Kongo-Class Battleships: In the Imperial Japanese Navy in World War II

During WWII, the Kongō class was the oldest, smallest, and fastest battleships in the Imperial Japanese Navy. They were reclassified as battleships in the 1930s and saw heavy combat throughout the war, including Pearl Harbor, Midway, Guadalcanal, and Leyte. All four ships were sunk by Allied forces by the war's end.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2021
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

The Kongō class of battleships, comprising the oldest, smallest, and fastest vessels in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II, holds a significant place in naval history. Initially classified as battle cruisers, the lead ship, Kongō, was constructed in England shortly before the outbreak of World War I. The remaining three ships in the class, Haruna, Kirishima, and Hiei, were all built and completed in Japan by 1915. These four ships underwent extensive reconfigurations in the 1920s and were reclassified as battleships in the 1930s. Among the 12 WWII-era Japanese battleships, the Kongō class was the most active, participating in numerous major campaigns, including Pearl Harbor, Midway, Guadalcanal, and Leyte. Their service was marked by intense combat, reflecting the strategic importance of these vessels in the Japanese navy. Regrettably, all four Kongō-class ships were sunk by Allied forces by the end of the war.

This book offers a unique perspective on the Kongō class by presenting rare Japanese primary source material, including an abundance of photographs, line schemes, and detailed charts. These resources provide valuable insights into the design, construction, and operational history of these remarkable battleships, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of their role in World War II.

The Kongō class battleships played a crucial role in the naval history of Japan and their contributions to the war effort cannot be overstated. Despite their eventual sinking, their legacy continues to inspire and intrigue historians and naval enthusiasts alike. Through the preservation and analysis of this rare material, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to learn more about these iconic battleships and the broader context of World War II.

Weight: 838g
Dimension: 256 x 360 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764361678