RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)

RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (Full Version)

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Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (8/10/2017 5:52:08 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.253 Date: August 17th, 1942 Tokyo time Another mission against the enemy armored units was planned for the day, with some Navy thrown in for a good measure, but the plan fell apart when 50th Sentai was delayed at take-off and managed to arrive over target long after the last bomber retired. Luckily enemy fighter defenses were not in place and bombers were to worry only about light and inaccurate AA fire. First over target was the Navy formation – 26 of the Type 1 attack bombers covered by 12 Type 0 carrier fighters. Shrouded by heavy rains the bombers managed to put their bombs accurately on the target. Next came two formations of 18 Type 97 Heavy bombers each, covered by 18 Hayabusas of the 64th Sentai. The bombing was again accurate and effective. Soon after them two Sentais of Type 99 Light bombers arrived with 19 and 22 planes respectively. But the target was obscured by smoke and the bombing was not that accurate. Photo reconnaissance revealed about 10 destroyed and 26 damaged vehicles in the area.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (8/14/2017 6:24:58 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.254 Date: August 18th, 1942 Tokyo time Similar mission was to be flown today, although the target was about 80 miles to the north. One enemy armored car regiment and one armored brigade were encountered by the Imperial Guard Division near Magwe. The air support was requested and obtained for the attack by the infantry. Weather over the target was mostly lightly cloudy, but along the route several thunderstorms raged which caused the formations to split and each bombed separately. 50th Sentai again swept the skies over the target finding them clear with only light clouds. Navy planes – same as yesterday – 26 of the Type 1 Attack bombers and 12 Type 0 Carrier fighters. But their bombing was way off and failed to cause any meaningful damage to the enemy formations. 17 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers picked up the escort of 18 Hayabusas from the 64th Sentai and proceeded to target area. But their bombing was also inaccurate and the bombs fell only in the general area of the enemy concentration. Another 19 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers arrived soon afterwards, but too managed to put their bombs only in general area of the enemy. At last two formations of Type 99 Light bombers arrived with 19 and 22 planes respectively – and again the bombing was only in general area. Yet no bombs fell to the friendly lines thanks to the effective marking of front lines by the Imperial Guard. Their attack following the bombing swept over the enemy positions and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy including 35 vehicles left on the battlefield, with only light losses on our side. The storms encountered on the flight to the target moved south and when the 64th Sentai closed the Toungoo airfield the rain moved in too. Major Ariyoshi R. was wounded when his landing gear collapsed in a hard landing and the Hayabusa has to be written off afterwards. His wounds were light only and he was back on duty in 7 days. W/O Ginowa had also experienced trouble when landing his Hayabusa in the thick rain. While taxiing off the runway his plane took wrong turn and was stopped by a tree. The damage was limited to the surface of the wing and no structural damage was suffered.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (8/15/2017 6:42:14 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.255 Date: August 19th, 1942 Tokyo time While no offensive missions were flown today the relentless attacks on enemy armored formations around Magwe bore fruit as elements of the 1st Armored Division overrun the southern enemy concentration. With minimal losses to themselves, they virtually destroyed one enemy formation and forced another to retreat in disorder –131 enemy tanks and vehicles were collected on the battlefield as well as 9 guns and about 400 prisoners.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (8/16/2017 6:01:22 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.256 Date: August 20th, 1942 Tokyo time No offensive mission was flown on this day, just the regular readiness and CAP without contact with the enemy. In the process one Hayabusa of the 3rd Chutai was lightly damaged in landing accident – the engine seized before the touchdown and the plane was forced to glide down for a rough landing. Pilot walked away unharmed. W/O Gyuba, E. reported to the Sentai from replacement center. So far he was not assigned any standing position, but as a reserve pilot.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (8/17/2017 6:14:16 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.257 Date: August 21st, 1942 Tokyo time 64th Sentai was scheduled to participate in another round of ground support missions for elements of the 1st Armored Division to the vicinity of Magwe. But the weather forced the cancellation of take-off for the Sentai. Units based on the airfields further south were more lucky and put up an effort. 50th Sentai again swept the empty skies, the Navy thrown in 26 of their Type 1 Attack bombers without escort this time, 19 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers put up an excellent pattern over target and two formations of Type 99 Light bombers also added their bombs to the total. 1st Armored Division overrun the remaining enemy resistance in the sector virtually without losses to themselves – and later counted about 50 tanks and vehicles, 5 guns and 200 killed or taken prisoners in the area.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (8/18/2017 6:14:54 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.258 Date: August 22nd, 1942 Tokyo time Another bomber escort mission was planned for today – the target being retreating enemy columns after their licking by the 1st Armored Division. However the weather turned bad and precluded any flying from Toungoo. 3rd Chutai at Mandalay was also kept in readiness for bomber escort, but the flying was severly curtailed over the whole Burma.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (8/21/2017 6:02:35 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.259 Date: August 23rd, 1942 Tokyo time Mandalay airfield was subject of repeated enemy night bombing raids – but this time the 13th Sentai flying Type 2 Two-Seat fighters was ready and had planes in the air. First raid by 26 Blenheim bombers was intercepted by about 6 fighters at high altitude – although few of them were damaged, their bombing was scattered and in fact no damage was caused by them. Additional Type 2 Two-Seat fighters were scrambled and they intercepted next wave of 32 Hudson bombers flying low. Again the interception was not decisive – several planes on both sides suffered some damage, but the Hudson bombers managed to put 5 bombs onto the airfield and immediate vicinity. Next came 8 additional Blenheim bombers at about 20.000ft – 13th Sentai doing its job intercepting them and forcing them to jettison bombs early. No planes were damaged in the short chase. Then in the short interval 6 more Blenheim bombers appeared one by one – probably stragglers from the previous group. 13th Sentai was again at the work and chased them successfully off – 2 of the bombers were claimed as damaged. Last bombing raid of 6 more Blenheim bombers arrived over the airfield at the early hours of the day – the 13th Sentai was again on the job in no time and chased the bombers away, with one Blenheim damaged. No bombs were dropped anywhere near airfield. Otherwise the 64th Sentai and its 3rd Chutai enjoyed the day without any offensive mission – flying just local CAP and readiness duty.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (8/22/2017 5:18:55 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.260 Date: August 24th, 1942 Tokyo time The night was again uneasy for men based at Mandalay airfield – although the weather turned worse and numerous thunderstorms swept the area, the enemy again attempted to disrupt the night. But 13th Sentai with its Type 2 Two-Seat fighters was ready and kept some planes in the air most of the night with telling effect. First to arrive were 9 Hudson bombers, being intercepted by 8 twin engine fighters they quickly dropped bombs and turned back. One of them was last seen with an engine smoking. Next wave comprised of 5 American B-25 Mitchell bombers – not trained in night operations heavily they too hastily beat retreat after the 14 fighters then in the air approached them. 7 more Hudson bombers suffered the same – just the presence of the twin engine fighters forced them to jettison bombs and flee the area. Last group of 7 more Hudson bombers fared no better. Just as the fighters appeared, they hastily beat a retreat. Daylight operations for the 64th Sentai were supposed to be a fighter sweep of the Katha area and bomber escort to the vicinity of Kalemyo by the 3rd Chutai. However the weather forced the abandonment of both missions. Hayabusa piloted by W/O Izumida K. suffered light damage in a landing accident – a wingtip collided with truck when taxiing – but requiring only minor repairs it was back on duty in the morning. Meanwhile the 64th Sentai moved forward to Shwebo – to be in better position for offensive operations.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (8/24/2017 6:16:21 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.261 Date: August 25th, 1942 Tokyo time The night was again all but quiet over the Mandalay airfield – weather being severe storms, rains and high winds all around, the enemy was persistent in his effort. 13th Sentai was again in the air to meet the enemy, and he was not long to come. 6 Hudson bombers were quickly chased off after one coughed fire when the 13th Sentai intercepted them well before the bomb release point. Nearest bomb fell about 3 miles from the airfield – demolishing a hut in a nearby village designated as school. Happening this in a day a lot of civilian casualties would have been the result. But no kids were at school that night and nobody was hurt either. 4 more Hudson bombers followed a little later, but were turned before they could bomb accurately. None were probably damaged. Last 4 planes appeared before dawn, but too were chased away by the storms and the 13th Sentai without damage to either side. Daylight operations of the 64th Sentai were of the ground support character. Friendly troops near Kalemyo requested ground support before attack, 64th Sentai sent 29 of their Hayabusas out of Shwebo – arriving first over the target area, they were to sweep away any enemy opposition. None materialized, so thy contended themselves with patrolling the empty skies before being forced to turn back to base. 36 Type 97 Heavy bombers picked up an escort – 12 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai out of Mandalay. Flight to the target was without problems and the formation even picked up 4 Type 99 Assault planes near the target. Sky being clear the bombers went over their jobs successfully – dropping bombs via thick jungle canopy at expected enemy positions. 1 of the Heavy bombers got damaged over target by light AA fire from the ground. 9 more Type 99 Assault planes arrived over the area a little later and harassed enemy troops by bombing and strafing. In the evening a message arrived from 33rd Division with thanks for our effort. Our troops successfully attacked enemy positions and forced two enemy brigades to retreat with heavy losses.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (8/25/2017 6:35:41 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.262 Date: August 26th, 1942 Tokyo time Enemy night attacks against Mandalay continued on this night despite thunderstorms raging all around. 4 Hudson bombers were first overhead, but they missed wide when the 13th Sentai planes showed up in the air. 5 Blenheim bombers tried to sneak in high, but were blanketed by clouds, making another pass over the target they were caught by the 13th Sentai planes, which claimed at least two of the bombers damaged. No bombs fell in the airfield proper. 7 more Hudson bombers fared no better and with one bomber damaged by defending fighters they were forced to abandon the mission. 7 more Blenheim bombers sneaked in a little later again at high altitude, but they missed the target completely. Another section of 3 Blenheim bombers became separated in the clouds and bombed separately – but without hitting anything of value. 8 more Blenheim bombers were intercepted by the 13th Sentai which claimed 4 bombers damaged before they jettisoned their bombs and disappeared into the nearby cloud. 8 Hudson bombers flying low sneaked below the 13th Sentai, but missed the airfield completely. Two sections of 5 Blenheim bombers each kept the pressure during the rest of the night playing hide and seek with the 13th Sentai in the clouds around the base. But one after another they were forced back home without any damage. Weather being bad during the day also cancelled the planned mission for the 3rd Chutai to the vicinity of Magwe. Elements of the 1st Armored Division encountered stiff resistance by some Dutch unit and was not able to advance on its objective. Rest of the 64th Sentai spend the day quietly, mostly flying CAP around Shwebo.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/4/2017 7:17:46 AM)
I've got some vacation last week, so back into the AAR 64th Sentai war diary entry No.263 Date: August 27th, 1942 Tokyo time First quiet night in four days for the 3rd Chutai allowed its men a healthy dose of sleep and rest. For in the morning they were called to provide bomber escort against the Dutch unit that held up the 1st Armored Division yesterday. 50th Sentai was first over the target with 21 of their Hayabusas, but enemy wasn’t present in the air. 3rd Chutai picked up its bombers soon after that – 17 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers and two formations of 19 and 22 Type 99 Light bombers. Locating the target was not easy by any means and the weather complicated it further by thunderstorms all around the area. Yet the ground troops were able to effectively mark the target by smoke on the third run and the pattern fell in the general target area. One heavy bomber was damaged by ground fire during the second run, but was able to keep formation and fly safely home. About an hour later another formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers repeated the performance by dropping mostly on the target.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/5/2017 6:16:11 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.264 - 267 Date: August 28th to August 31st 1942 Tokyo time Several quiet days followed for both elements of the 64th Sentai. Being in readiness and flying some CAP during the days they used the time to hone their skills and get whatever rest they could. Morale was improved when a courier plane with mail arrived on the 30th. On the last day of the month the 3rd Chutai was scheduled to fly an escort against ground concentrations near Akyab, but weather cancelled the mission and ground troops had to attack without air support – but Imperial Guard Divison and elements of the 1st Armored Division were more than able to handle the single Dutch Regiment that stood in the way. For minimal losses to themselves they were able to inflict more than 1000 casualties to the Dutch unit and forced them to retreat.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/8/2017 6:58:11 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.268 Date: September 1st, 1942 Tokyo time While the majority of the 64th Sentai at Shwebo enjoyed a quiet days, the 3rd Chutai had no such luxury. Operating from Mandalay they were tasked to fly frequent escort missions for ground support whenever weather allowed. 3rd Chutai dispatched 12 of their Hayabusas to escort 17 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers en route to hit enemy concentration near Katha. Command post of two enemy brigades were identified and marked for neutralization before the IJA 112th Infantry Regiment attack scheduled at dawn. With overcast weather over the target the bombers had some difficulty locating the target and ground fire damaged one of the bombers, but the bombs were finally dropped on the target. Although not causing any marked crippling damage, the bombing crippled the command post at the moment when the foot soldiers infiltrated enemy positions. And without command, reserves were not called in to plug the gaps, disorganized platoons and companies soon started to retreat, throwing battalions into confusion and soon the whole enemy line collapsed. Intelligence later learned that there were in fact three enemy infantry brigades involved and forced to retreat.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/11/2017 6:49:50 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.269 Date: September 2nd, 1942 Tokyo time 4 replacement Hayabusas arrived to Mandalay to fill the 64th Sentai up to strength, otherwise the Sentai enjoyed another quiet day with just some CAP duties. 3rd Chutai was ordered to provide an escort for 13 Type 99 Assault planes targeting a Chinese units near Lashio. 8 Hayabusas were dispatched and after flight through several storm fronts along the way arrived over target. The Assault planes attacked through the clouds as they were too low to fly below, and their bombs probably fell harmlessly into jungle. All planes returned safely.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/12/2017 6:11:47 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.270-271 Date: September 3rd and September 4th, 1942 Tokyo time Storms and clouds closed on the central Burma basin and most of the air operations in theater were cancelled. Only occasional recon plane penetrated the cloudy skies to keep an eye on enemy activities. When the weather cleared sufficiently the CAP was kept up and close to the airfields, to provide security against surprise attacks.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/12/2017 6:12:41 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.272-274 Date: September 5th to September 7th, 1942 Tokyo time 64th Sentai at Mandalay had a day off flying duty and most of the hands turned to improve their living conditions around the field. A baseball match was organized with an infantry outfit stationed nearby. 3rd Chutai meantime obtained 3 replacement Hayabusas to make up the previous losses and fill up the table of organization. Weather allowed a limited air operations so a repetition of the mission against the Chinese troops near Lashio was called on. 13 Type 99 Assault planes were escorted to the target by 8 Hayabusas on the 5th. With Moderate rain over the target and heavy clouds all over the area the bombing was again blind and ineffective. The pressure on the enemy was kept also on the 6th. With the same set up and same target the 13 Type 99 Assault planes covered by 8 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai again encountered bad weather and low thunderstorms around the target, and bombs were dropped blindly again with predictable and unobserved results. Weather precluded all flying on the 7th, so units kept their usual vigilance by flying CAP whenever weather opened enough.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/13/2017 7:25:53 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.275 Date: September 8th, 1942 Tokyo time While 3rd Chutai got some days without offensive missions, the majority of the 64th Sentai was involved in several of them. Full strength of the Sentai was dispatched to sweep the area over enemy positions near Katha, although one Hayabusa was forced to return with engine belching and running rough, the rest continued on target. Unfortunately the Sentai was forced to go around several storms and the bomber formation that was supposed to go in after the sweep arrived first. Covered by 22 Hayabusas of the 1st Sentai the 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers bombed through the storm with predictable results. One of the bombers got damaged by AA fire. How the enemies were able to guide their AA fire through the storms was a mistery for the 64th Sentai, but in the end all planes managed to return safely.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/14/2017 8:14:58 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.276 Date: September 9th, 1942 Tokyo time Another mission to the same target was planned for today, but the weather turned from bad to worse and the mission was scrubbed.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/14/2017 8:15:58 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.277 Date: September 10th, 1942 Tokyo time A massive mission against the enemy concentration near Katha was planned to take place on this day but things went wrong for the 64th Sentai – the airfield was soaked completely during the night and taking-off was postponed well to the afternoon. The bombers flying from the airdromes further south had better and all weather fields were not delayed though and performed their missions. First over the target was a Navy formation of 26 Type 1 Attack bombers – weather being a little rainy over target they put up a good pattern on target. Fortunately there was no enemy opposition in the air and AA fire was ineffective. Next over target were three formations of 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers, 19 Type 99 Light bombers and 13 Type 99 Assault planes. Above them 7 Type 2 Two-seater fighters kept vigilant watch. Two more formations of un-escorted bombers arrived a little later – 22 Type 99 Light bombers and 19 more Type 97 Heavy bombers clobbered their target. The AA fire was not very effective and just three bombers were lightly damaged. 