.
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by Bill Sloan.
Hardback (6.3×9.3 inches). 422 pages. 2003.
If you ever wanted a book as a source for a WWII tabletop scenario on Wake Island, here it is. With attention to detail about postings, and a fantastic map on the inside cover, every action major and minor floats across the page with well-written prose.
Much of this comes from lots of interviews with veterans who made it through the two Japanese invasions and subsequent prisoner of war camps. He was also fortunate that a post-war quarterly newsletter among survivors recorded a wealth of information.
Only about half the Marines due to garrison the island were on the island. Another 1,000 or so civilian contractors were building the installations and airfield. That the Marines turned back the first invasion was amazing. That they sunk Japanese destroyers and other warships, as well as damage cruisers, is more than amazing. Had the US Navy commanders in charge of the relief force been more offensive minded, Wake Island may never have fallen — then again, with two Japanese carriers supporting the second invasion and US carriers as part of the relief force, the Battle of Coral Sea may well have been fought around Wake Island.
Ultimately, enough Japanese landed and lack of communications generated fear in the US Navy Commander Winfield Scott Cunningham, who ordered the surrender. Major James Deveraux, architect of the defense and the vicious coastal batteries’ gunnery assault on IJN warships, objected to the order, but carried it out nonetheless. It also seems that a Major Paul Putnam deserves an assist for the successful initial defense.
One typo: “Hanna with his .30-cal machine gun section” (p220) is later described as “Hanna’s .50-cal machine guns joined” (p223). Not sure which is correct, but several times I found what I believe are .30 and .50 switches, but sometimes I’m not exactly sure. Regardless, the MGs proved deadly to Japanese troops intent on bayonetting US defenders.
The book contains 53 black and white photos, one black and white illustration, and one black and white map with scale and positions of guns and units.
Well done.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
