64th Sentai war diary entry No.233
Date: July 28th, 1942 Tokyo time
But it was not to be a quiet night. Just as the base was slowly going to sleep the air raid siren sounded for the first time. Few minutes later 11 Hudson bombers arrived accompanied by 10 Wellington bombers. Soon the air was full of squealing sound of falling bombs, explosions, red-hot fragments of iron, smoke and smell. 3 bombs fell on runway, 1 went into the food provisions hut, 2 more managed to damage old administrative building used as the mess and office spaces and toppled crude wooden tower. One of the Hayabusas on the perimeter was destroyed after the bomb ruptured its fuel tanks and the plane was aflame before several figures jumping from their shelter nearby were able to save it. As soon as the bombers disappeared to the north-west the men were back at the field pushing and pulling the planes out of the dangerous area now light up by flames.
Not too long after that 7 more Wellington bombers appeared over the base and dropped the bombs across the runway – catching several men in the open. 3 engineers trying to fill the crater after the earlier raid were killed when bomb fell next to the hole they were now using as shelter. Several of the ground crews were wounded by fragments in the open.
Another raid by 5 more Hudson bombers arrived over the base a little later, but managed only one hit on a photo lab hut. Meanwhile the men on the ground managed to put down the flames of the destroyed Hayabusa and the airfield was blacked out again. When 4 Wellington bombers arrived they probably mistook a nearby swamp for the airbase as all their bombs fell there – probably killing several crocodiles and hundreds of mosquitoes in the process.
USAAF also participated and 8 of their B-25 Mitchell bombers bombed from way high with most of the bombs failing to cause any meaningful damage, but one put out one of the fueling trucks – lucky for us it was empty, otherwise much more damage could have been caused.
Another 4 planes arrived over base and were identified as Wellington bombers – but they too targeted the nearby swamp – more crocodiles and mosquitoes blasted.
Just before the daybreak a last enemy formation appeared – consisting of 6 Hudson bombers and using the first light of the day they were able to pinpoint the airfield accurately and put 7 of their bombs right to the runway. One of the bombs fell on the edge of the clearing where 64th Sentai crews hid one of their Hayabusas. In one moment it was there and in another it was all gone.
64th Sentai thus lost one Hayabusa and another one was heavily damaged in the night, but 30 of them were flyable and pilots were eager to get into the skies as fast as they could to escape the bombed ground. Keeping CAP duty all the day after such night was not an easy task and the men were hardly able to keep their eyes open in the evening.
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.234
Date: July 29th, 1942 Tokyo time
Mechanics of the 3rd Chutai worked miracles and managed to put 12 of their remaining 13 planes back into commission today.
The rest of the 64th Sentai was ordered to Meiktila after the hard slog of the last days. The movement went without problems, but the planes and the men were hard pressed to maintain CAP over their new station.
Date: July 29th, 1942 Tokyo time
Mechanics of the 3rd Chutai worked miracles and managed to put 12 of their remaining 13 planes back into commission today.
The rest of the 64th Sentai was ordered to Meiktila after the hard slog of the last days. The movement went without problems, but the planes and the men were hard pressed to maintain CAP over their new station.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.235-236
Date: July 30th to 31st, 1942 Tokyo time
While the 64th Sentai was kept in constant readiness and flying CAP from dusk till dawn in a wearisome duty, the 3rd Chutai was preparing for move back to the frontline again – Mandalay.
Date: July 30th to 31st, 1942 Tokyo time
While the 64th Sentai was kept in constant readiness and flying CAP from dusk till dawn in a wearisome duty, the 3rd Chutai was preparing for move back to the frontline again – Mandalay.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.237-243
Date: August 1st to August 7th, 1942 Tokyo time
While the 3rd Chutai was back at Mandalay it was kept in readiness and flying some CAP duty with other units based there, the rest of the 64th Sentai was alone at Meiktila flying every day on CAP duty. The strain on men was severe, on planes it was also hard and several of the ground crews even fell asleep while working on planes. But the pilots who kept flying used the time to practice whatever they can – navigation, fuel economy, formation flying, mock combat, etc. The hard won experience was passed on to the newer faces by the veterans and the unit as a whole was working more efficiently and smoothly. All went not so smoothly of course – and on the August 4th 2nd Lt. Kawahara R. damaged his Hayabusa when landing – he forgot to drop down his landing gear. Damage to the plane was fortunately only light and was back in commission the day after the mishap.
