Kawanishi H6K ‘Mavis’ and H8K ‘Emily’ Units

96 pages

Dr James Bosbotinis

This book follows on from Edward M Young’s 2023 H6K “Mavis”/H8K “Emily” vs PB4Y-1/2 Liberator/Privateer: Pacific Theater 1943-1945 (reviewed on the NR website on 28 July 2023). In Kawanishi H6K ‘Mavis’ and H8K ‘Emily’ Units, the author focuses on providing an account of Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force (IJNAF) Mavis and Emily flying boat operations through the Second World War. The author, formerly a banker and financial analyst by profession, has received an MA in the History of Warfare and PhD in History from King’s College London, and written widely on particularly aviation topics relating to the Second World War. This is reflected in the quality of the research that underpins this book.

Across six chapters, Young provides an account of IJNAF Mavis and Emily operations, with the period December 1941 to December 1942 covered in two chapters, whilst 1943, 1944 and 1945 are covered individually. The first chapter provides an overview of the development of Japanese naval aviation, in particular, its flying boat force, from its origins following the First World War and the Sempill Mission. As the development of the H6K and H8K had been covered in his 2023 volume, Young principally discusses the operational employment of the flying boats over the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, east coast of India, and Australia, conducting maritime reconnaissance and attack missions.

The author observes that, as with many other aspects of the Japanese effort in the Second World War, industrial constraints and an obsession with offensive operations hampered flying boat operations: for example, between 1939 and 1945, 382 Type 97 H6K and Type 2 H8K were built, whereas between 1940 and 1945, 2,182 Catalinas were built (p. 20). The focus on offensive operations meant that “reconnaissance crews did not always receive adequate training, while their limited numbers put a great strain on the crews as they flew mission after mission without relief.” Moreover, the first unit dedicated to convoy escort and ASW was not established until early 1944, with Young describing IJNAF efforts in these area as “astonishingly lax”.

Kawanishi H6K ‘Mavis’ and H8K ‘Emily’ Units 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. As is the norm with Osprey publications, the book features an excellent selection of photos and an 11-page section of colour plates depicting IJNAF flying boats from 1921 to 1945. This book will certainly appeal to those with an interest in maritime airpower in the Second World War and is recommended.