Re: Japanese floatplane fighters in Aru Islands
 

Rick,

Just completed some more work on the seaplane carriers on the net.

Part of the site dealing with the SANUKI MARU quotes its aircraft in November 1942 as having the tail code P3-xx. The SANUKI MARU departed from Yokosuka on 5th November bound for the Solomon Islands. The "North of Australia" is a very broad sweep for the Solomons but it does fit the bill.

If Brian is still out there in the ether can you advise me where you obtained the names of the two Rufe pilots involved in the engagement with the RAAF Hudson A16-211?

Thanks guys

Pete

Re: Japanese floatplane fighters in Aru Islands
 

G'day Pete,

I know its been over a year since this thread went anywhere - I have a personal interest in A16-171 and A16-211 'Tojo Busters'. One of my relatives was involved in this action. I have done some personal research, but from an RAAF perspective, I believe that one of the best accounts is 'Highest Traditions - The history of No 2 Sqadron RAAF' by John Bennett and from the Beaufighter side of the house, 'Coomalie Charlie's Commandos' by Kenneth Neal McDonald, DFC.

I believe that NAP Hidenori Matsunaga was a member of 934 Ku at Taberfane in 1943 - he was the most successful Japanese Navy Floatplane Ace of the war. I hadn't heard of the other two 934 Ku pilots - very interesting however.

Regards, Stu

Re: Japanese floatplane fighters in Aru Islands
 

hey guys.... you could also try whispering death and beaufighters in the pacific from the beaufighter side of things.... details all the action in that area agianst rufes and petes also has some great pics of them caught in the water!