RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM) (Full Version)

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modrow -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM) (12/19/2016 5:30:54 PM)

Hi Juraj. Congrats re. wife and kid.

2nd half of game is in early January 43, but very slow these days. I waited 6 weeks for the response to my last turn. Admittedly, my reaction to that one also took a while, because I had to go through all kinds of report files to figure out what had happened and prioritized other more active PBEM games.

I guess my game has been much less exciting. No Kuriles invasion (which seemingly did what it was supposed to do - pin the rest of KB, leaving opportunities on the map.) No coordinated invasion in Burma, a lot of units moving in through the jungle, but one by one rather than concentrated, so they were trashed one by one so far. British and Indian device pools should be in bad shape. Some pressure in the Solomons, but this mainly led to loss of numerous 4Es and opportunities to put fish into Allied surface assets (reported to be sunk, but I don't have reason to believe that) so far. No further activity in Gilberts/Marshals as of yet, but there, too, enemy bombers did take a few beatings. China is stalled as well, I guess we allowed enemy to dig in too long in a few off-base hexes.

We went for a change in air HRs - 2nd best mvr band is now valid ONLY for the sweepers. Balances sweep advantage and bounce advantage. Interesting variant.

Good choice cutting down on merchant ship spendings. I did just that immediately after taking over control of IJ economy, we have plenty of xAK and had far too few HI points going into the bank when we split. I also hope you finally started some serious research effort in this PDU on / realistic R&D off game.

I hope this summary satisfies your curiosity. If not feel free to ask or details.

Hartwig

quote:

ORIGINAL: Barb

Phew,
it does still exist somewhere on the forum :D

My old AAR. I am playing with the idea to resurrect it somehow (But I doubt I will be able to fabricate 14 months of game time).
So far several important things happened:
1. I got married and got a child born in 2015
2. 2vs2 game was split to 2x 1vs1 sometime in mid 1942. I am still playing against the Aleksander Hahn. I have no idea about the other half - maybe one of the other players can drop in and say what has happened there. [;)]

3. It is end of april 1943 in our game.
4. Japan had not so great moment in mid 1942 loosing part of KB near Gilberts. [8|]
5. Allies landed on Paramushiro and Onnekotan in Aleutians just before Winter season of 1942. Japan got Paramushiro back right in the spring of 1943 - One allied Division was completely wiped out. Allies just finished resupplying Onnekotan.
6. Allies got Gilbert's and Eastern Marshall's (Eniwetok, Roi-Namur and Kwajalein are still in Emperors hands, but under constant Air attack) while KB was occupied near Kuriles.
7. Solomon Islands are also in allied hands up to the Buka with some Japanese troops on Bougainville island.
8. Rabaul and Kavieng got some heavy beating from air and ships and are currently not of much use for the Empire.
9. New Guinea is still firmly in Emperors hands.
10. Raid on Northern Australia was recalled early in 1942 and troops are entrenching the southern perimeter.
11. Major allied effort is being carried in the jungles of Burma - All three Australian Divisions, at least one US Division, Indian and British formations are slowly pushing the Japanese troops out of Burma. They are currently knocking down on the doors of Rangoon, Pegu and Moulmein. Allies tried some Amphibious operations at Akyab and Moulmein, and done some infiltration and encirclement moves which forced Emperors forces to fall back from Burma, but the price was not so big so far. Enemy paratroopers had cut off Singapore-Bangkok Railway in southern Thailand, but they are being taken care of by Japanese armor at the present time [;)]
12. China settled into a stalemate, but Japanese still keep upper hand as the Chinese are little short on supply.

13. Naval war: After the defeat in the battle of Gilbert's, the Japanese Navy has been forced into defensive, but is still strong and carried several raids all around the Pacific - with the major mission of keeping Allies stuck in the Kuril's islands and carrying out a counter attack. Allied naval concentrations are at Aleutians and in the Solomons. Japan still has all its Battleships (minus one sunk in the Palau battle in the opening days of war), just 5 CAs are remaining (but they took out several allied battlewagons with them), CLs and DDs are still in good shape. Number and names of active Japanese CVs is a secret [;)] Allied subs were not too effective so far. Japanese subs are targets - more or less.
14. Air War: Emperors Eagles are still keeping upper hand in total A2A losses, keeping air parity in Burma, but got some beating in the Solomon's recently. Most of the bombers are operating in China. Primary combat aircraft models are still Ki-43IIb Oscar, Ki-44IIa Tojo and Ki-61Ia Tony for the Army and A6M3/3a Zero for the Navy. Ki-44IIb Tojo, A6M5 Zero, D4Y1 Judy and B6N1 Jill are just entering the service in numbers.
15. Industry: Still strong, I am considering stopping all further xAK ship production at the 10xDurability mark (IIRC that is the point the ships actually starts consuming MSY points to advance) - to save some MSY and HI plus keep the ships on "shortest availability list".

