This book looks at the only enemy aircraft actually to drop bombs on the continental United States, the Kugisho E14Y “Glen”. We are given the history of its development and its technical details, as well as the details of the two bombing missions over the Oregon coast and other operations across the Pacific. It should be noted that the Japanese were the only nation to use submarine-based aircraft in any quantity.

This book begins with a discussion of the first Japanese experiments with submarine-based aircraft, as well as the aircraft preceding the E14Y in service. A nice overview of the E14Y follows, with discussions of its operations for the IJN. One thing of interest is the joint operations of both Japanese and German submarines from the base at Penang (part of modern Malaysia). It even appears that there was a possible exchange between the Axis powers with an E14Y being traded for an Arado Ar-196.

I found the coverage of the mission to bomb Oregon forests to be of great interest, as this is a bit of WWII history that is not well known. Seen by the Japanese as retaliation for the Doolittle raid, the two missions by the E14Y off submarine I-25 caused very little damage – nor did they prove to be a big propaganda boost except in Japan. The special incendiary bombs started one small fire that burned out quickly, leaving a burned area of about 20 yards in diameter. The second mission bombs apparently never exploded as there were no fires reported and the bombs were never found.

As with all MMP books, one of the best parts is the color aircraft profiles and this volume does not disappoint. There are many to choose from, including that of warrant Officer Nobou Fujita, the only enemy pilot to drop bombs on the continental US! These profiles are all beautiful illustrations! Also included are many rare photos and even rarer interior photos.

The book concludes with color photos of the only surviving remains of the E14Y in the world. These two airframes are resting in the hold of the Akibasan Maru under about 160 feet of water at Kwajalein Atoll, taken by diver Dan Farnham.

I really liked this book! It is one that provides a lot of information for the aviation and WWII historian, as well as the modeler. If you have a 1/72 kit or are fortunate enough to have one of the super-rare 1/48 Raccoon resin kits of the Glen, you will definitely want this book. One can only hope that a 1/48 Glen will make an appearance from Special Hobby or another manufacturer that will take a chance. I heartily recommend this one to all!

Our thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for the review copy and my thanks to IPMS/USA for the review opportunity.