I've got some vacation last week, so back into the AAR
64th Sentai war diary entry No.263
Date: August 27th, 1942 Tokyo time
First quiet night in four days for the 3rd Chutai allowed its men a healthy dose of sleep and rest. For in the morning they were called to provide bomber escort against the Dutch unit that held up the 1st Armored Division yesterday.
50th Sentai was first over the target with 21 of their Hayabusas, but enemy wasn’t present in the air.
3rd Chutai picked up its bombers soon after that – 17 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers and two formations of 19 and 22 Type 99 Light bombers. Locating the target was not easy by any means and the weather complicated it further by thunderstorms all around the area. Yet the ground troops were able to effectively mark the target by smoke on the third run and the pattern fell in the general target area. One heavy bomber was damaged by ground fire during the second run, but was able to keep formation and fly safely home. About an hour later another formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers repeated the performance by dropping mostly on the target.
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 (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.264 - 267
Date: August 28th to August 31st 1942 Tokyo time
Several quiet days followed for both elements of the 64th Sentai. Being in readiness and flying some CAP during the days they used the time to hone their skills and get whatever rest they could. Morale was improved when a courier plane with mail arrived on the 30th.
On the last day of the month the 3rd Chutai was scheduled to fly an escort against ground concentrations near Akyab, but weather cancelled the mission and ground troops had to attack without air support – but Imperial Guard Divison and elements of the 1st Armored Division were more than able to handle the single Dutch Regiment that stood in the way. For minimal losses to themselves they were able to inflict more than 1000 casualties to the Dutch unit and forced them to retreat.
Date: August 28th to August 31st 1942 Tokyo time
Several quiet days followed for both elements of the 64th Sentai. Being in readiness and flying some CAP during the days they used the time to hone their skills and get whatever rest they could. Morale was improved when a courier plane with mail arrived on the 30th.
On the last day of the month the 3rd Chutai was scheduled to fly an escort against ground concentrations near Akyab, but weather cancelled the mission and ground troops had to attack without air support – but Imperial Guard Divison and elements of the 1st Armored Division were more than able to handle the single Dutch Regiment that stood in the way. For minimal losses to themselves they were able to inflict more than 1000 casualties to the Dutch unit and forced them to retreat.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.268
Date: September 1st, 1942 Tokyo time
While the majority of the 64th Sentai at Shwebo enjoyed a quiet days, the 3rd Chutai had no such luxury. Operating from Mandalay they were tasked to fly frequent escort missions for ground support whenever weather allowed.
3rd Chutai dispatched 12 of their Hayabusas to escort 17 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers en route to hit enemy concentration near Katha. Command post of two enemy brigades were identified and marked for neutralization before the IJA 112th Infantry Regiment attack scheduled at dawn.
With overcast weather over the target the bombers had some difficulty locating the target and ground fire damaged one of the bombers, but the bombs were finally dropped on the target. Although not causing any marked crippling damage, the bombing crippled the command post at the moment when the foot soldiers infiltrated enemy positions. And without command, reserves were not called in to plug the gaps, disorganized platoons and companies soon started to retreat, throwing battalions into confusion and soon the whole enemy line collapsed. Intelligence later learned that there were in fact three enemy infantry brigades involved and forced to retreat.
Date: September 1st, 1942 Tokyo time
While the majority of the 64th Sentai at Shwebo enjoyed a quiet days, the 3rd Chutai had no such luxury. Operating from Mandalay they were tasked to fly frequent escort missions for ground support whenever weather allowed.
3rd Chutai dispatched 12 of their Hayabusas to escort 17 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers en route to hit enemy concentration near Katha. Command post of two enemy brigades were identified and marked for neutralization before the IJA 112th Infantry Regiment attack scheduled at dawn.
With overcast weather over the target the bombers had some difficulty locating the target and ground fire damaged one of the bombers, but the bombs were finally dropped on the target. Although not causing any marked crippling damage, the bombing crippled the command post at the moment when the foot soldiers infiltrated enemy positions. And without command, reserves were not called in to plug the gaps, disorganized platoons and companies soon started to retreat, throwing battalions into confusion and soon the whole enemy line collapsed. Intelligence later learned that there were in fact three enemy infantry brigades involved and forced to retreat.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.269
Date: September 2nd, 1942 Tokyo time
4 replacement Hayabusas arrived to Mandalay to fill the 64th Sentai up to strength, otherwise the Sentai enjoyed another quiet day with just some CAP duties.
