64th Sentai war diary entry No.145
Date: May 1st, 1942 Tokyo time
While the 3rd Chutai was ordered to move to the Magwe airfield, the rest of the 64th Sentai went to sweep Dacca (currently Dhaka) area. 27 Hayabusas took to the air in the early morning and soon departed in north-west direction. The enemy has to be forewarned about the arrival of our planes, because the his fighters were already in the air and climbing when the Sentai arrived over target. Some 20 "shark mouthed" fighters were engaged head long. In the initial pass each side obtained hits on the enemy. 2nd Lt. Miyajima L. of the Staff flight – Kato's wingmen was instantly killed in his Hayabusa on the initial pass, and his plane plunged to the earth in uncontrollable spin. But soon our pilots gained the upper hand in combat and several pilots claimed confirmed kills. Among them 2nd Lt. Chojiro D., 2nd Lt. Ban H. and W/O Chuzaburo P. of the 1st Chutai and W/O Uchida S. of the 2nd Chutai claimed one enemy fighter confirmed each. Several other pilots claimed probables and damaged.
2nd Lt. Izumida M. of the 2nd Chutai separated in the dogfight and was last seen pursuing smoking enemy fighter. He did not return to base and was declared as missing.
4 more Hayabusas had to be written off after the landing, but the price of 2 pilots and 6 planes for 4 confirmed kills was a steep one.
Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.146
Date: May 2nd, 1942 Tokyo time
After the yesterdays hard fight with the "shark-mouthed" fighters the mission for today was another sweep, this time – Lashio. While the 1st and 2nd Chutai with the Staff flight dispatched 23 of their Hayabusas to Lasiho, they encountered no opposition, just some clouds.
Meanwhile, the 3rd Chutai was tasked to clear the way for bombers heading to support ground troops attacking enemy positions at Shwebo. 10 Haybusas swept the area, but no enemy planes were sighted. So the pilots had a first class seats to the following bombing. At first a formations of Type 97 heavy bombers and Type 99 light bombers covered by full Sentai of Hayabusas filled the air over the target, soon followed by another formation of Type 99 light bombers. Flak was heavy and accurate and managed to damage several bombers, but the bombing was accurate too. Ground troops quickly overcome the enemy resistance and captured the town by the end of the day. Air units were praised for their accurate bombing.
Two Hayabusas were lost in landing accidents, but both pilots escaped the wreckage with just minor bruises. 2nd Lt. Futagami L. arrived as a replacement and was assigned as a Shotai-chio to the 2nd Chutai, while W/O Hayashi M. was assigned to fly as Kato's wingmen.
Date: May 2nd, 1942 Tokyo time
After the yesterdays hard fight with the "shark-mouthed" fighters the mission for today was another sweep, this time – Lashio. While the 1st and 2nd Chutai with the Staff flight dispatched 23 of their Hayabusas to Lasiho, they encountered no opposition, just some clouds.
Meanwhile, the 3rd Chutai was tasked to clear the way for bombers heading to support ground troops attacking enemy positions at Shwebo. 10 Haybusas swept the area, but no enemy planes were sighted. So the pilots had a first class seats to the following bombing. At first a formations of Type 97 heavy bombers and Type 99 light bombers covered by full Sentai of Hayabusas filled the air over the target, soon followed by another formation of Type 99 light bombers. Flak was heavy and accurate and managed to damage several bombers, but the bombing was accurate too. Ground troops quickly overcome the enemy resistance and captured the town by the end of the day. Air units were praised for their accurate bombing.
Two Hayabusas were lost in landing accidents, but both pilots escaped the wreckage with just minor bruises. 2nd Lt. Futagami L. arrived as a replacement and was assigned as a Shotai-chio to the 2nd Chutai, while W/O Hayashi M. was assigned to fly as Kato's wingmen.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.147
Date: May 3rd, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai based on Magwe airfield was relegated from daylight operations after the reports of enemy planes flying in the vicinity at night. One of the neighboring bases reported night bombing, but the damage was minimal. So orders went to the 3rd Chutai to keep a planes at readiness for the night in an attempt to intercept enemy raiders.
But the rest of the Sentai operating from Meiktila took no respite from operations and again sent all its Hayabusas to clear the airspace over Lashio. It wasn't easy to get through the storm front, and one Shotai separated from the main formation en route, but they got to the target on time. So did the following formation of Type 97 heavy bombers and Type 99 light bombers targeting the Lashio airstrip through the hole in the clouds. AA fire was again heavy and several bombers trailed smoke leaving the target area. Bombing accuracy was seriously affected by the cloud cover as later reconnaissance discovered.
As the Sentai was nearing the Meiktila airfield the storm was raging in the vicinity. Sentai circled the airfield several times before the storm moved and all planes could land safely.
Date: May 3rd, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai based on Magwe airfield was relegated from daylight operations after the reports of enemy planes flying in the vicinity at night. One of the neighboring bases reported night bombing, but the damage was minimal. So orders went to the 3rd Chutai to keep a planes at readiness for the night in an attempt to intercept enemy raiders.
But the rest of the Sentai operating from Meiktila took no respite from operations and again sent all its Hayabusas to clear the airspace over Lashio. It wasn't easy to get through the storm front, and one Shotai separated from the main formation en route, but they got to the target on time. So did the following formation of Type 97 heavy bombers and Type 99 light bombers targeting the Lashio airstrip through the hole in the clouds. AA fire was again heavy and several bombers trailed smoke leaving the target area. Bombing accuracy was seriously affected by the cloud cover as later reconnaissance discovered.
As the Sentai was nearing the Meiktila airfield the storm was raging in the vicinity. Sentai circled the airfield several times before the storm moved and all planes could land safely.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.148
Date: May 4th, 1942 Tokyo time
As expected, the enemy choose the night to launch several harassing raids using the cover of the night. 3rd Chutai scrambled 8 of their Hayabusas when enemy bombers were reported in the vicinity. Each pilot operated independently to cover the wider area, but the three enemy bombers noticed their presence and voted for a quick retreat dropping bombs widely so no damage was caused. The 3rd Chutai planes patrolled the air for about an hour, but no more enemy planes arrived and all planes landed safely – not an easy feat in a dark night and small airfield.
The rest of the Sentai was again to sweep Lashio to be followed by bomber formation. While the 64th again managed to fight its way through the thunderstorms in the area, the bombers failed to get through and returned to the base. All planes managed to return safely to the base, although several got separated in the weather and arrived piecemeal.
Date: May 4th, 1942 Tokyo time
As expected, the enemy choose the night to launch several harassing raids using the cover of the night. 3rd Chutai scrambled 8 of their Hayabusas when enemy bombers were reported in the vicinity. Each pilot operated independently to cover the wider area, but the three enemy bombers noticed their presence and voted for a quick retreat dropping bombs widely so no damage was caused. The 3rd Chutai planes patrolled the air for about an hour, but no more enemy planes arrived and all planes landed safely – not an easy feat in a dark night and small airfield.
The rest of the Sentai was again to sweep Lashio to be followed by bomber formation. While the 64th again managed to fight its way through the thunderstorms in the area, the bombers failed to get through and returned to the base. All planes managed to return safely to the base, although several got separated in the weather and arrived piecemeal.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.149
Date: May 5th, 1942 Tokyo time
While the 3rd Chutai again kept the planes in readiness for any night intruders, the enemy planes probably stayed in their fields and no scramble was necessary.
The rest of the Sentai spent day packing and on the move to the new location – Toungoo.
Date: May 5th, 1942 Tokyo time
While the 3rd Chutai again kept the planes in readiness for any night intruders, the enemy planes probably stayed in their fields and no scramble was necessary.
The rest of the Sentai spent day packing and on the move to the new location – Toungoo.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.150
Date: May 6th, 1942 Tokyo time
There was to be a sleepless night both at the Magwe where 3rd Chutai kept its night readiness and Toungoo where the rest of the Sentai had hardly time to settle.
While the storms raged in the area, the enemy bombers used clouds to hide their approach. 11 Hayabusas were scrambled through the rain squalls in an attempt to fend off the enemy, although a chance for a close encounter was minimal. As the first 5 enemy planes loosed their bombs, they quickly turned away and sought safety in the night clouds. Their bombs failed to fall within the perimeter of the airfield.
Few minutes later another formation of 5 planes was spotted and pursued. They too failed to score any hits and one of them was caught by long range burst fired by 2nd Lt. Tsukamoto B. No more enemy planes appeared that night and all planes of the 3rd Chutai landed safely.
The Toungoo was also subjected to the enemy raid by five enemy bombers – weather being better they didn’t managed to plant a single bomb within the area of the base.
The 64th Sentai countered in the morning by escorting 17 of the Type 99 Light bombers with 20 of their Hayabusas to bomb retreating allied ground columns. While weather was good, it was not an easy task to find the target, but in the end several of the bombs were close to target. Enemy troops were subjected to another attack in the afternoon by a formation of Type 97 heavy bombers. One Hayabusa was written off after the landing accident – fortunately the pilot was not hurt. The high tempo of operations without proper maintenance and higher fatigue to the pilots subjected strain of continuous operations was exacting its price on the unit.
A new replacement arrived in the person of W/O Annabuki J.
Date: May 6th, 1942 Tokyo time
There was to be a sleepless night both at the Magwe where 3rd Chutai kept its night readiness and Toungoo where the rest of the Sentai had hardly time to settle.
While the storms raged in the area, the enemy bombers used clouds to hide their approach. 11 Hayabusas were scrambled through the rain squalls in an attempt to fend off the enemy, although a chance for a close encounter was minimal. As the first 5 enemy planes loosed their bombs, they quickly turned away and sought safety in the night clouds. Their bombs failed to fall within the perimeter of the airfield.
Few minutes later another formation of 5 planes was spotted and pursued. They too failed to score any hits and one of them was caught by long range burst fired by 2nd Lt. Tsukamoto B. No more enemy planes appeared that night and all planes of the 3rd Chutai landed safely.
The Toungoo was also subjected to the enemy raid by five enemy bombers – weather being better they didn’t managed to plant a single bomb within the area of the base.
The 64th Sentai countered in the morning by escorting 17 of the Type 99 Light bombers with 20 of their Hayabusas to bomb retreating allied ground columns. While weather was good, it was not an easy task to find the target, but in the end several of the bombs were close to target. Enemy troops were subjected to another attack in the afternoon by a formation of Type 97 heavy bombers. One Hayabusa was written off after the landing accident – fortunately the pilot was not hurt. The high tempo of operations without proper maintenance and higher fatigue to the pilots subjected strain of continuous operations was exacting its price on the unit.
A new replacement arrived in the person of W/O Annabuki J.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.151
Date: May 7th, 1942 Tokyo time
On this night the Magwe became subject of almost continuous raids by the enemy intruders and the 3rd Chutai was again in the action. At first a formation of 9 Blenheim bombers flying high was intercepted short of the airfield. In the dark of the night several of the 11 pilots airborne managed to spot and close the enemy to claim a damage to at least 4 of them. Enemy jettisoned bombs and sought safety in a fast descent without causing any damage. Soon another 4 planes identified as Bleinheims arrived, but were too engaged before they could drop bombs accurately. Two more were claimed damaged.
1st Lt. Ishikawa leading the 1st Shotai of the 3rd Chutai failed to return. Remains of his plane were later found on a hillside several miles north of the airfield with pilot still inside. What exactly happened is hard to tell, but he probably lost his way during pursuit of enemy planes and crashed. Warrant Officer Mitsumasa O. of the 2nd Shotai also become lost, and run out of fuel before jumping out. He was recovered on the same day by nearby ground troops.
