Yokosuka D4Y "Suisei" (Judy) - 501 Kokutai

Two photos today from here feature a Yokosuka D4Y1 Model 11 “Suisei”  (Judy). As you can see the caption says that it was found by US Forces in Talasea Airield, New Britain in September 1944, but online sources mention that it was found "abandoned at  Hoskins Airfield on New Britain. During early May 1944, captured when U.S. Marines from the 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV) occupied the area."

The tail marking "01-070" indicates that it belonged to the 501 Kokutai. Here's a history of the unit from the Japanese Wikipedia and the "The I.J.N. Carrier Bomber SUISEI D4Y Series photo & illustlated Part#1" by DNK.

The 501 Kokutai (501Ku) was a unit of the Imperial Japanese Navy. As the main torpedo bomber force defending the the front linesin the Outer South Seas, it engaged in torpedo attacks, bombing missions, and patrol operations in the Outer and Inner South Seas during the mid-Pacific War.

To replenish the depleted strength of the 582 Kokutai, which had been conducting bombing missions for nearly a year in the Solomon Islands area using Rabaul as its base, the 501Ku was established as one of the bomber squadrons forming part of the Outer South Seas land based air force. On June 30, 1943, the day before the unit was officially organized at Kisarazu Airfield, U.S. forces landed on Rendova Island, marking the start of a full-scale counteroffensive, and a rapid deployment to Rabaul was demanded. However, due to the unit’s recent formation and the fact that it was the first air group organized around the new “Suisei”  bombers, it was plagued by insufficient pilot training and early mechanical failures of the aircraft type, and the deployment to Rabaul was not achieved until October. 

1943

July 1: Formed at Kisarazu Airfield. Assigned to the 25th Koku Sentai of the 11th Koku Kantai. Training began at Kisarazu Airfield with 36 “Suisei” .

October 12: Training completed. An advance party of 17 aircraft departed for Rabaul, but turned back due to bad weather. The same happened on the following day.

October 14: Finally advanced to Iwo Jima, and via Truk, 14 aircraft completed their deployment to Rabaul on the 18th. Along the way, one aircraft remained behind on Iwo Jima due to engine failure, and two were severely damaged during landing at Truk.

At that time, the only carrier-based dive bomber unit deployed in the Southeast Area was the 582 Kokutai, equipped with Aichi D3A2 Model 22, and following the October 15 attack on ships in Oro Bay—where 13 of the 15 aircraft that took off, including the commander’s plane, failed to return—the unit had just relocated to Kavieng to rebuild its strength. 

The 501Ku was immediately thrown into action and began operations as early as the 20th. Three “Suisei”  took off from the Rabaul East Airfield starting at 03:00, conducting reconnaissance and daytime attacks on enemy convoys off Cape Cretin; however, they reported no results, and one aircraft, piloted by veteran WO Miyauchi Katsumi, failed to return. On the 22nd, two “Suisei”  conducted a reconnaissance and attack mission against ships off Cape Cretin. Additionally, during the day, four “Suisei”, together with 24 Zero fighters, were dispatched to attack enemy transport ships and destroyers navigating near Cape Cretin, reporting that one large landing craft had been severely damaged. 

On the following day, the 23rd, after conducting a reconnaissance and attack mission off Cape Cretin, four “Suisei”, in a combined fighter-bomber formation with 20 Zero fighters, again attacked the enemy convoy and escort vessels off Cape Cretin, scoring a near-miss against one destroyer.

October 27: Bombed an enemy transport convoy landing on Mono Island .

October 29: The 2nd Detachment of the 501Ku took off from Kisarazu with nine “Suisei”, and on November 4, eight of them safely reached Rabaul and joined the ranks.

From November 5 until 11, the unit took part in anti-ship missions against the Allied Forces that were taking part in the Bougainville Campaign in cooperation with the 582Ku.

As of December 1, the number of 501Ku aircraft stationed in Rabaul was 11, of which 5 were operational. Although some reinforcements were received, the unit never reached full strength and continued to dwindle; by January and February, it was finally reduced to a situation where only one to three aircraft were operational.

1944

February 1: Reorganized to a strength of 72 aircraft. Established a Truk Island detachment with 25 Zero fighters equipped for bombing missions.

February 17: Major air raid on Truk. The Truk Detachment engaged the enemy, losing 4 aircraft.

February 26: The main force at Rabaul made its final sortie, bombing a transport convoy off Green Island.

February 28: The main force withdrew to Truk. One operational aircraft flew back, while the commander and 6 crew members arrived at Truk on March 2 aboard the I-41 Submarine.

