64th Sentai war diary entry No.24
Date: 31st December 1941 Tokyo time
For the last day of the year, another operation was scheduled. Both 64th Sentai and its 3rd Chutai were to cover formation of heavy bombers attacking enemy ground concentration at Johore Bharu. Weather intervened and the operation was cancelled completely.
Instead, many men located at Kuantan given their hands to smarten up the place for the upcoming new year celebration. Almost everyone devoted at least several thoughts on their families back home on this day. Huts were cleaned up, and a tables were put together. Festive air was kept all the day. Most of the usual daily business was put aside. Only the essential parts were kept - like cooking and repairing machines. When the tropical sun set behind the horizon, men gathered in and around the eating tent. Lt.Col. Kato as senior officer of the base kept a short speech. After that, men enjoyed quite quiet evening - in the kind a bunch of young men could have spent a "quiet" evening with several bottles of beer and sake...
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 (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.25
Date: January 1st, 1942 Tokyo time
Stormy weather soaked the airstrips around the whole Malayan peninsula so almost whole Japanese air force in the area was grounded.
Men, waking up early, or without shortest sleep, took their chances for Hatsuhinode - tradition of watching the first sunrise of the year. Many of them drove or walked over to the beach not far from the airstrip. Looking to the east men hoped to see the first light of the first sun.
Clouds, covered the sky from horizon to horizon, reducing chances of seeing the sun. But there it was, sky started to lose shades of dark it was wearing for the night. Then in a distance, over the sea, a break in clouds allowed several sun-rays to break through.
For the men on the beach, this ment just one thing - almost an omen - that the Sun will triumph over the shadows of darkness in these violent and stormy years.
Date: January 1st, 1942 Tokyo time
Stormy weather soaked the airstrips around the whole Malayan peninsula so almost whole Japanese air force in the area was grounded.
Men, waking up early, or without shortest sleep, took their chances for Hatsuhinode - tradition of watching the first sunrise of the year. Many of them drove or walked over to the beach not far from the airstrip. Looking to the east men hoped to see the first light of the first sun.
Clouds, covered the sky from horizon to horizon, reducing chances of seeing the sun. But there it was, sky started to lose shades of dark it was wearing for the night. Then in a distance, over the sea, a break in clouds allowed several sun-rays to break through.
For the men on the beach, this ment just one thing - almost an omen - that the Sun will triumph over the shadows of darkness in these violent and stormy years.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.26
Date: January 2nd, 1942 Tokyo time
Two considerable things happened on this day. First - an air operation - was scheduled to take place in the morning. Full complement of the 64th Sentai (5 planes of HQ flight, 9 planes sent by each 1st and 2nd Chutai as well as 12 planes of 3rd Chutai) was to take care of the 34 Type 97 Heavy bomber planes heading toward Singapore airfields. After successfully joining the bombers near Kuantan the whole formation flew to Singapore. No enemy planes were met and AA fire concentrated on the bombers. Due to heavy thunderstorms in the area, both bombing and defensive fire had only minimal effect. Return was also an easy task for both bombers and their escorts. All planes landed safely on their home fields.
Second - eleven new fighters arrived at Kuantan airfield to reinforce the complement of 64th Sentai. Mechanics quickly started to modify the planes to get them up to standards with the rest of the planes. 64th Sentai, now with 52 pilots and 50 planes in total was better equipped and trained then ever before. This move was not just a coincident.. as a new set of orders were being prepared for the 64th at 3th Hikō Shidan HQ.
Date: January 2nd, 1942 Tokyo time
Two considerable things happened on this day. First - an air operation - was scheduled to take place in the morning. Full complement of the 64th Sentai (5 planes of HQ flight, 9 planes sent by each 1st and 2nd Chutai as well as 12 planes of 3rd Chutai) was to take care of the 34 Type 97 Heavy bomber planes heading toward Singapore airfields. After successfully joining the bombers near Kuantan the whole formation flew to Singapore. No enemy planes were met and AA fire concentrated on the bombers. Due to heavy thunderstorms in the area, both bombing and defensive fire had only minimal effect. Return was also an easy task for both bombers and their escorts. All planes landed safely on their home fields.