Next wave arrived about two hours later and this time they were at 7,000 ft. The 3rd Chutai sent up another 3 of its Hayabusas, but the planes identified as five Hudson bombers dropped their bombs before the Hayabusas could intervene. However the heavy rain clouds closed over the airfield just as the enemy started its bombing run, so the bombs fell to the swamp about a mile from the airfield. Soon another formation of 7 Hudson bombers arrived over Magwe and was intercepted just at the beginning of their bomb runs. Their bombing wasn’t accurate too and no material damage was incurred. Quickly followed by another 6 Hudson bombers, these too were intercepted just short of their bombing runs and their bombs fell short of runway.
Warrant Officer Iwashita V. of the 4th Shotai was severly wounded by defensive fire of the Hudsons, one bullet went through his leg, the other passed his right arm. Nevertheless he managed to return to the base and land safely.
Yet it was still not the end, at about 4 in the morning the last wave of enemy planes was reported. This time only the 2nd Lt. Takenaka was ready and he quickly scrambled to intercept 5 bombers identified as Blenheims. Altough he failed to shot down any of them, his presence was notified and the enemy bombers jettisoned bombs several miles before the airfield and beat a hasty retreat.
Rest of the Sentai had a quiet night at Toungoo, and because of the weather had all operations cancelled. The men had the time to settle down a little, but it was no fun to do during heavy downpour. Some of the most urgent maintenance tasks were carried out. Another replacement arrived today – 2nd Lt. Hidaka J.
Date: May 7th, 1942 Tokyo time
On this night the Magwe became subject of almost continuous raids by the enemy intruders and the 3rd Chutai was again in the action. At first a formation of 9 Blenheim bombers flying high was intercepted short of the airfield. In the dark of the night several of the 11 pilots airborne managed to spot and close the enemy to claim a damage to at least 4 of them. Enemy jettisoned bombs and sought safety in a fast descent without causing any damage. Soon another 4 planes identified as Bleinheims arrived, but were too engaged before they could drop bombs accurately. Two more were claimed damaged.
1st Lt. Ishikawa leading the 1st Shotai of the 3rd Chutai failed to return. Remains of his plane were later found on a hillside several miles north of the airfield with pilot still inside. What exactly happened is hard to tell, but he probably lost his way during pursuit of enemy planes and crashed. Warrant Officer Mitsumasa O. of the 2nd Shotai also become lost, and run out of fuel before jumping out. He was recovered on the same day by nearby ground troops.
Next wave arrived about two hours later and this time they were at 7,000 ft. The 3rd Chutai sent up another 3 of its Hayabusas, but the planes identified as five Hudson bombers dropped their bombs before the Hayabusas could intervene. However the heavy rain clouds closed over the airfield just as the enemy started its bombing run, so the bombs fell to the swamp about a mile from the airfield. Soon another formation of 7 Hudson bombers arrived over Magwe and was intercepted just at the beginning of their bomb runs. Their bombing wasn’t accurate too and no material damage was incurred. Quickly followed by another 6 Hudson bombers, these too were intercepted just short of their bombing runs and their bombs fell short of runway.
Warrant Officer Iwashita V. of the 4th Shotai was severly wounded by defensive fire of the Hudsons, one bullet went through his leg, the other passed his right arm. Nevertheless he managed to return to the base and land safely.
Yet it was still not the end, at about 4 in the morning the last wave of enemy planes was reported. This time only the 2nd Lt. Takenaka was ready and he quickly scrambled to intercept 5 bombers identified as Blenheims. Altough he failed to shot down any of them, his presence was notified and the enemy bombers jettisoned bombs several miles before the airfield and beat a hasty retreat.
