I've always been a fan of "asymmetric" pairings for Osprey's Duel series because they are usually more interesting, and while the overall result is satisfactory, it is let down a bit by the usual Osprey quality checking errors. Overall provides a very comprehensive overview of the the Battle of Bismarck Sea, examining the origins and development of the B-25 and Japanese destroyers (DD), the reasons skip bombing tactics and strafing B-25s were developed, and the strategic situation leading up to the battle. All very standard for an Osprey Duel title, and overall well done. Obviously the B-25 is a more focused topic than Japanese destroyers in general (given that there were 3 different classes of those present at Bismarck Sea), but Mark Lardas gives a basic overview of the doctrine and developmental history leading to the IJN destroyers being built the way they are. However, there are a bunch of (admittedly rather minor) proofreading errors concerning the IJN side that annoyed me:
On p.17, the text claims the previous generation (before the Fubuki class) of IJN DDs had dual-purpose main guns. This likely refers to the Minekaze, Wakatake, Mutsuki classes (roughly analogous to the US four piper prewar destroyers), which they definitely did not have dual-purpose main guns, being stuck with old shielded mounts for the whole Pacific War (the only AA upgrades they got was the usual smattering of 25mm). I'm not exactly sure where this claim comes from, as the only relevant end of book sources (Osprey's own The Imperial Japanese Navy in the Pacific War by Mark Stille and Evans and Peattie's Kaigun) definitely does not support this. I did find a claim from Combined Fleet (famous English language resource on IJN), but this does not seem to be substantiated anywhere else from what I can tell (even Japanese-language basic internet sources).
On p.19, the line drawing for Shirayuki has quadruple torpedo tubes, which no Fubuki-class never had at any point. Only the Asashio class and later had those (except the Shimakaze).
On p. 32-33, the text claims the Asashio-class has 4 boilers like the Fubuki-class, while on page 33 the table describes the Asashio class having 3 boilers (like the Kagero-class). The table is correct.
On p.39, the effective and maximum ranges for the 25mm and 13mm AA guns are swapped.
A final nitpick is for the battlescene art spread (showing an IJN 13mm gun mount in action) on pages 36-37. While I agree art is subjective, and I kind of get the effect artist Jim Laurier was trying to do here, the "half-focused, half out-of-focus" just looks odd. The kapok lifejacket of the IJN sailors just look very obviously photoshopped on. I find it disappointing because the cover art is on the other hand fantastic, and a better-looking battlescene art would've been pretty cool as there just aren't many pictures of IJN shipboard AA mounts in action compared to USN ones.
4 Stars; Recommended especially if you've never heard of the Battle of Bismarck Sea or skip bombing tactics or strafer-modified B-25s:
-This is a 80 page lavishly illustrated booklet, so adjust your expectations accordingly (it is rather comprehensive look on a focused topic though, so I wouldn't pick up another book on the same subject)
-As with most Osprey titles, I personally find the price point to be a bit high, but usually a worthwhile purchase if can be obtained at >30% off
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Top reviews from Canada
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- Reviewed in Canada on February 19, 2025
Top reviews from other countries
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Cliente 鶹Reviewed in Spain on January 19, 2022
Sorprendente, buenos libros militares, buena información
Verified Purchase - A. MURRAYReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 30, 2024
not at it's best
Verified Purchase - AstroprisonerReviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
Medium bombers vs ships
Verified Purchase - Ned BarnettReviewed in the United States on January 31, 2023
Superb analysis of capable foes
Verified Purchase - Alberto RuggieriReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 17, 2022
ok
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