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| IJN 251 Kōkūtai |
Pilot PO2 Tokumoto (survived) Observer WO Harukimatsuo (KIA) Ditched July 19, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Nakajima. Uncoded serial number unknown (two digits). At the factory, painted with dark green upper surfaces and gray lower surfaces. Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as Type 2 Land Based Reconnaissance Aircraft Gekko / J1N1-C Irving manufacture number unknown (three digits). Wartime History Assigned to the 251 Kokutai (251 Air Group). No known markings or tail code. Likely, tail code V-? one digit unknown. at Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul. No known markings or tail code. Likely, tail code V-? one digit unknown. Likely, this Irving was field modified with 20mm cannons mounted upward and downward for use as a night fighter and strafing attacks in accordance with a suggestion from Commander Yasuna Kozono. Mission History On July 18, 1943 at 10:40pm took off from Ballale Airfield on a night patrol mission over the local area. At 11:15pm sighted a "B-24" (likely a B-17 Flying Fortress) and made three attacks, claiming it shot down. [this claim was erroneous]. On July 19, 1943 at 2:15am, sighted a "B-17" and made three attacks, claiming it shot down. In fact, this was B-17E "Tokyo Taxi" 41-9153 that was hit, exploded and crashed. Diary of Captain Anthony Dean Lucas pilot B-17E "L'ill Neil" 41-9222: "July 19, 1943: Nine ships of our squadron took off around midnight to bomb Kahili airfield. All my bombs hit on the target from 14,000 feet. While on the beginning of my bombing run I saw one of my best friends go down in flames. Shot down by Jap night fighters. He was Lt., soon to be Capt., Eckles, of Santa Barbara." Justin Taylan adds: "Confirmed by B-17 pilot Captain Anthony Dean Lucas' diary entry, this night fighter's claim for the B-17 at 2:15 is most certainly B-17E "Tokyo Taxi" 41-9153." After the attacks, this Gekko was hit by defensive machine gun fire in both engines and ditched into the sea in the patrol vicinity at 2:25am. Fates of the Crew During the ditching, observer WO Harukimatsuo was killed. Pilot PO2 Tokumoto was rescued. References Kodochosho, 251 Kōkūtai, July 19, 1943 Captain Anthony Dean Lucas Diary July 19, 1943 Thanks to Minoru Kamada 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 February 2, 2025 |
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