Midway

A detailed re-examination of Midway, one of the most significant battles in the Pacific Theatre of World War II.

In April 1942, the Combined Fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy was at the zenith of its power. It had struck a severe blow against the US Navy at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, before spearheading the Japanese advance through Southeast Asia and rampaging across the South Pacific. Only a few months later, in June 1942, the US Navy managed to inflict a decisive defeat on this mighty force off Midway Atoll and the strategic initiative in the Pacific Theatre passed to the US Navy.

Midway is one of the most mythologised battles of World War II. The traditional view of the battle, popularised in its immediate aftermath and surviving through to the present day, is of a heavily outnumbered American force snatching victory in the face of overwhelming odds. This view is simplistic and, in many respects, wrong.

Pacific War expert Mark E. Stille provides a detailed analysis of this pivotal battle, and argues that Midway was neither a miraculous American victory, nor a product of good fortune, but that the plans, personalities, doctrines, ships and weapons of the two sides meant that a Japanese defeat was the more likely outcome. This up to date study provides an unparalleled level of insight and thorough analysis into one of the decisive moments of the Pacific War.

About the Author

Mark Stille is the author of numerous Osprey titles focusing on naval history in the Pacific. He recently concluded a nearly 40-year career in the intelligence community, including tours on the faculty of the Naval War College, on the Joint Staff and on US Navy ships. He received his BA in History from the University of Maryland and also holds an MA from the Naval War College.

Praise for Midway

'[Mark Stille] ably presents the strategic context of the campaign, illuminates the tactical similarities and differences between the two navies, and adroitly compares the opposing commanders… a wonderful introduction to, as the subtitle boldly declares, The Pacific War's Most Famous Battle.'
– John B. Lundstrom, author of Black Shoe Carrier Admiral and The First Team

'Mark Stille's unique perspective as a former naval intelligence officer, and his adroit utilisation of newer Japanese sources, make this a must-have for any serious student of this, the most important naval battle of the Second World War.'
– Jon Parshall, co-author of Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway

'A major contribution to naval history.'
– Alan D. Zimm, author of Attack on Pearl Harbor

'Stille once again takes on the monumental task of challenging an accepted historical narrative and carries it off splendidly. The Midway epis is no longer gathering historical dust – it has emerged again as a stirring chapter in modern naval warfare.'
– History of War

'Provides an unparalleled level of insight and analysis into one of the decisive moments of the Pacific War.'
– Ships Monthly

'An important addition to the growing corpus of new literature on this fascinating and complicated battle.'
– Military History Matters

'Mark Stille's Midway is an engrossing analysis of the most famous battle of the Pacific War.'
– Neil Smith

Table of Contents

• Prologue
• Introduction
• List of Illustrations
• List of Maps
• Chapter 1: The Road to Midway
• Chapter 2: Yamamoto Plans His Battle
• Chapter 3: Nimitz Plans an Ambush
• Chapter 4: The Combined Fleet
• Chapter 5: American Forces at Midway
• Chapter 6: Midway – The Opening Phases
• Chapter 7: Fletcher's and Spruance's Decisions
• Chapter 8: Nagumo's Decisions
• Chapter 9: The American Carriers Strike
• Chapter 10: The Japanese Strike Back
• Chapter 11: The Victory Complete
• Chapter 12: Final Actions
• Chapter 13: Winners and Losers
• Chapter 14: The Meaning of Midway
• Appendices
• Bibliography
• Notes
• Index