Justin Pyke
@justinpykehistory.bsky.social
MA in History. Studies intelligence, sea power, air power, and the Asia-Pacific War. Researching U.S. intelligence assessments of Japanese air and sea power, 1919-1941. Andor appreciator, PC gamer, mediocre miniature painter, and musician.
Pinned
A sincere welcome to all of my new followers! I don't claim to be anyone important, but I mostly post about my research, the Asia-Pacific War, Star Wars (mainly Andor... let's be real), PC gaming, tabletop, and the brunches that will probably stop my heart one day.
I'm playing some Empire at War Expanded: Thrawn's Revenge as Moff *checks notes* Par Lankin of the Lambda Sector. The Star Wars EU was far from perfect, but Disney throwing out the post-Endor multilateral civil war between various Imperial warlords and the New Republic was a massive own goal.
September 23, 2026 at 3:40 AM
I'm playing some Empire at War Expanded: Thrawn's Revenge as Moff *checks notes* Par Lankin of the Lambda Sector. The Star Wars EU was far from perfect, but Disney throwing out the post-Endor multilateral civil war between various Imperial warlords and the New Republic was a massive own goal.
I usually avoid talking about Midway because it's one of Those Battles where the timing of every mid-level officer's fart has been quadruple-guessed for 84 years. Operationally and tactically I think Matthew's assessment is fair! It was a sloppy engagement on both sides. I find the intel...
The more I research the Battle of Midway, the more I’m convinced it was settled by pure, dumb luck. Both sides made so many mistakes it’s a wonder they didn’t sink themselves
September 21, 2026 at 3:54 PM
I usually avoid talking about Midway because it's one of Those Battles where the timing of every mid-level officer's fart has been quadruple-guessed for 84 years. Operationally and tactically I think Matthew's assessment is fair! It was a sloppy engagement on both sides. I find the intel...
Reposted by Justin Pyke
Day4
Yz Ōnosato 3-0 (L)
M2 Takayasu 1-2 (R)
Power tachi-ai - boom! You’ll watch this one a few times for the sheet comedic poetry of the ending #akibasho2026
Yz Ōnosato 3-0 (L)
M2 Takayasu 1-2 (R)
Power tachi-ai - boom! You’ll watch this one a few times for the sheet comedic poetry of the ending #akibasho2026
September 16, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Day4
Yz Ōnosato 3-0 (L)
M2 Takayasu 1-2 (R)
Power tachi-ai - boom! You’ll watch this one a few times for the sheet comedic poetry of the ending #akibasho2026
Yz Ōnosato 3-0 (L)
M2 Takayasu 1-2 (R)
Power tachi-ai - boom! You’ll watch this one a few times for the sheet comedic poetry of the ending #akibasho2026
Well, this is an actual surprise.
community.creative-assembly.com/total-war/to...
community.creative-assembly.com/total-war/to...
Total War: SHOGUN 2 – Complete Edition FAQs - Total War
Total War: SHOGUN 2 – Complete Edition is an updated and enhanced version of SHOGUN 2 and all of its DLC in one complete package, arriving October 13th for PC, and developed by MATABOO, Creative Assem...
community.creative-assembly.com
September 15, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Well, this is an actual surprise.
community.creative-assembly.com/total-war/to...
community.creative-assembly.com/total-war/to...
Waiting patiently for my NARA reproduction order from July to come through.
Spongebob Alone at the Diner
Alt: Spongebob waiting alone at a diner.
static.klipy.com
September 14, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Waiting patiently for my NARA reproduction order from July to come through.
Reposted by Justin Pyke
Why should anyone read my book on the Fairey Fulmar? Isn’t it a niche aircraft of a niche service? Arguably yes, but for me the important thing is the story that can be told through the aircraft. 1 It’s the story of the Fleet Air Arm 1940-43…
My Fairey Fulmar book goes on sale today. This was a real labour of love, following on from my biography of Fulmar test pilot Duncan Menzies. It is I believe the first comprehensive history of the type in print www.crowood.com/book/fairey-...
September 14, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Why should anyone read my book on the Fairey Fulmar? Isn’t it a niche aircraft of a niche service? Arguably yes, but for me the important thing is the story that can be told through the aircraft. 1 It’s the story of the Fleet Air Arm 1940-43…
I tumbled down the 9/11 documentary hole again for obvious reasons. The six-part One Day in America documentary from National Geographic is definitely the standout for me. I was only ten, so I have no interesting personal story other than it was the first major world event I distinctly remember.