Banzai!!![:D]




Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (2v2 PBEM) (12/20/2016 6:52:50 AM)

Great to hear from you [:)] - hope still enjoying the game even after the split and despite the slow tempo. Our half is not that speedy too, just about 2-3 turns per week on average.

Well the Burma thing was more of a single big stack (about 2500 AV) marching down the coast with some units unloaded at Chittagong/Akyab (not without losses though! Several big transports got sunk there with a lot of smaller shipping, unfortunately most had already unloaded their infantry components, so the losses were mainly in Motorized Support and Support - which the allies have plenty to spare.) and about two-three divisions providing diversion and flanking around Katha-Shwebo-Mandalay axis. An invasion was tried at Moulmein, but they got hit too and allied troops are currently enjoying the beaches within their perimeter (e.g. Anzio-like thingy). With Japanese troops and Navy tied up in the Kruils for the counter-attack the Allies had almost free hand down there in the Burma, Gilberts and Solomons during the winter 1942-1943.

As to the R&D:
Ki-43IIb is the main production model and I am building a little reserve as most IJA fighter Sentais goes through this model, but I had already turned some factories (2x30) to Ki-43IIIa.
Ki-43IIIa - IIRC it is scheduled originally for 10/44 or something like that. My goal is to get it at the beginning of 44 (should be doable as engine bonus is present and more Ki-43IIb factories will go to research as pool is built up.)
Ki-44IIc - IIRC it is scheduled for 3/44 originally. One factory (40) is currently researching it, while the other (40) is slowly filling up the order for Ki-44IIb.
Ki-45KAIc - will become available on 5/43.
Ki-45KAId - being researched by one (20) factory.
Ki-61Ib - originally scheduled for 9/43 - currently at 7/43 and every ex-Ki-61Ia factory already researching (pool for Ki-61Ia should last long enough). Should be ready at 6/43.
Ki-61Ic - originally scheduled for 9/43 - currently at 8/43 and a single factory researching. Should be ready at 7/43.
Ki-84Ia - original (55) factory repaired and researching.
A6M5 - As carrier complements will be fulfilled factories will turn to research. So far about half of the KB is equipped.
N1K1-J - has (30+20+20) repaired factories and was originally scheduled 9/43 - should be available in 6/43.
J2M2 - little slower with one of two factories repaired (20+17/20) and originally scheduled 9/43 - should be available on 7/43.
D4Y1 - currently building for KB requirements and some pool. Will switch to D4Y2 research as orders are fulfilled.
B6N1 - currently building for KB requirements and some pool. Will switch to B6N2 research as orders are fulfilled.

(For those not in the know, we were playing Realistic R&D OFF - so we can freely switch from production to research factories within research lines).



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (12/20/2016 7:00:50 AM)

I will try to continue with the 64th Sentai Diary, but I will probably have to skip some "stand down" time, fabricate some events, as It is hardly possible to remember what was the Sentai's mission a year back. [:D]
I will also try to track down what happened to each pilot mentioned before - At the present time the 64th is spending some R&R in mid-Thailand being one of the numerous fighter formations active in the Burma front.



Rio Bravo -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (12/20/2016 1:10:55 PM)

Barb-

Interesting history you have provided concerning Kato and the 64th.

Best Regards,

-Terry




CaptHaggard -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (12/20/2016 11:03:31 PM)

Barb—

Have you seen the movies about Kato and his unit?

One was produced in 1944—called "Colonel Kato's Falcon Squadron"; the other was made in 1969.

Good stuff!



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (12/22/2016 6:01:13 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: CaptHaggard

Barb—

Have you seen the movies about Kato and his unit?

One was produced in 1944—called "Colonel Kato's Falcon Squadron"; the other was made in 1969.

Good stuff!


Unfortunately I had no such luck, But would be glad to see it.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (12/23/2016 6:38:46 AM)

I am proud to announce, that most of the original pilots of the 64th Sentai are still alive [:D]

The "First Team" had been dispersed on orders from the Commander-in-Chief of Army Air Service Office. Several pilots went to teach new pupils and their experience is passed on the new replacements. Some other pilots were sent to other Sentais around the Empire - now usually serves as Chutaichos in "Operational Training Units" - a set of combat units specializing on combat training, indoctrination, etc. operating in quiet areas of the Empire. Several pilots are now flying Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter (Allied code name "Nick") in the Burma, while others are riding Hayabusa's of the sister 1st Sentai.

However, the "Second Team" was quickly put together with a mix of combat veterans and several new faces, that quickly molded together to form an efficient unit under the Kato's leadership - and is about equal to the qualities of the "First Team" before its dispersal. Also the old Army Type 1 Fighter Mark I "Otsu" were replaced at first by Mark I "Hei" version and later by Mark II "Ko". Unit is currently flying a mix of the Mark II "Ko" and Mark II "Otsu". While the newest model is somewhat heavier than the previous one, it is still an effective dog-fighter while being more resistant to damage and offering some protection for pilots.

Death didn't avoid the members of the Sentai completely. Several faces are just flashes of the memories - as the quick life of the fighter pilots requires moving about and not crying about the past.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (12/29/2016 6:31:31 AM)

Uh, I had planned to make a post or two in the past days, but the life intervened. I had spent yesterday evening with my wife at the emergency (and I mean all evening, since 17:50 to 23:30!).[X(] Diagnosis: kidney inflammation. Hopefully I will be able to write something in the coming days.



BBfanboy -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (12/29/2016 6:36:57 AM)

Hope your wife recovers fully. Sitting in emergency waiting on treatment is a problem worldwide (unless you are very wealthy). I waited six hours with a finger nearly chopped off, but fortunately bandaged well before I went to the hospital.



PaxMondo -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (12/29/2016 11:14:02 PM)

Take care of family first ... game is always here.




Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/5/2017 10:45:17 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.58
Date: February 3rd, 1942 Tokyo time

As the enemy forces withdrawn from the Western Java a little lull in the combat is welcomed by all members of the 64th Sentai. Of course a CAP is kept up and planes readied for scramble line up the runway, but the pace of the operations slowed down a lot.

Both men of the ground and air elements enjoy the spell under the hot tropical sun at Palembang. Mechanics are doing thorough maintenance on the planes - 2 months of combat missions took its toll on the engines, and fuselages had minor bruises here and there, but the general feeling of "Pause" is all around.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/5/2017 10:46:19 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.59
Date: February 4th, 1942 Tokyo time

The men enjoyed their rest period, while pilots returning from CAP duty practice aerobatics around the field. Today, Col.Kato had to reprimand a pilot who got too low and landed with some green leaves in his radiator. Ground crews often stopped their work just to watch the performance. Sometimes the aerobatics turned into a friendly battle - as the relieving Shotai climbed from the field, the returning pilots jumped on their colleagues and trained in dogfight. The mock-combat and aerobatics training can do great service in the future...



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/5/2017 10:48:06 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.60
Date: February 5th, 1942 Tokyo time

Another quiet day, unless for a few rain spells here and there.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/5/2017 10:48:46 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.61
Date: February 6th, 1942 Tokyo time

Some welcomed supplies arrived from Saigon aboard ships currently riding anchor at Musi river. Several ground crews were requested to serve as unloading parties - with the help of the overnight passes to the Palembang city there was no shortage of volunteers. [:D]



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/5/2017 10:49:25 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.62
Date: February 7th, 1942 Tokyo time

As campaign in Malaya was closing the 25th Army called on the 3rd Hiko Shidan for support on its final effort to eliminate the last enemy foothold in Malaya - Singapore Fortress. On this day the 64th Sentai was ordered to provide escort for Type 99 Light Bombers. 24 Hayabusas formed neatly over Palembang and smartly joined the small bomber formation on their way to the north. Heavy rains covered most of the Singapore, but the Type 99 bombers somehow found their targets - but results of the bombing were unobserved. No enemy airplane was encountered in the air as the Royal Air Force had evacuated all its planes out of the besieged fortress. Return flight was without any mishaps and all of the 64th Sentais Hayabusas landed perfectly.

Singapore burning after one of the air raids:
[image]local://upfiles/24245/4133E19336574169A0D4187333AD66BD.jpg[/image]

Meantime the 3rd Chutai of the 64th spent the day as usual for third week in a row - flying CAP and honing their skills with their new Hayabusas.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/5/2017 10:51:15 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.63
Date: February 8th, 1942 Tokyo time

Another mission was flown today against Singapore. This time the charges were 11 Type 97 Heavy bombers and the target was Tengah, one of the Singapore Airfields - to keep it out of operations. Mission was similar to the one flown on the previous day with two exceptions. Nearing the target a flock of fighters was observed orbiting Singapore, but as the pilots prepared for the engagement, the fighters were identified as Type 97 Fighters of the 1st Sentai. Enemy defense were prepared and their flak accurate - in all 7 of the 11 bombers were damaged in their bombing run. All were able to return and land safely, but 2 airmen lost their life and 4 were injured aboard the bomber crews. All of the 23 Haybausas dispatched by the 64th Sentai returned safely.

The target for today - Tengah Air Base:
[image]local://upfiles/24245/9A0D35F2AFB54B1F807A9E56530920B7.jpg[/image]



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/5/2017 10:53:55 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.64
Date: February 9th, 1942 Tokyo time

Singapore was again on the order of the day, and again the charges were Type 99 Light Bombers, and again the target was one of the Singapore Airfields - Selatar Air Base this time. Weather was better than on the previous days and bombers laid a string of bombs neatly across the runway. Two of the bombers returned slightly damaged, but of the 18 Hayabusas dispatched, the one piloted by 2Lt Ariyoshi R. was destroyed when he was forced to bail out after engine seizure not far from home. Luckily for him a flock of fishermen boats observed his descent and pulled him out of water so quickly he had hardly wetted his boots. Fishermen's were rewarded for their effort from the Sentais stocks.

Target for today - Selatar Air base:
[image]local://upfiles/24245/4739FD725C8541609F3D081313E5D296.jpg[/image]



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/5/2017 11:01:16 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.65
Date: February 10th, 1942 Tokyo time

Another request for ground support was fulfilled on this day by escorting 19 Navy Type 96 Attackers against enemy positions within the battled city of Singapore. 12 Hayabusas were dispatched along and after meeting the Navy bombers which was not an easy task flew to Singapore. Severe storms raged over the whole area so the bombing was not very effective and one of the Navy bombers sustained some damage from enemy flak. However all planes returned to their respective bases. In the evening the fall of Singapore was announced over the radio. Banzai!

Surrender ceremony:
[image]local://upfiles/24245/7C0643B8CA4048448DEAED51012C0848.jpg[/image]



CaptHaggard -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/5/2017 9:56:11 PM)

Barb—

Hope everything is going well with you and yours.

Many Japanese war movies, including those I mentioned previously, are available at www.japanesesamuraidvd.com

To be honest, I pretty much always feel uncomfortable recommending anything, but I will say this: fast delivery (of course it's CA to CA, but they seem to process shipments quickly), inexpensive, and I got just what I paid for.

"And now we return to the program..."

Hag




Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/9/2017 5:57:47 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.66 to 74
Date: February 11th to 19th, 1942 Tokyo time

64th Sentai enjoyed ten days without any significant event. No new missions were ordered, no enemy planes showed up, just the regular Combat Air Patrol and evening and sunset readiness. Time was spent repairing planes, going through the paperwork, some physical training was also on the order of the day. But the mood of the pilots went down day after day - the price for long monotonous patrols and the time spent on the ground took its toll among the pilots. Sure Col.Kato wanted something to break the boredom, but orders from the 3rd Hikó Shidan were always the same: "Guard against enemy attacks and keep combat readiness."
Not an easy task for bunch of youngsters to keep out of troubles. Some got drank, some were brought back by Kempeitai after a brawl in the Palembang proper. Some petty theft appeared at the base and several local inhabitants filed a complaint against the men at the Air Base. But in the military, one can only endure and wait... Luckily for all the movement orders arrived...



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/9/2017 12:47:56 PM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.75
Date: February 20th, 1942 Tokyo time

While ground crews were packing for a short trip by sea, pilots studied maps of southern Sumatra and Java - their future area of operations. Orders were cut so that the air element should provide Combat Air Patrol over invasion convoys heading to Java. At first from Oosthaven, then from the captured airfields at Java. The ships carrying invasion troops were deep in the water and slowly passed Singapore few days earlier. Now their bows were pointed to Java coast...
With the last rays of sun over the horizon the pilots flew their planes to Oosthaven Airfield - at the southern tip of Sumatra to shorten the distance to the convoy. A crude airstrip with almost no facilities, but well positioned to help cover the invasion troops...