Rest of the Sentai had a quiet night at Toungoo, and because of the weather had all operations cancelled. The men had the time to settle down a little, but it was no fun to do during heavy downpour. Some of the most urgent maintenance tasks were carried out. Another replacement arrived today – 2nd Lt. Hidaka J.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.152
Date: May 8th, 1942 Tokyo time
After the previous night raids, the 3rd Chutai spent a quiet, but hardly a restful night. The Chutai again spend the night in combat readiness. During the day several new air-raid shelters and trenches appeared around the camp – and several new dispersal stands were ordered to be built. Five new Hayabusas were also flown in from Bangkok as replacements for the lost planes.
On the other hand the Toungoo got its share of night intruders when two enemy planes managed to plant one of their bombs near the runway without further damage or casualties. The crater was quickly filled by the time 15 of the Sentais Hayabusas were to escort 17 Type 99 light bombers to the Lashio airfield. Take off and formation assembly was effective and on time, the bombers arrived just a minute later than scheduled and the formation left to the north east. Thunderstorms closed in the target area, but the bombers managed to put several new holes to the Lashio runway as well as to demolish three huts in the maintenance area. All planes managed to return safely.
Date: May 8th, 1942 Tokyo time
After the previous night raids, the 3rd Chutai spent a quiet, but hardly a restful night. The Chutai again spend the night in combat readiness. During the day several new air-raid shelters and trenches appeared around the camp – and several new dispersal stands were ordered to be built. Five new Hayabusas were also flown in from Bangkok as replacements for the lost planes.
On the other hand the Toungoo got its share of night intruders when two enemy planes managed to plant one of their bombs near the runway without further damage or casualties. The crater was quickly filled by the time 15 of the Sentais Hayabusas were to escort 17 Type 99 light bombers to the Lashio airfield. Take off and formation assembly was effective and on time, the bombers arrived just a minute later than scheduled and the formation left to the north east. Thunderstorms closed in the target area, but the bombers managed to put several new holes to the Lashio runway as well as to demolish three huts in the maintenance area. All planes managed to return safely.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.153
Date: May 9th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another quiet night for the detached 3rd Chutai, yet more air-raid trenches appeared around the airfield.
The 64th Sentai was ordered to probe enemy air defenses around the port of Chittagong – dispatching 16 Hayabusas. One was forced to return prematurely due to leaking oil, but the rest continued the sweep. When near the target the enemy responded by AA fire, but it was inaccurate. After sweeping the area the formation safely returned back to the Toungoo airfield without loss.
Date: May 9th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another quiet night for the detached 3rd Chutai, yet more air-raid trenches appeared around the airfield.
The 64th Sentai was ordered to probe enemy air defenses around the port of Chittagong – dispatching 16 Hayabusas. One was forced to return prematurely due to leaking oil, but the rest continued the sweep. When near the target the enemy responded by AA fire, but it was inaccurate. After sweeping the area the formation safely returned back to the Toungoo airfield without loss.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.154
Date: May 10th, 1942 Tokyo time
Both parts of the Sentai spent a quiet night and day. While the main part at Toungoo was grounded due to heavy thunderstorms, the 3rd Chutai spent another night in readiness – but no enemy planes ventured nearby. A replacement pilot arrived to the 3rd Chutai – Warrant Officer Higashiyama I., he was assigned as a wingman to the 2nd Lt. Hirabayashi M. who took over the position of executive flying officer of the 3rd Chutai after the death of 1st Lt. Ishikawa K. few night ago.
Date: May 10th, 1942 Tokyo time
Both parts of the Sentai spent a quiet night and day. While the main part at Toungoo was grounded due to heavy thunderstorms, the 3rd Chutai spent another night in readiness – but no enemy planes ventured nearby. A replacement pilot arrived to the 3rd Chutai – Warrant Officer Higashiyama I., he was assigned as a wingman to the 2nd Lt. Hirabayashi M. who took over the position of executive flying officer of the 3rd Chutai after the death of 1st Lt. Ishikawa K. few night ago.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.155
Date: May 11th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai continued its duties as a night readiness unit, the rest of the Sentai escorted 17 of the Type 99 Light Bombers to harass retreating enemy troops near Shwebo. While the weather was good, the bombing through the jungle canopy was inaccurate and only minimal damage was caused to the enemy. All planes managed to return safely.
