In this brand new publication from eminent historian Peter C. Smith,
we are regaled with the engaging and often incredibly disturbing
history of the Kamikaze tradition in Japanese culture. Tracing its
history right back to the original Divine Wind (major natural
typhoons) that saved Japan from invaders in ancient history, Smith
explores the subsequent resurrection of the cult of the warrior in the
late nineteenth century. He then follows this tradition through into
the Second World War, describing the many Kamikaze suicide attacks
carried out by the Emperor's pilots against Allied naval vessels in
the closing stages of the Pacific campaign.These pilots were at the
mercy of an overriding cultural tradition that demanded death over
defeat, capture or perceived shame. Despite often being under-trained
and ill-prepared psychologically for the sacrifices they were about to
make, they were nonetheless expected to make them. The dedication of
sacrifice for the Emperor and the Nation is explored by dissecting the
traces left behind by these pilots. Smith provides a detailed look at
the heartbreak of the pilot's families and the men themselves, the
notes they left and the effects on those who did not share their
philosophy. The views of individuals under attack are also included in
this balanced history.Countless attacks carried out over the
Philippine Islands (including the sinking of the St Lo) are analyzed
and the Okinawa campaign is afforded particularly strong coverage,
with the sinking of HMAS Australia explored in detail. The collective
sacrifice is then summed up, with reflections from survivors on both
sides appraising events in a humane historical context. A detailed
appendices then follows, featuring units formed, sorties mounted,
ships sunk and damages inflicted.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781473847828
Publisert
2015
Utgiver
Vendor
Pen & Sword Aviation (ORIM)
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter