Yasuhiko Kuroe - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum

mhuxt · #1 25th August 2006, 13:37

Hi:

I see posted elsewhere that Kuroe was the first Japanese pilot to shoot down a Mosquito. Anyone have details such as date, Kuroe's aircraft?

TIA

Skyraider3D · #2 25th August 2006, 15:31

Yes I have. Will post it here tonight as I don't have the books handy... Please remind me if I forget, memory of a goldfish and all...

Skyraider3D · #3 25th August 2006, 23:33

According to Henry Sakaida's "Japanese Army Air Force Aces 1937-1945" (Osprey 1997) Capt Yasuhiko Kuroe shot down the first Mosquito on 2 November 1943. His victim was PR.Mk.IX DZ697 of No 684 Sqn, which was being flown on a photo-recce mission to Rangoon by Flying Officers Fielding and Turton.

There is no mention of Kuroe's mount, but at the time he was flying as Hikotai leader of the 64th Sentai, which was equipped with Nakajima Ki-43-II Hayabusas ('Oscars'), based at Mingaladon. Info from "Japanese Army Air Force Units and their Aces" by Hata, Izawa and Shores.

Additionally, on 10 December Kuroe pursued another Mosquito (an FB.Mk.II of the same unit) for 40 minutes out over sea and damaged its left engine. Despite his Oscar's guns jamming he bluffed the Mosquito crew into turning back to land. They flew back to Kuroe's base in formation, when Kuroe instructed the Mosquito to land. Unfortunately, the Mosquito hit a tree and crashed fatally (Sgts Boot and Wilkins KIA).

I hope this answered your question?

mhuxt · #4 26th August 2006, 13:11

Hi Skyraider:

Many thanks for that. The dates appear to tie up with what I had at this end. One note - DZ697 was also an F.II, though PR.IXs were also on 684 Sqn at the time.

I was also wondering whether the "Oscars" noted in my sources was an accurate designation - apparently so, thanks again.

Cheers,

Mark

Skyraider3D · #5 26th August 2006, 14:33

Hmm odd... This site mentions it was an NF.II even, plus has a different date (slow administration?) and different squadron number:
http://www.dehavilland.ukf.net/_DH98%20prodn%20list.txt
This site also suggests it could have been an NF.II:
http://www.mossie.org/squadrons/27_squadron.htm

If you ever happen to find a picture of this machine, please let me know.

mhuxt · #6 27th August 2006, 00:15

Hi again Skyraider:

Apparently 681 Squadron was for some reason disbanded, then re-formed a few days later as 684 Squadron. So your 684 Sqn information would appear to be correct, however the Commonwealth War Graves Commission lists both Fielding and Turton as being on 681 Squadron. Will check the dates, though IIRC the number change happened before 2 November.

The PR.IXs were all in the LR and MM series.

I keep my eye peeled for a pic, but I wouldn't be too hopeful ...

Cheers,

Mark