Second - eleven new fighters arrived at Kuantan airfield to reinforce the complement of 64th Sentai. Mechanics quickly started to modify the planes to get them up to standards with the rest of the planes. 64th Sentai, now with 52 pilots and 50 planes in total was better equipped and trained then ever before. This move was not just a coincident.. as a new set of orders were being prepared for the 64th at 3th Hikō Shidan HQ.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.27
Date: January 3rd, 1942 Tokyo time
New orders had arrived. 2nd Infantry Division captured Palembang with its rich oilfields and adjacent airport after landing in the area the day before. As the runways were operational the 64th Sentai was to move to Palembang airfield to offer protection to both ground troops, airfield, oilfields and shipping in the area. 59th Sentai, a sister unit also based at Kuantan was to be moved to nearby Praembolih to help with the task. Praembolih was captured on the same day by 1st Raiding Regiment flown from Northern Borneo.
Much activity ensued on the airfield after the radio news reported the capture of the Palembang and code-word for a movement was received. Men running in every direction seemed to suggest a high level of panic. But the opposite was true - due to frequent movements in the last month, every men knew what to do, so officers had almost nothing to do except to pack their personal belongings.
In the evening hours of the day the 64th Sentai took to the air by Chutais and headed towards the Sumatra.
Date: January 3rd, 1942 Tokyo time
New orders had arrived. 2nd Infantry Division captured Palembang with its rich oilfields and adjacent airport after landing in the area the day before. As the runways were operational the 64th Sentai was to move to Palembang airfield to offer protection to both ground troops, airfield, oilfields and shipping in the area. 59th Sentai, a sister unit also based at Kuantan was to be moved to nearby Praembolih to help with the task. Praembolih was captured on the same day by 1st Raiding Regiment flown from Northern Borneo.
Much activity ensued on the airfield after the radio news reported the capture of the Palembang and code-word for a movement was received. Men running in every direction seemed to suggest a high level of panic. But the opposite was true - due to frequent movements in the last month, every men knew what to do, so officers had almost nothing to do except to pack their personal belongings.
In the evening hours of the day the 64th Sentai took to the air by Chutais and headed towards the Sumatra.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.28
Date: January 4th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was assigned the role of a night combat air patrol. With one Shotai in the air circling the area and looking for enemy intruders and rest of the Shotai in readiness they took an eye on the sleeping of several thousand Japanese men in the area.
1st and 2nd Chutais were to guard the airfield through the day along with 59th Sentai based in nearby Praembolih. Standing patrols in the air were being relieved by readiness flight - so there was an air activity on and over the airfield for the whole day. Shortly before lunch a formation of enemy planes was reported approaching. Readiness flight was ordered to the air and planes from 59th Sentai were called too. In total 8 of the 64th Sentai planes and 6 of the 59th managed to intercept enemy formation before its retreat to the south.
Some 40 Dutch bombers of the Martin 139 type covered by just four Brewster fighters used a cloud cover to reach the vicinity of Palembang undisturbed. But once there a quick reaction of Japanese defences followed. A flight of the 64th Sentai led by 2nd Lt. Miyajima L. was first to spot the approaching enemy formation. Being above and in front of it the flight boldly attacked enemy fighter cover. Rapidly dispersed, the enemy fighter soon found themselves fighting on their own. 2nd Lt.Miyajima and W/O Shibayama claimed one of the escorting fighters each in rapid succession. Seeing no more enemy fighters around they swooped down on enemy bombers. Attacking from every possible direction and angle the first shotai strived to disperse the enemy defensive formation.
Second shotai arriving a moments later oversaw the attack of the first section against the enemy fighter cover. Divided into two sections they started to pursuit two remaining Brewsters and in short chase shot them both down. 2Lt. Fujimoto and 2Lt. Oba laid claims for the victories. Quickly finishing their first enemies they too joined the attempt to attack enemy bombers.
Six of the 59th Sentais Hayabusas were last to enter the scene when most of the 64th Sentai planes were forced to return to base due to ammunition and fuel shortages. Attacking several of the bombers on their bombing run, they at least occupied their attention while damaging several of them.
Nevertheless, the enemy bomber formation, while being attacked by several fighters fought its way to the target - a road leading from Paembang to Djambi. Following their defeat in Palembang, Dutch units were retreating northwards and bombers had a mission to delay their pursuers. Bombs fell among troops of the 2nd Division - 55 casualties were reported as well as half day of pursuit lost to clear the carnage left by enemy bombs along the road. After releasing their bombloads enemy bombers started to run toward west in a descending flight and soon entered a big stormy cloud. This forced the remaining fighters of the 59th and 64th Sentai to abandon the pursuit.
Picture: Martin 139WH-3 - a ML-KNIL main bomber plane of the period
Date: January 4th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was assigned the role of a night combat air patrol. With one Shotai in the air circling the area and looking for enemy intruders and rest of the Shotai in readiness they took an eye on the sleeping of several thousand Japanese men in the area.
1st and 2nd Chutais were to guard the airfield through the day along with 59th Sentai based in nearby Praembolih. Standing patrols in the air were being relieved by readiness flight - so there was an air activity on and over the airfield for the whole day. Shortly before lunch a formation of enemy planes was reported approaching. Readiness flight was ordered to the air and planes from 59th Sentai were called too. In total 8 of the 64th Sentai planes and 6 of the 59th managed to intercept enemy formation before its retreat to the south.
Some 40 Dutch bombers of the Martin 139 type covered by just four Brewster fighters used a cloud cover to reach the vicinity of Palembang undisturbed. But once there a quick reaction of Japanese defences followed. A flight of the 64th Sentai led by 2nd Lt. Miyajima L. was first to spot the approaching enemy formation. Being above and in front of it the flight boldly attacked enemy fighter cover. Rapidly dispersed, the enemy fighter soon found themselves fighting on their own. 2nd Lt.Miyajima and W/O Shibayama claimed one of the escorting fighters each in rapid succession. Seeing no more enemy fighters around they swooped down on enemy bombers. Attacking from every possible direction and angle the first shotai strived to disperse the enemy defensive formation.
Second shotai arriving a moments later oversaw the attack of the first section against the enemy fighter cover. Divided into two sections they started to pursuit two remaining Brewsters and in short chase shot them both down. 2Lt. Fujimoto and 2Lt. Oba laid claims for the victories. Quickly finishing their first enemies they too joined the attempt to attack enemy bombers.
Six of the 59th Sentais Hayabusas were last to enter the scene when most of the 64th Sentai planes were forced to return to base due to ammunition and fuel shortages. Attacking several of the bombers on their bombing run, they at least occupied their attention while damaging several of them.
Nevertheless, the enemy bomber formation, while being attacked by several fighters fought its way to the target - a road leading from Paembang to Djambi. Following their defeat in Palembang, Dutch units were retreating northwards and bombers had a mission to delay their pursuers. Bombs fell among troops of the 2nd Division - 55 casualties were reported as well as half day of pursuit lost to clear the carnage left by enemy bombs along the road. After releasing their bombloads enemy bombers started to run toward west in a descending flight and soon entered a big stormy cloud. This forced the remaining fighters of the 59th and 64th Sentai to abandon the pursuit.
Picture: Martin 139WH-3 - a ML-KNIL main bomber plane of the period
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.29
Date: January 5th, 1942 Tokyo time
Night being watchfully guarded by the 3rd Chutai passed quietly. As the sun begun to rose over Southern Sumatra jungles the rest of the 64th Sentai was put into high alert. This time the sky was clear and incoming enemy formation was reported by recon planes sent in direction of Batavia. In total the enemy sent 34 Martin bombers covered by 6 Brewsters to bomb airstrip at Palembang.
59th Sentai was unable to intervene due to difficulties in radio communications, but 64th Sentai went for the enemy formation completely. In total 32 Hayabusas with arrows on their tails scrambled to meet the attackers.
Enemy fighter cover was completely shattered in just moments - three of the Dutch fighters were claimed by Maj. Miyabe, 2Lt. Kizuka and W/O Kaoki and the remaining three were hard pressed to escape with various degrees of damage. Then the whole might of the 64th Sentai smashed the Dutch bomber formation. One after another damaged bombers leaved formation in an attempt to escape and become prey of the aggressive Japanese airmen. Several of the bombers exploded mid-air, number was shot down and even more limped home badly shot up. In total 13 wrecks of the bombers were counted in the vicinity of Palembang and sky was full of parachutes of allied airmen.
Nevertheless enemy bombers that survived the ordeal dropped their loads over Palembang airfield. There were a total of 5 casualties reported - including a men that had a door of a hut thrown around his neck. The rest were light bruises and wood splinters requiring but a little time to recover. Several of the bombs landed across the airstrip, but as soon as bombs stopped exploding, engineers swarmed the runway and started to fill the holes...
Claims and kills for shot down bombers were assigned accordingly:
Staff flight: 2Lt Miyajima, W/O Yasuda and W/O Agawa
1st Chutai: Lt.Col. Takeuchi, 2Lt. Chojiro, 2Lt. Koda, W/O Inokuchi, and W/O Shibayama
2nd Chutai: Lt.Col. Anma, 2Lt. Izumida, W/O Ohmori, W/O Mitsumasa and W/O Kikuchi
Date: January 5th, 1942 Tokyo time
Night being watchfully guarded by the 3rd Chutai passed quietly. As the sun begun to rose over Southern Sumatra jungles the rest of the 64th Sentai was put into high alert. This time the sky was clear and incoming enemy formation was reported by recon planes sent in direction of Batavia. In total the enemy sent 34 Martin bombers covered by 6 Brewsters to bomb airstrip at Palembang.
59th Sentai was unable to intervene due to difficulties in radio communications, but 64th Sentai went for the enemy formation completely. In total 32 Hayabusas with arrows on their tails scrambled to meet the attackers.
Enemy fighter cover was completely shattered in just moments - three of the Dutch fighters were claimed by Maj. Miyabe, 2Lt. Kizuka and W/O Kaoki and the remaining three were hard pressed to escape with various degrees of damage. Then the whole might of the 64th Sentai smashed the Dutch bomber formation. One after another damaged bombers leaved formation in an attempt to escape and become prey of the aggressive Japanese airmen. Several of the bombers exploded mid-air, number was shot down and even more limped home badly shot up. In total 13 wrecks of the bombers were counted in the vicinity of Palembang and sky was full of parachutes of allied airmen.
Nevertheless enemy bombers that survived the ordeal dropped their loads over Palembang airfield. There were a total of 5 casualties reported - including a men that had a door of a hut thrown around his neck. The rest were light bruises and wood splinters requiring but a little time to recover. Several of the bombs landed across the airstrip, but as soon as bombs stopped exploding, engineers swarmed the runway and started to fill the holes...
Claims and kills for shot down bombers were assigned accordingly:
Staff flight: 2Lt Miyajima, W/O Yasuda and W/O Agawa
1st Chutai: Lt.Col. Takeuchi, 2Lt. Chojiro, 2Lt. Koda, W/O Inokuchi, and W/O Shibayama
2nd Chutai: Lt.Col. Anma, 2Lt. Izumida, W/O Ohmori, W/O Mitsumasa and W/O Kikuchi
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.30
Date: January 6th, 1942 Tokyo time
It was felt that after the massacre of the previous day, the enemy would abandon its attacks for a while, so it was for the 3rd Chutai to take care of the skies above Palembang.
But enemy was stubborn enough to send another mission to bomb the airstrip at Palembang. The enemy formation, smaller - containing 12 Martin bombers with cover of just one Brewster, easily evaded the lookouts on the cloudy skies.
