In May 1945, with victory in Europe established, the war was all but over. But on the other side of the world, the Allies were still engaged in a bitter struggle to control the Pacific. And it was then that the Japanese unleasheda terrible new form of warfare: the suicide pilots, or Kamikaze.
Drawing on meticulous research and unique personal access to the remaining survivors, Will Iredale follows agroup of young Royal Navy pilots from the moment they joined up through their initial training to the terrifying reality of fighting against pilots who, in the cruel last summer of the war, chose death rather than risk their country’s dishonourable defeat and deliberately flew their planes into Allied aircraft carriers. A story of courage, valour, and dogged determination, The Kamikaze Hunters is a gripping account of how a few brave young men helped to ensure lasting peace.
‘This is a gripping account of a virtually unknown drama. Will Iredale writes with verve and expertise to illuminate the story of the young men who lived and died at the fag end of the war in the battle against Japan in the summer of 1945. His story is laced with vivid anecdotes which wonderfully illustrate the character and calibre of the individuals who took up this great challenge.’ – Jonathan Dimbleby