THE BOOKS OF PETER C. SMITH
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MIDWAY: DAUNTLESS VICTORY: Fresh
Perspective on of
H/B published 16 November 2007 by Pen &
Sword Publishing, Barnsley,
A 320,000-word factual history, giving a fresh and detailed examination of this crucial naval battle, and which combines personal interviews with survivors from both combatants with a host of original research in Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom, including some photographs not seen in print before
The plans of both combatants are examined, as is the Intelligence which gave the Americans a winning edge, and the other factors that swayed events are analysed in depth. The SBD Dauntless dive-bomber's central and crucial role is given a long-overdue emphasis and other related factors studied are the role of the Media both in false reporting the battle at the time, and the misleading way it has been presented ever since in both film and TV documentaries. The actual overall effect of the outcome of the battle on World War II is examined, with regard to both the Allied and Axis powers, finally there is an examination of how the battle has been recorded down the decades. There are numerous tables, charts and diagrams, a bibliography and glossary.
Dusty Kleiss, veteran
Another SBD Pilot, Clayton Fisher, who
flew from the carrier Hornet
during the battle said:- "I've read your book three times. I'm impressed
with the thoroughness and detail of the book. Being a Midway veteran I can
appreciate the detail and accuracy you have achieved. I've collected and read
most of the books about the
Peter E. Karetka, present aboard the destroyer Hughes, whose own views on the sinking of the Yorktown the author disagrees with, nonetheless wrote: "Congratulations on a great bit of writing. I marvel at the collecting and research of information. Well done." Awarding a 5-star rating his review called it, "A remarkable book" and that, "It will be an eye-opener."
Munetoshi Yamaguchi, the son of Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi who went down with his ship, the carrier Hiryu during the battle, praised what he termed, "...a sumptuous volume." He added, "I was amazed how laboriously you have striven to find and collect facts and figures related to the battle," and concluded that he wished it "...every success."
Admiral Donald "Mac" Showers,
who was part of the CIU team with Rochefort at
William G Roy, serving aboard the Yorktown during the battle as a photographer, praised MDV, saying, "Fascinating, very interesting in the smallest detail...", adding, ".....thank you so much for your great book on Midway and the Yorktown, and thank you for the honour of being a part of your well-defined and analysed history ....." He also wrote,"....your fine book. I still read it..... I have it by my bed."
The Japanese historian Ryunosuke V. Megumi stated: - "I marvel at your research, knowledge and effort. I would like every Japanese to read it. I say again your book is great, it is, in itself, an historic work!"
Former dive-bomber pilot Chuck Downey praised what he termed a, "magnificent treatment of the pivotal air/sea battle", adding that he was "re-reading it for the third time." He also stated: "Your outstanding grasp of all the Midway components (told with the master's touch you have), is a true masterpiece for all time! I congratulate you for bringing ALL facts surrounding this epic to the table, sorting them correctly according to importance and presenting the entire picture accurately. I salute you for producing this world-class account. Bravo-Zulu!"
Evelyn M. Cherpak, Ph. D, Head, Naval
Historical Collection at the
Respected naval historian Norman Polmar wrote that he, "...continues to be impressed; the book is both interesting and easy to read. No comment on your reference notes -- an unbelievable effort." He added, "...the book is a masterpiece of research and reads very well."
J A "Kim" Beale of the International Midway Memorial Foundation wrote: "I have derived enormous pleasure from reading Midway Dauntless Victory. The amount of research and substantiation you did is amazing. It taught me a great deal. I was particularly interested in your comments on Dick Best. I knew him reasonably well and everything you say about him is entirely consistent with his chats with me at his home and on various trips to Midway..."
Ron Russell of the Battle of Midway Round Table stated the
book was "...an immense body of work that, on balance, may be the most
comprehensive BOM history ever produced." He also commented that, "It
was exhaustively researched through veteran interviews and archive examination
in both the
Reviewer T Rinehart on Amazon USA called it a "Gripping Historical Account".
Robert O Dulin, Jr, writing in Marine Technology, stated that it is an
"impressive and exhaustively-researched book." He continues: "Mr
Smith's work is remarkably thorough, even-handed, and fair. Any reader who is
serious about understanding the
John Rickard of the History of War Encyclopaedia wrote- "Congratulations on an excellent book" and the review there summarises that, "The use of contemporary documents and first-hand accounts of the battle provides us with an invaluable reference work on both the battle and the debates it has caused."
Writing on the SubSim and Epinion
sites, Daryl Carpenter says: - "Another book on the
Jeff Stevenson writing on The SteelNavy said: "In my view this is a superb book. Well researched with incredibly detailed footnotes and cross references, the author has done a magnificent job in assembling and presenting his facts and opinions. There is a good selection of photographs... I plan to return to this volume and re-read it at a slower pace. It was really 'un-put-downable on first read. Thoroughly recommended."
Captain Grant C. Young, USN (Rtd.), who
flew torpedo-bomber combat missions from the
Paul Corio said it was, "...an excellent work. Your treatment of the TBD squadrons (my main area of interest as it's the focus of my screenplay) was superb. I think you will have great success with it."
The Fleet Air Arm Officers' Association (FAAOA) stated:- "Peter Smith has, with this book, comprehensively analysed all phases of the battle....." adding, "If indeed Midway has not grasped the attention of the naval reader in the UK, then this book will certainly now be a must, and certainly so for Naval and Air Historians of all shades in the United States.." Calling it, "...an illuminating volume" and commenting how "...each page carries copious notes", an arrangement which was "....better than having to continually refer to notes at the end of a chapter or at the back of the book" the reviewer considered the book to be a "...quite exceptional work." He concluded unequivocally - "The book comes highly recommended."
Historian Ray Wagner, writing in the
The Air-Britain Aeromilitaria reviewer Jim Halley said- "In 358 pages of small type, the author has gone into great detail about the operations and background at Midway" He notes that the book, "... has taken into account all the post-war documents that have been released in the sixty years after the battle and analysed them", adding that, "Useful is the inclusion of parts of Admiralty reports and analysis where there was no need to be tactful to either side." He concluded that it was - "Well-worth ploughing through the tightly-packed text and footnotes for an overview of one of the most important naval aviation battles."
From
Critic Stephen Banks was rather less
enamoured by the layout, while some typesetter "glitches" in the
320,000-word text, reduced his rating to just four-star, but he still felt,
"Deep analysis wins through", recording that the Author had
attempted, "...to present a truly accurate description of the events. He
has also interviewed many of the survivors, especially in
Gerald D. Swick, Senior Online Editor of
the Weider History Group in the on-line magazine Armchair General speculates-"Was victory at Midway
really a 'miracle?' A new book raises many questions." It continues:
"Smith asks, did the
That doyen among Japanese Historians and
Translators, Professor Akira Shimizu, wrote of Midway Dauntless Victory that he had, "...been deeply
absorbed by your book and shaken into refreshing my thoughts" having read
it with, "keen attention to your observations and by comparing them with
other Japanese documents, including Senshi
Sosho." He added he had also compared it favourable with his
own.... "extensively collection of all the relevant Japanese information,
including the opinion of his IJNA 77th Classmates." He considered that the
book "...would arouse a public response in
The Russian historian, Alex G. Bolnykh,
wrote about the book that, "It is wonderful, as usual." He though Midway Dauntless Victory was a reason
why, on this subject, "...you are regarded in
The book was featured on Jim Agnew's Daily Book Picks 2008 in April, and yet again in May when it cited the authors Memorable Lines which concerned SBD Group Leader Wade McClusky searching for the Japanese Fleet and sighting a lone destroyer at speed. "He decided to 'tag along' and see what turned up. What turned up was the 1st Kudo Butai....", lines which "encapsulates this, the most crucial moment of the whole battle."
Jim Zebora, Managing Editor of Connecticut newspaper, The Greenwich Time, wrote that, "British historian Peter C. Smith, author of the book, Midway Dauntless Victory, as well as New York District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, believe that it was dive-bombers in this battle, that altered the course of World War II." He stated, "Smith said the role of the dive bombers at Midway is one of several facts about the battle that have tended to be underplayed or even deliberately and disgracefully ignored ....since 1942", but that he was proud to record that Greenwich Time was not one of those so guilty, and that they, through United Press dispatches at the time, was one newspaper at least, that actually got it right both at the time, and since.
