Mitsubishi Ki 21-IIb Sally Manufacture Number 6382

JAAF
14th Sentai (?)

Click For Enlargement
Ray Fairfield 1972
Click For Enlargement
Click For Enlargement
Charles Darby 1974
Click For Enlargement
Brian Bennett 1980

Wartime History
Abandoned at Alexishafen Airfield.

Likely, this bomber belonged to the 14th Sentai, and was lost returning form a bombing mission. On November 7, 1943, nine Ki-21 Sallys took off from Wewak and joined with Ki-43 Oscar escorts of the 13th Sentai and 248th Sentai over Alexishafen Airfield, then attacked Nadzab Airfield from 19,700' - 21,000'. A total of nine Sally bombers were lost with five making force landings at Alexishafen Airfield. Two days later, on November 9, 1943 Allied aircraft claimed a total of five bombers with two medium bombers on fire at Alexishafen Airfield. On November 10, 1943 Allied aircraft claimed another medium bomber set on fire. Likely, these claims relate to this and other Sally bombers destroyed on the ground at Alexishafen Airfield.

Wreckage
Tail section only. Remained until at least the early 1980s. Likely scrapped or otherwise removed.

References
Thanks to Charles Darby for Manufacture Number
248th Hiko Sentai: A Japanese “Hard luck” Fighter Unit, part 2
Thanks to Richard Dunn for November 7-10, 1943 mission history

Contribute Information

 

Tech Info
Sally

Photos
Photo Archive

 

© 1997-2008 All rights reserved
Pacific Wreck Database
Pacific Wrecks Incorporated is a non-profit charity 501(c)(3)  Donate Now