3rd Chutai was thus alerted late, and pilots steeply climbing set upon intercepting the enemy. Just as they had started to engage enemy planes the bombers dropped their loads and quickly turned home. Just one of the enemy bombers sustained damage, but it was able to return home safely.
Situation on the ground looked much more different: two Hayabusas were destroyed by exploding bombs and 6 others were damaged enough to require several days of repairs. What was more serious, the bombing caused also several casualties. W/O Agawa and W/O Shibayama as well as several mechanics were wounded by flying splinters and runway got several new holes. Although there were no fatalities and wounds were of light nature it was a first time the unit experienced to be caught with pants down.
Field kitchen tent also obtained a direct hit, and man had to eat their meals cold until a replacement kitchen was borrowed from an infantry unit stationed near. And for the next day the roles were reverted again. 3rd Chutai was to protect the skies around Palembang in the night while the rest of the 64th Sentai was to take care of the daylight.
Date: January 6th, 1942 Tokyo time
It was felt that after the massacre of the previous day, the enemy would abandon its attacks for a while, so it was for the 3rd Chutai to take care of the skies above Palembang.
But enemy was stubborn enough to send another mission to bomb the airstrip at Palembang. The enemy formation, smaller - containing 12 Martin bombers with cover of just one Brewster, easily evaded the lookouts on the cloudy skies.
3rd Chutai was thus alerted late, and pilots steeply climbing set upon intercepting the enemy. Just as they had started to engage enemy planes the bombers dropped their loads and quickly turned home. Just one of the enemy bombers sustained damage, but it was able to return home safely.
Situation on the ground looked much more different: two Hayabusas were destroyed by exploding bombs and 6 others were damaged enough to require several days of repairs. What was more serious, the bombing caused also several casualties. W/O Agawa and W/O Shibayama as well as several mechanics were wounded by flying splinters and runway got several new holes. Although there were no fatalities and wounds were of light nature it was a first time the unit experienced to be caught with pants down.
Field kitchen tent also obtained a direct hit, and man had to eat their meals cold until a replacement kitchen was borrowed from an infantry unit stationed near. And for the next day the roles were reverted again. 3rd Chutai was to protect the skies around Palembang in the night while the rest of the 64th Sentai was to take care of the daylight.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.31
Date: January 7th, 1942 Tokyo time
A full month passed between the initiation of combat in southern areas - and as nothing worth mentioning happened on this day, except the welcomed arrival of new field kitchen, it is time to look at the summary.
Unit had participated in 17 operations with 311 sorties from 5 different airfields and met enemy air forces on 6 occasions. The total score of the 64th Sentai (including its 3rd Chutai) so far had been 27 confirmed kills against the loss of 14 planes (3 lost on the eve of war). There were 2 pilots Killed in action (2Lt. Inuzuka, W/O Kado), 4 Missing in Action (2Lt. Makino plus three pilots lost on the eve of war) and 4 wounded (W/O Agawa, W/O Juni, W/O Shibayama, W/O Ishimori).
So far the 64th Sentai met only inferior enemy and triumphed every time. But there was a high cost in operational losses - inevitable, but always good-for-nothing.
Date: January 7th, 1942 Tokyo time
A full month passed between the initiation of combat in southern areas - and as nothing worth mentioning happened on this day, except the welcomed arrival of new field kitchen, it is time to look at the summary.
Unit had participated in 17 operations with 311 sorties from 5 different airfields and met enemy air forces on 6 occasions. The total score of the 64th Sentai (including its 3rd Chutai) so far had been 27 confirmed kills against the loss of 14 planes (3 lost on the eve of war). There were 2 pilots Killed in action (2Lt. Inuzuka, W/O Kado), 4 Missing in Action (2Lt. Makino plus three pilots lost on the eve of war) and 4 wounded (W/O Agawa, W/O Juni, W/O Shibayama, W/O Ishimori).
So far the 64th Sentai met only inferior enemy and triumphed every time. But there was a high cost in operational losses - inevitable, but always good-for-nothing.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.32
Date: January 8th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another day with no enemy activity in the area materialized. The troops of the 2nd Division continued in their pursuit of retreating Dutch troops to the north and 64th Sentai continued to patrol the skies overhead.
It was not a boring day in any way - many activities were underway to ensure the steady CAP - cooks had to prepare their meals, armorers cleaned guns, engine mechanics were attending to their engines, and damages were repaired from the previous air raids.
Date: January 8th, 1942 Tokyo time
Another day with no enemy activity in the area materialized. The troops of the 2nd Division continued in their pursuit of retreating Dutch troops to the north and 64th Sentai continued to patrol the skies overhead.
It was not a boring day in any way - many activities were underway to ensure the steady CAP - cooks had to prepare their meals, armorers cleaned guns, engine mechanics were attending to their engines, and damages were repaired from the previous air raids.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.33
Date: January 9th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was selected to sweep skies of Batavia from enemy planes. In the early hours 10 Hayabusas took to the skies from the Palembang airfield and headed to the south-east gaining height.
Nearing Batavia heavy rain clouds were spotted by navigation wasn't really a problem. Some pilots doubted that enemy would challenge the formation at all in such weather. But suddenly there he was - formation of four Curtiss fighters in Dutch markings were spotted climbing below clouds. Two Shotais detached and dived on climbing enemy planes. Caught in disadvantageous position enemy split formation and each pair tried to sought protection of clouds independently. With advantage of height and speed it was no problem for Hayabusas to catch them. After swift combat all four enemy planes were claimed. But later only two claims were acknowledged to 2nd Lt. Tsukamoto and 2nd Lt. Miyajima. Rest of the enemy fighters were considered as probables. (In fact both remaining pilots managed to get their planes back to the base in a damaged state).
Picture: Curtiss CW-21B Demon fighter
Date: January 9th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was selected to sweep skies of Batavia from enemy planes. In the early hours 10 Hayabusas took to the skies from the Palembang airfield and headed to the south-east gaining height.
Nearing Batavia heavy rain clouds were spotted by navigation wasn't really a problem. Some pilots doubted that enemy would challenge the formation at all in such weather. But suddenly there he was - formation of four Curtiss fighters in Dutch markings were spotted climbing below clouds. Two Shotais detached and dived on climbing enemy planes. Caught in disadvantageous position enemy split formation and each pair tried to sought protection of clouds independently. With advantage of height and speed it was no problem for Hayabusas to catch them. After swift combat all four enemy planes were claimed. But later only two claims were acknowledged to 2nd Lt. Tsukamoto and 2nd Lt. Miyajima. Rest of the enemy fighters were considered as probables. (In fact both remaining pilots managed to get their planes back to the base in a damaged state).
Picture: Curtiss CW-21B Demon fighter
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- CurtissWr.._CW21_1.jpg (63.16 KiB) Viewed 4412 times
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
Is actually someone reading this? [&:]
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
I'll admit I do
Common Sense is an uncommon virtue.
If you think you have everything under control, you don't fully understand the situation.
If you think you have everything under control, you don't fully understand the situation.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
Well, that makes at least two of us 
64th Sentai war diary entry No.34
Date: January 10th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was celebrating their first kills the last evening rather too much and they remained on ground today. Combat air patrols were kept in the air from the rest of the Sentai for probable retaliatory strikes by enemy. But again no signs of enemy were spotted on the Sumatran skies on this day. Lack of enemy activity is striking...
64th Sentai war diary entry No.34
Date: January 10th, 1942 Tokyo time
3rd Chutai was celebrating their first kills the last evening rather too much and they remained on ground today. Combat air patrols were kept in the air from the rest of the Sentai for probable retaliatory strikes by enemy. But again no signs of enemy were spotted on the Sumatran skies on this day. Lack of enemy activity is striking...
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
I read quite a few, but generally don't comment.
That way I know For sure I can't be revealing anything I may have picked up from any opposing thread.
That way I know For sure I can't be revealing anything I may have picked up from any opposing thread.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
i do and i love this AAR. Don't comment much cause, in these narrative AARs, i always feel my comments would, somehow, break the continuum of the storyline.
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
Actually I was a bit worried that I am writing this just for myself [8|]
I am sorry, that I cannot bring posts that quick, but 2vs2 game isn't really what you can call a fast paced. Anyway our opponents are not very cooperative with this AAR when playing kind of "Sir Robin"...
There are some events in China that raised our hairs up, but of course 64th Sentai knows nothing about as they are preoccupied by their own war on the empty skies of Sumatra ... [:D]
I am sorry, that I cannot bring posts that quick, but 2vs2 game isn't really what you can call a fast paced. Anyway our opponents are not very cooperative with this AAR when playing kind of "Sir Robin"...
There are some events in China that raised our hairs up, but of course 64th Sentai knows nothing about as they are preoccupied by their own war on the empty skies of Sumatra ... [:D]
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
Even a non-fighting mission is dangerous when you fly on those Oscars!
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.35
Date: January 11th, 1942 Tokyo time
As nothing worth mentioning in the 64th Sentai log book has happened today, except pursuit of Dutch units retreating north, it may be worth to look to other theaters of Pacific war through the news presented by copy of Yomiuri Shimbun brought in by a courier plane from Saigon few days ago:
Situation in Kwantung and Korea Area:
As far as these two areas are concerned, no combat is taking place there - they are kind of a backwater now. Relations with Soviet union seem to be rather cordial as Soviet union nor Japan is willing to start war on a second front. Soviets, their counter-offensive off Moscow just finished, got some breathing space, but the struggle in Europe swallowed their best units and reserves. Japanese army, involved in The China Incident and now also committed to new conquests in the south is not in position to threaten Soviet union from Manchuria.
Nevertheless, various non-combat activities are performed in the area - from building new air bases for our expanding air force, building fortifications and intensive training of our young and eager pilot cadets to prepare them for their future combat duties as well as various ground exercises conducted by army units stationed in the area...
Date: January 11th, 1942 Tokyo time
As nothing worth mentioning in the 64th Sentai log book has happened today, except pursuit of Dutch units retreating north, it may be worth to look to other theaters of Pacific war through the news presented by copy of Yomiuri Shimbun brought in by a courier plane from Saigon few days ago:
Situation in Kwantung and Korea Area:
As far as these two areas are concerned, no combat is taking place there - they are kind of a backwater now. Relations with Soviet union seem to be rather cordial as Soviet union nor Japan is willing to start war on a second front. Soviets, their counter-offensive off Moscow just finished, got some breathing space, but the struggle in Europe swallowed their best units and reserves. Japanese army, involved in The China Incident and now also committed to new conquests in the south is not in position to threaten Soviet union from Manchuria.
Nevertheless, various non-combat activities are performed in the area - from building new air bases for our expanding air force, building fortifications and intensive training of our young and eager pilot cadets to prepare them for their future combat duties as well as various ground exercises conducted by army units stationed in the area...
RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.36
Date: January 12th, 1942 Tokyo time
On this day, weather was fair enough to allow re-visit of Batavia by 3rd Chutai - ten Hayabusas took from Praembolih airstrip and headed south-east. Close to Batavia, heavy rain-clouds covered the sky. Cautious approach was taken so as not to get surprised by enemy waiting somewhere between.
After circling for a while, two Curtiss fighters of the 2e Afdeling of the IVe Vliegtuiggroep were spotted climbing towards formation. 2nd Lt.Kimiyama of the 4th Shotai was among the first to get the enemy wingman into his sights. Dutch pilot tried every trick he had learned so far to shake his pursuer off, but to no avail. Kimiyamas Hayabusa coped with every maneuver Dutch pilot pullet out of his sleeve, and he took the most opportune moment when his prey levelled off for a second and send long burst of his machine cannons into the enemy plane. Cabin fell away and soon its Dutch pilot was swinging under his parachute. A quick fly-past with a salute by 2nd Lt.Kimiyama assured the men under the silk that he may live another day.