3rd Chutai was ordered to provide an escort for 13 Type 99 Assault planes targeting a Chinese units near Lashio. 8 Hayabusas were dispatched and after flight through several storm fronts along the way arrived over target. The Assault planes attacked through the clouds as they were too low to fly below, and their bombs probably fell harmlessly into jungle. All planes returned safely.
Date: September 2nd, 1942 Tokyo time
4 replacement Hayabusas arrived to Mandalay to fill the 64th Sentai up to strength, otherwise the Sentai enjoyed another quiet day with just some CAP duties.
3rd Chutai was ordered to provide an escort for 13 Type 99 Assault planes targeting a Chinese units near Lashio. 8 Hayabusas were dispatched and after flight through several storm fronts along the way arrived over target. The Assault planes attacked through the clouds as they were too low to fly below, and their bombs probably fell harmlessly into jungle. All planes returned safely.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.270-271
Date: September 3rd and September 4th, 1942 Tokyo time
Storms and clouds closed on the central Burma basin and most of the air operations in theater were cancelled. Only occasional recon plane penetrated the cloudy skies to keep an eye on enemy activities. When the weather cleared sufficiently the CAP was kept up and close to the airfields, to provide security against surprise attacks.
Date: September 3rd and September 4th, 1942 Tokyo time
Storms and clouds closed on the central Burma basin and most of the air operations in theater were cancelled. Only occasional recon plane penetrated the cloudy skies to keep an eye on enemy activities. When the weather cleared sufficiently the CAP was kept up and close to the airfields, to provide security against surprise attacks.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.272-274
Date: September 5th to September 7th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai at Mandalay had a day off flying duty and most of the hands turned to improve their living conditions around the field. A baseball match was organized with an infantry outfit stationed nearby.
3rd Chutai meantime obtained 3 replacement Hayabusas to make up the previous losses and fill up the table of organization.
Weather allowed a limited air operations so a repetition of the mission against the Chinese troops near Lashio was called on. 13 Type 99 Assault planes were escorted to the target by 8 Hayabusas on the 5th. With Moderate rain over the target and heavy clouds all over the area the bombing was again blind and ineffective.
The pressure on the enemy was kept also on the 6th. With the same set up and same target the 13 Type 99 Assault planes covered by 8 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai again encountered bad weather and low thunderstorms around the target, and bombs were dropped blindly again with predictable and unobserved results.
Weather precluded all flying on the 7th, so units kept their usual vigilance by flying CAP whenever weather opened enough.
Date: September 5th to September 7th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai at Mandalay had a day off flying duty and most of the hands turned to improve their living conditions around the field. A baseball match was organized with an infantry outfit stationed nearby.
3rd Chutai meantime obtained 3 replacement Hayabusas to make up the previous losses and fill up the table of organization.
Weather allowed a limited air operations so a repetition of the mission against the Chinese troops near Lashio was called on. 13 Type 99 Assault planes were escorted to the target by 8 Hayabusas on the 5th. With Moderate rain over the target and heavy clouds all over the area the bombing was again blind and ineffective.
The pressure on the enemy was kept also on the 6th. With the same set up and same target the 13 Type 99 Assault planes covered by 8 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai again encountered bad weather and low thunderstorms around the target, and bombs were dropped blindly again with predictable and unobserved results.
Weather precluded all flying on the 7th, so units kept their usual vigilance by flying CAP whenever weather opened enough.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.275
Date: September 8th, 1942 Tokyo time
While 3rd Chutai got some days without offensive missions, the majority of the 64th Sentai was involved in several of them.
Full strength of the Sentai was dispatched to sweep the area over enemy positions near Katha, although one Hayabusa was forced to return with engine belching and running rough, the rest continued on target. Unfortunately the Sentai was forced to go around several storms and the bomber formation that was supposed to go in after the sweep arrived first. Covered by 22 Hayabusas of the 1st Sentai the 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers bombed through the storm with predictable results. One of the bombers got damaged by AA fire. How the enemies were able to guide their AA fire through the storms was a mistery for the 64th Sentai, but in the end all planes managed to return safely.
Date: September 8th, 1942 Tokyo time
While 3rd Chutai got some days without offensive missions, the majority of the 64th Sentai was involved in several of them.
Full strength of the Sentai was dispatched to sweep the area over enemy positions near Katha, although one Hayabusa was forced to return with engine belching and running rough, the rest continued on target. Unfortunately the Sentai was forced to go around several storms and the bomber formation that was supposed to go in after the sweep arrived first. Covered by 22 Hayabusas of the 1st Sentai the 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers bombed through the storm with predictable results. One of the bombers got damaged by AA fire. How the enemies were able to guide their AA fire through the storms was a mistery for the 64th Sentai, but in the end all planes managed to return safely.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.276
Date: September 9th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another mission to the same target was planned for today, but the weather turned from bad to worse and the mission was scrubbed.
Date: September 9th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another mission to the same target was planned for today, but the weather turned from bad to worse and the mission was scrubbed.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.277
Date: September 10th, 1942 Tokyo time
A massive mission against the enemy concentration near Katha was planned to take place on this day but things went wrong for the 64th Sentai – the airfield was soaked completely during the night and taking-off was postponed well to the afternoon.
The bombers flying from the airdromes further south had better and all weather fields were not delayed though and performed their missions.
First over the target was a Navy formation of 26 Type 1 Attack bombers – weather being a little rainy over target they put up a good pattern on target. Fortunately there was no enemy opposition in the air and AA fire was ineffective.
Next over target were three formations of 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers, 19 Type 99 Light bombers and 13 Type 99 Assault planes. Above them 7 Type 2 Two-seater fighters kept vigilant watch. Two more formations of un-escorted bombers arrived a little later – 22 Type 99 Light bombers and 19 more Type 97 Heavy bombers clobbered their target. The AA fire was not very effective and just three bombers were lightly damaged.
64th Sentai was able to take off late and met the empty skies over the target – but pilots could see where the bombs fell and several fires were still visible in the target area.
Date: September 10th, 1942 Tokyo time
A massive mission against the enemy concentration near Katha was planned to take place on this day but things went wrong for the 64th Sentai – the airfield was soaked completely during the night and taking-off was postponed well to the afternoon.
The bombers flying from the airdromes further south had better and all weather fields were not delayed though and performed their missions.
First over the target was a Navy formation of 26 Type 1 Attack bombers – weather being a little rainy over target they put up a good pattern on target. Fortunately there was no enemy opposition in the air and AA fire was ineffective.
Next over target were three formations of 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers, 19 Type 99 Light bombers and 13 Type 99 Assault planes. Above them 7 Type 2 Two-seater fighters kept vigilant watch. Two more formations of un-escorted bombers arrived a little later – 22 Type 99 Light bombers and 19 more Type 97 Heavy bombers clobbered their target. The AA fire was not very effective and just three bombers were lightly damaged.
64th Sentai was able to take off late and met the empty skies over the target – but pilots could see where the bombs fell and several fires were still visible in the target area.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.278
Date: September 11th, 1942 Tokyo time
Bombers got a day off, and the fighter Sentais around Burma were kept in readiness for enemy attack. None materialized so most of the effort was spent on CAP, maintenance and relaxation.
Date: September 11th, 1942 Tokyo time
Bombers got a day off, and the fighter Sentais around Burma were kept in readiness for enemy attack. None materialized so most of the effort was spent on CAP, maintenance and relaxation.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.279
Date: September 12th, 1942 Tokyo time
On this day the weather was friendly enough that the fighter-bomber coordination and timing went off as planned.
64th Sentai went in first with 30 Hayabusas, meeting no enemy bar severe storms over the target. The main bombing force arrived soon thereafter containing 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers, two formations of 19 and 22 Type 99 Light bombers and 13 Type 99 Assault planes covered by 8 Type 2 Two-Seat fighters of the 13th Sentai. AA fire was light and mostly ineffective, but so was the bombing accuracy affected by the weather.
A 2nd Shotai/Staff Chutai of 4 Hayabusas led by Col. Kikuchi V. was to provide a watch over the retreating bomber formations and arrived a little later and less one Hayabusa. 2nd Lt. Ishida W. was forced to return prematurely due overheating engine – the cause was traced to leaking oil.
The enemy was not allowed any respite in the afternoon – at first a formation of 26 Type 1 Attack bombers arrived – evidently the Navy wanted to throw its iron into the fry too. As the lack of naval targets in the area they were asked to cooperate in the ground campaign.
A formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers was last over the target on that day adding more bombs to the battered enemy troop concentration near Shwebo.
Type 2 Two-Seat fighter, KAI Ko version flown by 13th Sentai:
Date: September 12th, 1942 Tokyo time
On this day the weather was friendly enough that the fighter-bomber coordination and timing went off as planned.
64th Sentai went in first with 30 Hayabusas, meeting no enemy bar severe storms over the target. The main bombing force arrived soon thereafter containing 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers, two formations of 19 and 22 Type 99 Light bombers and 13 Type 99 Assault planes covered by 8 Type 2 Two-Seat fighters of the 13th Sentai. AA fire was light and mostly ineffective, but so was the bombing accuracy affected by the weather.
A 2nd Shotai/Staff Chutai of 4 Hayabusas led by Col. Kikuchi V. was to provide a watch over the retreating bomber formations and arrived a little later and less one Hayabusa. 2nd Lt. Ishida W. was forced to return prematurely due overheating engine – the cause was traced to leaking oil.
The enemy was not allowed any respite in the afternoon – at first a formation of 26 Type 1 Attack bombers arrived – evidently the Navy wanted to throw its iron into the fry too. As the lack of naval targets in the area they were asked to cooperate in the ground campaign.
A formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers was last over the target on that day adding more bombs to the battered enemy troop concentration near Shwebo.
Type 2 Two-Seat fighter, KAI Ko version flown by 13th Sentai:
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.280
Date: September 13th, 1942 Tokyo time
This day went by quietly, as no missions were flown. Weather forced the cancellation of effort planned on this day, so the ground crews could catch-up on much neede maintenance on planes. It was not an easy or pleasant job with rains sweeping around the field for most of the day.
Date: September 13th, 1942 Tokyo time
This day went by quietly, as no missions were flown. Weather forced the cancellation of effort planned on this day, so the ground crews could catch-up on much neede maintenance on planes. It was not an easy or pleasant job with rains sweeping around the field for most of the day.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.281
Date: September 14th, 1942 Tokyo time
The 64th Sentai remained grounded on this day by weather too, but 3rd Chutai returned to series of intensive operations for the next several days.
A ground support mission was flow on request by the elements of the IJA 56th Division – They were to attack the battered Chinese Corps near Lashio. The ground troops were supposed to attack on the heels of the bombing. But here the similarity between reality and planning ended.
12 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai successfully picked up incoming formation of 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers. Near target a flight of Type 99 Assault planes was observed to be making run against the same target. Thus the formation circled once to avoid dropping on the Assault planes. Then finally aligned on the target the bombers released their bombs observing some hits in the target area.
Departing the target, another flight of 9 Type 99 Assault planes was observed going in. The two flights were probably separated by weather and attacked independently.
Another formation of Type 97 Heavy bombers was scheduled to strike did not show up till the afternoon. Their airfield was out of commission due to heavy downpour all morning. So the infantry waited – they were not eager to go forward and catch the bombs meant for the enemy. Finally the 19 bombers showed up and bombed accurately, although against dug-in enemy positions its effects were limited.
Only then the infantry raised up and attacked the enemy positions – disrupted and dispirited Chinese infantry soon broke under the assault suffering more than 1100 casualties in the process.
Date: September 14th, 1942 Tokyo time
The 64th Sentai remained grounded on this day by weather too, but 3rd Chutai returned to series of intensive operations for the next several days.
A ground support mission was flow on request by the elements of the IJA 56th Division – They were to attack the battered Chinese Corps near Lashio. The ground troops were supposed to attack on the heels of the bombing. But here the similarity between reality and planning ended.
12 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai successfully picked up incoming formation of 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers. Near target a flight of Type 99 Assault planes was observed to be making run against the same target. Thus the formation circled once to avoid dropping on the Assault planes. Then finally aligned on the target the bombers released their bombs observing some hits in the target area.
Departing the target, another flight of 9 Type 99 Assault planes was observed going in. The two flights were probably separated by weather and attacked independently.
Another formation of Type 97 Heavy bombers was scheduled to strike did not show up till the afternoon. Their airfield was out of commission due to heavy downpour all morning. So the infantry waited – they were not eager to go forward and catch the bombs meant for the enemy. Finally the 19 bombers showed up and bombed accurately, although against dug-in enemy positions its effects were limited.
