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The Battle for the Pacific
An absorbing and compelling study of the most intensive naval struggle the world has ever seen.
Beginning with Pearl Harbor, renowned historian Donald Macintyre charts the course of the Pacific war through the major battles that shaped World War Java Sea, Coral Sea, Midway, Philippine Sea, and Leyte Gulf.
Of course, the Pacific theatre was shaped not only by naval actions but also by closely interlocking military campaigns. Macintyre brings these amphibious struggles, which were more ferocious and wide-ranging than the world had ever seen, to the forefront of readers' minds and demonstrates just why the Allies were able to emerge victorious.
Macintyre, a veteran of the U-boat war in the Atlantic, explores how the Japanese were able to utilize the tactical advantage of their fleet air arm with its superiority in carrier-born fighters and torpedo planes to initially gain the upper hand of the conflict. It was only through military intelligence breakthroughs, the vast American industrial capacity, and brilliant naval and military leadership that the Allies were able to defeat the Japanese even in the face of terrifying kamikaze attacks.
‘Macintyre depicts each of the major naval actions with clarity and decisiveness.’ Military Review
'the author brings a refreshing assessment with his approach.’ Marine Corps Gazette
‘entertaining’ Naval War College Review
The Battle for the Pacific is a classic account of the conflict between the Allies and Japan that uncovers how the naval, military and air force combined and fought throughout this monumental struggle. This book should be essential reading for military history enthusiasts.
Beginning with Pearl Harbor, renowned historian Donald Macintyre charts the course of the Pacific war through the major battles that shaped World War Java Sea, Coral Sea, Midway, Philippine Sea, and Leyte Gulf.
Of course, the Pacific theatre was shaped not only by naval actions but also by closely interlocking military campaigns. Macintyre brings these amphibious struggles, which were more ferocious and wide-ranging than the world had ever seen, to the forefront of readers' minds and demonstrates just why the Allies were able to emerge victorious.
Macintyre, a veteran of the U-boat war in the Atlantic, explores how the Japanese were able to utilize the tactical advantage of their fleet air arm with its superiority in carrier-born fighters and torpedo planes to initially gain the upper hand of the conflict. It was only through military intelligence breakthroughs, the vast American industrial capacity, and brilliant naval and military leadership that the Allies were able to defeat the Japanese even in the face of terrifying kamikaze attacks.
‘Macintyre depicts each of the major naval actions with clarity and decisiveness.’ Military Review
'the author brings a refreshing assessment with his approach.’ Marine Corps Gazette
‘entertaining’ Naval War College Review
The Battle for the Pacific is a classic account of the conflict between the Allies and Japan that uncovers how the naval, military and air force combined and fought throughout this monumental struggle. This book should be essential reading for military history enthusiasts.
- GenresHistory
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2024
221 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Donald Macintyre
63 books12 followersCommander Donald George Frederick Wyville Macintyre DSO & DSC was a Royal Navy officer during the Second World War and a successful convoy escort commander. As Commander of HMS Hesperus Macintyre was involved in the Battle of Narvik during the Norway campaign and the Battle of the Atlantic. Following the war, he published his memoirs U-Boat Killer and authored numerous books on British naval history.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 22, 2025
Well researched and poorly written
Capt McIntyre uses syntax and run-un sentences to the point of distraction. The exclusion of the battle of Midway is a fatal error when the title of your book is "Battle of the Pacific." The Captain has an obvious love for the indomitable and courageous Japanese and disdain for the bumbling Americans. it is hard to imagine that this man was a Naval Captain for the allied forces after reading this apologetic for the Imperial Japanese forces of WW II and as such I can not recommend this historical work and I can guarantee that I will not read any of his other historical tomes.
Capt McIntyre uses syntax and run-un sentences to the point of distraction. The exclusion of the battle of Midway is a fatal error when the title of your book is "Battle of the Pacific." The Captain has an obvious love for the indomitable and courageous Japanese and disdain for the bumbling Americans. it is hard to imagine that this man was a Naval Captain for the allied forces after reading this apologetic for the Imperial Japanese forces of WW II and as such I can not recommend this historical work and I can guarantee that I will not read any of his other historical tomes.
April 14, 2025
History of the Pacific battles
It can be a wordy read. You need your wits about you and a map at hand to keep up with the action but it failed for me mostly due to the lack of stories of the men who ultimately paid the price. It tells you what happened but I never really felt engaged with the narrative, too matter of fact for me.
It can be a wordy read. You need your wits about you and a map at hand to keep up with the action but it failed for me mostly due to the lack of stories of the men who ultimately paid the price. It tells you what happened but I never really felt engaged with the narrative, too matter of fact for me.
January 15, 2026
Excellent follow up to a general history of the Pacific War in WW2
You will want to have read an overview. Midway is mentioned but not described. The battles in the Solomons are described in detail as is the Battle of the
Philippine Sea And Leyte Gulf. The decisions and commanders are discussed. Maps would help.
You will want to have read an overview. Midway is mentioned but not described. The battles in the Solomons are described in detail as is the Battle of the
Philippine Sea And Leyte Gulf. The decisions and commanders are discussed. Maps would help.
June 8, 2025
Good concise summary
Covered the whole Pacific naval campaign. Made short work of midway as author assumes you already know what happened. Frees up the book to concentrate elsewhere. Enjoyable read
Covered the whole Pacific naval campaign. Made short work of midway as author assumes you already know what happened. Frees up the book to concentrate elsewhere. Enjoyable read
June 19, 2025
Excellent Coverage of the Pacific Naval Battles
Although the names of people, place and ships at times was very confusing, I do recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more of WWII. I do wish Mr. McIntyre corner on to the surrender of the Japanese.
Although the names of people, place and ships at times was very confusing, I do recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more of WWII. I do wish Mr. McIntyre corner on to the surrender of the Japanese.
February 10, 2025
Really insightful book about a significant part of the worlds history
March 12, 2025
Book was fairly interesting. Per the author, it seems the US lost pretty much every battle. Makes you wonder how we won.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews