Barb
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Joined: 2/27/2007 From: Bratislava, Slovakia Status: offline
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64th Sentai war diary entry No.151 Date: May 7th, 1942 Tokyo time On this night the Magwe became subject of almost continuous raids by the enemy intruders and the 3rd Chutai was again in the action. At first a formation of 9 Blenheim bombers flying high was intercepted short of the airfield. In the dark of the night several of the 11 pilots airborne managed to spot and close the enemy to claim a damage to at least 4 of them. Enemy jettisoned bombs and sought safety in a fast descent without causing any damage. Soon another 4 planes identified as Bleinheims arrived, but were too engaged before they could drop bombs accurately. Two more were claimed damaged. 1st Lt. Ishikawa leading the 1st Shotai of the 3rd Chutai failed to return. Remains of his plane were later found on a hillside several miles north of the airfield with pilot still inside. What exactly happened is hard to tell, but he probably lost his way during pursuit of enemy planes and crashed. Warrant Officer Mitsumasa O. of the 2nd Shotai also become lost, and run out of fuel before jumping out. He was recovered on the same day by nearby ground troops. Next wave arrived about two hours later and this time they were at 7,000 ft. The 3rd Chutai sent up another 3 of its Hayabusas, but the planes identified as five Hudson bombers dropped their bombs before the Hayabusas could intervene. However the heavy rain clouds closed over the airfield just as the enemy started its bombing run, so the bombs fell to the swamp about a mile from the airfield. Soon another formation of 7 Hudson bombers arrived over Magwe and was intercepted just at the beginning of their bomb runs. Their bombing wasn’t accurate too and no material damage was incurred. Quickly followed by another 6 Hudson bombers, these too were intercepted just short of their bombing runs and their bombs fell short of runway. Warrant Officer Iwashita V. of the 4th Shotai was severly wounded by defensive fire of the Hudsons, one bullet went through his leg, the other passed his right arm. Nevertheless he managed to return to the base and land safely. Yet it was still not the end, at about 4 in the morning the last wave of enemy planes was reported. This time only the 2nd Lt. Takenaka was ready and he quickly scrambled to intercept 5 bombers identified as Blenheims. Altough he failed to shot down any of them, his presence was notified and the enemy bombers jettisoned bombs several miles before the airfield and beat a hasty retreat. Rest of the Sentai had a quiet night at Toungoo, and because of the weather had all operations cancelled. The men had the time to settle down a little, but it was no fun to do during heavy downpour. Some of the most urgent maintenance tasks were carried out. Another replacement arrived today – 2nd Lt. Hidaka J.
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