New Releases by W. Bates

Based on hitherto unavailable information from Allied and Japanese sources, this analysis, printed in 1950 as confidential material--since declassified, is an attempt to represent the outlook of the involved commanders on both sides. Because of the controversial nature of this Allied tactical defeat in night action, special attention is devoted to the Japanese and Allied preparations for the engagement, and a virtual minute-by-minute account of the operations of both forces from 7 through 9 August 1942 is provided. In Chapter XXIII, ''Battle Lessons, '' the decisions of the commanders are evaluated and constructive analytical criticism and corrective suggestions are offered.

The Battle of Midway, a decisive engagement of World War II in the Pacific, was also of major importance in naval history. Following the precedent set in the Battle of the Coral Sea, Midway was fundamentally an air action. Japan''s objective was to extend her eastern frontiers through the seizure of the Midway Atoll, and decisively to engage the American Navy under conditions favoring Japan, with the Aleutians operation as a diversion posing a threat to Alaska. The United States intent was to end the Japanese threat to Hawaii and Japan''s offensive action in that area and to reestablish the balance of naval power in the Pacific. The outstanding American naval strategical and tactical victory confirmed the Allied concept, while Japan''s heavy losses forced her to adopt a defensive role and to change her fleet organization, emphasizing carriers over battleships.

Photostat of original record in which Rebecca Bates accounts how she and her sister, Abigail Bates, prevented two American vessels from being taken and their crew imprisoned by the British. Includes the cover letter sent by the donor describing the record.