The
Barrett Tillmann, famed American Naval Aviation historian, pilot and author of a novel on the SBD at Midway, stated that his overall impression was that the book was, "...a tremendous achievement." He added, "Even John Lundstrom has commented favourably on the overall contribution to the subject. I believe that he and Ron Russell rendered their critiques in context of extremely knowledgeable individuals who have immersed themselves in 1942 generally and Midway specifically". He found the sheer volume of footnotes "daunting" and that they sometimes "...overwhelm the main text", although conceding that he usually likes such notes to appear on the same page for convenience. He commented that- "Overall, the most useful notes are the career biographies, making a handy reference within a reference." He disagreed with some points the volume threw up, believing, as one example, that Fletcher actually had more wartime carrier experience than Halsey at the time of the battle, and also, on another hypothesis raised in the book, that there was simply no doctrine at the time to concentrate the American carriers, even though it might well have made good sense to have done so. However, Barrett concluded that -"Despite the criticisms, perhaps my most relevant statement is that Midway Dauntless Victory goes on my 'ready locker' shelf, rather than in deep storage with most of my reference material!"
Ron Martell, whose father-in-law served
aboard Yorktown, and who is
conducting his own research into aspects of the battle, told the author -
"I have read your book Dauntless
Victory and enjoyed it tremendously. I found that you reported matters
thoroughly and in an even-handed manner, which I appreciated." He later
added - "I liked your book because you set forth the contrary viewpoints
and allowed your readers to make up their own minds. Some of the research of
others is, at best, questionable and, as you point out, as the years go by
finding the truth gets more difficult." He re-iterated the same point
later, acknowledging that, "...the
C. Peter Chen, Editor of the World War 2 Data Base, reviewing the book, said, "Midway Dauntless Victory presents a holistic view," noting that, "Smith took a departure from the standard approach." As he read deeper into the book, "...I realized what Smith meant in the Introduction of the book, when he noted that everyone should have their point of view heard," but that, in order to fairly balance that approach, "....he also gave equal weight to new research, presenting modern findings and analyzes how they changed our understanding of the battle today." He continued, "...his meticulous research cannot be denied" acknowledging, "...the value of the detailed battle play-by-play found in Midway Dauntless Victory". He stated, "I was rather quickly impressed by the rich footnotes, which sometimes took up around 80% of a page, many of them containing valuable information, not necessarily related to Midway but [which] still shed insight to the understanding of the battle." Noting how the authors research, "...included many flights to Japan and the United States to speak to veterans on both sides who shaped the very battle", he considered, "All the different research methods Smith employed brought together a great account of the battle" His summary was that, "Needless to say, this is a book that I will recommend."
Warship World's reviewer, Commander David Hobbs, MBE, RN, found it
clear, "...that the Author believes passionately in the subject and has
spent many years of research, including studies in both the USA and Japan, to
produce a work of importance. His arguments are convincing and benefit from new
research....” adding, "...the Author gives an interesting British
viewpoint on the importance of the battle and the tactics employed that I have
not seen in other works." Noting the "copious foot-notes" and
"the biographies of most of the key personalities", he concludes:
"This book is not a quick or easy read, but is recommended for readers who
want to study not just the
The United States Naval Institute's Naval History magazine's reviewer,
Ronald W. Russell, USNR (Rtd), noted:- "...British author Peter Smith's
book not only retells the familiar story, it does so to a depth that is rarely,
if ever seen. He largely eschewed the battle's time-honoured and well-worn
references, instead undertaking original research into official archives in
both the
Despite such effusive praise, the magazine's reviewer was highly critical of some aspects of the book with which he personally disagreed, notably for it pointing out that alternate viewpoints on some controversial subjects actually still exist in some quarters and also of typesetting errors which he discovered, although he also acknowledges that the these latter have been promised to be fully corrected as soon as possible in subsequent printings. Despite his opinions on some points that he found questionable, the reviewer stated that, although these, in his own personal view, "......tarnish an otherwise impressive volume of wartime history, they are easily lost in its scope, which is richly detailed and mostly accurate." He concludes that, despite some "structural errors" and some "arguable assertions", Midway Dauntless Victory, "...should make a worthy addition to any naval history library...."
