Experienced naval historian Bernard Ireland has written a highly readable multi-dimensional portrait of one of the most crucial battles of the Pacific war. Described as the 'greatest sea battle of all', the battle of Leyte Gulf comprised three major naval engagements at Samar, Cape Engano and Surigao Strait. Fought on the surface, under the sea and in the air, Leyte Gulf encompassed both the latest technology of warfare as well as the last major line action involving battleships. Intended by the Japanese as a Trafalgar-style decisive victory that would neutralise US naval power, the battle turned out to be quite the opposite - a crushing victory for the United States that opened their way to the Philippines.