18/5/44 Shootdown of Betty by Coronado flying boat

[DavidIsby]

This was one of presumably very few air-to-air victories by Coronados, which were largely converted to transports.

Does anyone have any further information on this action? The likely identity of the Betty? Does anyone know where VP-13 combat reports would be held? The National Archives? The Naval Historical and Heritage Center at the Navy Yard in Washington?

After so many accounts of the flying boats beset by Ju 88s etc., it is interesting to see one turn the tables.

18 May 1944 Operations of PB2Y-3 Search Plane, VP-13 based at Eniwetok

While on routine patrol out of Eniwetok, a PB2Y-3 of VP-13 sighted a Betty, flying at 2000 feet and one mile distant. The Coronado reversed course to close with the enemy and, on entering a cloud, began instrument let-down from 6500 feet with 210 knots IAS (225 knots in slight turbulence was the maximum speed attained).

After leaving the clouds, the Betty was sighted four or five miles ahead. It soon became evident that the PB2Y was losing ground in the chase, so the bomb load of two 325# depth bombs and three 100# was jettisoned. The Coronado then nosed over to 50 feet above the water and gained rapidly on the Betty with between 175-180 knots IAS at 2600 rpm and 47 inches manifold pressure. Betty’s speed was judged to be between 150-160 knots. Approach was made slightly to port and from 1700 feet below.
The chase led through numerous light rain squalls and 19 minutes after it had begun, the Coronado reached a point directly under and probably undetected by the Betty.

The P.P.C. put the PB2Y into a steep climb towards the enemy. On reaching 900 feet altitude, the bow turret, top turret and starboard waist gunner opened fire, concentrating on the port wing root and evidently puncturing the gas tanks. Flame trailed from the port wing after only a few bursts had been fired. Within 20 seconds after fire was opened, the Betty plunged into a vertical dive, hit the water and exploded. There were no survivors.

At no time was there any return fire from the Betty, nor did it take any evasive tactics. When directly beneath the Japanese plane, Coronado’s personnel reported it was possible to see directly through the tail blister and that the station appeared to be unmanned. No side blisters were noted on the Betty and the subsequent study of photographs taken during its crash indicate the use of four-bladed propellers. (Note: This aircraft has been identified as a probable G4M2 Betty Model 12).

Source: Japanese Aircraft Combat Performance, Excerpts from Aircraft Action Reports and Battle Narratives, February-May 1944, Air Intelligence Group, Division of Naval Intelligence, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, OPNAV-16-V-#B110, July 1944, p.13.