Leeroy Jenkins up north while the main American logistical escort fleets remained relatively undefended. Third, he also excuses Kurita for deciding in the end to throw away the script and retreat.
I am not entirely convinced on points 2 or 3. I still feel Halsey should have kept track at the very least of Kurita’s battleship fleet or notified the American escort fleet if his decision so they could react to potential risks. And Kurita…
Kurita. I remain surprised he never mysteriously fell out a window. I can’t help but think he should have either sacrificed his life, or never signed up to a plan that quite literally killed over 10,000 Japanese. Three distinct Japanese forces sacrificed themselves to give Kurita a chance to sink some American carriers. Three! And he knew that yet still decided to retreat. Unlike the author, I don’t see this as moral bravery. I cannot help but see cowardice, even if I am lucky enough to never be put in such a terrible, sleepless situation.
Anyway, I left the book feeling sad for the thousands of young Japanese sailers sacrificed so their leaders could feel smug about honorably wrecking their own fleet. Honor. Tell that to the dead, particularly the million Filipinos butchered dishonorably by a criminal regime. Stille is completely right to heavily criticize the Japanese plan as an exercise in national suicide
Stille knows carrier combat and it shows. It was sometimes difficult to keep track of the battles, particularly the aerial combats. These are described as more pivotal than the naval battle, but merely summarized, nor were any participants quoted or American CAP tactics analyzed. However, the author is very good at describing ship combat.
Stille is a known iconoclast, known for taking controversial opinions about the war that differ from most histories. Here he makes several. One, he criticizes the whole Japanese battle plan as an example of a morally and intellectually bankrupt regime. Second, he excuses Halsey entirely for his rightly criticized decision to Leeroy Jenkins up north while the main American logistical escort fleets remained relatively undefended. Third, he also excuses Kurita for deciding in the end to throw away the script and retreat.
I am not entirely convinced on points 2 or 3. I still feel Halsey should have kept track at the very least of Kurita’s battleship fleet or notified the American escort fleet if his decision so they could react to potential risks. And Kurita…
Kurita. I remain surprised he never mysteriously fell out a window. I can’t help but think he should have either sacrificed his life, or never signed up to a plan that quite literally killed over 10,000 Japanese. Three distinct Japanese forces sacrificed themselves to give Kurita a chance to sink some American carriers. Three! And he knew that yet still decided to retreat. Unlike the author, I don’t see this as moral bravery. I cannot help but see cowardice, even if I am lucky enough to never be put in such a terrible, sleepless situation.
Anyway, I left the book feeling sad for the thousands of young Japanese sailers sacrificed so their leaders could feel smug about honorably wrecking their own fleet. Honor. Tell that to the dead, particularly the million Filipinos butchered dishonorably by a criminal regime. Stille is completely right to heavily criticize the Japanese plan as an exercise in national suicide
August 15, 2024
Mark Stille is the latest in a long line of historians to take a swing at describing and uncovering the truth about the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Those familiar with the battle(s) will note that none of them were actually fought within the confines of Leyte Gulf. What I thought was interesting is that Stille used the finally chapter to offer a hypothesis as to what might have occurred had Kurita pressed into the US anchorage off Leyte.
Stille’s thesis is that a combination of poor intelligence, fatigue, poor communication and dispersed command structure on both sides contributed to errors on the opposing sides. That being said, Stille claims that the Sho-I operation never had a chance to turn the tide of the war.
Stille takes a bird’s eye view of each engagement, telling the story objectively of each side. If you are looking for a more swashbuckling narrative filled with firsthand accounts, this would not be my first stop in reading about Leyte Gulf. Instead, I’d recommend the works from Hornfischer, Prados and Toll to provide the emotional human element to the battles.
Overall, I enjoyed this new history of Leyte Gulf and gave it 4 stars. Since I have read at least 4 different accounts of the battle, I appreciated a different view and interpretation. Stille makes a convincing argument and is fair towards both sides in the battle.
However, I would not recommend this book to someone who is unfamiliar with the battle. I would instead point you to “Last Stand of the TinCan Sailors” by Hornfischer or the final book in Toll’s Pacific War Trilogy as a starter.
Those familiar with the battle(s) will note that none of them were actually fought within the confines of Leyte Gulf. What I thought was interesting is that Stille used the finally chapter to offer a hypothesis as to what might have occurred had Kurita pressed into the US anchorage off Leyte.
Stille’s thesis is that a combination of poor intelligence, fatigue, poor communication and dispersed command structure on both sides contributed to errors on the opposing sides. That being said, Stille claims that the Sho-I operation never had a chance to turn the tide of the war.
Stille takes a bird’s eye view of each engagement, telling the story objectively of each side. If you are looking for a more swashbuckling narrative filled with firsthand accounts, this would not be my first stop in reading about Leyte Gulf. Instead, I’d recommend the works from Hornfischer, Prados and Toll to provide the emotional human element to the battles.