September 12, 2026 at 10:40 PM
I tumbled down the 9/11 documentary hole again for obvious reasons. The six-part One Day in America documentary from National Geographic is definitely the standout for me. I was only ten, so I have no interesting personal story other than it was the first major world event I distinctly remember.
Reposted by Justin Pyke
And if you happen to be in Tokyo please go see them for yourself! Here's our running inventory, including geolocation data:
www.davidfedman.org/tokyos-warda...
It's been fun to set students loose on the city with the coordinates and see what they learn about war memory through a good ol wander
www.davidfedman.org/tokyos-warda...
It's been fun to set students loose on the city with the coordinates and see what they learn about war memory through a good ol wander
September 10, 2026 at 2:52 PM
And if you happen to be in Tokyo please go see them for yourself! Here's our running inventory, including geolocation data:
www.davidfedman.org/tokyos-warda...
It's been fun to set students loose on the city with the coordinates and see what they learn about war memory through a good ol wander
www.davidfedman.org/tokyos-warda...
It's been fun to set students loose on the city with the coordinates and see what they learn about war memory through a good ol wander
Reposted by Justin Pyke
Hi friends, happy to share a labor of love: an essay in the latest issue of Environmental History on Tokyo's war-damaged trees (戦災樹木), the more than 200 hundreds trees scattered across the city that carry scars of wartime bombing in their morphology
www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/eh/0/0
www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/eh/0/0
September 9, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Hi friends, happy to share a labor of love: an essay in the latest issue of Environmental History on Tokyo's war-damaged trees (戦災樹木), the more than 200 hundreds trees scattered across the city that carry scars of wartime bombing in their morphology
www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/eh/0/0
www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/eh/0/0
I beat Star Wars Zero Company on hard after 45 hours. I can definitely recommend it for those who are into turn-based tactics or just want to experience a good Star Wars story. I only had two CTDs and a few bugs and annoyances in my play through. Not too bad for a new game.
September 8, 2026 at 3:08 AM
I beat Star Wars Zero Company on hard after 45 hours. I can definitely recommend it for those who are into turn-based tactics or just want to experience a good Star Wars story. I only had two CTDs and a few bugs and annoyances in my play through. Not too bad for a new game.
Reposted by Justin Pyke
Rough Draft vs Final Draft
September 3, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Rough Draft vs Final Draft
A 12 hour check-in on ZCOM:
There are few minor bugs and annoyances, but nothing game-breaking. I'm still enjoying the XCOM-but-different gameplay. ZCOM engages with AP economy in a way XCOM didn't. I still probably would have preferred a larger squad size than four, but what they have is working.
There are few minor bugs and annoyances, but nothing game-breaking. I'm still enjoying the XCOM-but-different gameplay. ZCOM engages with AP economy in a way XCOM didn't. I still probably would have preferred a larger squad size than four, but what they have is working.
I'm playing on hard and the gameplay is excellent. The character writing and voice acting is fantastic too. The plot is somewhat intriguing, but I'm still very early into the game so I don't have any firm conclusions on that front. Customization is deeper than XCOM 2, but not as deep as some RPGs.
August 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM
A 12 hour check-in on ZCOM:
There are few minor bugs and annoyances, but nothing game-breaking. I'm still enjoying the XCOM-but-different gameplay. ZCOM engages with AP economy in a way XCOM didn't. I still probably would have preferred a larger squad size than four, but what they have is working.
There are few minor bugs and annoyances, but nothing game-breaking. I'm still enjoying the XCOM-but-different gameplay. ZCOM engages with AP economy in a way XCOM didn't. I still probably would have preferred a larger squad size than four, but what they have is working.
I picked this up, so my weekend and then some is sorted.
I really hope this sticks the landing because I need something new to distract me from *gestures at everything*.
youtu.be/AxAgeglgSeA?...
youtu.be/AxAgeglgSeA?...
Star Wars Zero Company | Official Final Trailer
YouTube video by EA Star Wars
youtu.be
August 28, 2026 at 9:50 PM
I picked this up, so my weekend and then some is sorted.