March 4: Assigned to the 26th Koku Sentai of the 14 Koku Kantai.

March 10: Main force completed transfer to Peleliu. Joined forces with the remnants of the 552Ku.

March 25: Dispatched training personnel to Davao.

March 29: Major air raid on Palau. Lost 12 Zero fighters and 9 carrier-based bombers.

March 31: 10 Zero fighters and 4 “Suisei” arrived in Davao from the home islands.

May 8: Remaining forces from Peleliu withdrew to Davao, joined the training unit, and continued training.

July 10: The 501 Kokutai is disbanded and survivors were incorporated into the 761 Kokutai to reinforce it in preparation for “Operation Sho.” ["Operation Sho-Go" was a plan devised by the Japanese Army and Navy during World War II to intercept enemy forces using base air units in the Philippines, Taiwan, and mainland Japan. The operations were numbered from No. 1 to No. 4 depending on the area of the main battle, and Operation Sho-Go No. 1 was launched on October 18, 1944, in response to the American invasion of Leyte Island]

"Grand Flight to Europe" - Breguet 19A "Hatsukaze" "Kochikaze"

On July 25, 1925, two Breguet 19A2 aircraft, the "初風" (Hatsukaze - The First Wind; civilian registration: J-KIKU) and "東風" (Kochikaze - Eastern Wind; civilian registration: J-KIRI) of the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, took off from Yoyogi Parade Ground to the cheers of many government officials and citizens, embarking on their grand journey to Europe. 

Their crew consisted of:

"Hatsukaze": Pilot-Abe Hiroshi (Overall Leader), Engineer-Shinohara Shunichiro

"Kochikaze": Pilot-Kawachi Kazuhiko, Engineer-Katagiri Shohei

The two aircraft traveled from Tokyo to Osaka, Kyushu, Korea, and Manchuria, crossing the Siberian continent and overcoming numerous difficulties before arriving in Moscow on August 23, where they received a warm welcome.

Then, they reached Berlin on September 18 and Paris on September 28, receiving enthusiastic welcomes for this remarkable feat, including from the aircraft manufacturer Breguet and the engine manufacturer Lorraine. They then continued on to London, Brussels, and Rome, before returning to Japan on November 29 from Marseille aboard the NYK Line's Kashima Maru, receiving widespread acclaim from the Japanese people in January 1926.

These aircraft were purchased and assembled by Nakajima Aircraft Company through Mitsui & Co. at the request of the Asahi Shimbun. 

A few more Breguet 19A were produced besides these two, but they did not become fully adopted by the military or civilian authorites or massively produced aircraft and were used as communication and mail aircraft for the Asahi Shimbun newspaper.

"Hatsukaze" crew: Abe Hiroshi left (pilot&overall leader), Shinohara Shunichiro right (engineer)

"Kochikaze" crew: Kawachi Kazuhiko left (pilot), Katagiri Shohei right (engineer)

Beautiful artwork by Koike Shigeo

If you want to read a more detailed account of the adventure flight of the two Breaguet 19A2, J-KIKU "Hatsukaze" & J-KIRI "Kochikaze", as well as other equally fascinating articles, check out issue #13 of our magazine; HERE.

Nakajima Ki-84 "Hayate" (Frank) by Alex Angelopoulos

An absolutely gorgeous model by Alex Angelopoulos (a.k.a. Alan Gelo) of a Nakajima Ki-84 "Hayate" (Frank), Arma Hobby Model Kits, 1/72. I'm really, really impressed!

Kawanishi N1K2-J "Shiden Kai" (George) Recovered! - update

Some updates.

First up some photos taken after the wreck was brought ashore, from here.

Scott Heinley:

Hello everyone, I actually live near where this plane was recovered. I believe the mission would have been 89, as this plane went down in Akune which is next to Izumi, where the mission targeted. Kanoya is far to the southeast. The plane had a considerable amount of 20mm ammunition left in both wings, so the police and JSDF will remove it and destroy it. Once that process is done it will be moved to desalinization. The plan is to stabilize it and eventually put it on display in a museum in Izumi.

Also, this plane flew from the Kokubu air base in central Kagoshima.

Jan Bobek:

I found a few more details on a Japanese blog yesterday. Hayashi was born on 17 July 1920 in Jōmyōji, Kamakura Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. His grave is located in Kamakura, but unfortunately it does not contain his remains. Most likely, his remains were destroyed by a U.S. aircraft while being transported from Orikuchi to his family home.

