Osprey Elite 127 : Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War II

For the first time in English, this book offers a concise but fact-packed account of the organization, equipment, and all operations of Japan's small but elite wartime parachute forces. Correcting and amplifying previous accounts based on wartime intelligence, it traces the Imperial Army's Raiding Regiments and the Imperial Navy's parachute-trained Yokosuka 1st & 3rd Special Naval Landing Forces from the first trial units, through their successful assaults in early 1942, to the last desperate battles and raids of 1944-45. The text is illustrated with rare photographs, and reconstructed colour artwork of the men and their gear. Text by Gordon Rottman and Akira Takizawa with illustrations by Mike Chappelland Adam Hook.

Contents

• Introduction - Origins
• Organization
• Weapons and Equipment
• Airborne Operations, 1942 : Manado, Koepang, Palemberg
• Airborne Operations, 1944-45 : Kaoru, Luzon, Okinawa
• Select Bibliography
• The Plates
• Index