Operation Pacific

A history of the United Kingdom's contribution to the Pacific theater of the Second World War, by the author of Disasters of the Deep. Hollywood's version of the World War II in the Pacific has led many people to believe that it was an all-American affair, and that Britain took no part in it. But, as Edwin Gray shows in Operation Pacific, that is false. The British Royal Navy and its Commonwealth partners played a very significant role in the Pacific War. They waged a vigorous, non-stop battle with the enemy from the earliest days to the ultimate triumph of victory. Japanese troops also landed in Malaya and opened hostilities in Britain a full ninety minutes before Nagumo's dive-bombers swept down on the unsuspecting American pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor to bring the United States into the war. Operation Pacific is the first book to provide a full and detailed account of Britain's Naval contribution to the ultimate defeat of Japan, a saga that ranges from the darkest days of December, 1941, to the carrier operations and kamikaze attacks of the final battles in 1945. While in no way disparaging the heroic achievements and fighting courage of the U.S. forces in the Pacific, Edwyn Gray reveals that the Royal Navy's cooperation was not always welcomed by her over-mighty Ally, and that America's top brass--notably admiral Ernest King and General Douglas MacAuthur--were opposed to British involvement in the Pacific for both practical and political reasons. Operation Pacific is an absorbing story, offering a comprehensive picture of the part played by the Royal Navy and Commonwealth forces in the Far East War.

About the Author :
Born within sight and sound of the London docks at a time when ocean fighters unloaded their cargos in the heartland of the capital, Edwyn Gray has always had a deep interest in the sea and the Royal Navy- counting amongst his ancestors John Philipot who led a makeshift English fleet to victory in the 14th century. Educated at the Cooper's Company School, Bow; the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe; and London University, he began writing for magazines in 1953 and his first book was published in 1969. His work on submarine and torpedo history has earned him an international reputation as a naval officer and, in addition, he has written eight novels on the war beneath the sea. His books have been published in both Britain and the United States as well as being translated into Dutch, Italian, German, Danish, Swedish and Japanese and he continues to produce features on a variety of historical subjects for leading British and American periodicals. Edwyn Gray and his wife now live in Norfolk surrounded by an ever increasing collection of gods and cats and his relaxations include jazz on the organ and collecting commemorative China.