Arawasi:

The site of the group working on the recovery of the aircraft (here), mentions that there were two US bombing missions on that day by the XXI Bomber command in that area; Mission #83 and #89. Mission #83 is the more probable because the time and location fits.

I could not find the complete mission report but this is what I found:

Mission # 83

Date: 21 April 1945

Code Name: Famish # 4

Target: Kanoya East A/F 90.38-2516

Participating Units: 313th Bombardment Wing

Number A/C Airborne: 33

% A/C Bombing Primary: 81.8% (27 Primary, 0 Secondary and 4 Opportunity)

Time over Primary: 210809K - 210901K

Altitude of Attack: 16,200 - 17,350

Weather over Target: 0/10 - 2/10

Total A/C Lost: 0

Resume of Mission: Bombing results--several bomb patterns on field with concentration in hangar area. One aircraft damaged. Two aircraft non-effective. Enemy fighter opposition weak----------- 10 attacks. AA heavy, meager to moderate and inaccurate. Average bomb load 13,245 lbs. Average gas reserve 704 gallons.

Mission # 89

Date: 21 April 1945

Code Name: Bullish # 3

Target: Izumi A/F 90.37.2512

Participating Units: 313th Bombardment Wing

Number A/C Airborne: 16

% A/C Bombing Primary: 81.1% (13 Primary and 3 Opportunity)

Time Over Primary: 210814K - 210949K

Altitude of Attack: 14,100 - 14,500

Weather Over Target: 0/10 - 3/10

Total A/C Lost: 0

Resume of Mission: Bombing results---good concentration of hits centered on hangar area and string of bursts across airfield. Enemy fighter opposition moderate----60 attacks. Enemy aircraft destroyed one, probably destroyed three and five damaged. AA heavy, meager to moderate, inaccurate to accurate. Average bomb load 13, 643 lbs. Average gas reserve 744 gallons.

During Mission #89, no US bombers were damaged or shot down, only during Mission #83 this happened as you see above. Perhaps if someone has the complete report, we could find which B-29 was damaged and under what circumstances.

In Memoram Lt Hayashi by Jan Bobek

Lt Hayashi Yoshishige.

(Photo from here)

Since the 1990s, when I first came across an issue of Model Art devoted to the N1K “Rex” and “George” fighters, one detail has remained firmly in my memory: the distinctive markings of the personal aircraft of one of the commanding officers of the Kōkūtai 343 (II), along with his name- Lt. Yoshishige Hayashi.

This officer was killed in April 1945 during an emergency landing on the seashore. Today, news has been published of the recovery of the wreckage of his aircraft. For me, this represents one of the most symbolic moments in my long-standing interest in Japanese military aviation.

Details of Hayashi’s career are not widely known even in Japan, and I would therefore like to share this information with you.

"Shiden-kai" Model 21 from the 301st Fighter Hikotai of the 343rd Kokutai (II) stationed at the snow-laden Matsuyama Air Base in Ehime Prefecture in February 1945.

The aircraft in the foreground is No. “343-A 17” with the "17" repeat in yellow inside the fuselage hinomaru. The 343rd Kokutai was the sole combat unit that was consistently equipped with and operated the "Shiden-kai".

Hayashi Yoshishige (林喜重; the given name is also sometimes read Kijū) was born in Kanagawa Prefecture and attended Shōnan Middle School (湘南中). In March 1941 he graduated from the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy, Class 69 (ranked 90th of 342).

On 25 March 1941, Hayashi was appointed Midshipman. On 1 November 1941, he was commissioned as Ensign and entered Flight Training Course, Class 37. Promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) on 1 November 1942, he was assigned to the Kōkūtai 251 in the Rabaul–Solomon Islands area. From September 1943, he continued his service in the same theater as a Buntaichō with the Kōkūtai 253.

Hayashi was promoted to Lieutenant on 15 March 1944 and assigned to the Kōkūtai 361 as commander of Fighter Hikōtai 407. Both units were newly formed at Kagoshima. Although originally scheduled to be equipped with Shiden interceptors, the unit instead received Zero fighters. Due to shortages of aircraft, pilots, and officers, the Kōkūtai 361 was disbanded after four months without seeing combat.

On 10 July 1944, Hayashi transferred with Fighter Hikōtai 407 to the Kōkūtai 221, his Hikōtai intended to operate 48 fighter aircraft. After training at Kagoshima, it was deployed to Angeles, Luzon. In December 1944, Fighter Hikōtai 407 returned to Japan and, together with its commander Lt. Hayashi, was reassigned to the Kōkūtai 343 (II) and re-equipped with Shiden-kai fighters.