While members of the 4th Shotai were occupied with Dutch number two, the leader of enemy flight had his own problems. Being in the middle of 6 enemy planes trying to shoot him down was not really what he expected when volunteered for an "easy service, tropical beaches and lot of beautiful girls." Sweating he skillfully dodged several of the attacks, but the numerical superiority was telling in favor of the enemy. Seeing his wingmans plane falling down in flames not far away he decided it was enough for the day and pushed his plane down. Several Hayabusas tried to follow him down, but eventually he managed to shake them off and land safely. 43 bullet holes were counted in his aircraft...
Picture: Tjililitan airfield, Batavia, Java
Date: January 12th, 1942 Tokyo time
On this day, weather was fair enough to allow re-visit of Batavia by 3rd Chutai - ten Hayabusas took from Praembolih airstrip and headed south-east. Close to Batavia, heavy rain-clouds covered the sky. Cautious approach was taken so as not to get surprised by enemy waiting somewhere between.
After circling for a while, two Curtiss fighters of the 2e Afdeling of the IVe Vliegtuiggroep were spotted climbing towards formation. 2nd Lt.Kimiyama of the 4th Shotai was among the first to get the enemy wingman into his sights. Dutch pilot tried every trick he had learned so far to shake his pursuer off, but to no avail. Kimiyamas Hayabusa coped with every maneuver Dutch pilot pullet out of his sleeve, and he took the most opportune moment when his prey levelled off for a second and send long burst of his machine cannons into the enemy plane. Cabin fell away and soon its Dutch pilot was swinging under his parachute. A quick fly-past with a salute by 2nd Lt.Kimiyama assured the men under the silk that he may live another day.
While members of the 4th Shotai were occupied with Dutch number two, the leader of enemy flight had his own problems. Being in the middle of 6 enemy planes trying to shoot him down was not really what he expected when volunteered for an "easy service, tropical beaches and lot of beautiful girls." Sweating he skillfully dodged several of the attacks, but the numerical superiority was telling in favor of the enemy. Seeing his wingmans plane falling down in flames not far away he decided it was enough for the day and pushed his plane down. Several Hayabusas tried to follow him down, but eventually he managed to shake them off and land safely. 43 bullet holes were counted in his aircraft...
Picture: Tjililitan airfield, Batavia, Java
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.37
Date: January 13th, 1942 Tokyo time
Short report from Yomiuri Shimbun newspapers about situation in Northern China Area:
12th Army: Right flank of our Army around Paotow is now without threat after brave troops of the 110th IJA Division pursued remnants of Chinese Army group to the North-East. Other enemy units to the South of Paotow are to be dealt with in short time.
1st Army: Frontline in this area is fluid with strong enemy forces operating north of Loyang-Chengchow-Kaifeng line. Our troops were tactically withdrawn from the area to shorten the front-lines and regroup.
11th Army: After retreat from our exposed position at Ichang the front-line is stabilized - however our troops remain active on this part of the front dealing several blows to Chinese armies.
Picture: Approximate front lines and enemy concentrations in Northern China:
Date: January 13th, 1942 Tokyo time
Short report from Yomiuri Shimbun newspapers about situation in Northern China Area:
12th Army: Right flank of our Army around Paotow is now without threat after brave troops of the 110th IJA Division pursued remnants of Chinese Army group to the North-East. Other enemy units to the South of Paotow are to be dealt with in short time.
1st Army: Frontline in this area is fluid with strong enemy forces operating north of Loyang-Chengchow-Kaifeng line. Our troops were tactically withdrawn from the area to shorten the front-lines and regroup.
11th Army: After retreat from our exposed position at Ichang the front-line is stabilized - however our troops remain active on this part of the front dealing several blows to Chinese armies.
Picture: Approximate front lines and enemy concentrations in Northern China:
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- N_China.jpg (521.17 KiB) Viewed 4411 times