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| IJN 4th Kōkūtai  IJN March 1, 1942  Daniel Leahy 2004  Daniel Leahy 2012 |
Pilot Sea1c Katsuro Nagatomo (survived, POW, suicide August 5, 1944) Crashed February 28, 1942 Pilot History Born in January 24, 1920 in Miyazaki-ken on Kyushu. Son of a doctor. Aircraft History Built by Nakajima. At the factory, painted overall gray with a black cowl. Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as A6M2 Model 21 manufacture number 911 (unconfirmed). Wartime History On February 17, 1942 one of six Zero from Shoho that landed at Lakunai Airfield and was assigned to the 4th Kokutai. Tail Number F-??? (three digits). No known markings. These six Zeros were the first Zero land based Rabaul. On February 23, 1942 Nagatoma took off Lakunai Airfield piloting one of the six Zeros that scrambled to intercept the first U. S. bombing mission against Rabaul when a formation of B-17 Flying Fortresses that bombed shipping in Simpson Harbor. The intercepting Zeros fired at the bombers and claimed a victory. In fact, any damage inflicted was superficial. Some gunfire hit did hit the tail of B-17E 41-2446 and later force landed due to low fuel. Mission History On February 28, 1942 took off from Lakunai Airfield at Rabaul piloted by Sea1c Katsuro Nagatomo as one of six Zeros on a mission to escort G4M1 Betty bombers over Port Moresby. Over the target, the Zeros met no resistance so they tested their guns on the wreck of the SS Pruth, then strafed flying boats moored in Fairfax Harbor off Napa Napa and sink Catalina A24-3 and Catalina A24-6. During the attack Nagatomo's Zero was hit by fire from a single 7.7mm Lewis machine gun emplaced above Napa Napa. Damaged, Nagatomo flew eastward and was able to bail out before his Zero crashed into Bootless Bay. Prisoner Of War Nagatomo was aided ashore by soldiers from the Australian Army and was badly burned on his legs. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and became the the first Prisoner Of War (POW) captured in the Australian Territory of New Guinea during World War II and was assigned prisoner number PWJA.100015. Soon afterwards, he was transported to Australia for medical treatment at the RAAF hospital at Laverton near Melbourne. While hospitalized for six months, he was interrogated for an hour session over seven days. During these interrogations, he used the alias "Katsuro Sho" or "Eiori" and was "not inclined to be helpful" and responded to some questions with "scornful contempt". While recovering, he became friends with the nurse caring for him who he described as "a mature and understanding woman" and a chaplain at the hospital. Due to these relationships, his attitude changed and he freely answered technical questions. Later, he was transfered to Redholme Manson in South Yarra, Victoria. During the springtime and was given unrestricted use of the grounds and answered questions from intelligence material section. He was asked to make a propaganda broadcast stating that Japanese prisoners were being fairly treated, which he declined, and requested to join other prisoners "to suffer with them". His request was initially declined and he remained at Redholme Manson, in hopes of further cooperation. At one time, Nagatomo even offered to become an a hospital orderly , likely in hopes of seeing the nurse or chaplain he befriended. Eventually, the Australians agreed to his request to join other Japanese prisoners at Cowra POW Camp. On May 22, 1943 he was interned at Cowra POW Camp as a Prisoner Of War (POWs) with other Japanese captured in Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In captivity, Nagatoma and other Japanese Navy officers became the leaders of the camp, but as more Japanese Army prisoners were added to the camp population, their leadership was deminished. By early 1944, there were 1,100 Japanese prisoners at the camp, larger than the capacity of the camp or guards. Nagatoma and other Navy aviators made alliances with the other Navy prisoners and the extremist Army prisoners. As time passed, they decided on a ban on all labor and planned a riot and breakout with the goal of engaging the Australian guards in a suicidal battle to die honorably. During the planning, the prisoners gave the impression of being contented and cooperative On August 4, 1944 at 5:00pm, fifty of the senior prisoners met in B Compound to complete planning for the riot and breakout and debate the merits of the plan. They decided to take a vote of all the prisoners and go with the choice of the majority of the prisoners who voted yes or no with a circle or cross on toilet paper. Survivors estimate 80% voted in favor, but might have been intimidated into voting yes. The prisoners celebrated and said their farewells into the night. On August 5, 1944 at 2:00am prisoner Hajime Toyoshima signaled the start of the breakout with a bugle and the prisoners from Compound B attempted to rush the perimeter fence near the Vickers machine gun, the northeast F guard tower and Broadway gate. participated in the "Cowra Breakout" and while trying to escape was hit by a bullet that hit the left left side and died. Wreckage Display Memorials References Contribute
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