|
Re: Zeros at Saipan, May '44
Although transient a/c probably passed through Saipan, the two fighter units based there in May 44 were Air Groups 261 and 265. In mid-May 261 had 42 Zeros on strength with 34 operational. When 265 arrived in early May it had 32 Zeros. A U.S. photo mission identified 68 Zeros on Aslito Airfield (Japanese designation, Saipan No. 1) and no a/c on other airfields. The Zeros were identified as 33 Zeke and 35 Hamp. There were no "Hamps" (Zero 32) on Saipan. The fighters with 11 meter wing spans were model 52s. The "Zekes" were Zero 21s.
About 20 Zeros were captured on Aslito airfield when Saipan was invaded (15 June). There are numerous photos of these a/c both on the field and on board the US aircraft carriers that brought several examples back to the US. Most if not all these a/c wore standard dark green paint schemes.
Rick
|