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  H6K Mavis  
IJN
851 Kōkūtai

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Hirayama Sept 42–Feb43
Pilot  Mashio Kira
Co-Pilot  Ensign Saburo
Reconnaissance  Takahashi
Reconnaissance  Myoshi Kiwoshita
Reconasissance  ? (WIA - light wounds)
Reconasissance  Hiyama Yamaguchi (WIA, light wounds)
Radio  Sachio Hirayama
Tail Gunner / Radio  Omeura (KIA)
Mechanic  Yujiro Tsuroka
Mechanic  Minooru Yokota
Force Landed  January 26, 1943

Aircraft History
Built by Kawanishi Kokuki K. K. at Naruo. Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as Type 97 Large Flying Boat / H6K Mavis manufacture number unknown. This flying boat was either model H6K4 or H6K5.

Wartime History
Assigned to 851 Kōkūtai (851 Air Group). No known markings or tail code.

Mission History
On January 26, 1943 at 6:45am took off from Shortland Seaplane Base piloted by Mashio Kira on a mission to rescue a downed Zero pilot from 252 Kōkūtai who ditched off eastern Choiseul Island. This flying boat was escorted and guided by six A6M Zeros from 252 Kokutai. When the flyingboat arrived in the area at 8:35am, the crew spotted the pilot on the beach waving to them. After landing, they rescued him using a buoy [life ring].

While taking off, P-39 pilot McCulla and P-39 pilot Fiedler from the 70th Fighter Squadron (70th FS) made a single firing pass from below and damaged the hull. Aboard, three were slightly wounded and the tail gunner was killed. The escorting Zeros had not noticed the low approach of the P-39s and dove down to intercepted, claiming one shot down, P-39 pilot McCulla while the other managed to escape.

Although damaged, this Mavis returned to Shortland Seaplane Base and landed safely at by 9:30am. Due to the hull damage, the flying boat began to take on water and began to sink. Ashore, Japanese Navy personnel with help from Shortland islanders attempted to tow the damaged flying boat onto the beach. Some equipment was salvaged before it was declared a total loss and allowed to sink underwater.

References
Kodochosho 252 Kōkūtai, January 26, 1943
Kodochosho 851 Kōkūtai, January 26, 1943
Dramatic Rescue off Choiseul by Justin Taylan
Thanks to Sachio Hirayama and Yoji Sakaida for additional information

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Last Updated
May 27, 2023

Tech Info
Mavis
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