Imperial Japanese Navy Submarines 1941–45

Mark Stille

Jun 2012 · New Vanguard Book 135 · Bloomsbury Publishing

About this ebook

During World War II the Imperial Japanese Navy was at the forefront of submarine technology. It fielded the largest pre-nuclear submarines in the world, some capable of carrying floatplane bombers, which operated alongside fast combat vessels and midget submarines, all equipped with the best torpedoes available. The Japanese submarine fleet should have been an awe-inspiring force but, despite playing a crucial scouting role and enjoying several notable successes, it was surprisingly ineffective. Using unique color plates, Mark Stille describes the astounding technical advances of this range of vessels, and the wartime tactics responsible for their failure.

About the author

Mark Stille is a retired commander in the US Navy, who currently works in Naval Intelligence. He has had numerous war games published in the past, including those concerning Japanese Aircraft Carriers. Interested in the navy, in particular the Imperial Japanese Navy, for much of his life, he devotes much of his time to researching the IJN and the vessels they used.

Tony Bryan is a freelance illustrator of many years' experience who lives and works in Dorset. He initially qualified in Engineering and worked for a number of years in Military Research and Development, and has a keen interest in military hardware – armour, small arms, aircraft and ships. Tony has produced many illustrations for partworks, magazines and books, including a number of titles in the New Vanguard series.