Military Model Scene

Title: Crushing the Japanese Surface Fleet
Author: Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr
Publisher: Fonthill Media
ISBN: 978-1-78155-873-7

Subtitled, 'at the Battle of the Surigao Strait, the Last Crossing of the T'. A 238-page hard-cover book from Fonthill Media.
The basic manoeuvre is explained at the start of the book, where one fleet can sail in line, forming the top bar of the T-shape, while the attackers are advancing in line towards them, forming the upright of the T. The attackers can then only use their forward armament while the defenders across the top can use their full broadsides against them. The Japanese had used this tactic successfully against the Russian fleet at Tsushima in 1905, and now they were to be on the losing side against the US fleet in 1944 in the Surigao Strait, one of 4 actions which formed parts of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. There is a good description of both US and Japanese planning for potential battle scenarios for this naval action for the US to retake the Philippines, along with the detailed account of the particular battle in the Surigao Strait. The numbers of ships involved for both sides was impressive, with both US MTBs and destroyers attacking the Japanese before they encountered the main US force. The number of ships, and men of course, by the IJN was significant. The basic story is followed by copies of a number of after-action reports by some of the US ships involved. There is an assessment of the battle, and the different commanders on both sides. After a battle analysis and an epilogue, there are 8 appendices with much more supporting detail, including notes and technical detail of all the ship involved, both US and Japanese. There is also a block of archive images slotted in among these.
Just one element amidst the larger battle, I found the detail of the planning by both sides beforehand, and then the course of events that took place in the Surigao Strait made interesting reading. There are many aspects to the whole story, including intelligence information, or lack of it, which enabled or hindered tactical decisions to be made. With the appendices giving great detail on individual ships, including their basic careers, there is so much in here to grab our attention. As for the casualties, losses on the Japanese side in particular are quite staggering, and in complete contrast to the relatively light casualties suffered by the US forces. A classic naval tactic, and the last time it was actually used makes for a very good read.
Thanks to Fonthill Media for the review copy.

Robin