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by Peter Saxton (Author)
This account centers on the B-29's strategic bomber role in the Asia-Pacific, detailing its long range, combat operations, crew experiences, and pivotal impact on major WWII air campaigns.
The B-29 Superfortress was a vital and iconic strategic bomber of the Second World War. It was designed with a range and warlord capability that made it viable for operation in the vast regions of Asia Pacific. This bomber played a key part in the defeat and unconditional surrender of Japan, principally using fire-bombing techniques. The complex role and effectiveness of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are reviewed critically. The work has 21st century connection in the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. The United States Navy, US ground forces and the B-29 wings were brought together to fight, in the author's words, 'he most massive air war the world had ever seen'.
Technical aspects including bomb-load and range - vital for the vast Asia Pacific, are set out for all readers, service, academic and lay.
The narrative takes readers through the history of the major air wars commencing with Europe, where the US Army Air Corps was allied with Britain's RAF. After victory in Europe in 1944 the combined war effort shifted to the war with Japan on land, sea, and in the air. The great sea battles follow with the Coral Sea, Midway and combined operations in the Guadalcanal Campiagn of 1942 seen as a turning-point. The Philippine Sea carrier battle brought about the end of the Japanese navy's carrier strength and the following battle of Leyte was seen as a 'grudge-match' for Pearl Harbor'. The invasion of the Marianas secured air bases that at last brought B-29 operations within striking range of Japan.
Preparation of crews for combat takes readers into sharing combat experience with crews and personal flying experience is graphic - problems affecting sighting targets, bomb-aiming, escape from attack, danger and fear of loss.
In this campaign the B-29 played the most important combat role of its career. It was an aircraft unique in the history of aviation.