A certain G. Hodge complained that the
book, "...reads more like a reference tool" and a
"textbook" rather than "an action-packed adventure story",
and although this was not meant as a compliment, it actually is, because as a
textbook and a reference tool is exactly
how the book was planned and written! However, despite these and other
dislikes, he wrote that the book, "...contains an astonishing amount of
information" and that, "there is quite a bit here that I've seen
nowhere else. In particular, there are mini-biographies on a great many people,
and there's also discussion of the battle's impact on countries other than the
Michael Young's very comprehensive review
in The Northern Review/Le marine du nord,
the Canadian Nautical Research Society's journal, was rather more perceptive.
He wrote:- "In this work, Peter C. Smith takes a fresh look at both the
facts of the battle itself and the myths and controversies that have arisen
over the years." He continued: - "Using an enormous variety of
sources, the author describes the origins of the planning of the raid by the
IJN, the development of the intelligence picture by Nimitz' staff in Pearl
Harbor (including the conflicts in interpretation of that intelligence between
the staff and the Naval Intelligence bureaucracy in
Young also noted how, "Along the way, Peter Smith separates the reality from the myths, criticizes where criticism is warranted, sometimes in contradiction of accepted accounts of events, and provides very objective and astute observations of those events of more than 65 years ago. He also shows how even operational reports have been manipulated to foster particular agendas or to embellish or tarnish reputations. It is a fascinating read. The book is well illustrated with a good selection of photographs including some previously unpublished." He concluded that, "...Dauntless Victory is a major contribution to maritime history, and one which is likely to add to the controversy over Midway since I am sure that not all devotees of the battle, especially those who inhabit the internet sites devoted to Midway, will agree with the author's assessments." True words indeed!
The Muir S. Fairchild Research
Information Centre at the
Scott Van Aken reviewing the book for Modelling Madness, said: - “Author Smith has delved deeply into the background of the men involved and brings us insights as to why they did what they did during the battle. There are exhaustive appendices and statistical analysis of the combatants and their equipment." He conclusions on Midway Dauntless Victory were - "It has to be the most thorough look at the Midway battle that has ever been done and a book that is a must for any nautical enthusiast."
The Marine News reviewer Richard H. Osborne, described the book as, " ....heroic", adding, "The author puts forward new viewpoints on the confusion and muddle.... In addition there are new eyewitness accounts that the author has obtained as well as information from previously unpublished Japanese sources." He continued: "Those who can fight their way through the huge amount of detail will enjoy the author's demolition of the numerous myths as well as his step-by-step analysis of what most probably actually happened at Midway.." He concluded, unreservedly- "I enjoyed reading this stimulating book and have no hesitation in recommending it to all those interested in the Pacific War."
American Naval Historian William H. Garzke, wrote: - "I read your book on the Midway Operation and have to congratulate you on the depth of research."
Major J, Rudy, USAF, an ex-serving Air
Force officer, now a professional reviewer, commented that: - "...I found
the book to offer a balanced look of the battle from both sides of the
conflict", adding, "Smith uses both Japanese and American sources to
publish the decisions and sequence of events that may have been exaggerated or
neglected by the official battle reports..." He continued; "Not only
did Smith focus on the order of battle, but he also did an outstanding job of
highlighting the many facets of this battle's impact. He reviews both Nimitz'
after action report on the battle, and its long term implication for the
Major Rudy stated- "Overall, Midway Dauntless Victory is a superbly researched book. It is historically accurate and expertly supported by photographs. The book is written in plain enough language for the casual reader, but the feel of the book is more of an academic debate. There is no better book than Midway Dauntless Victory to set the record straight." He concludes- "Smith's book has drawn the definitive line in the sand for other naval historians to measure up to."
In the
He also stated: "I think we are developing a much more informed narrative about the action. There was no miracle. Just a hard fought action in which both sides made serious errors, but also displayed great valour." He added that in the general context of war, "...what happens at the unit level, with the ship's crews, aircrews, and grunts on the ground is in fact important, and can make or break a battle, or even a war. Your book is consistent with that concept."
McCoy observed- "I appreciate the treatment of all of the participants with respect. As examples, the warriors of both sides are hailed for their courage and dedication to duty. But even more specifically, it is noted that the memories of the participants are to be respected, even if they may be wrong. Those who may have 'mis-remembered' are not referred to with disdain, but the evidence falls where it may, and lets the reader make up his own mind." Lieutenant-Commander McCoy also made the very pertinent comment that: "Some who have invested emotional capital in one version of the story or another may find that disturbing, but I find it refreshing."