Date: May 11th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai continued its duties as a night readiness unit, the rest of the Sentai escorted 17 of the Type 99 Light Bombers to harass retreating enemy troops near Shwebo. While the weather was good, the bombing through the jungle canopy was inaccurate and only minimal damage was caused to the enemy. All planes managed to return safely.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.156
Date: May 12th, 1942 Tokyo time
A quiet night and day for the 64th Sentai. the only thing worth the mention was the arrival of another replacement pilot for the 3rd Chutai – this time 2nd Lt. Chojiro, F. joined the 4th Shotai.
Date: May 12th, 1942 Tokyo time
A quiet night and day for the 64th Sentai. the only thing worth the mention was the arrival of another replacement pilot for the 3rd Chutai – this time 2nd Lt. Chojiro, F. joined the 4th Shotai.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.157
Date: May 13th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was finally taken off the night readiness duty and allowed some well needed rest at Toungoo.
15 of the 64th Sentais Hayabusas escorted 17 of the Type 99 Light bombers on another bombing mission against retreating enemy columns near Shwebo. Air reconnaissance discovered probable location of enemy HQ, so order was to bomb the location to increase the disruption of the enemy units. Weather was clear, but the bombing was not as good. The target area was only lightly damaged. All planes managed to safely return to base.
Date: May 13th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was finally taken off the night readiness duty and allowed some well needed rest at Toungoo.
15 of the 64th Sentais Hayabusas escorted 17 of the Type 99 Light bombers on another bombing mission against retreating enemy columns near Shwebo. Air reconnaissance discovered probable location of enemy HQ, so order was to bomb the location to increase the disruption of the enemy units. Weather was clear, but the bombing was not as good. The target area was only lightly damaged. All planes managed to safely return to base.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
I wanted to say I am reading. Just don't want to post, because I find the continuous stream of your avatar so captivating.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
ORIGINAL: Lowpe
I wanted to say I am reading. Just don't want to post, because I find the continuous stream of your avatar so captivating.
Well it also creates a feeling of remoteness and loneliness ... as If an old men was sitting in a rocking chair within his old house somewhere in the remote village in the Japanese interior. There is an old note-book on his lap, with few precious pictures. As the old men is reading and touching the photographs of the men he once new and most of them are already gone - passed away young on those days of violence , or silently in the recent years of age - tears are running down his cheeks...
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.158
Date: May 14th, 1942 Tokyo time
15 of the Sentais Hayabusas dispatched in the morning to provide a close escort for heavy bombers targeting Akyab airfield. Air reconnaissance reported several allied aircrafts on the field, so a strike was organized to take them out. Two Sentais of Type 97 Heavy Bombers dispatched 54 planes in total. Flying at about 5000ft they managed to take enemy by surprise in inclement weather and put nice pattern on target - destroying ammo dump, improvised hangar, five huts and maintenance shop. Several of the enemy planes were damaged with at least one disappearing after a direct hit. AA fire was almost non-existent.
Date: May 14th, 1942 Tokyo time
15 of the Sentais Hayabusas dispatched in the morning to provide a close escort for heavy bombers targeting Akyab airfield. Air reconnaissance reported several allied aircrafts on the field, so a strike was organized to take them out. Two Sentais of Type 97 Heavy Bombers dispatched 54 planes in total. Flying at about 5000ft they managed to take enemy by surprise in inclement weather and put nice pattern on target - destroying ammo dump, improvised hangar, five huts and maintenance shop. Several of the enemy planes were damaged with at least one disappearing after a direct hit. AA fire was almost non-existent.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.159
Date: May 15th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai was again called to provide close escort for bombers, but this time the target was retreating enemy troops near Shwebo. 18 Hayabusas were dispatched, but 3 had to turn back with various defects, leaving just 15 of them. Meeting with 17 of the Type 99 Light Bombers they proceeded to target area. Although the weather was clear, the target area in the valley was covered by mist, so the bombs were dropped almost blindly. The results were completely unobserved. One of the Light bombers was slightly damaged by enemy fire.
