August 19, 1945
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology
SUNDAY, 19 AUGUST 1945
CHINA - Fourteenth Air Force: Unit moves in China: 16th Fighter Squadron,
51st Fighter Group from Chengkung to Nanning with P-51s (the detachment at
Pakhoi also moves to Nanning); detachment of 426th Night Fighter Squadron,
Fourteenth AF (attached to 312th Fighter Wing), at Liangshan returns to base
at Shwangliu with P-61s.
IJN: G6M1-L Betty "Bataan I" and G4M1 Betty "Bataan II" transport the Japanese surrender delegation from Tokyo to Ie
Shima Airfield. The Bettys are
painted all white with green crosses on the wings, fuselage and tail.
WESTERN PACIFIC [Far East Air Force (FEAF)]: Two B-25J Mitchells of the 345th Bombardment Group (345th BG) and P-38 Lightings from the 80th Fighter Squadron (80th FS) escort G6M1-L Betty "Bataan I" and G4M1 Betty "Bataan II" with the Japanese surrender delegation to Ie
Shima Airfield. After landing, the Japanese delegation board C-54E Skymaster 44-9045 and are flown to Manila to meet with General MacArthur's staff. After their meeting, they were flown back to Ie
Shima Airfield. Returning to Japan, G6M1-L Betty "Bataan I" ditched off Japan
out of fuel, due to conversion of a
liter were mistakenly from the gallon. The crew was helped by
local fisherman, and returnted to Tokyo by train. The co-pilot
was Rinpei Komai is reportedly still alive today.
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