The Evacuation of Rangoon

December 30, 2016 PE Matt 0

During their advance southwards, the Japanese had undertaken a limited air offensive against the British colony of Burma, aimed at neutralising the small RAF force based in and around the capital of Rangoon. After inflicting […]

The Fall and Surrender of Java

December 23, 2016 PE Matt 0

What has become known as the Japanese ‘Centrifugal Offensive’ had delivered the Empire’s troops to the shores of Java, which was the ultimate objective of the entire strategy. Major facilities in the Philippines and at […]

Kawanishi H8K Type 2 “Emily”

December 21, 2016 PE Matt 0

As soon as the Kawanishi H6K entered service, the Imperial Japanese Navy began the search for an improved flying boat to eventually supplant the Type 96. The 13-Shi specifications called for a new flying boat […]

The Pincer Grip on Java

December 9, 2016 PE Matt 2

With Sumatra having fallen, British squadrons regrouped in western Java. The collection of fighter squadrons that had seen action in Malaya and Sumatra were re-organised – most were disbanded, and all remaining pilots and aircraft […]

Nakajima Ki-44 Type 2 Shoki “Tojo”

December 5, 2016 PE Matt 2

Shortly after Nakajima had received orders for the Ki-43 “Hayabusa” fighter, they were asked to produce a design for a new interceptor fighter. Unusually for a Japanese fighter the need for manoeuvrability was relaxed in […]