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

Background
On October 1, 1940 The Toko Kōkūtai (Toko Air Group) was formed at Toko on Formosa (Taiwan).

Wartime History
During December 1941 at the start of the Pacific War, Toko Kōkūtai was equipped with twenty-four Type 97 Large Flying Boat / H6K Mavis Mavis flying boat for reconnaissance patrols.

During June 1942, part of the Midway Expeditionary Force, they operated under the 21st Koku Sentai with two Type 2 / H8K1 Emily Flying Boats and a detachment of six flying boats operated from Kiska Harbor Seaplane Base.

On October 15, 1942 lost is H6K Mavis pilot unknown took off from Simpson Harbor at Rabaul on a patrol mission and reported it was under aerial attack and never returned. In fact, shot down by U.S. Navy F4F-4 Wildcats from Fighting Squadron (VF-72) that claimed a flying boat shot down.

On November 1, 1942 redesignated 851 Kōkūtai (851 Air Group).

Tail Codes Toko Kōkūtai
O-?? (two digits)
?? (two digits)

References
Kodochosho Toko Kōkūtai - October 15, 1942
Kodochosho Toko Kōkūtai - October 24, 1942
Thanks Minoru Kamada for additional information

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