MITSUBISHI/NAKAJIMA 6 96 RIKKOMitsubishi/Nakajima G3M1/2/3 96 RIKKO L3Y1/2 In Japanese Naval Air Service Richard M. BueschelCover artwork by Steve Ferguson, Colorado Springs, CO NELL OF THE INDIES—Although Nell’s obsolescence was apparent as of the first days of World War I, her poorly equipped European opponents Could not negate her proven concept of long range land based bombing tactics. Flying from the safe haven of bases captured in Indo-China and the Celebes Islands, the Mitsubishi G3M Nell Imperiel Navy bomber wings cut 2 swath through the Pacific in a phenomenally short time, far exceeding the expectations of the Imperial command. However, until logistics of greater ranges to targets and more modern fighter interceptors sorely underscored Nel’s deficiencies as of mid-1942, she served her bomber crews well. Depicted is the G3M Model 22 flown by Lt Sadao Takai, Commander of the 2nd Chutai of the Genzan Kokutai, one of the strike leaders who sunk the British warships Repulse and Prince of Wales. They have momentarily been provided escort by a fight of the fa- mous Tainan Kokutai during a sortie to a remote Dutch East Indies harbor. Acknowledgments Thanks are due to the photo sources cited, with special thanks to Rich- ard L. Seely of Aero Literature for permission to reproduce the photographs from the R. L. Seely Collaction; James F. Lansdale for proofing and editing Of the original edition for historical accuracy, and Jemes |. Long for bringing the text up to date with current practice nomenclature, model and unit iden tification. This ttl was originally published by Ospray Publications Lid. in 1970, Book Design by lan Robertson Copyright © 1997 by Richard M. Bueschel LUbrary of Congress Catalog Number: 96:70489 Allghts reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or used in any forms or by any ‘means ~ graphic, elecrnic or mechanical, including photocoaying or information storagy ‘and retrieval systems - without written permission from the copyright holder Printed in China. ISBN: 0-7643-0148-9 We are interested in hearing from authors with book ideas on related topics, Published by Schiffer Pubising Lt, 7 Lower Vatey Road ‘Algien, PR 10510 Phone: (610) 583.1777 FAX: (610) 593-2002, E-malschfferbk@a0.com Please we ora fre catalog, This book may be purchased from the publisher Please include 82.98 postage’ ‘ry your Bookstore fst