Only then the infantry raised up and attacked the enemy positions – disrupted and dispirited Chinese infantry soon broke under the assault suffering more than 1100 casualties in the process.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.282
Date: September 15th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another air mission was scheduled for the 3rd Chutai today – this time against the allied ground concentration near Shwebo – elements of three Brigades were identified in the area.
First over the target area was 11th Sentai with 41 Hayabusas to clear the skies of the opposition – but none materialized in the air. Circling the area their pilots had first class seats on the show.
3rd Chutai was assigned to provide close cover for several bomber formations – 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers, 19 and 22 Type 99 Light Bombers and 13 Type 99 Assault planes. Light AA fire was encountered over target and only one Type 99 Light bomber was damaged on the bombing run. The bomb patterns were good enough and several fires were observed in the area afterwards.
Another smaller formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers arrived separately a little while after the main force. Their targets being obscured by smoke and fires, they dropped not so accurately, but did manage a few good hits anyway.
Two of the bombers were lost in landing accidents with only one gunner surviving.
Date: September 15th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another air mission was scheduled for the 3rd Chutai today – this time against the allied ground concentration near Shwebo – elements of three Brigades were identified in the area.
First over the target area was 11th Sentai with 41 Hayabusas to clear the skies of the opposition – but none materialized in the air. Circling the area their pilots had first class seats on the show.
3rd Chutai was assigned to provide close cover for several bomber formations – 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers, 19 and 22 Type 99 Light Bombers and 13 Type 99 Assault planes. Light AA fire was encountered over target and only one Type 99 Light bomber was damaged on the bombing run. The bomb patterns were good enough and several fires were observed in the area afterwards.
Another smaller formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers arrived separately a little while after the main force. Their targets being obscured by smoke and fires, they dropped not so accurately, but did manage a few good hits anyway.
Two of the bombers were lost in landing accidents with only one gunner surviving.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.283
Date: September 16th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another of the quiet days in the Burma – at least for the 64th Sentai. As usual the CAP was kept up and ready, but the men snapped some time out and helped themselves to enjoy what comfort they could… Reading, writing, even listening some music on the radio.
Date: September 16th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another of the quiet days in the Burma – at least for the 64th Sentai. As usual the CAP was kept up and ready, but the men snapped some time out and helped themselves to enjoy what comfort they could… Reading, writing, even listening some music on the radio.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.284
Date: September 17th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai at Shwebo kept its Combat air patrol and readiness, but was not called to perform any offensive mission.
3rd Chutai was again assigned to accompany bombers to the vicinity of Shwebo – their target being a Brigade of Gurkhas. 11th Sentai sent 41 of their Hayabusas to clear the area first, but they did not encounter any enemy plane. 36 of the Type 97 heavy bombers arrived at the rendezvous point on time and 3rd Chutai assumed covering positions. Nearing the target the skies cleared up and allowed the bombers a clear run. Bomb pattern was accurate and the enemy troops were well covered. All planes returned safely.
Date: September 17th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai at Shwebo kept its Combat air patrol and readiness, but was not called to perform any offensive mission.
3rd Chutai was again assigned to accompany bombers to the vicinity of Shwebo – their target being a Brigade of Gurkhas. 11th Sentai sent 41 of their Hayabusas to clear the area first, but they did not encounter any enemy plane. 36 of the Type 97 heavy bombers arrived at the rendezvous point on time and 3rd Chutai assumed covering positions. Nearing the target the skies cleared up and allowed the bombers a clear run. Bomb pattern was accurate and the enemy troops were well covered. All planes returned safely.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.285
Date: September 18th, 1942 Tokyo time
The day was not much different from the previous one. Main part of the Sentai at Shwebo kept its daily routine, while 3rd Chutai was again tasked to cover the bombers attacking the same Gurkha Brigade.
11th Sentai was first over the target with its Hayabusas, but again the enemy did not materialize in the air. Next in was a Navy formation of 26 Type 1 attack bombers covered by 27 Type 0 Carrier fighters. With minimal AA fire and scattered clouds, their bombing was accurate and enemy rear areas were well hit.
3rd Chutai accompanied 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers to the target, and 4 Type 99 Assault planes were used to mark the target. The bombing caused numerous casualties and disabled enemy mortar position.
