A little known photo from the Photograph Collection of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand features a number of destroyed Japanese aircraft.
According to the caption:
"Wrecked Japanese aircraft at Keravia Bay, Rabaul.
Aircraft types: Pete, Betty and Emily at rear."
The Mitsubishi F1M "Pete" in the foreground belonged to the 958 Kokutai as indicated by the numbers "58-" on its tail.
This seaplane reconnaissance unit was formed at Rabaul on December 1, 1942, with 16 seaplanes in its strength. It operated from Rabaul and Kavieng until the war's end, conducting patrols and reconnaissance in the Solomon Islands area. On May 1, 1944, it had no less than 24 seaplanes.
Its principal aircraft were the "Pete" and the Aichi E13A "Jake" Seaplane Reconnaissance Aircraft.
The tail markings it used were "58" and "958".
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