Midway 1942: Turning point in the Pacific

Osprey Campaign #226

by Mark E. Stille

In 1993 Osprey Publishing released the 30th volume in its now legendary Campaign series, entitled, Midway 1942: Turning Point in the Pacific. Now, 17 years later, Osprey brings readers up-to-date with the latest scholarship on this important Pacific War battle of World War II (1939-1945).

The new edition clarifies many of the myths of the battle. For

- the contention that the Americans were outnumbered (overall true, but not where it mattered between the two carrier forces)

- that the Aleutians operation was a diversion for the Midway operation

- that the sacrifice of the American torpedo bombers was a key to victory

- that the battle resulted in high Japanese aircrew losses

- that the battle was a victory of superior intelligence

- that the battle was the decisive battle of the Pacific War (Guadalcanal was a much more strategically important victory for the Americans)

Campaign 226 gives an accurate order of battle for both sides. It provides a detailed description and critique of the Japanese plan and describes how it had a profound influence on the outcome of the battle. It also provides a fresh description and analysis of the weapons, aircrew, and doctrine of the opposing carrier air arms. The new book has a complete set of new pictures which are keyed to the narrative.

Osprey's crack cartography team has provided three brand-new 3-D “birds-eye-view maps” that help readers visualize the air war like never before. And war illustrator, Howard Gerrard, has turned in three stunning new 2-page battle scenes depicting the attack on the USS Yorktown by Hiryu torpedo planes, the attack on Hiryu by American dive-bombers, and the US attack of Japanese heavy cruiser Mikuma.

Genres: History, Military History, Nonfiction, World War II, Military Fiction, American History, Japan

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2006

Reviews

[Manolo González · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done book, a lot of details eventhough is a brief work. It's entirely made to check the event in a chronological way.

[Billy Leon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most Osprey publications, this writing is basically a skim over or summary of the battle. So, for a clearer in depth understanding of the battle, another source will need to be used. Still, this publication contains some pretty detailed facts about the battle. Namely, attacks, combat, and losses. More detailed than one might find even in a deeper publication. Tactically, it represents the battle well. While strategically it is more of a "Cliff Notes" type version, than an actual study. That said, it is not a complete waste of time.

[Van Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midway and World War 2

This concise account about the first major naval battle between the Imperial Japanese Navy and the U.S. Navy at Midway covers all the angles of this decisive American victory. Before, during , and after are examined without undue verbiage. This history presents the consequences of the battle from an impersonal big picture perspective. As an overview, it gave me everything I needed to know before I sought out other books about Midway.

[Julian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid account of the battle of Midway with excellent maps and charts. Although brief, as all osprey books are, I think it's a great reference book to have for anyone interested in Midway. Stille contests a lot of the long-standing myths surrounding the battle, and he provides a good list of additional books to read.

[James Livermore · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest military victories of all time and certainly naval-wise. Salamis might compare in terms of historical significance in terms of importance. Amazing bravery. At this point technologically (in terms of military hardware) the US was out gunned especially in terms of airplanes but won the day.

[Tim Callicutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.5 stars] Will this be the series that gets me into military history? Very likely. Deals well with the “myths” of Midway, although the moderation in his approach makes me question how long these myths are. Solid narrative and decent analysis, but would have liked some more on that front.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short informative read. While the Japanese lost four carriers and all 248 planes aircrew losses were not crippling. A total of 110 Japanese airmen were lost. In comparison, at the Battle of Santa Cruz in October, 1942 the Japanese lost 145 airmen. More crucially, the Japanese lost 721 aircraft technicians at Midway.

[Sean Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid distillation of the arguments in Shattered Sword, although with more information on the American side of things.