"Naval history enthusiasts and military historians who enjoy taking deeper dives into the backgrounds of well-known battles, particularly concerning tactics and leadership, will appreciate this read. The book is enriched with well-captioned photos, diagrams, and very detailed appendices, which makes it an excellent reference work." —HistoryNet
Most books gloss over submarines at Midway and, if they are mentioned at all, conclude they failed miserably and had little impact on the outcome of the battle. It is undeniable that carrier aviation and intelligence saved the day, but the role of the submarine was an important one in defense of an anticipated amphibious assault.
Midway Submerged is a comprehensive examination of a little-known aspect of this pivotal naval battle, explaining how Nimitz used his submarines at Midway, and the Japanese misused theirs based on a flawed tactical plan. Based on in-depth archival research not only into the battle itself, but also submarine design and construction, and tactical and operational doctrine for both the United States and Japan, it brings a whole new dimension to the discussion of the battle of Midway. It examines the intended role of the submarine in the plans and doctrine of both navies, and what the submarines were expected to accomplish for both fleets during the battle, before assessing the actual accomplishments, successes, and failures of the submarine forces on both sides. Of particular importance, the book offers an analysis of how well these vessels fulfilled the expectations placed on them by their respective naval planners, concluding that submarines played a more important role in the outcome than has been previously understood.
1. Midway Submerged: Introduction 2. Japanese Naval Doctrine 3. Japanese Submarine Strategy and Tactics 4. United States Naval Doctrine 5. United States Submarine Strategy and Tactics 6. Japanese Submarine Actions at Midway 7. United States Submarine Actions at Midway 8. Analysis: Undersea Warfare at Midway 9. Midway Submerged: Conclusions
Appendices Bibliography Notes Index
Mark W. Allen has a master’s degree in military history from the American Military University. He is the former historian and volunteer coordinator for the War Memorial Park Museum in Muskogee, Oklahoma, home of the USS Batfish, a World War II fleet submarine. Allen is a member of several professional societies, including the Society for Military History. He and his wife currently live in Owasso, Oklahoma.
"...a clearly written, well-organized, and complementary study for both teachers and students of the Pacific War."
~Journal of Military History
"...provides insights for anyone interested in potential future naval conflicts in the Western Pacific or the South China Sea region."
~Military Review
"...examines the intended role of the submarine in the plans and doctrine of both navies, and what the submarines were expected to accomplish for both fleets while battling"
~ARGunners.com
"Allen does a very good job of examining the submarine portions of the US and Japanese operational plans...an excellent revisionist assessment of submarine employment at the Battle of Midway."
~National Maritime Historical Society
"...the book provides a good look at the operations of the individual submarines deployed by both sides at Midway. It does an excellent job of filling in gaps in the existing naval histories of the Battle of Midway."
~PowerShips
"The author uses patrol reports and new research to expand the detailed knowledge available to historians on the actions of the submarines and their leadership."
~Seapower
"...a fascinating study of a lesser-known part of the engagement that was the turning point in the Pacific War."
~WWII History Magazine
"Mark W. Allen’s research and ability as a historian to question not only himself but decades of incorrectly agreed upon “fact” makes Midway Submerged a challenging and thought-provoking read. His in-depth, critical exploration of primary source documents and seemingly bulletproof analysis of submarine operations at the Battle of Midway should give any individual who studied the Pacific War pause. Though bold and perhaps provocative in its argument, Midway Submerged: American and Japanese Submarine Operations at the Battle of Midway, May – June 1942, accomplishes what any historian should want from their work: an accurate and challenging perspective that dares to be contended with."
~The Saber and Scroll Journal
"Naval history enthusiasts and military historians who enjoy taking deeper dives into the backgrounds of well-known battles, particularly concerning tactics and leadership, will appreciate this read. The book is enriched with well-captioned photos, diagrams, and very detailed appendices, which makes it an excellent reference work."
~HistoryNet
“Enjoyed it.”
~Historical Miniatures Gaming Society
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