64th Sentai was able to take off late and met the empty skies over the target – but pilots could see where the bombs fell and several fires were still visible in the target area.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/18/2017 6:33:04 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.278 Date: September 11th, 1942 Tokyo time Bombers got a day off, and the fighter Sentais around Burma were kept in readiness for enemy attack. None materialized so most of the effort was spent on CAP, maintenance and relaxation.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/18/2017 6:34:40 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.279 Date: September 12th, 1942 Tokyo time On this day the weather was friendly enough that the fighter-bomber coordination and timing went off as planned. 64th Sentai went in first with 30 Hayabusas, meeting no enemy bar severe storms over the target. The main bombing force arrived soon thereafter containing 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers, two formations of 19 and 22 Type 99 Light bombers and 13 Type 99 Assault planes covered by 8 Type 2 Two-Seat fighters of the 13th Sentai. AA fire was light and mostly ineffective, but so was the bombing accuracy affected by the weather. A 2nd Shotai/Staff Chutai of 4 Hayabusas led by Col. Kikuchi V. was to provide a watch over the retreating bomber formations and arrived a little later and less one Hayabusa. 2nd Lt. Ishida W. was forced to return prematurely due overheating engine – the cause was traced to leaking oil. The enemy was not allowed any respite in the afternoon – at first a formation of 26 Type 1 Attack bombers arrived – evidently the Navy wanted to throw its iron into the fry too. As the lack of naval targets in the area they were asked to cooperate in the ground campaign. A formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers was last over the target on that day adding more bombs to the battered enemy troop concentration near Shwebo. Type 2 Two-Seat fighter, KAI Ko version flown by 13th Sentai: [image]local://upfiles/24245/327E9D55F6CB4F599CA2D401D68A655C.jpg[/image]

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/19/2017 6:15:14 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.280 Date: September 13th, 1942 Tokyo time This day went by quietly, as no missions were flown. Weather forced the cancellation of effort planned on this day, so the ground crews could catch-up on much neede maintenance on planes. It was not an easy or pleasant job with rains sweeping around the field for most of the day.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/19/2017 6:16:47 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.281 Date: September 14th, 1942 Tokyo time The 64th Sentai remained grounded on this day by weather too, but 3rd Chutai returned to series of intensive operations for the next several days. A ground support mission was flow on request by the elements of the IJA 56th Division – They were to attack the battered Chinese Corps near Lashio. The ground troops were supposed to attack on the heels of the bombing. But here the similarity between reality and planning ended. 12 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai successfully picked up incoming formation of 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers. Near target a flight of Type 99 Assault planes was observed to be making run against the same target. Thus the formation circled once to avoid dropping on the Assault planes. Then finally aligned on the target the bombers released their bombs observing some hits in the target area. Departing the target, another flight of 9 Type 99 Assault planes was observed going in. The two flights were probably separated by weather and attacked independently. Another formation of Type 97 Heavy bombers was scheduled to strike did not show up till the afternoon. Their airfield was out of commission due to heavy downpour all morning. So the infantry waited – they were not eager to go forward and catch the bombs meant for the enemy. Finally the 19 bombers showed up and bombed accurately, although against dug-in enemy positions its effects were limited. Only then the infantry raised up and attacked the enemy positions – disrupted and dispirited Chinese infantry soon broke under the assault suffering more than 1100 casualties in the process.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/21/2017 6:47:03 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.282 Date: September 15th, 1942 Tokyo time Another air mission was scheduled for the 3rd Chutai today – this time against the allied ground concentration near Shwebo – elements of three Brigades were identified in the area. First over the target area was 11th Sentai with 41 Hayabusas to clear the skies of the opposition – but none materialized in the air. Circling the area their pilots had first class seats on the show. 3rd Chutai was assigned to provide close cover for several bomber formations – 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers, 19 and 22 Type 99 Light Bombers and 13 Type 99 Assault planes. Light AA fire was encountered over target and only one Type 99 Light bomber was damaged on the bombing run. The bomb patterns were good enough and several fires were observed in the area afterwards. Another smaller formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers arrived separately a little while after the main force. Their targets being obscured by smoke and fires, they dropped not so accurately, but did manage a few good hits anyway. Two of the bombers were lost in landing accidents with only one gunner surviving.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/22/2017 6:49:21 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.283 Date: September 16th, 1942 Tokyo time Another of the quiet days in the Burma – at least for the 64th Sentai. As usual the CAP was kept up and ready, but the men snapped some time out and helped themselves to enjoy what comfort they could… Reading, writing, even listening some music on the radio.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/22/2017 6:50:10 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.284 Date: September 17th, 1942 Tokyo time 64th Sentai at Shwebo kept its Combat air patrol and readiness, but was not called to perform any offensive mission. 3rd Chutai was again assigned to accompany bombers to the vicinity of Shwebo – their target being a Brigade of Gurkhas. 11th Sentai sent 41 of their Hayabusas to clear the area first, but they did not encounter any enemy plane. 36 of the Type 97 heavy bombers arrived at the rendezvous point on time and 3rd Chutai assumed covering positions. Nearing the target the skies cleared up and allowed the bombers a clear run. Bomb pattern was accurate and the enemy troops were well covered. All planes returned safely.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/25/2017 6:41:59 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.285 Date: September 18th, 1942 Tokyo time The day was not much different from the previous one. Main part of the Sentai at Shwebo kept its daily routine, while 3rd Chutai was again tasked to cover the bombers attacking the same Gurkha Brigade. 11th Sentai was first over the target with its Hayabusas, but again the enemy did not materialize in the air. Next in was a Navy formation of 26 Type 1 attack bombers covered by 27 Type 0 Carrier fighters. With minimal AA fire and scattered clouds, their bombing was accurate and enemy rear areas were well hit. 3rd Chutai accompanied 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers to the target, and 4 Type 99 Assault planes were used to mark the target. The bombing caused numerous casualties and disabled enemy mortar position. Last over target was formation of 19 Type 97 Heavy bombers accompanied by 9 Type 99 Assault planes. While the Heavy bombers bombed their assigned target the Assault planes caught enemy supply column in the open and gave it a trough going.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/26/2017 6:29:25 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.286 Date: September 19th, 1942 Tokyo time Similarly on this day the 64th Sentai kept the guard over Shwebo and vicinity, while 3rd Chutai again went out to cover bombers attacking enemy ground troops in the vicinity. On this day the total effort was much weakened and only 9 Type 99 Assault planes covered by 8 Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai were sent to bother the enemy. Nevertheless they did put a good account of themselves and all planes returned safely.

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/27/2017 6:29:47 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.287 Date: September 20th, 1942 Tokyo time An air raid warning arrived on time to vector a Shotai of the 64th Sentai towards five enemy twin engine planes. Arriving in the area covered by heavy thunderstorms they tried to spot and locate the enemy raiders. Playing hide-and-seek with the enemy for a while they finally spotted the five black specks and immediately turned towards them. But the enemy was not caught napping and he quickly put his heavier Beaufighters into the shallow dive and quickly disappeared in the clouds. The Shotai spent another half hour on station looking for possible trouble, but the enemy refused to play and the pilots and planes turned for home where they landed soon afterwards. 3rd Chutai was again tasked to provide cover for bombers attacking enemy ground troops, but the Mandalay airfield was soaked in completely. Several waves of fighters and bombers attacked the target, but due to much clouds in the area the bombing was not very accurate. A Beaufighter VIc was the Coastal Command version of the "Beau". Picture here is of Beaufighter VIF (a night fighter variant), but of the No.177 Squadron RAF - that was using Beafighter Mk.VIc at this time: [image]local://upfiles/24245/A9482FC5A5CE4087899F14519E117072.jpg[/image]

Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!) (9/28/2017 6:32:52 AM)
64th Sentai war diary entry No.288 - 291 Date: September 21st to September 24th, 1942 Tokyo time Several quiet days followed, spent mostly on CAP, readiness and upkeep of the planes for both 64th Sentai and its detached 3rd Chutai.

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