BOOK REVIEW | Pacific Adversaries Volume Four: Imperial Japanese Navy vs the Allies, The Solomons 1943-1944

The author of this slim but well-written and illustrated volume is a seeker after truth. He closely examines particular aspects of World War II in the Pacific and conducts very deep research into the records and reports of both sides. He assiduously fills in holes and bridges the gaps that have been left in many previous histories.

The overall course of the war in the Solomon Islands from 1942 to 1944 is generally well-known and recorded but, as the author shows us, not always very accurately. It was a lengthy series of battles involving Japanese, American, Australian, and New Zealand ships, aircraft, and ground troops. There were plenty of all of them.

Many tall tales, some true, some not, were told about this part of the war as they were about all other parts. Battle scores were frequently exaggerated, for example. The author has carefully researched their reality.

Apart from improving the accuracy of the history of these battles, he has with his succinct writing, very clear maps, accurate orders of battle, and excellent paintings provided the reader with a particularly accurate and informative account of the vital Solomons campaign.

Author: Michael John Claringbould

Available from Avonmore Books, Kent Town, Australia.

Web: www.avonmorebooks.com.au.