Overall, I enjoyed this new history of Leyte Gulf and gave it 4 stars. Since I have read at least 4 different accounts of the battle, I appreciated a different view and interpretation. Stille makes a convincing argument and is fair towards both sides in the battle.
However, I would not recommend this book to someone who is unfamiliar with the battle. I would instead point you to “Last Stand of the TinCan Sailors” by Hornfischer or the final book in Toll’s Pacific War Trilogy as a starter.
July 25, 2023
A clear and concise new history of the battle, Mark Stille achieves the balanced and nuanced discussion that Leyte Gulf has always lacked in previous works that seek to cover the whole battle.
Stille properly situates the actions of the various engagements as well as the decisions of the commanders on both sides, showing the long-misunderstood "why" of the actions of Halsey and Kurita. He also reviews the actions of Kinkaid, which are often forgotten in analyses that are usually centered on Halsey's supposed failures. While none of the three commanders mentioned are vindicated entirely, their actions are now understandable and, which perhaps incorrect, easier to digest.
The book, as with Stille's other work, is eminently readable and enjoyable while also being very detailed and possessing excellent encapsulations of each action.
While those who seek to deride Halsey's 1944 and 1945 performances and those who believe that Japan could've one a resounding victory will be disappointed, this work represents a crucial new chapter in the discourse around Leyte Gulf and should be welcomed by all historians who wish to see the mythology stripped away and replaced by the facts.
Stille properly situates the actions of the various engagements as well as the decisions of the commanders on both sides, showing the long-misunderstood "why" of the actions of Halsey and Kurita. He also reviews the actions of Kinkaid, which are often forgotten in analyses that are usually centered on Halsey's supposed failures. While none of the three commanders mentioned are vindicated entirely, their actions are now understandable and, which perhaps incorrect, easier to digest.
The book, as with Stille's other work, is eminently readable and enjoyable while also being very detailed and possessing excellent encapsulations of each action.
While those who seek to deride Halsey's 1944 and 1945 performances and those who believe that Japan could've one a resounding victory will be disappointed, this work represents a crucial new chapter in the discourse around Leyte Gulf and should be welcomed by all historians who wish to see the mythology stripped away and replaced by the facts.
May 11, 2025
Highly Credible Historic Overview!
Only reason only 4 stars is because reader is not a history buff. Otherwise the book and its fantastic author rate full 5 Stars. Well written and edited throughout and totally documented. The initial section of the book neatly summarizes the battle completely. Continuing on though, the reader discovers details of the several battles within the overall air-sea action known as Leyte Gulf. Themes that tie the various battle actions together are emphatically repeated through to the end, but between readers learn about the Battle of Leyte Gulf as never seen on television documentaries or read about in press accounts. Surprised to learn that Japanese Suicide Plane attacks were first used at Leyte Gulf! Also this book provides excellent analysis of the battle leaders on both sides involved in this conflict. Not only is this book a must read for history buffs because it lays out the accurate facts for discussions, but is also for anyone interested in discovering more factual history about WWII in the Pacific Theater.
Only reason only 4 stars is because reader is not a history buff. Otherwise the book and its fantastic author rate full 5 Stars. Well written and edited throughout and totally documented. The initial section of the book neatly summarizes the battle completely. Continuing on though, the reader discovers details of the several battles within the overall air-sea action known as Leyte Gulf. Themes that tie the various battle actions together are emphatically repeated through to the end, but between readers learn about the Battle of Leyte Gulf as never seen on television documentaries or read about in press accounts. Surprised to learn that Japanese Suicide Plane attacks were first used at Leyte Gulf! Also this book provides excellent analysis of the battle leaders on both sides involved in this conflict. Not only is this book a must read for history buffs because it lays out the accurate facts for discussions, but is also for anyone interested in discovering more factual history about WWII in the Pacific Theater.
January 21, 2025
This is a detailed--and I mean detailed--analysis of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. At times I felt I was reading an inventory. It draws heavily on after action reports by both the US Navy and the Japanese Combined Fleet. Stille calls this a new history and it is. It is a critique of earlier assessments of the battle--especially Halsey's decision to go North and Kurita's decision not to enter Leyte Gulf--and they struck me as powerful arguments. But, the book suffers from poor maps. Indeed, I had to go to the maps in The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by Hornfischer to understand the battle flow. This is an important reassessment, but for the story of the battle itself, I prefer Hornsfischer and the third volume of Toll's excellent history of the US Navy in the Pacific in WWII, Twilight of the Gods.
April 28, 2023
I am grateful to Netgalley and Osprey Publishing for being given an ARC. I am normally an avid reader of books about the Pacific war in WWII. While technically complete and informative about the battles in Leyte Gulf, I found this book to be lacking in the kind of human detail that good history usually contains. Quotes from the diaries or writings of those involved, more about their lives prior to this time would have added spice to what turned out to be a very bland diet of events and military strategy.
