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IJN 851 Kōkūtai 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 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated May 27, 2023 |
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