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Ki-46 shot down by RAAF Spitfires in North Borneo June 1945

Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2019 7:46 am
by Gary Flight Artworks
Hi, I'm trying to find any information about the Ki-46 that was brought down by two Spitfire VIIIs of 457 Squadron RAAF on 20 June 1945 (shortly after the Australian landings) in an action that began in the vicinity of Sipitang Village in North Borneo. The Dinah went down with both engines on fire and exploded on impact.

I have a detailed account from the Aussie squadron records - what I am trying to work out is the identity of the Dinah. I'm guessing it was probably a IJAAF Ki-46-III; and other clues suggest it might have been from Kendari Airfield in Sulawesi (within range for the Mk III). So perhaps from the 70th Dokuritsu Dai Shijugo Chutai.

I'd be really grateful if anyone has definitive info or a more educated guess. I'm new to events in the Pacific in WWII so I'm feeling my way. Thanks.

Gary