F1M floatplane lost 14 February 1942 Sumatra?
 

Hi guys

Can anyone confirm the loss of an F1M floatplane, believed from the seaplane tender Sagara Maru's detachment at Muntok (Sumatra) on 14 February 1942? One was claimed by a Hudson on that date.

The identity and fate of the floatplane's crew would be a bonus.

Cheers
Brian

Re: F1M floatplane lost 14 February 1942 Sumatra?
 

Brian,


There's talk of an encounter with Hudsons on this website, but then on 16 Feb 1942...


See

http://www.combinedfleet.com/Sagara%20Maru_t.htm and scroll down to Feb 1942.


Regards,


Leendert

Re: F1M floatplane lost 14 February 1942 Sumatra?
 

Brian,


On this website https://www.pacificwrecks.com/ships/maru/kamikawa.html a loss of a Pete is mentioned on 16 Feb 1942, but not sure if same incident. Crew rescued.
Here it says an intercept of Dutch B-10s...


Regards,


Leendert

Re: F1M floatplane lost 14 February 1942 Sumatra?
 

Thanks once again, Leendert.

Oops! Obviously I have noted the incorrect date!!

Cheers
Brian

Re: F1M floatplane lost 14 February 1942 Sumatra?
 

Hello Brian.

According to “Sagaramaru Suitêtai Sentô Shôhô (Sagaramaru Reconnaissance Seaplane Flight Detailed Action Report)” No6-1, from 26. Jan. 1942 to 20. Feb. 1942; and “A-gô Sakusen Kamikawamaru Sentô Shôhô (Operation A Kamikawamaru Detailed Action Report” No. 4, from 1. Feb. 1942 to 20. Feb. 1942., followings are derived.

15. Feb. 1942. Kamikawamaru’s five Navy Type 0 Observation-planes (hereafter referred to as F1Ms) and Sagaramaru’s four F1Ms advanced to Muntok, Bangka Island.

As soon as arrival at Muntok, two F1Ms of Sagaramaru carried out anti-air patrol over Muntok anchorage. At about 1745 hrs. (Time zone is not mentioned but probably “I” or GMT + 9 hrs.) patrolling F1Ms found three bombers identified as Blenheims approaching to anchorage. They chased the bombers from behind, and the bombers made fierce return fires. Those hit No. 2 F1M and shot down into the sea. Pilot: PO1C Hêhachirô ICHIKAWA, KIA; Observer: PO3C Kazuyoshi ITÔ, KIA. Commander F1M further chased the bombers, but deterred by scattered clouds, Commander lost the bombers.

16. Feb. 1942. Kamikawamaru’s F1Ms carried out anti-air patrol over Muntok anchorage on this day. At about 1420 hrs. patrolling two F1Ms found four enemy twin-engine bombers approaching, they attacked the bombers. One bomber’s L/H E/G stopped and slowly descended, admitted probable destruction. The other bombers escaped. Bombers’ return fires damaged one F1M and emergency landing on the sea. But damage caused flood into a float, and the F1M sank half. The crew unhurt, set fire on the F1M and was rescued by destroyer IJN Hatsuyuki.

Best regards.
JYoung

Re: F1M floatplane lost 14 February 1942 Sumatra?
 

Belated thanks, JYoung

Much appreciated and solves a minor mystery!!

Cheers
Brian