The Kamikaze Campaign 1944-45: Imperial Japan's last throw of the dice (Air Campaign)

The Kamikaze Campaign 1944-45: Japan's Last Throw of the Dice In the final months of World War II, Japan's military leaders turned to an extraordinary and desperate strategy to try and turn the tide of the war. The concept of organized suicide squadrons, known as kamikazes, was first raised in June 1944, but it wasn't until later that year that the first formations were being trained. These units would go on to play a key role in the Pacific War, with their most notable missions taking place during the US invasion of the Philippine Islands and the struggle for Okinawa. The kamikaze campaign was not just a series of horrific missions, but also a reflection of the complex decisions and strategies that led to its development. This book examines the history behind the kamikaze units, including their creation, training, and use in battle, as well as the Allied responses to these attacks. With detailed illustrations, maps, and 3D reconstructions, this book provides a comprehensive look at one of the most infamous aspects of World War II. The kamikaze campaign was a major part of Japan's military strategy until the end of the war, with plans for even more extensive use of these units being developed before Japan's surrender in August 1945. This book assesses the reasons behind the success and failure of the Allied mitigation techniques and strategies, providing a nuanced understanding of this pivotal moment in history.