I scrubbed through the GTA VI gameplay reveal since it will be 90% of gaming discourse for a while. It looks lavishly expensive of course, while staying safe gameplay wise. It's not a franchise I'm into, but I don't hate it either. I'm more interested in seeing the world simulation.
August 28, 2026 at 4:03 AM
I scrubbed through the GTA VI gameplay reveal since it will be 90% of gaming discourse for a while. It looks lavishly expensive of course, while staying safe gameplay wise. It's not a franchise I'm into, but I don't hate it either. I'm more interested in seeing the world simulation.
Reposted by Justin Pyke
IJN second fleet
Date: August 27, 1942
Location: Solomon Sea Area
Photo: from Atago
Situation: Takao, Maya, Mutsu, Myōkō, and Haguro continue to sail
static.ow.ly/photos/origi...
Date: August 27, 1942
Location: Solomon Sea Area
Photo: from Atago
Situation: Takao, Maya, Mutsu, Myōkō, and Haguro continue to sail
static.ow.ly/photos/origi...
August 27, 2026 at 3:02 AM
IJN second fleet
Date: August 27, 1942
Location: Solomon Sea Area
Photo: from Atago
Situation: Takao, Maya, Mutsu, Myōkō, and Haguro continue to sail
static.ow.ly/photos/origi...
Date: August 27, 1942
Location: Solomon Sea Area
Photo: from Atago
Situation: Takao, Maya, Mutsu, Myōkō, and Haguro continue to sail
static.ow.ly/photos/origi...
I really hope this sticks the landing because I need something new to distract me from *gestures at everything*.
youtu.be/AxAgeglgSeA?...
youtu.be/AxAgeglgSeA?...
Star Wars Zero Company | Official Final Trailer
YouTube video by EA Star Wars
youtu.be
August 25, 2026 at 9:51 PM
I really hope this sticks the landing because I need something new to distract me from *gestures at everything*.
youtu.be/AxAgeglgSeA?...
youtu.be/AxAgeglgSeA?...
Very true (OP is referring to Eugene Sledge's book here). I like The Pacific overall, but the Peleliu and Okinawa episodes are notably better than the rest. Episode 9 (Okinawa) is up there for my favourite Asia-Pacific War media period.
it was ridiculous how much better the segments of THE PACIFIC based on his book were than the rest.
August 25, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Very true (OP is referring to Eugene Sledge's book here). I like The Pacific overall, but the Peleliu and Okinawa episodes are notably better than the rest. Episode 9 (Okinawa) is up there for my favourite Asia-Pacific War media period.
Reposted by Justin Pyke
My Fairey Fulmar book goes on sale today. This was a real labour of love, following on from my biography of Fulmar test pilot Duncan Menzies. It is I believe the first comprehensive history of the type in print www.crowood.com/book/fairey-...
August 25, 2026 at 12:26 PM
My Fairey Fulmar book goes on sale today. This was a real labour of love, following on from my biography of Fulmar test pilot Duncan Menzies. It is I believe the first comprehensive history of the type in print www.crowood.com/book/fairey-...
I just got some kind words from Jürgen Melzer, historian of Japanese aviation, about this video!
My next video for @milavhis.bsky.social is finally live! The 1931 bombing of Jinzhou is an obscure but interesting episode - a rogue Kwantung Army officer, improvised bombing methods, captured Chinese aircraft, and one of the first bombings of a city since the end of WWI.
youtu.be/m_9ALx9C_0I?...
youtu.be/m_9ALx9C_0I?...
Jinzhou 1931: 11 Japanese Bombers, Angry Leaflets and a Shocked World
YouTube video by Military Aviation History
youtu.be
August 21, 2026 at 7:13 PM
I just got some kind words from Jürgen Melzer, historian of Japanese aviation, about this video!
Reposted by Justin Pyke
The new book, Star Pilots by @chriskempshall.bsky.social is a celebration of all things pilots, both Rebel and Imperial, covering several eras of the Star Wars universe. It's full of information and heart, and I loved every page.
Check out my review here:
youtu.be/adxZ6VMUPz0?...
Check out my review here:
youtu.be/adxZ6VMUPz0?...
August 20, 2026 at 4:02 PM
The new book, Star Pilots by @chriskempshall.bsky.social is a celebration of all things pilots, both Rebel and Imperial, covering several eras of the Star Wars universe. It's full of information and heart, and I loved every page.
Check out my review here:
youtu.be/adxZ6VMUPz0?...
