851 Kōkūtai (851 Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
On November 1, 1942 the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) renamed Kōkūtai (Air Group) with three digit identifiers and the Toko Kōkūtai (Toko Air Group) was redesignated as the 851 Kōkūtai (851 Air Group).

Wartime History
During November 1942 operated from Shortland Harbor Seaplane Base.

On November 21, 1942 while on patrol, H6K Mavis Tail 36 under the command of Lt Tsuneo Hitsuji was south of Guadalcanal when it encountered a B-17E Flying Fortress and engaged in a gun fight with both planes damaged. Returning, when the Mavis landed at Shortland Harbor Seaplane Base seawater flood inside as they taxied and the flying boat had ninety-three .50 caliber bullet holes.

During February 1943 operated in the Indian Ocean area.

Tail Codes 851 Kōkūtai
851-?? (two digits)
51-?? (two digits)

References
Kodochosho 851 Kōkūtai - November 21, 1942
Saigo No Hikotei (The Last Flying Boat) (1983) by Tsuneo Hitsuji
Thanks Minoru Kamada for additional information

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