USN Submarine vs IJN Antisubmarine Escort: The Pacific, 1941-45

During World War II, the US Navy submarines and the Imperial Japanese Navys anti-submarine warfare capabilities were compared. The US Navy struggled initially, but with new commanders, torpedoes, boats, intelligence, and radar, it inflicted devastating losses on Japanese shipping. The Imperial Japanese Navy prioritized ASW, but lacked escorts, modern weaponry, and tactics, resulting in convoy devastation and submarine losses. The book explores the technical and tactical developments of both sides, including US improvements and Japanese developments in destroyer escorts, depth charge design, and submarine detection.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate examination and comparative analysis of the roles played by the United States Navy submarines and the Imperial Japanese Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities during World War II. In the early stages of the war, from 1941 to 1942, the U.S. Navy submarine operations in the Pacific encountered significant challenges. These challenges stemmed from various factors, including faulty torpedo design, conservative tactics, and insufficiently aggressive submarine captains. Despite these obstacles, the U.S. Navy gradually overcame these challenges through the emergence of a new generation of wartime submarine commanders, the introduction of reliable torpedoes, the development of advanced submarine boats, improved intelligence, and the deployment of advanced radar technology.

The Imperial Japanese Navy initially accorded a low priority to anti-submarine warfare, primarily due to a lack of ASW escorts and modern weaponry. Additionally, the Japanese struggled to develop effective tactics to counter enemy submarines. As a result, vital convoys were subjected to devastating attacks, severely impeding the Japanese Navy's ability to deter and destroy enemy submarines. This book explores in depth all these factors, shedding light on the crucial role played by U.S. submarines in supporting the major fleet operations in the Pacific Theater. By the war's end, U.S. submarines had conducted nearly 500 patrols, resulting in the loss of 52 submarines to the Japanese.

The technical and tactical developments implemented by both sides during the war are meticulously documented in this study. The U.S. Navy made significant improvements to submarine design and weaponry, adopting more aggressive tactics. On the other hand, the Japanese developed destroyer escorts, altered depth charge design, and enhanced their submarine detection capacity. These developments played a pivotal role in shaping the course of the war and ultimately determining the outcome.

In conclusion, this study provides a detailed and insightful exploration of the roles played by the U.S. Navy submarines and the Imperial Japanese Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities during World War II. It sheds light on the challenges faced by both sides and highlights the significant contributions made by the U.S. Navy in overcoming these challenges and ultimately achieving victory. The technical and tactical developments implemented by the opposing sides are documented in detail, providing a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and military enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 247 x 185 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472843050