[Mustang51]

Rick,

Thanks for the additional information. I have not as yet received the books that I have ordered on this subject and it is difficult to find out more than a few sporadic references to the operations in this area. I have seen some references in the "Air War Against Japan 1943 - 1945": by Odgers but the level of detail is just not there.

I have seen references to the Maru Class seaplane carriers Sanyo Maru and Sanuki Maru being in the area of Ambon and have also seen an old magazine with a photo of a Pete with the letter/number combination P3 on the fin. The caption said that the photo was taken at a base to the north of Australia..... thats a pretty big area to be operating in....

I really do need to get more reference texts on Japanese Navy and Army Units and their dispositions.

Again, thanks for the help with this

Pete