Carlson's Marine Raiders: Makin Island 1942

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Carlson's Marine Raiders: Makin Island 1942
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Gordon L. Rottman
Illustrated by Johnny Shumate
Illustrated by Mr Mark Stacey
Illustrated by Mr Ian Palmer
Illustrated by Alan Gilliland
SeriesRaid
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:80
Dimensions(mm): Height 248,Width 184
Category/GenreAustralia, New Zealand & Pacific history
Second world war
ISBN/Barcode 9781472803276
ClassificationsDewey:940.5426
Audience
General
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 40 b/w; 17 col

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Publication Date 20 June 2014
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

On August 17-18, 1942, 211 men of the US Marine Corps' 2nd Raider Battalion conducted a daring amphibious raid on the Japanese-occupied Makin Island in the South Pacific. This ambitious but flawed operation was intended to divert Japanese reinforcements bound for Guadalcanal, over 1,000 miles to the southwest, in the wake of the US landings there ten days earlier; the Raiders were to destroy the seaplane base and radio station, take prisoners, and collect intelligence. Although yielding limited results, it was to be an invaluable test of the innovative training and tactics employed by the Raiders, and a crucial boost to national morale at this difficult stage in the war. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork and expert analysis, this gripping account of the fateful Makin Raid tells the whole story, from the plan's conception to its troubled execution and aftermath.

Author Biography

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces, and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol, and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas. Mark Stacey was born in Manchester in 1964 and has been a freelance illustrator since 1987. He has a lifelong interest in all periods of history, particularly military history, and has specialized in this area throughout his career. He now lives and works in Cornwall.

Reviews

The author brings an expert but sympathetic analysis to the event, showing the impact of indecision (and wrong decisions) by Carson. [...] There is much here for the wargamer, ideally at say a 1:2 or 1:3 skirmish level [...] This is a good account of the confusion of combat and the critical need for firm leadership. Recommended. (Chris Jarvis, Miniature Wargames, June 2014)