WADE MCCLUSKY AND THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY

◗ David Rigby ◗ Osprey Publishing (2020) ◗ £16.99 ◗ 384 pages (softback) ◗ ISBN:9781472848239 ◗ ospreypublishing.com

Wade Mcclusky was the Commander, Air Group of the USS Enterprise, during the decisive Battle of Midway and was the leader of the dive-bombers which destroyed two of the Japanese carriers. This a biography of Mcclusky, a pivotal, although largely unknown, key player in the victory. The author is keen to ensure that Mcclusky’s role is given far more prominence among historians and to dispel the idea among some that Mcclusky didn’t know much about dive bombing.

The book opens with an account of the key decision and leadership required of Mcclusky and his place in history. As one would expect of a biography, it then charts his career and takes the opportunity to expand on background detail from the types of aircraft developed for naval aviation to USN and IJN naval policies. It then deals with the attack in detail; very useful for wargamers. It is well referenced using many sources including internet resources, Mcclusky’s log-book and more traditional sources, all recorded as footnotes, a trait I find more agreeable than end notes.

This is a great book of a decisive player in what was a stunning victory. It is strongly recommended.