Equalling Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in scale and ferocity, the battle for Peleliu has long been regarded as the Pacific war's 'forgotten battle'. Originally planned to secure General MacArthur's eastern flank during his invasion of the Philippine Islands, the assault became superfluous after a massive carrier-based attack on the Palau Islands some weeks earlier destroyed all aircraft and shipping in the area, virtually isolating the Japanese garrison, forcing them into a battle of attrition from carefully prepared positions in the Umurbrogol Hills. This book details the operation that became a close-quarters slog of unprecedented savagery, one that with hindsight should never have been fought at all.

Author Biography

Derrick Wright was born in 1928 and spent his early years living in the Teesside area, where frequent air raids sparked off a lasting interest in WWII. Derrick's research over the years has brought him in touch with many Pacific War veterans who have provided invaluable information. His work includes Tarawa 1943 and Iwo Jima 1945 in the Campaign series. Howard Gerrard studied at the Wallasey School of Art and has been a freelance designer and illustrator for over 20 years. He has won both the Society of British Aerospace Companies Award and the Wilkinson Sword Trophy and has illustrated a number of books for Osprey including Campaign 92: St Nazaire 1942 and Campaign 96: Okinawa 1945. Howard lives and works in Kent.