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Operation Watchtower
- The 1942 Invasion and Battle for Guadalcanal (WW2 Pacific Theater, Book 1)
- Narrated by: James McSorley
- Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins
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Publisher's Summary
A powerful account of the tide turning WW2 Pacific Theater campaign.
In the height of the Second World War, US forces launched a long and grueling campaign to take the island of Guadalcanal, mounting the first major land attack against Japanese forces. What followed was a six-month string of devastating battles as these two forces wrestled over this key military position.
In the wake of near-daily aerial attacks and several determined assaults from the Japanese navy, the Guadalcanal campaign culminated in a victory for America and marked the first of many offensive attacks aimed at neutralizing the Japanese in the Pacific Theater.
Now, this thrilling book recounts the story of the Guadalcanal campaign in vivid, gritty detail. Exploring the forces involved, the major battles, and the daily struggle of trying to maintain control of the coveted Henderson airfield, Operation Watchtower examines the pivotal moments which led to the Allies seizing the strategic initiative in a key turning point of the war.
Perfect for fans of WW2 history books covering the Pacific, this brilliant book pays tribute to the brave soldiers on both sides of the conflict, recounting their story for both passionate history fans and anyone searching for an in-depth look at of one the greatest battles of World War 2.
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What listeners say about Operation Watchtower
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- S. H. Moore
- 01-07-21
This book is an excellent overview of Watchtower
If you are interested in Guadalcanal but do not want to listen to a 5 to 10 hour book on what happens this book is the one to get. A lot Battle summary books are just to sparse. Trying to fit a whole battle in to an hour. This one is longer and it is worth it.
This book covers all three sides, land, air, and naval including useful context to flush the battle out. You know what’s happening, what needs to happen for both sides, and why things went the way they did and the consequences.
I see there are other entries in this series and I look forward to purchasing them.
I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
2 people found this helpful
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- Gilbert M. Stack
- 12-08-20
How Guadalcanal Changed World War II
How much do you know about the Battle of Guadalcanal other than that the U.S. Marine Corps played a critical role in the fighting? After reading this short book you’ll have a deep understanding of why it was so important and why it’s the battle that turned the tide of the War in the Pacific during World War II. Afterward, Japan’s ability to threaten the U.S. and its allies was severely curtailed. But the price was incredibly high on both sides.
Wrinn has written a short account packed with details and crafted into a narrative that flows very rapidly from beginning to end. If you’re looking to understand a key point in the War of the Pacific and don’t want to get bogged down in a long tedious narrative, this book is a great place to begin.
1 person found this helpful
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- outdoor lover
- 02-22-22
a great narrative of a desperate struggle
It is a documentary. Well written for those who love history. Detailing how our US Marines fought with distinction, against enormous odds, to turn the tide of the war.
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- Cecly Ann Mitchell
- 01-14-21
Excellent listen
For persons wanting to get specific information about certain aspects of various World War 11 combat operations, this listen is an excellent choice. Information about operations in the Pacific theater was brilliantly narrated, along with bios of the persons and other incidentals of battle in that part of the world. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this narration.
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- Mary Karowski
- 01-03-21
Great short tale of the battle of Guadalcanal
I love war history books that manage to
Teach me something I haven’t yet learned in the many others that I’ve read or listened to. I
Find every little factoid to be fascinating and entertaining. This one doesn’t disappoint, there are so many little nuances that it hits upon (George medal)that you can’t help but look up more stuff on your own to get more details. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher
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- Anonymous User
- 01-01-21
history
The narrative was engaging and historically accurate. Told in chronological order as the battles progressed, it was interesting to review the history i had learned years ago in school. The narrator's voice is pleasant but at times his delivery is a bit out of sync. Overall this was an enjoyable audio book. Thank you to Story Origin and the publisher for providing a copy of this audio book to listen to. The opinions expressed here are my own, witten honestly and voluntarily.
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- Aurora Dawn
- 12-20-20
The Story of a Pivotal WWII Pacific Campaign
As you might expect given the subject matter, this book is full of dates and names and numbers which tends to make it a little dry. It is, however, an excellent chronicle of what happened at Guadalcanal and the brave and determined U.S. marines who courageously fought both a determined Japanese force and a hostile climate and terrain.
The book contains not only an account of the Guadalcanal campaign but a brief who's who and a description of some of the most important weapons and equipment that featured in the battle.
Well worth a read for anyone with an interest in the WWII Pacific theatre.
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- Jan
- 12-19-20
USMC wins again
This is a concise rendering of the bluster and indignities of both sides of the combat for Guadalcanal in 1942. I was amazed to see numbers of the Japanese forces on the ground because of the size of the country and their generals apparent blindness to the forces they would face. As a retired nurse and grandmother of a US Marine I was appalled to see the numbers of dead, wounded, and sidelined by tropical diseases. I already knew how dedicated Marines are and were. While this is full of numbers, no crossed or glazed eyes of boredom because it is intelligently rendered. It helped that the narrator is no-nonsense James McSorley who infuses it with interest while making it clear that this is a nonfiction account.
I won this audiobook in a giveaway.
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- Rayc
- 12-07-20
Awesome piece of history
Operation Watchtower . This is a must read for any history buff.
Clear and concise history of the Guadalcanal campaign.
A tribute to the men who fought .
Narration is excellent.
I received a free copy of this audio book at my own request and voluntarily leave this honest review. .