331 Kōkūtai (331 Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
On July 1, 1943 the 331 Kōkūtai (331 Air Group) was established in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) at Saeki Airfield under the command of Commander Hisao Shimoda with Hikotai Leader LtCdr Hideki Shingo as a composite unit with 24 A6M Zeros and 24 B6N2 Tenzan (Jill) torpedo bombers.

Wartime History
On August 15, 1943 at Saeki 36 A6M Zeros and 18 B6N2 Jill torpedo bombers of the 331 Kokutai were embarked aboard Junyo. On August 27, 1943 when Junyo approached Singapore, launched all 36 Zeros and 18 torpedo bombers that flew to Sabang Airfield on Sabang Island off the northern tip of Sumatra Island. On September 1, 1943 the B6N2 Jill torpedo bombers were separated and form the 551 Kokutai (551 Air Group).

Zeros from 331 Ku fly patrols and air defense missions with detachments operating from Car Nicobar, Port Blair Airfield and Mergui Airfield.

On September 22, 1943 nine Zeros scramble to intercept and shoot down Liberator III FL939 pilot P/O Joseph "Joe" Cohen (MIA). Lost is A6M Zero pilot P.O. Yukio Nanao and four return with bullet holes.

On December 5, 1943 27 Zeros escorts Bettys via Burma to bomb Calcutta in India and claim four Hurricanes shot down and two probables.

In February 1944 moves to the Pacific. On March 4, 1944 reformed as S603 with 202 Kokutai. On March 24, 1944 33 Zeros move to Meleyon.

Meanwhile, a new 331 Ku was formed at Iwakuni with 24 Zeros and one buntai led by Lt. Akira Tanaka then moves via Davao to Penang. In October 1944 includes S309 with 48 Zeros and X253 with 48 torpedo bombers. The main body of 30 Zeros (20 servicable) from S309 operate from Bailikpapan with 381 Kōkūtai (381 Air Group). S309 also has five Zeros (four serviceable) at Penang, Kuching Airfield and Sandakan Airfield.

In February 1945 moves to Singapore. During May 1945, thirteen Zeros return to Omura. On May 15, 1945 disbanded.

Commanding Officer (C.O.)
Commander Hisao Shimoda (July 1, 1943–May 15, 1945)
Hikotai Leader: LtCdr Hideki Shingo (July 1, 1943–May 15, 1945)

Tail Codes
31-1XX (1943-1944)
331-XX (1944-1945)

References
Japanese Naval Air Force Fighter Units and Their Aces 1932-1945 (2011) page 219

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