Japanese floatplane fighters in Aru Islands

[Mustang51]

Does anyone have any information regarding the Japanese floatplane fighter units that operated around the Aru Islands northwest of Australia? Are there any publications about these units and if so what are their titles? I am researching to complete a history of RAAF Hudson bomber A16-211 "The Tojo Busters". All help greatly appreciated.

[Brian]

Hi Mustang51

I have some information regarding the floatplane fighter unit, 902 Hikotai, attached to 934 Kokutai, flying the A6M2N Rufe, based at Aru in 1943. I am not a specialist re Japanese units but will help if I can. Over to you!

Cheers
Brian

[Mustang51]

Brian,

Thanks for your reply.

Any help with this would be appreciated. As mentioned I am seeking these details to complete a history of A16-211. With four other Hudsons it attacked bases in the Aru Islands and during one operation it received damage and one Hudson was shot down. I have been unable to find out anything on the units that operated in this area, their aircraft, any "aces" and the eventual fate of the unit and its aircraft.

Look forward to hearing from you again

Cheers

Pete

[Brian]

Hi Pete

What date are we talking about?

Cheers
Brian

[Mustang51]

The incident occurred on 8th May 1943. The aircraft was one of five patrolling, amongst other places, the Aru Islands.

[Brian]

Hi Pete

I have the date as 7 May 1943 but obviously the same action. NAP 3/c Mamoru Irio and NAP 1/c Takaomi Ohyama flying A6M2Ns of the Float Fighter Buntai attached to 934th Kokutai claimed two Hudsons over Meikol, Kei. No losses suffered by the A6M2Ns.

Hope this helps

Cheers
Brian

[WHISPERING DEATH]

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!