Date: May 15th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai was again called to provide close escort for bombers, but this time the target was retreating enemy troops near Shwebo. 18 Hayabusas were dispatched, but 3 had to turn back with various defects, leaving just 15 of them. Meeting with 17 of the Type 99 Light Bombers they proceeded to target area. Although the weather was clear, the target area in the valley was covered by mist, so the bombs were dropped almost blindly. The results were completely unobserved. One of the Light bombers was slightly damaged by enemy fire.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.160
Date: May 16th, 1942 Tokyo time
No missions were flown today, as bad weather intervened and all planned operations were cancelled within Burma. Every pilot enjoyed the day off, while the maintenance crews were nowhere as happy as pilots, as they had to perform maximum effort to keep planes in operational status and long delayed maintenance was attempted – with canvas covers spread over the machines.
Date: May 16th, 1942 Tokyo time
No missions were flown today, as bad weather intervened and all planned operations were cancelled within Burma. Every pilot enjoyed the day off, while the maintenance crews were nowhere as happy as pilots, as they had to perform maximum effort to keep planes in operational status and long delayed maintenance was attempted – with canvas covers spread over the machines.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.161
Date: May 17th, 1942 Tokyo time
Support of ground troops remained a high priority on these days as the army pursued retreating enemy units in the Burma. A request filled by the 33rd Division for today was to be met by 17 of the Type 97 Light bombers covered by the 64th Sentai. 16 Hayabusas were dispatched, but one had to turn back because of engine troubles.
Target was a group of huts on the flank of the 88th Chinese Division positions. 33rd Division intended to turn the flank of the enemy position by an attack preceded by air attack. Target area was reached without mishap and target was pointed out by flares fired by our ground troops. Bombing was accurate, but as the enemy was dug in the effect of the bombing was more of morale than material character. However the 33rd Division attacked successfully through the bombed huts and turned the flank of the enemy forcing him to further retreat.
Date: May 17th, 1942 Tokyo time
Support of ground troops remained a high priority on these days as the army pursued retreating enemy units in the Burma. A request filled by the 33rd Division for today was to be met by 17 of the Type 97 Light bombers covered by the 64th Sentai. 16 Hayabusas were dispatched, but one had to turn back because of engine troubles.
Target was a group of huts on the flank of the 88th Chinese Division positions. 33rd Division intended to turn the flank of the enemy position by an attack preceded by air attack. Target area was reached without mishap and target was pointed out by flares fired by our ground troops. Bombing was accurate, but as the enemy was dug in the effect of the bombing was more of morale than material character. However the 33rd Division attacked successfully through the bombed huts and turned the flank of the enemy forcing him to further retreat.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.162-163
Date: May 18th to May 19th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was redeployed to Toungoo although the move was not an easy one. Storms raged through the area and just as the last plane stopped its engine, a water-version of hell broke out.
The Monsoon arrived almost two weeks earlier than anticipated. Roads quickly turned to swamps, fields filled with water, streams turned to rivers, rivers become impassable, and water rained from the sky in unexpected quantities. Everything was drenched with water, trucks become mired in mud, and what is more important the runways of the Toungoo airfields gave way to thousands of little pounds of water preventing any air operations.
Date: May 18th to May 19th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was redeployed to Toungoo although the move was not an easy one. Storms raged through the area and just as the last plane stopped its engine, a water-version of hell broke out.
The Monsoon arrived almost two weeks earlier than anticipated. Roads quickly turned to swamps, fields filled with water, streams turned to rivers, rivers become impassable, and water rained from the sky in unexpected quantities. Everything was drenched with water, trucks become mired in mud, and what is more important the runways of the Toungoo airfields gave way to thousands of little pounds of water preventing any air operations.