14 Kōkūtai (14 Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
The 14th Kōkūtai (14th Kokutai, 14th Ku) or 14th Air Group was a land based unit of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). The 14th Ku was first established on April 1, 1938 then disbanded on September 15, 1941. The 14th Ku was reestablished on April 1, 1942 and disbanded on November 14, 1942 when redesignated 802 Kokutai (802 Ku).

Wartime History
The 14th Ku was first established on April 1, 1938 during the Second Sino-Japanese War flying the A5M4 Claudes in China. One pilot was Warrant Officer Katsuma Shigemi who claimed three aerial victories against Chinese planes. On September 15, 1941 the unit disbanded.

The 14th Ku was reestablished on April 1, 1942 operating flying boats and seaplanes. During the Guadalcanal campaign became part of the R-Area Air Force (Homen Koku Butai) and operated from Shortland Harbor Seaplane Base flying patrol missions over the Solomon Islands.

On October 23, 1942 lost is H6K Mavis observer PO2c Shimoyamada on a patrol mission over the Solomon Sea and went missing. In fact, this flying boat encountered B-17E "Miss Fit" 41-2433 and engaged in an air-to-air combat with the enemy bomber over the Solomon Sea. After a battle that lasted forty-four minutes, the Mavis was shot down and crashed into the sea. The B-17 was damaged with several wounded aboard but managed to return to Espiritu Santo.

On November 1, 1942 the 14th Kokutai (14th Ku) was redesignated 802 Kokutai (802 Ku).

14th Kokutai Tail Codes
2-XXX (three digits)
9-XXX (three digits)
6-XXX (three digits)

References
Kodochosho 14th Kōkūtai - October 23, 1942 page 137
Thanks to Minoru Kamada for additional information

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