He continued: - "One of the important lessons to take away from MDV is that the issues, personalities, history, decisions and results were not black and white. Some items will probably never be resolved." In this respect he noted, "...the very human flaws on display in the BOM only enhances the triumphs and failures of the narrative. The notes were superb. Yes, they slowed down the reading. But they added immeasurably to the narrative. They allowed the reader to gain a better understanding of what was happening in the main body. The biographies were helpful because they helped us understand the mindset of the decision-makers" He concluded, "...MDV is a valuable resource in itself. It will remain the centrepiece of my Midway library for the foreseeable future."
Baird Online commented that Midway Dauntless Victory was a,
"...very carefully researched and very well presented book...."
adding, "The author is a very experienced and prolific maritime
historian" and that, "This research has been valuable and it shows.
Not content to follow the party line on conventional wisdom, he has delved deep
and wide and uncovered considerable new and valuable material. In particular,
he has included a number of previously unpublished eye-witness accounts along
with considerable new material from Japanese sources. His bibliography is
incredibly extensive and reflects the breadth of his research." Baird's
summary was that this book was- "A gem in the military historians'
crown."
While largely ignoring the mass of new
information contained in the book, the reviewer in Naval Aviation News found
himself daunted by the sheer amount of information contained in the books
footnotes opining such detail, “…heavy treatment that hinders what
could have been a truly great book” Despite this he acknowledges that the
author, “…has indeed gone to great lengths to seek out, and when
possible, interview those participants on either side who are still with
us.” He also acknowledged
that, despite his criticisms, Midway Dauntless Victory
“…could certainly,
but cautiously, serve as an encyclopaedia to the battle.” He concludes,
“ It is obvious how much work the author expended…”
'NH' reviewing the book in the November
issue of Ships Monthly stated:
" Fresh, recently released,
The reviewer on ISBN Spy called the book "The
definitive history for the Battle of Midway", and gave the following
opinions, "...I found the book to offer a balanced look of the battle from
both sides of the conflict.", adding- "Not only did Smith focus on
the order of battle, but he also did an outstanding job of highlighting the
many facets of this battle's impact. He reviews both Nimitz' after-action
report on the battle, and its long-term implication for the
Writing in The Mariner's Mirror, Jack Greene, author of The Midway Campaign, said this was an
"ambitious tome" and was "successful" and that it was a
"...well researched book". He continued, "Smith is very good at
bringing together the intelligence aspects preliminary to the battle....... He
deftly shows how
From
Barreda also comments “Midway Dauntless Victory should be the starting point for the next
generation of historians who have been given new perspectives and facts by Mr.
Smith to investigate further. This includes mini-biographies of key
He concluded: “Besides telling a compelling
story, the author has also created the ultimate
Veteran World War II dive-bomber pilot, Charles
Dills, wrote of Midway Dauntless Victory,
“It is impressive.” He added, “I was most impressed with the
ever-present documentation. It seems uncommon to me and the author is to be
congratulated for so revealing his sources. This lends the book more that the
usual credence.” Dills concluded: “Congratulations on what appears
to be a job well done.”
Lexington-based historian and radio broadcaster Jim
Bresnahan of 3WZ Radio, said of MDV
– “It was a great book, lots of great new material and ideas, and
lots of fantastic photos too.”
Reviewing MDV
for Axis History Factbook, Hans
Strelow gave the book a 5-Star rating and was effusive. “Are you an
expert on the battle of Midway, read the book. If you don’t know anything
about Midway, read the book, and if you are like me, somewhere in between, read
the book.” He
continued-“It was a long time ago since I found such a deeply researched
book still easy to read, actually quite exciting even though all the time you
knew the end. In addition Mr Smith succeeds in clearly explaining details such
as the layout of carriers and the radio equipment in aircraft without losing
the overall picture. Impressive! In addition he is critical to the witnesses,
from both sides, he himself is quoting.” His final conclusion was,
“Without hesitation I give Midway
Dauntless Victory five out of five.”
Admiral Stewart Ring wrote from O’ahu about
what he called “…your wonderful book about the