Kawanishi H6K 'Mavis' and H8K 'Emily' Units

by Edward M. Young, Gareth Hector (Illustrator), Jim Laurier (Illustrator)

Overview

An illustrated account of the little-known operations of the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force's flying boat units during World War 2.

Respectively codenamed the 'Mavis' and 'Emily' by the Allies, Japan's H6K and H8K flying boats outstripped their RAF and US Navy counterparts. The 1941 outbreak of war in the Pacific and Southeast Asia saw these remarkable aircraft carry out offensive missions across vast tracts of ocean and employ their unique capabilities to escort convoys and serve as transports between Japan's island bases. However, while the technical details of the H6K and H8K are well known in the West, this important new study marks the first English-language account of their wartime operations.

Utilizing newly translated Japanese war diaries, as well as Allied intelligence and combat reports, celebrated Pacific War expert Edward M. Young reveals the full story behind the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force's flying boat units. Contemporary photos and 22 colour profiles bring new dimensions to this fascinating area of Japanese military history, vividly illustrating the pivotal roles of 'Emily' and 'Mavis' in events including the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway and the fighting in the Aleutians and the Bismarck and Solomon Islands.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472860620
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	09/10/2024
Series:	Combat Aircraft , #153
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.70(h) x 0.20(d)

About the Author

Edward M. Young is a retired financial executive with a BA degree in Political Science from Harvard University and an MA from the University of Washington. In 2015 he received an MA in the History of Warfare from King's College, London and in 2020 completed a PhD in History at King's College. During his career he had assignments in New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. He is the author of numerous books and articles on aviation history. He lives with his wife in Seattle, Washington.

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing and has also enjoyed a successful career in computer animation. He is an aviation history enthusiast and has contributed to numerous Osprey titles such as B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat 1992–2025

and RAF Lightning Units of the Cold War. He lives in Perthshire, Scotland.

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.

Table of Contents

(Subject to confirmation)

1. Maritime Patrol Aviation in the IJNAF

2. Flying Boat Units in Phase One Operations (8 December 1941 to April 1942)

3. Flying Boat Units in Phase Two Operations (April 1942 to April 1943)

4. Defending the Defensive Barrier (April 1943 to June 1944)

5. Final Defense of Japan (August 1944 to August 1945)

Editorial Reviews

excellent colour profile artworks by Jim Laurier, provides the most definitive account of these two flying-boats yet produced.” —The Aviation Historian

“a worthy addition to the bookshelf” —Flypast Magazine

“This is absolutely one of the finest publications on this subject...” —Aviation News

“provides a concise and informative overview of IJNAF flying boat operations in the Second World War. Young writes in an engaging manner that makes the book a pleasure to read.” —The Naval Review

From the Publisher