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Osprey Publishing |
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Title by Koji Takaki and Henry Sakaida |
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Reviewed By Jack Bruno, #25313 |
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ISBN 1-84176-161-3
From mid 1944 to the end of the war in the Pacific, no weapon other than the atomic bomb struck more terror into the hearts of the Japanese people than the B-29. Able to carry a devastating load of incendiaries or high explosive bombs, the B-29 Superfortress could fly at high altitude, virtually unmolested. Unable to bring the bombers down, JAAF pilots started diving into the bomber streams and ramming the aircraft thus downing the bomber and more than likely, killing themselves in the process. This was not always the case, as some of these remarkable men have told their stories in this riveting book from Osprey. Koji Takaki & Henry Sakaida bring us one of the most interesting Osprey Books to date. For the modeler there are 34 striking color plates of “Nicks”, “Tojos”, “Franks” and “Tonys”. Highlighting this compelling 128 page masterpiece, are interviews with the pilots of the "Dragon Slayers" and crew survivors* of some of the B-29's that were rammed over the Japanese mainland. The strategy and tactics in attempting to stem the tide of American bombing are also outlined. One of the interesting stories in this volume is the account of a Japanese pilot that rammed a bomber and was able to successfully bail out from his fighter. Despite burns over his body and uniform, he parachuted safely only to be beaten to death by civilians who thought he was an American. After this incident, the Japanese pilots were required to hand sew flags on their arms for recognition. There is included a listing of the top B-29 hunters in Appendix 2, as well as B-29 losses during 1944 and 1945 and missions that reported ramming tactics being used against them. The pictures are above average and include some outstanding shots of several B-29s spinning or being hit / rammed at the moment of impact. Most of these photos come from the personal collection of the individuals from both sides. Among the many notable JAAF Pilots to succeed in ramming, is Teruhiko Kobayashi, whose subsequent Ki-61 "Tony" is adorned with the profile of a B-29 with a Ki-61 silhouette across it. This occurred on 1-27-45 in which his aircraft was lost during the collision. I would suggest to anyone that has designs on building the Revell or Hasegawa 1/72 Ki-45's or the Nichimo 1/48 "Nick" should procure this book to aid in the plethora of colorful markings of the Toryu's. I've come across at least 6 aircraft that I want to do over time! This volume is above average because of the subject matter and the outstanding content. It is a must for all modelers and/or history buffs interested in this theater of operations. It is a sensitive story about men defending their homes by whatever necessary means. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I purchased this book from the vendor area at the IPMS/Quad Cities show on 3-28-04. * The rate of return of all Allied POW's was 53 %. |
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