Date: August 1st to August 7th, 1942 Tokyo time
While the 3rd Chutai was back at Mandalay it was kept in readiness and flying some CAP duty with other units based there, the rest of the 64th Sentai was alone at Meiktila flying every day on CAP duty. The strain on men was severe, on planes it was also hard and several of the ground crews even fell asleep while working on planes. But the pilots who kept flying used the time to practice whatever they can – navigation, fuel economy, formation flying, mock combat, etc. The hard won experience was passed on to the newer faces by the veterans and the unit as a whole was working more efficiently and smoothly. All went not so smoothly of course – and on the August 4th 2nd Lt. Kawahara R. damaged his Hayabusa when landing – he forgot to drop down his landing gear. Damage to the plane was fortunately only light and was back in commission the day after the mishap.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.244
Date: August 8th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai enjoyed two days of well-earned rest as another unit took over the CAP duties over Meiktila, but the strain was still there.
3rd Chutai participated in little raid to the vicinity of Shwebo. Elements of the Chinese Corps were located by air and 6 Type 99 Assault planes (Mitsubishi Ki-51) were dispatched with escort of 3 Hayabusas from the 3rd Chutai in an attempt to locate and hit the HQ and supply area. Flying in an overcast weather with almost continuous jungle below the task was beyond the ability of the planes, so after hour of flying around the area trying to locate the target the bombs were dropped on a little bridge crossing a nearby river.
Type 99 Assault planes (Mitsubishi Ki-51 "Sonia")
Date: August 8th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai enjoyed two days of well-earned rest as another unit took over the CAP duties over Meiktila, but the strain was still there.
3rd Chutai participated in little raid to the vicinity of Shwebo. Elements of the Chinese Corps were located by air and 6 Type 99 Assault planes (Mitsubishi Ki-51) were dispatched with escort of 3 Hayabusas from the 3rd Chutai in an attempt to locate and hit the HQ and supply area. Flying in an overcast weather with almost continuous jungle below the task was beyond the ability of the planes, so after hour of flying around the area trying to locate the target the bombs were dropped on a little bridge crossing a nearby river.
Type 99 Assault planes (Mitsubishi Ki-51 "Sonia")
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.245
Date: August 9th, 1942 Tokyo time
A little rest was the order of the day, as it was felt that in the weather prevailing in the area, enemy would be discouraged to fly any missions. So everyone enjoyed the "relatively" quiet day – as a day could be quiet on an active airfield in the war. The fatigue and strain showed up itself again when the driver of a truck assigned to haul fuel drums from the train station to the airfield fell asleep and his truck went through several wooden huts of the nearby village before being stopped. A small kid of a villager was crushed under the truck. It would be a gross understatement that the villagers were very upset by the event.
Date: August 9th, 1942 Tokyo time
A little rest was the order of the day, as it was felt that in the weather prevailing in the area, enemy would be discouraged to fly any missions. So everyone enjoyed the "relatively" quiet day – as a day could be quiet on an active airfield in the war. The fatigue and strain showed up itself again when the driver of a truck assigned to haul fuel drums from the train station to the airfield fell asleep and his truck went through several wooden huts of the nearby village before being stopped. A small kid of a villager was crushed under the truck. It would be a gross understatement that the villagers were very upset by the event.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.246 - 249
Date: August 10th to August 13th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai was put back on the combat readiness and CAP duty at Meiktila after two days of rest.
3rd Chutai was ordered to move to the Toungoo and to participate as escort on several missions against enemy armored units near Magwe, but the weather closed the Toungoo for the 4 days in a row. The bombers were forced to fly alone, but no enemy opposition was encountered and their bombing was satisfactory.
Date: August 10th to August 13th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai was put back on the combat readiness and CAP duty at Meiktila after two days of rest.
3rd Chutai was ordered to move to the Toungoo and to participate as escort on several missions against enemy armored units near Magwe, but the weather closed the Toungoo for the 4 days in a row. The bombers were forced to fly alone, but no enemy opposition was encountered and their bombing was satisfactory.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.250
Date: August 14th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai was ordered to move from Meitkila back to Rangoon for a little rest and the weather finally allowed the 3rd Chutai to operate effectively from Toungoo.
