The Battle of Leyte Gulf at 75: A Retrospective

Usually appropriately described because the “best naval battle in historical past,” the battle of Leyte Gulf (23-26 October 1944) was really a collection of battles wherein either side exhibited braveness and resourcefulness but suffered from confusion born of poorly conceived command relationships and ineffective communications. Marked by awe-inspiring heroism, failed intelligence, sensible deception, flawed technique, efficient tactical planning, nice controversies, and a number of classes realized, this gargantuan battle concerned a whole bunch of ships, included almost 200,000 individuals, spanned greater than 100,000 sq. miles, and resulted within the deaths of hundreds of sailors from either side. Each side of naval warfare on the time was involved–air, floor, subsurface, amphibious, and–with the introduction of the kamikaze–a forerunner of guided missiles. It’s clearly one of many nice naval battles in historical past and has been the topic of numerous books and articles within the 75 years since these huge fleets clashed within the Western Pacific.

In his introduction, Cutler contends that there are 5 parts that make this battle distinctive and of continuous curiosity to historians, buffs, and strategists. These parts are defined, strengthened, and enhanced by a variety of authentic essays and by particular choices from the Naval Institute’s spectacular archive. The eleven essays by eminent historians take new appears at numerous points of this advanced and in the end decisive battle, offering recent perception and providing completely different views that may reply some outdated questions and sure pose new ones. This enlightening retrospective assortment is additional enhanced by a choice of articles culled from the wealthy archive of the Naval Institute’s
Proceedings and
Naval Historical past magazines which have lengthy sustained the debates and the teachings realized from this vital historic occasion. The result’s an edifying and entertaining quantity that won’t possible be the final on this vital topic however serves as an vital contribution to this evergreen matter.