Last over target was formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers accompanied by 9 Type 99 Assault planes. While the Heavy bombers bombed their assigned target the Assault planes caught enemy supply column in the open and gave it a trough going.
Date: September 18th, 1942 Tokyo time
The day was not much different from the previous one. Main part of the Sentai at Shwebo kept its daily routine, while 3rd Chutai was again tasked to cover the bombers attacking the same Gurkha Brigade.
11th Sentai was first over the target with its Hayabusas, but again the enemy did not materialize in the air. Next in was a Navy formation of 26 Type 1 attack bombers covered by 27 Type 0 Carrier fighters. With minimal AA fire and scattered clouds, their bombing was accurate and enemy rear areas were well hit.
3rd Chutai accompanied 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers to the target, and 4 Type 99 Assault planes were used to mark the target. The bombing caused numerous casualties and disabled enemy mortar position.
Last over target was formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers accompanied by 9 Type 99 Assault planes. While the Heavy bombers bombed their assigned target the Assault planes caught enemy supply column in the open and gave it a trough going.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.286
Date: September 19th, 1942 Tokyo time
Similarly on this day the 64th Sentai kept the guard over Shwebo and vicinity, while 3rd Chutai again went out to cover bombers attacking enemy ground troops in the vicinity.
On this day the total effort was much weakened and only 9 Type 99 Assault planes covered by 8 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai were sent to bother the enemy. Nevertheless they did put a good account of themselves and all planes returned safely.
Date: September 19th, 1942 Tokyo time
Similarly on this day the 64th Sentai kept the guard over Shwebo and vicinity, while 3rd Chutai again went out to cover bombers attacking enemy ground troops in the vicinity.
On this day the total effort was much weakened and only 9 Type 99 Assault planes covered by 8 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai were sent to bother the enemy. Nevertheless they did put a good account of themselves and all planes returned safely.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.287
Date: September 20th, 1942 Tokyo time
An air raid warning arrived on time to vector a Shotai of the 64th Sentai towards five enemy twin engine planes. Arriving in the area covered by heavy thunderstorms they tried to spot and locate the enemy raiders. Playing hide-and-seek with the enemy for a while they finally spotted the five black specks and immediately turned towards them. But the enemy was not caught napping and he quickly put his heavier Beaufighters into the shallow dive and quickly disappeared in the clouds.
The Shotai spent another half hour on station looking for possible trouble, but the enemy refused to play and the pilots and planes turned for home where they landed soon afterwards.
3rd Chutai was again tasked to provide cover for bombers attacking enemy ground troops, but the Mandalay airfield was soaked in completely. Several waves of fighters and bombers attacked the target, but due to much clouds in the area the bombing was not very accurate.
A Beaufighter VIc was the Coastal Command version of the "Beau". Picture here is of Beaufighter VIF (a night fighter variant), but of the No.177 Squadron RAF - that was using Beafighter Mk.VIc at this time:
Date: September 20th, 1942 Tokyo time
An air raid warning arrived on time to vector a Shotai of the 64th Sentai towards five enemy twin engine planes. Arriving in the area covered by heavy thunderstorms they tried to spot and locate the enemy raiders. Playing hide-and-seek with the enemy for a while they finally spotted the five black specks and immediately turned towards them. But the enemy was not caught napping and he quickly put his heavier Beaufighters into the shallow dive and quickly disappeared in the clouds.
The Shotai spent another half hour on station looking for possible trouble, but the enemy refused to play and the pilots and planes turned for home where they landed soon afterwards.
3rd Chutai was again tasked to provide cover for bombers attacking enemy ground troops, but the Mandalay airfield was soaked in completely. Several waves of fighters and bombers attacked the target, but due to much clouds in the area the bombing was not very accurate.
A Beaufighter VIc was the Coastal Command version of the "Beau". Picture here is of Beaufighter VIF (a night fighter variant), but of the No.177 Squadron RAF - that was using Beafighter Mk.VIc at this time:
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.288 - 291
Date: September 21st to September 24th, 1942 Tokyo time
Several quiet days followed, spent mostly on CAP, readiness and upkeep of the planes for both 64th Sentai and its detached 3rd Chutai.
Date: September 21st to September 24th, 1942 Tokyo time
Several quiet days followed, spent mostly on CAP, readiness and upkeep of the planes for both 64th Sentai and its detached 3rd Chutai.