Check out my review here:
youtu.be/adxZ6VMUPz0?...
I'm not enthusiastic given season 1 fell flat for me outside one episode and a few elements, but seeing some pitched space battles in Star Wars for the first time in a decade could be neat if it's done well. There's some clear nods to Thrawn trilogy plot elements too.
youtu.be/Fdar7gTQnog?...
youtu.be/Fdar7gTQnog?...
Star Wars: Ahsoka Season 2 | Teaser Trailer | Streaming January 20 on Disney+
YouTube video by Star Wars
youtu.be
August 15, 2026 at 11:14 PM
I'm not enthusiastic given season 1 fell flat for me outside one episode and a few elements, but seeing some pitched space battles in Star Wars for the first time in a decade could be neat if it's done well. There's some clear nods to Thrawn trilogy plot elements too.
youtu.be/Fdar7gTQnog?...
youtu.be/Fdar7gTQnog?...
To expand a small amount on this - my personal take is IF* the invasion went ahead prior to a Japanese surrender, the Japanese military would have fought their "decisive battle" on Kyushu.
*Frank notes there was going to be a big fight about this on the US side that the end of the war prevented.
*Frank notes there was going to be a big fight about this on the US side that the end of the war prevented.
I personally don't agree with Giangreco's position on the degree to which Japan would fight on. He might be the most hardline I've seen on it actually, but I also understand why. Studying Japanese military planning in detail gives you an apocalyptic impression. It was serious business.
August 15, 2026 at 7:07 PM
To expand a small amount on this - my personal take is IF* the invasion went ahead prior to a Japanese surrender, the Japanese military would have fought their "decisive battle" on Kyushu.
*Frank notes there was going to be a big fight about this on the US side that the end of the war prevented.
*Frank notes there was going to be a big fight about this on the US side that the end of the war prevented.
Reposted by Justin Pyke
A must watch 👇 @justinpykehistory.bsky.social worked incredibly hard on this and it has become fascinating account of how and why one of the first bombings of a city transpired, touching upon politics, service culture, air power and the personal aspirations of those involved.
My next video for @milavhis.bsky.social is finally live! The 1931 bombing of Jinzhou is an obscure but interesting episode - a rogue Kwantung Army officer, improvised bombing methods, captured Chinese aircraft, and one of the first bombings of a city since the end of WWI.
youtu.be/m_9ALx9C_0I?...
youtu.be/m_9ALx9C_0I?...
Jinzhou 1931: 11 Japanese Bombers, Angry Leaflets and a Shocked World
YouTube video by Military Aviation History
youtu.be
August 14, 2026 at 3:25 PM
A must watch 👇 @justinpykehistory.bsky.social worked incredibly hard on this and it has become fascinating account of how and why one of the first bombings of a city transpired, touching upon politics, service culture, air power and the personal aspirations of those involved.
I also often find people who dismiss how serious Japanese defensive plans were in 1945 assume the "civilians with bamboo spears" were all that was left and not a sickening supplement to the considerable conventional forces, including several first-rate formations. It makes for grim reading.
No, that's not actually true, the raising of the Volunteer Army (the conscripts who were to contest a landing in Kyushu) is a matter of official record in the Japanese Diet. It was the actual plan.
The only issue here is that it reinforces the propaganda take that there would have been a long, bloody invasion—people who have questioned and investigated Nagasaki and Hiroshima have made an excellent case that this theory is bolstered solely to justify the bomb.
August 15, 2026 at 4:16 AM
I also often find people who dismiss how serious Japanese defensive plans were in 1945 assume the "civilians with bamboo spears" were all that was left and not a sickening supplement to the considerable conventional forces, including several first-rate formations. It makes for grim reading.
For the evening crowd - I did a thing.
My next video for @milavhis.bsky.social is finally live! The 1931 bombing of Jinzhou is an obscure but interesting episode - a rogue Kwantung Army officer, improvised bombing methods, captured Chinese aircraft, and one of the first bombings of a city since the end of WWI.
youtu.be/m_9ALx9C_0I?...
youtu.be/m_9ALx9C_0I?...
Jinzhou 1931: 11 Japanese Bombers, Angry Leaflets and a Shocked World
YouTube video by Military Aviation History
youtu.be
August 15, 2026 at 12:55 AM
For the evening crowd - I did a thing.