Osprey Fortress 1 : Japanese Pacific Island Defenses 1941-1945

The prolonged and bloody fighting for control of the Japanese occupied Pacific islands in World War II is a key point in 20th-century warfare. No two islands were alike in the systems and nature of their defensive emplacements, and local improvisation and command preferences affected both materials used and defensive models. This book provides a detailed and authoritative examination of the establishment, construction and effectiveness of Japanese temporary and semi-permanent crew-served weapons positions and individual and small-unit fighting positions. Integrated obstacles and minefields, camouflage and the changing defensive principles are also covered in this packed treatment. Text by Gordon Rottman with illustrations by Ian Palmer.

Contents

• Introduction
• Chronology
• Design and Development
• Tour of the Sites
• The Principles of Defense
• The Living Sites
• Operational History
• Aftermath
• The Sites Today
• Bibliography and Further Reading
• Glossary
• Index