In an attempt to surprise the enemy at the Akyab three groups of bombers were ordered to fly low over the ground with only the 3rd Chutai as escort. A total of 14 Type 97 Heavy bombers and 41 Type 99 Light bombers in 3 formations roamed low over the countryside with 12 of the Hayabusas alongside. The surprise was complete as the bombers climbed to bombing altitude and initiated their bomb runs the enemy fighters were nowhere to be seen. However the AA defences were not that surprised and managed to put up a fierce barrage over the airfield. One of the Type 99 light bombers took a direct hit into the cockpit area and continued to fly along for a few seconds, the plane finally took the plunge – one chute was seen before the plane disintegrated. 4 more bombers were damaged by flak, but the bombing was accurate and one of the Dutch bombers at the airfield was later assessed as destroyed.
Date: August 14th, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai was ordered to move from Meitkila back to Rangoon for a little rest and the weather finally allowed the 3rd Chutai to operate effectively from Toungoo.
In an attempt to surprise the enemy at the Akyab three groups of bombers were ordered to fly low over the ground with only the 3rd Chutai as escort. A total of 14 Type 97 Heavy bombers and 41 Type 99 Light bombers in 3 formations roamed low over the countryside with 12 of the Hayabusas alongside. The surprise was complete as the bombers climbed to bombing altitude and initiated their bomb runs the enemy fighters were nowhere to be seen. However the AA defences were not that surprised and managed to put up a fierce barrage over the airfield. One of the Type 99 light bombers took a direct hit into the cockpit area and continued to fly along for a few seconds, the plane finally took the plunge – one chute was seen before the plane disintegrated. 4 more bombers were damaged by flak, but the bombing was accurate and one of the Dutch bombers at the airfield was later assessed as destroyed.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.251
Date: August 15th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was again tasked to escort bombers attacking enemy armored concentration near Magwe and the weather was cooperative this time. 17 of the Type 97 heavy bombers arrived on time and 12 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai took their stations around the formation. Little to no AA fire was encountered and bombing was accurate – several fires were visible in the area after departure from the target.
Date: August 15th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was again tasked to escort bombers attacking enemy armored concentration near Magwe and the weather was cooperative this time. 17 of the Type 97 heavy bombers arrived on time and 12 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai took their stations around the formation. Little to no AA fire was encountered and bombing was accurate – several fires were visible in the area after departure from the target.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.252
Date: August 16th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was again ordered to change the station, this time to Mandalay and flew no missions today.
64th Sentai at Rangoon was ordered to provide escort for planes attacking the enemy armor that was active near Magwe. 50th Sentai swept the area before the bombers arrived, but encountered no enemy. Two formations of 18 and 16 Type 97 Heavy bombers followed – with 64th Sentai providing cover. With just light cloud over target and minimal AA fire the bombing was accurate and enemy vehicle concentrations were obliterated. Later intelligence suggested that about 30 vehicles were damaged or destroyed and 100 casualties were caused by the accurate bombing.
But it was not the end of the day, and as soon as the Hayabusas landed back at Rangoon, the ground crews got into work and fueled them. Orders for a second strike arrived – this time the bomber force would be the Type 99 light bombers – 19 and 22 of them. 18 Hayabusas of the 64th Sentai were to provide cover. Weather turned to worse during the afternoon and a bombing accuracy was lower, but another 11 vehicles were rendered inoperable by later analysis. All planes returned safely to the base.
As soon as the pilots landed, they were told that the unit is again on the move, this time to Toungoo – to be closer to the frontline and better disposed to support the bombers.
3rd Carabiniers, one of the units targeted by the bombing:
Date: August 16th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was again ordered to change the station, this time to Mandalay and flew no missions today.
64th Sentai at Rangoon was ordered to provide escort for planes attacking the enemy armor that was active near Magwe. 50th Sentai swept the area before the bombers arrived, but encountered no enemy. Two formations of 18 and 16 Type 97 Heavy bombers followed – with 64th Sentai providing cover. With just light cloud over target and minimal AA fire the bombing was accurate and enemy vehicle concentrations were obliterated. Later intelligence suggested that about 30 vehicles were damaged or destroyed and 100 casualties were caused by the accurate bombing.
But it was not the end of the day, and as soon as the Hayabusas landed back at Rangoon, the ground crews got into work and fueled them. Orders for a second strike arrived – this time the bomber force would be the Type 99 light bombers – 19 and 22 of them. 18 Hayabusas of the 64th Sentai were to provide cover. Weather turned to worse during the afternoon and a bombing accuracy was lower, but another 11 vehicles were rendered inoperable by later analysis. All planes returned safely to the base.
As soon as the pilots landed, they were told that the unit is again on the move, this time to Toungoo – to be closer to the frontline and better disposed to support the bombers.
3rd Carabiniers, one of the units targeted by the bombing:
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.253
Date: August 17th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another mission against the enemy armored units was planned for the day, with some Navy thrown in for a good measure, but the plan fell apart when 50th Sentai was delayed at take-off and managed to arrive over target long after the last bomber retired. Luckily enemy fighter defenses were not in place and bombers were to worry only about light and inaccurate AA fire.
First over target was the Navy formation – 26 of the Type 1 attack bombers covered by 12 Type 0 carrier fighters. Shrouded by heavy rains the bombers managed to put their bombs accurately on the target.
Next came two formations of 18 Type 97 Heavy bombers each, covered by 18 Hayabusas of the 64th Sentai. The bombing was again accurate and effective. Soon after them two Sentais of Type 99 Light bombers arrived with 19 and 22 planes respectively. But the target was obscured by smoke and the bombing was not that accurate.
Photo reconnaissance revealed about 10 destroyed and 26 damaged vehicles in the area.
Date: August 17th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another mission against the enemy armored units was planned for the day, with some Navy thrown in for a good measure, but the plan fell apart when 50th Sentai was delayed at take-off and managed to arrive over target long after the last bomber retired. Luckily enemy fighter defenses were not in place and bombers were to worry only about light and inaccurate AA fire.
First over target was the Navy formation – 26 of the Type 1 attack bombers covered by 12 Type 0 carrier fighters. Shrouded by heavy rains the bombers managed to put their bombs accurately on the target.
Next came two formations of 18 Type 97 Heavy bombers each, covered by 18 Hayabusas of the 64th Sentai. The bombing was again accurate and effective. Soon after them two Sentais of Type 99 Light bombers arrived with 19 and 22 planes respectively. But the target was obscured by smoke and the bombing was not that accurate.
Photo reconnaissance revealed about 10 destroyed and 26 damaged vehicles in the area.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.254
Date: August 18th, 1942 Tokyo time
Similar mission was to be flown today, although the target was about 80 miles to the north.
One enemy armored car regiment and one armored brigade were encountered by the Imperial Guard Division near Magwe. The air support was requested and obtained for the attack by the infantry. Weather over the target was mostly lightly cloudy, but along the route several thunderstorms raged which caused the formations to split and each bombed separately.
50th Sentai again swept the skies over the target finding them clear with only light clouds. Navy planes – same as yesterday – 26 of the Type 1 Attack bombers and 12 Type 0 Carrier fighters. But their bombing was way off and failed to cause any meaningful damage to the enemy formations.
17 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers picked up the escort of 18 Hayabusas from the 64th Sentai and proceeded to target area. But their bombing was also inaccurate and the bombs fell only in the general area of the enemy concentration. Another 19 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers arrived soon afterwards, but too managed to put their bombs only in general area of the enemy.
At last two formations of Type 99 Light bombers arrived with 19 and 22 planes respectively – and again the bombing was only in general area. Yet no bombs fell to the friendly lines thanks to the effective marking of front lines by the Imperial Guard.
Their attack following the bombing swept over the enemy positions and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy including 35 vehicles left on the battlefield, with only light losses on our side.
The storms encountered on the flight to the target moved south and when the 64th Sentai closed the Toungoo airfield the rain moved in too. Major Ariyoshi R. was wounded when his landing gear collapsed in a hard landing and the Hayabusa has to be written off afterwards. His wounds were light only and he was back on duty in 7 days.
W/O Ginowa had also experienced trouble when landing his Hayabusa in the thick rain. While taxiing off the runway his plane took wrong turn and was stopped by a tree. The damage was limited to the surface of the wing and no structural damage was suffered.
Date: August 18th, 1942 Tokyo time
Similar mission was to be flown today, although the target was about 80 miles to the north.
One enemy armored car regiment and one armored brigade were encountered by the Imperial Guard Division near Magwe. The air support was requested and obtained for the attack by the infantry. Weather over the target was mostly lightly cloudy, but along the route several thunderstorms raged which caused the formations to split and each bombed separately.
50th Sentai again swept the skies over the target finding them clear with only light clouds. Navy planes – same as yesterday – 26 of the Type 1 Attack bombers and 12 Type 0 Carrier fighters. But their bombing was way off and failed to cause any meaningful damage to the enemy formations.
17 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers picked up the escort of 18 Hayabusas from the 64th Sentai and proceeded to target area. But their bombing was also inaccurate and the bombs fell only in the general area of the enemy concentration. Another 19 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers arrived soon afterwards, but too managed to put their bombs only in general area of the enemy.
At last two formations of Type 99 Light bombers arrived with 19 and 22 planes respectively – and again the bombing was only in general area. Yet no bombs fell to the friendly lines thanks to the effective marking of front lines by the Imperial Guard.
Their attack following the bombing swept over the enemy positions and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy including 35 vehicles left on the battlefield, with only light losses on our side.
The storms encountered on the flight to the target moved south and when the 64th Sentai closed the Toungoo airfield the rain moved in too. Major Ariyoshi R. was wounded when his landing gear collapsed in a hard landing and the Hayabusa has to be written off afterwards. His wounds were light only and he was back on duty in 7 days.
W/O Ginowa had also experienced trouble when landing his Hayabusa in the thick rain. While taxiing off the runway his plane took wrong turn and was stopped by a tree. The damage was limited to the surface of the wing and no structural damage was suffered.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.255
Date: August 19th, 1942 Tokyo time
While no offensive missions were flown today the relentless attacks on enemy armored formations around Magwe bore fruit as elements of the 1st Armored Division overrun the southern enemy concentration. With minimal losses to themselves, they virtually destroyed one enemy formation and forced another to retreat in disorder –131 enemy tanks and vehicles were collected on the battlefield as well as 9 guns and about 400 prisoners.
Date: August 19th, 1942 Tokyo time
While no offensive missions were flown today the relentless attacks on enemy armored formations around Magwe bore fruit as elements of the 1st Armored Division overrun the southern enemy concentration. With minimal losses to themselves, they virtually destroyed one enemy formation and forced another to retreat in disorder –131 enemy tanks and vehicles were collected on the battlefield as well as 9 guns and about 400 prisoners.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.256
Date: August 20th, 1942 Tokyo time
No offensive mission was flown on this day, just the regular readiness and CAP without contact with the enemy. In the process one Hayabusa of the 3rd Chutai was lightly damaged in landing accident – the engine seized before the touchdown and the plane was forced to glide down for a rough landing. Pilot walked away unharmed.
W/O Gyuba, E. reported to the Sentai from replacement center. So far he was not assigned any standing position, but as a reserve pilot.
Date: August 20th, 1942 Tokyo time
No offensive mission was flown on this day, just the regular readiness and CAP without contact with the enemy. In the process one Hayabusa of the 3rd Chutai was lightly damaged in landing accident – the engine seized before the touchdown and the plane was forced to glide down for a rough landing. Pilot walked away unharmed.
W/O Gyuba, E. reported to the Sentai from replacement center. So far he was not assigned any standing position, but as a reserve pilot.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.257
Date: August 21st, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai was scheduled to participate in another round of ground support missions for elements of the 1st Armored Division to the vicinity of Magwe. But the weather forced the cancellation of take-off for the Sentai. Units based on the airfields further south were more lucky and put up an effort.
50th Sentai again swept the empty skies, the Navy thrown in 26 of their Type 1 Attack bombers without escort this time, 19 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers put up an excellent pattern over target and two formations of Type 99 Light bombers also added their bombs to the total.
1st Armored Division overrun the remaining enemy resistance in the sector virtually without losses to themselves – and later counted about 50 tanks and vehicles, 5 guns and 200 killed or taken prisoners in the area.
Date: August 21st, 1942 Tokyo time
64th Sentai was scheduled to participate in another round of ground support missions for elements of the 1st Armored Division to the vicinity of Magwe. But the weather forced the cancellation of take-off for the Sentai. Units based on the airfields further south were more lucky and put up an effort.
50th Sentai again swept the empty skies, the Navy thrown in 26 of their Type 1 Attack bombers without escort this time, 19 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers put up an excellent pattern over target and two formations of Type 99 Light bombers also added their bombs to the total.
1st Armored Division overrun the remaining enemy resistance in the sector virtually without losses to themselves – and later counted about 50 tanks and vehicles, 5 guns and 200 killed or taken prisoners in the area.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.258
Date: August 22nd, 1942 Tokyo time
Another bomber escort mission was planned for today – the target being retreating enemy columns after their licking by the 1st Armored Division. However the weather turned bad and precluded any flying from Toungoo.
3rd Chutai at Mandalay was also kept in readiness for bomber escort, but the flying was severly curtailed over the whole Burma.
Date: August 22nd, 1942 Tokyo time
Another bomber escort mission was planned for today – the target being retreating enemy columns after their licking by the 1st Armored Division. However the weather turned bad and precluded any flying from Toungoo.
3rd Chutai at Mandalay was also kept in readiness for bomber escort, but the flying was severly curtailed over the whole Burma.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.259
Date: August 23rd, 1942 Tokyo time
Mandalay airfield was subject of repeated enemy night bombing raids – but this time the 13th Sentai flying Type 2 Two-Seat fighters was ready and had planes in the air.
First raid by 26 Blenheim bombers was intercepted by about 6 fighters at high altitude – although few of them were damaged, their bombing was scattered and in fact no damage was caused by them. Additional Type 2 Two-Seat fighters were scrambled and they intercepted next wave of 32 Hudson bombers flying low. Again the interception was not decisive – several planes on both sides suffered some damage, but the Hudson bombers managed to put 5 bombs onto the airfield and immediate vicinity.
Next came 8 additional Blenheim bombers at about 20.000ft – 13th Sentai doing its job intercepting them and forcing them to jettison bombs early. No planes were damaged in the short chase.
Then in the short interval 6 more Blenheim bombers appeared one by one – probably stragglers from the previous group. 13th Sentai was again at the work and chased them successfully off – 2 of the bombers were claimed as damaged. Last bombing raid of 6 more Blenheim bombers arrived over the airfield at the early hours of the day – the 13th Sentai was again on the job in no time and chased the bombers away, with one Blenheim damaged. No bombs were dropped anywhere near airfield.
Otherwise the 64th Sentai and its 3rd Chutai enjoyed the day without any offensive mission – flying just local CAP and readiness duty.
Date: August 23rd, 1942 Tokyo time
Mandalay airfield was subject of repeated enemy night bombing raids – but this time the 13th Sentai flying Type 2 Two-Seat fighters was ready and had planes in the air.
First raid by 26 Blenheim bombers was intercepted by about 6 fighters at high altitude – although few of them were damaged, their bombing was scattered and in fact no damage was caused by them. Additional Type 2 Two-Seat fighters were scrambled and they intercepted next wave of 32 Hudson bombers flying low. Again the interception was not decisive – several planes on both sides suffered some damage, but the Hudson bombers managed to put 5 bombs onto the airfield and immediate vicinity.
Next came 8 additional Blenheim bombers at about 20.000ft – 13th Sentai doing its job intercepting them and forcing them to jettison bombs early. No planes were damaged in the short chase.
Then in the short interval 6 more Blenheim bombers appeared one by one – probably stragglers from the previous group. 13th Sentai was again at the work and chased them successfully off – 2 of the bombers were claimed as damaged. Last bombing raid of 6 more Blenheim bombers arrived over the airfield at the early hours of the day – the 13th Sentai was again on the job in no time and chased the bombers away, with one Blenheim damaged. No bombs were dropped anywhere near airfield.
Otherwise the 64th Sentai and its 3rd Chutai enjoyed the day without any offensive mission – flying just local CAP and readiness duty.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.260
Date: August 24th, 1942 Tokyo time
The night was again uneasy for men based at Mandalay airfield – although the weather turned worse and numerous thunderstorms swept the area, the enemy again attempted to disrupt the night. But 13th Sentai with its Type 2 Two-Seat fighters was ready and kept some planes in the air most of the night with telling effect.
First to arrive were 9 Hudson bombers, being intercepted by 8 twin engine fighters they quickly dropped bombs and turned back. One of them was last seen with an engine smoking. Next wave comprised of 5 American B-25 Mitchell bombers – not trained in night operations heavily they too hastily beat retreat after the 14 fighters then in the air approached them.
7 more Hudson bombers suffered the same – just the presence of the twin engine fighters forced them to jettison bombs and flee the area. Last group of 7 more Hudson bombers fared no better. Just as the fighters appeared, they hastily beat a retreat.
Daylight operations for the 64th Sentai were supposed to be a fighter sweep of the Katha area and bomber escort to the vicinity of Kalemyo by the 3rd Chutai. However the weather forced the abandonment of both missions.
Hayabusa piloted by W/O Izumida K. suffered light damage in a landing accident – a wingtip collided with truck when taxiing – but requiring only minor repairs it was back on duty in the morning. Meanwhile the 64th Sentai moved forward to Shwebo – to be in better position for offensive operations.
Date: August 24th, 1942 Tokyo time
The night was again uneasy for men based at Mandalay airfield – although the weather turned worse and numerous thunderstorms swept the area, the enemy again attempted to disrupt the night. But 13th Sentai with its Type 2 Two-Seat fighters was ready and kept some planes in the air most of the night with telling effect.
First to arrive were 9 Hudson bombers, being intercepted by 8 twin engine fighters they quickly dropped bombs and turned back. One of them was last seen with an engine smoking. Next wave comprised of 5 American B-25 Mitchell bombers – not trained in night operations heavily they too hastily beat retreat after the 14 fighters then in the air approached them.
7 more Hudson bombers suffered the same – just the presence of the twin engine fighters forced them to jettison bombs and flee the area. Last group of 7 more Hudson bombers fared no better. Just as the fighters appeared, they hastily beat a retreat.
Daylight operations for the 64th Sentai were supposed to be a fighter sweep of the Katha area and bomber escort to the vicinity of Kalemyo by the 3rd Chutai. However the weather forced the abandonment of both missions.
Hayabusa piloted by W/O Izumida K. suffered light damage in a landing accident – a wingtip collided with truck when taxiing – but requiring only minor repairs it was back on duty in the morning. Meanwhile the 64th Sentai moved forward to Shwebo – to be in better position for offensive operations.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.261
Date: August 25th, 1942 Tokyo time
The night was again all but quiet over the Mandalay airfield – weather being severe storms, rains and high winds all around, the enemy was persistent in his effort.
13th Sentai was again in the air to meet the enemy, and he was not long to come. 6 Hudson bombers were quickly chased off after one coughed fire when the 13th Sentai intercepted them well before the bomb release point. Nearest bomb fell about 3 miles from the airfield – demolishing a hut in a nearby village designated as school. Happening this in a day a lot of civilian casualties would have been the result. But no kids were at school that night and nobody was hurt either.
4 more Hudson bombers followed a little later, but were turned before they could bomb accurately. None were probably damaged. Last 4 planes appeared before dawn, but too were chased away by the storms and the 13th Sentai without damage to either side.
Daylight operations of the 64th Sentai were of the ground support character. Friendly troops near Kalemyo requested ground support before attack, 64th Sentai sent 29 of their Hayabusas out of Shwebo – arriving first over the target area, they were to sweep away any enemy opposition. None materialized, so thy contended themselves with patrolling the empty skies before being forced to turn back to base.
36 Type 97 Heavy bombers picked up an escort – 12 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai out of Mandalay. Flight to the target was without problems and the formation even picked up 4 Type 99 Assault planes near the target. Sky being clear the bombers went over their jobs successfully – dropping bombs via thick jungle canopy at expected enemy positions. 1 of the Heavy bombers got damaged over target by light AA fire from the ground.
9 more Type 99 Assault planes arrived over the area a little later and harassed enemy troops by bombing and strafing.
In the evening a message arrived from 33rd Division with thanks for our effort. Our troops successfully attacked enemy positions and forced two enemy brigades to retreat with heavy losses.
Date: August 25th, 1942 Tokyo time
The night was again all but quiet over the Mandalay airfield – weather being severe storms, rains and high winds all around, the enemy was persistent in his effort.
13th Sentai was again in the air to meet the enemy, and he was not long to come. 6 Hudson bombers were quickly chased off after one coughed fire when the 13th Sentai intercepted them well before the bomb release point. Nearest bomb fell about 3 miles from the airfield – demolishing a hut in a nearby village designated as school. Happening this in a day a lot of civilian casualties would have been the result. But no kids were at school that night and nobody was hurt either.
4 more Hudson bombers followed a little later, but were turned before they could bomb accurately. None were probably damaged. Last 4 planes appeared before dawn, but too were chased away by the storms and the 13th Sentai without damage to either side.
Daylight operations of the 64th Sentai were of the ground support character. Friendly troops near Kalemyo requested ground support before attack, 64th Sentai sent 29 of their Hayabusas out of Shwebo – arriving first over the target area, they were to sweep away any enemy opposition. None materialized, so thy contended themselves with patrolling the empty skies before being forced to turn back to base.
36 Type 97 Heavy bombers picked up an escort – 12 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai out of Mandalay. Flight to the target was without problems and the formation even picked up 4 Type 99 Assault planes near the target. Sky being clear the bombers went over their jobs successfully – dropping bombs via thick jungle canopy at expected enemy positions. 1 of the Heavy bombers got damaged over target by light AA fire from the ground.
9 more Type 99 Assault planes arrived over the area a little later and harassed enemy troops by bombing and strafing.
In the evening a message arrived from 33rd Division with thanks for our effort. Our troops successfully attacked enemy positions and forced two enemy brigades to retreat with heavy losses.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.262
Date: August 26th, 1942 Tokyo time
Enemy night attacks against Mandalay continued on this night despite thunderstorms raging all around. 4 Hudson bombers were first overhead, but they missed wide when the 13th Sentai planes showed up in the air.
5 Blenheim bombers tried to sneak in high, but were blanketed by clouds, making another pass over the target they were caught by the 13th Sentai planes, which claimed at least two of the bombers damaged. No bombs fell in the airfield proper.
7 more Hudson bombers fared no better and with one bomber damaged by defending fighters they were forced to abandon the mission. 7 more Blenheim bombers sneaked in a little later again at high altitude, but they missed the target completely. Another section of 3 Blenheim bombers became separated in the clouds and bombed separately – but without hitting anything of value.
8 more Blenheim bombers were intercepted by the 13th Sentai which claimed 4 bombers damaged before they jettisoned their bombs and disappeared into the nearby cloud.
8 Hudson bombers flying low sneaked below the 13th Sentai, but missed the airfield completely. Two sections of 5 Blenheim bombers each kept the pressure during the rest of the night playing hide and seek with the 13th Sentai in the clouds around the base. But one after another they were forced back home without any damage.
Weather being bad during the day also cancelled the planned mission for the 3rd Chutai to the vicinity of Magwe. Elements of the 1st Armored Division encountered stiff resistance by some Dutch unit and was not able to advance on its objective. Rest of the 64th Sentai spend the day quietly, mostly flying CAP around Shwebo.
Date: August 26th, 1942 Tokyo time
Enemy night attacks against Mandalay continued on this night despite thunderstorms raging all around. 4 Hudson bombers were first overhead, but they missed wide when the 13th Sentai planes showed up in the air.
5 Blenheim bombers tried to sneak in high, but were blanketed by clouds, making another pass over the target they were caught by the 13th Sentai planes, which claimed at least two of the bombers damaged. No bombs fell in the airfield proper.
7 more Hudson bombers fared no better and with one bomber damaged by defending fighters they were forced to abandon the mission. 7 more Blenheim bombers sneaked in a little later again at high altitude, but they missed the target completely. Another section of 3 Blenheim bombers became separated in the clouds and bombed separately – but without hitting anything of value.
8 more Blenheim bombers were intercepted by the 13th Sentai which claimed 4 bombers damaged before they jettisoned their bombs and disappeared into the nearby cloud.
8 Hudson bombers flying low sneaked below the 13th Sentai, but missed the airfield completely. Two sections of 5 Blenheim bombers each kept the pressure during the rest of the night playing hide and seek with the 13th Sentai in the clouds around the base. But one after another they were forced back home without any damage.
Weather being bad during the day also cancelled the planned mission for the 3rd Chutai to the vicinity of Magwe. Elements of the 1st Armored Division encountered stiff resistance by some Dutch unit and was not able to advance on its objective. Rest of the 64th Sentai spend the day quietly, mostly flying CAP around Shwebo.