New Book?

[John Beaman]

I saw a copy of a book titled The Burma Air Campaign, 1941-45 by Pearson.

Is anyone familiar with this book? How does it compare with Shores' ? Interestingly, I did not see a bibliography and I saw no reference to Shores.

Thanks

[Amrit1]

I've seen the book advertised but I just haven't been tempted (though Burma is my main interest). Considering the other books available, I can't imagine the 230 odd pages adding anything new. The blurb from Pen & Sword reads:

The scene is set with an overview of the respective states of the RAF and Japanese Airforce, and an explanation of how the American Volunteer Group (The Flying Tigers) came to be in China. There is a concise description of air ops covering the Japanese invasion of Indo China, Malaya and Singapore, together with a close study of the sinking of the Prince of Wales and Repulse, which altered the air/sea power equation. The main emphasis is on the use of air power both offensive, defensive and air transport during the protracted Burma Campaign. This embraces operations in the Arakan and the various Chindit long range penetration expeditions. These relied almost totally on air supply and evacuation. In the later stages of the War, the US and RAF combined forces and predictably this was not without controversy. Few realize that US B29s operating from India attacked Japan itself. Finally the role of ground attack aircraft against the retreating Japanese played a significant part in the Allied advance in Burma.

I suppose it maybe OK for a beginner who doesn't know anything about the Burma air campaign.

[John Beaman]

Well, I cannot imagine it would be better than Chris Shores' recent volume (although I've not yet read that). I found it at the local Barnes and Noble for $40--a bit pricey I think. I'll have to look at it again since I can get it for $32.