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/10/2017 6:11:10 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.76
Date: February 21st, 1942 Tokyo time

On this day some Japanese troops had already landed on Java, but the 64th was tasked to provide cover for reinforcement convoy steaming about 80 nautical miles east of Oosthaven, just a little north of the Batavia. From dusk till down the 64th Sentai Hayabusas roamed the sky around the slowly moving ships below them. They were so slow, that they seemed to be rocks thrown on the surface of the calm sea never to reach the Java. But they were steadily moving bringing heavy artillery, tanks, fuel, ammunition and more soldiers to the shores of Java. With the last patrol over the convoy the planes departed for the newly captured Kalidjati Airfield in Java - ground forces were so quick they captured the base against no enemy opposition as most of the allied forces retreated toward Soerabaya.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/11/2017 6:18:36 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.77
Date: February 22nd, 1942 Tokyo time

Operating from the forward airfield at Kalidjati the 64th was tasked to provide air cover for the beach head - and this it did to the fullest possible means. Although no enemy air opposition materialized, the pilots spent countless hours in the air, landing just for fuel, quick snack and to relieving themselves. Two Hayabusas of the 3rd Chutai got slightly damaged on the runway when they collided taxiing, pilots 2nd Lt. Ban P. and 2nd Lt. Senda R. got away uninjured.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/12/2017 6:29:20 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.78
Date: February 23rd, 1942 Tokyo time

Flying cover over invasion beaches continued on this day as troops and supplies flowed from the ships anchored near the beaches. Countless transports and cargo ships lined the shore, while patrol boats, destroyers and cruiser patrolled further offshore guarding against any surprises. The air was devoid of the enemy, but full of friendly planes. It didn't take much and several planes of the 64th could have been victims of the mistaken identity. Luckily the pilots from the 59th Sentai checked their triggers at the last moment.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/12/2017 6:30:01 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.79
Date: February 24th, 1942 Tokyo time

Majority of the Japanese invasion shipping departed at night so the morning showed only a handful of them still unloading. The tempo of air operations was kept high however and continuous CAP was provided over the remaining ships.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/13/2017 5:54:40 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.79 to No.84
Date: February 25th to March 1st, 1942 Tokyo time

With the departure of the invasion shipping the tempo of air operations slowed down and 3rd Chutai was allowed two days of rest, while the rest of the Sentai continued to provide for local CAP. Enemy activity was lacking as usual, but we had to safeguard our airfield, Batavia, and our ground troops advancing quickly eastwards without much opposition. One Hayabusa was damaged in rough landing performed by W/O Okajima.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/13/2017 5:56:01 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.85
Date: March 2nd, 1942 Tokyo time

Rested 3rd Chutai departed for the newly conquered Tjilitjap airfield to provide some local CAP, while the rest of the 64th Sentai continued its CAP duty from Kalidjati Airfield.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/16/2017 6:06:57 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.86 to 90
Date: March 3rd to 7th, 1942 Tokyo time

Some more days were spent flying CAP from Kalidjati and Tjilitjap before another change of orders arrived. With the planned air offensive against Soerabaya a minor reshuffling of units was order of the day. Thus the 3rd Chutai went from Tjilitjap back to Batavia - to provide local CAP for bomber units based in the vicinity, while the rest of the 64th Sentai went forward to Tjilitjap to close the distance to the enemy. Two Hayabusas were damaged while landing on the small Tjilitjap airfield at dusk, their repairs will take several days with the primitive conditions encountered there.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/17/2017 5:28:06 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.91
Date: March 8th, 1942 Tokyo time

64th Sentai participated in the major air effort on this day by providing two Chutais to escort Type 97 Heavy bombers over Soerabaya. One Hayabusa was forced to return early with engine troubles, but the bombers were met on time and shepherded to the target. Enemy air force failed to appear again - this time thanks to the Navy Air operations clearing the skies just before the arrival of the bombers. 47 bombers laid solid pattern over enemy airfield in Moderate Rain, while enemy flak was mostly ineffective and only one of the Type 97 Heavy bombers suffered damage on the bomb run. All planes and flyers managed to return safely.



Barb -> RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected) (1/18/2017 7:21:09 AM)

64th Sentai war diary entry No.92
Date: March 9th, 1942 Tokyo time

In repetition of the yesterday performance the Sentai sent 21 Hayabusas to escort 57 Type 97 Heavy bombers to Sorebaya. Two Hayabusas were forced to return early - one with leaking fuel, the other with engine troubles, while the rest continued to the enemy stronghold. With only Light cloud cover to interfere with the bombers run the bomb pattern was laid down beautifully. But also enemy AA fire was more effective then yesterday - 5 bombers incurred damage over target. All planes were able to return to base, but several crewmen from the bomber units were injured and one gunner killed by AA fire. Enemy fighter opposition was again dispersed by Navy flyers before the arrival of the bomber formation.



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