Tarawa: November 20-23, 1943: A Hell of a Way to Die - Softcover

Wright, Derrick

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1861264763 ISBN 13: 9781861264763

Publisher: Crowood Press, 2002

Synopsis

Tarawa Atoll in the Central Pacific was the November, 1943 testing ground for America's ability to take heavily defended Japanese-held islands. The trial lasted three and a half days and would cost more than 3,000 USMC casualties at the hands of a Japanese garrison of some 4,700 men -- of whom just 17 would allow themselves to be taken alive. This compelling account of one of the most savage battles of World War II draws upon the vivid memories of Marine veterans of those 76 terrible hours of close-quarter fighting. It is supported by striking photographs, by the poignant drawings of a war artist who landed with the Marines, and by detailed maps and appendices.

About this title

About the Author:

Derrick Wright's interest in World War II was stimulated by the many Luftwaffe bombing raids on his native Teesside. He is the author of Pacific Victory, Tarawa: A Hell of a Way to Die and Peleliu: To the Far Side of Hell. Married, with four daughters, he lives on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.

Review:

'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

About this edition

• Publisher: Crowood Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1861264763
• ISBN 13: 9781861264763
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192