Tarawa 20-23 November 1943 by Derrick Wright
Tarawa Atoll one of the Gilbert Islands in the Central Pacific was the testing ground for a new and challenging type of warfare. Before the US 2nd Marine Division's assault landings in November 1943, America's ability to take heavily defended Japanese-held islands was untested. How well these planned operations would work and at what cost, could only be discovered by trial and error. This account of one of the most savage battles of World War II draws upon the memories of Marine vetrans of those 76 terrible hours of close-quarter fighting. It is supported by photographs and the poignant drawings of a war artist who landed with the Marines, and by detailed maps and appendices.
'I turn to the big red-headed Marine gunner who is standing beside me and say, "What a hell of a way to die!" The gunner looks me in the eye and say, "You can't pick a better way" Robert Sherrod, War Correspondent - Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, 21 November 1943 - 'Derrick Wright makes the reader feel what it was like to live through the 3 days on Betio, in all their horror and bravery' Marine Corps Gazette - 'This is an excellent account, very nicely written, difficult to put down... it is probably going to become a modern military classic.' Osprey Messenger - 'An eye-opener. I read the book from beginning to end with hardly a break. Wright provides both the big and the little picture without glossing over any mistakes made by leaders on both sides.' Follow Me [the newsletter of the 2nd Marine Division] - 'A sobering and informative book... a good read' Military Illustrated. - 'This book is an outstanding account of events and ties many first-hand recollections and experiences into a fantastic book.' The Armourer
DERRICK WRIGHT was born in 1928 and spent his early years living in the Teeside area, where frequent air raids sparked off a lasting interest in World War II. He attended West Hartlepool School of Art, did two years National Service stationed in Portsmouth, and after demobilization took up a career in engineering, specialising in ultrasonics. Derrick's research over the years has brought him in touch with many Pacific War veterans who have provided invaluable information.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781861264763 |
| ISBN 10 | 1861264763 |
| Title | Tarawa 20-23 November 1943 |
| Author | Derrick Wright |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | The Crowood Press Ltd |
| Year published | 2002-02-25 |
| Number of pages | 160 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |