Leyte Gulf 1944 (2) Spiral-Bound | 2022-06-21

In the epic naval battle of Leyte Gulf, crucial roles were played by the Imperial Japanese Navy's Northern and Southern forces. The Northern Force was a key part of the Imperial Japanese Navy's SHO-1 plan: its mission was to lure the US Navy's Task Force 38 to the north, which would allow the Japanese Center Force to attack into Leyte Gulf. The success of this decoy operation would prove to be the most controversial part of the battle, with US Admiral William Halsey ordering Task Force 38 to head north, creating an opportunity for Center Force.
The Imperial Japanese Navy's Southern Force (and the small, unattached Shima Force) fought the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 25. In this key clash, the Japanese were attempting to enter Leyte Gulf from the south, but encountered the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, resulting in the last battleship duel in history.
In this highly detailed and superbly illustrated volume, naval expert Mark Stille examines both the Japanese and US decisions that led to the Surigao Strait and Cape Engano battles, the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing sides, and the decisions taken by the commanders involved, notably those taken by Admiral Halsey. It also presents a thorough examination of the impact of the largest naval battle in history on the remainder of the Pacific War.