With a different understanding of the Japanese side of events, what major changes to your understanding of the event does it provide? (If the answer is 16 pages of subtle detail — I understand if you want to pass — LOL)
1. The Japanese fleet lost two carriers at Coral Sea. They proceeded with Midway under the assumption 4 would do the job because they were superior. The plan was etched in stone, couldn’t be altered.
2. The normal operations on deck and between decks of the Japanese operations was confused by events and was carried out in a normal manner that was slow by American standards and caused problems. Contrary to most books, the Japanese carriers flight deck was not full of planes at the time of the critical US Navy bomber attacks.
3. The Japanese carriers did not have good damage control and their hanger decks were designed in such a manner to prohibit fire and destruction once it started. The very design led to destruction
4. The bridge of Japanese carriers was physically so small, the Commander was hemmed in by too many personnel that “had to be there”. He lacked the freedom to move and think. The American commanders had space and thus some freedom from pressing events.
5. The Japanese fleet was just not prepared to fight the battle of battles in June of 1942
The book is solidly researched from records and interviews on both sides.
The book in question gets down to the nit in many many details including all the pilots and commanders of each vessel. The detail is more than I could describe even if I could remember it all. There are extensive illustrations of all the carriers and the various aircraft.
Shattered Sword is the definitive account of the Battle of Midway.
Once again.... thanks to Non Sequiter
I ordered used paperbacks of the books you recommended.... both for $8.00