In addition, Stille's prose was filled with the type of jargon likely found war plans or other military documents. For instance "vector" is used when "went" or "traveled" would have sufficed, likewise "transitted" instead of "sailed". This is not a book for the general public.
In addition, Stille's prose was filled with the type of jargon likely found war plans or other military documents. For instance "vector" is used when "went" or "traveled" would have sufficed, likewise "transitted" instead of "sailed". This is not a book for the general public.
May 1, 2024
The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the largest naval battle ever fought. It was the last major engagement between the United State Navy and the Japanese Imperial Navy. Willmott’s 2005 analysis remains a go-to resource on the battle, but this new history provides a decent overview of the event. Stille’s assessment of the controversial decisions made by Admirals Halsey and Kurita seem reasonable and his conclusions sound. He is a bit more forgiving of their choices. Both of their actions have been criticized with the benefit of hindsight, but both had arguable reasons for those actions. This book offers a decent account of the events of the battle, but the reader should have some knowledge of the broader course of the Pacific War as there is not a lot of context provided.
December 10, 2025
Thorough, detailed, accurately analysing the prelude, the decisions and naval/air battles that occurred as the US began the process of recapturing the Philippines with their landing at Leyte Gulf, and the Japanese attempted to oppose this with force. We all know it as a resounding US victory and the largest naval battle ever fought, but two "myths" cloud our history of this clash. Halsey's blunder in leaving the landing zone undefended and chasing after the decoy force of mainly toothless carriers, and the surprise of a Battleship/Cruiser/Destroyer force under Kurita being able to fire on Escort Carriers and close in on the Gulf.. but retreat when he had a huge victory in his grasp! These incidents are re-examined in detail and seen in a more reasonable light. Great reading 📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2023
A fairly detailed review of the massive and very complex sea battle. Author Stille analyzes the underlying plans, the outcomes, the commanders, and the actual war fighting effectiveness of the two sides. Well done, although I would have preferred a bit more detailed context leading up to the battle. I found that the conclusions made sense, though there was nothing too startling. Stille asserts several times that Leyte Gulf was not an American defeat; I have never, ever heard it described as such!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free advanced reading copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free advanced reading copy.
March 31, 2023
A well-done historical look at the events surrounding the naval battle at Leyte Gulf in WW2. The use of first-hand accounts adds to the story and provides a "you were there" point of view. The author also brings to light the political and economic ramifications and impact on the battle. A great informative read for the history fan.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 13, 2025
3.5 stars
Loses one star for not doing it chronologically. I know he states his intent to do it thematically but it just doesn’t work. It’s history in the spiderverse and it gets confusing, even as someone who just read another book on the same subject.
Loss of half a star for too many definitive statements and bias. At no point did I feel he was making incorrect conclusions but, while saying something definitively makes for good reading, it’s bad history.
Loses one star for not doing it chronologically. I know he states his intent to do it thematically but it just doesn’t work. It’s history in the spiderverse and it gets confusing, even as someone who just read another book on the same subject.
Loss of half a star for too many definitive statements and bias. At no point did I feel he was making incorrect conclusions but, while saying something definitively makes for good reading, it’s bad history.
December 20, 2025
Detailed and incredibly informative
I found considerably more information with this compilation of the battles than I have in any of my Pacific Theater readings. This included backgrounds of peoples and ships as well as analyses of results if other decisions had been made. Hindsight is so very perceptive, you know. One of the notes of the author points to that.
I found considerably more information with this compilation of the battles than I have in any of my Pacific Theater readings. This included backgrounds of peoples and ships as well as analyses of results if other decisions had been made. Hindsight is so very perceptive, you know. One of the notes of the author points to that.
May 3, 2025
Well organized, well researched. Needed better editing to avoid some repetition. Examples: "...arrange the arrangement...," "...rounds of armor-piercing rounds...." Yet it is a good replay of a decisive naval battle.
November 2, 2025
Very informative.
Detailed, thoroughly researched but very readable. Occasionally repetitious. Excellent information as to events, actions, plans, successes and failure on both sides.
Detailed, thoroughly researched but very readable. Occasionally repetitious. Excellent information as to events, actions, plans, successes and failure on both sides.
December 30, 2025
A fresh look at the greatest naval battle in history, it is four battles in one which Japan made one last effort to win WWII which it had lost when it attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. The Battle is so big and vast that it takes a book like Leyte to understand its breadth!
August 30, 2023
Reads like a doctoral thesis.
February 18, 2024
I loved this book.
May 21, 2025
Excellent book covering the strategy, tactics, commanders, ships, and weapons used by both the American and Japanese sides at the Leyte Gulf naval battle.
March 28, 2025
A more detailed account of the battle by Mark Stille than his previous two Osprey books on the subject. Kinda rubs the luster off the battle for me, showing that despite romanticism, the Japanese attacks were doomed from the start, and that even when the Japanese had initial advantage, as at Samar, they could not pull off a clean victory. Stille is a myth buster historian but I don’t fault him for that.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews