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

[Mustang51]

Brian, Thanks for that. I rechecked the history card and it was on 7th May. A16-171 piloted by Warrant Officer Jackman was shot down. Interestingly A16-199 piloted by Pilot Officer Cameron was on that same mission and that aircraft is now preserved as part of the RAF Museum at Hendon.Can you give me any further details regarding that unit and the two pilots in question? Do you have information on the serials of the aircraft that they were flying? I am not a student of the Japanese forces and am unfamiliar with the ranks etc. Do you have any detailed information on the history of the unit. You may wish to go to the Temora Aviation Museum site at www.aviationmuseum.com.au to see the Hudson as it is painted now. We have not completed a full air-to-air photo shoot as yet but you will get the idea of its new scheme as A16-211.

Will be away for the next two weeks but look forward to hearing more about the pilots, their aircraft and the unit's history.

Pete

[Brian]

Hi Pete

I will see what I can find for you - don't forget I am also not a student of Japanese forces. There must be someone out there who is and who can put some flesh on the bones! Japanese Navy rank NAP 1/c is Naval Air Pilot 1st Class, and so forth (although I believe it also appears as POA 1/c - Petty Officer Air 1st Class - I don't really know). Buntai means pair. I don't know the fate of the two Japanese pilots in question.

The floatplane pilots had been transferred from 934 Kokutai which had been at Ambon but was currently at Surabaya. Later the unit received JN1 Gekko night fighters (known as Irving to the Allies), which were also used for day patrols. Towards the end of the the war 902 was operating from Bali, and involved in shipping protection duites.

That's about all I can find, Pete, hope it helps. Over to the Japanese experts!

Cheers
Brian

[Mustang51]

Brian,

ASgain my thanks. Just returned from the Warbirds airshow in Wanaka NZ. Will try to post something in more detail early next week but you have given me a great deal to go on with.

Thanks

Pete

[Brian]

Hi Pete

It's a pity no one else has responded!

Good luck

Brian