The Kōkūtai 343 (II) was tasked with patrol, interception, and escort missions for Special Attack units. In addition, it engaged B-29 bombers. Hayashi reportedly had a heated discussion with the commander of another Hikōtai within the Kōkūtai 343 (II), the well-known fighter ace Lt. Naoshi Kanno, regarding the proper method of attacking high-altitude B-29s.

On 21 April 1945, after intercepting a B-29, Hayashi was killed during a forced landing at Orikuchi Beach, Akune City, Kagoshima Prefecture. He was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant Commander. He is credited with five aerial victories, including one achieved in a Shiden-kai fighter.

- Jan Bobek -

The "Shiden-kai" of Lt Hayashi is being lifted out of the water after 81 years.

Kawanishi N1K2-J "Shiden Kai" (George) Recovered!

"The Imperial Japanese Navy fighter aircraft “Shiden-kai,” piloted by Lieutenant Hayashi Yoshishige from Kanagawa Prefecture, [a member of the Sento 407 of the 343 Kokutai], engaged a formation of U.S. B-29 bombers in April 1945, shot down one aircraft, and then made an emergency alighting near the coast of Origuchi, Akune City.

"The "Shiden-kai" had lain on the seabed for 81 years since its crash, but on the morning of the 8th [today], a salvage operation was carried out and the fuselage was recovered. It is reported that not only the engine and both wings, but also the twin 20mm machine guns—considered a defining feature of the aircraft—remain intact. Plans are being considered to display it in Izumi City to preserve the memory of the war."

From the site of the group working for the preservation of the aircraft, here:

On April 21, 1945, Lt Hayashi Yoshishige took off from Kokubu Air Base as the commander of the 3rd Shotai of the 1st Chutai. He added his own name to the sortie roster and headed for the skies.

Over Fukuyama Town, Aira District, Kagoshima Prefecture (now Fukuyama Town, Kirishima City), he encountered a formation of 11 B-29s. A fierce battle ensued.

So focused on the attack, Lt Hayashi became separated from his wingman and pursued the enemy aircraft alone. The battle shifted to the skies over Izumi.

It was at this point that PO1c Shimizu Toshinobu of the 3rd Chutai rushed to his aid. The two aircraft launched a relentless joint attack. Finally, they sent a radio message reporting “one enemy aircraft shot down.”

However, immediately afterward, Hayashi’s aircraft was also hit. He shut down the engine and, through skillful piloting, glided toward Wakimoto Coast to attempt an emergency landing.

According to recently disclosed records held by then-Commander Genda Minoru, the aircraft crashed into the sea off Orikuchi Coast and, Lt Hayashi struck his head violently against the instrument panel. He died at the young age of 24 from a fracture of the base of the skull.

And a video from the recovery from here:

Kawasaki Ki-61 "Hien" (Tony) by Matteo Reich

The tamiya 1/72nd scale Ki-61 Id is completed, it portrays a 11th Rensei Hikotai aircraft found after the war. I'm quite satisfied. I used oil paints as usual, plus some post shading and enamels. I found Ammo Starship filth to be awesome to weather bare metal finishes!

I suspect the bare metal aircraft was originally camouflaged and partially stripped back to the metal.

- Matteo Reich -

Here's the original aircraft that inspired Matteo. As you can see, his model is really very close. I just can't find any flaws or anything to nag about. Great job!

As to why the aircraft looks like this, it could be old camo, as Matteo mentions, or perhaps the paint job wasn't finished.

Artist - Vladimir Martinicky (12)

Vladimir Martinicky from Slovakia, sent over artwork he created for a Tsukuba Kokutai Kawanishi N1K1- Ja "Shiden" (George).

Moc ďakujem.

"Tsukuba Kokutai Fighter Squadron"

About this time last year, Dai Nippon Kaiga released a new book dedicated to the fighter squadron of the Tsukuba Kokutai, written and illustrated by Yoshino Yasutaka. It's a well researched book with plenty of photos and material. Especially interesting to modellers and historians focusing on aerial warfare in Japan during the war's final year.

Contents:

Paint Schemes and Markings of Aircraft Belonging to the Tsukuba Kokutai 

Prologue: What is the Tsukuba Kokutai? 

Part 1 – Naval Pilot Training Courses and Training Kokutai 

Part 2 – Training Aircraft of the Tsukuba Kokutai: Zero Carrier-Based Fighter Kawanishi ‘Shiden’  

Chapter 1: The Pursuit of the B-29. The first enemy the Tsukuba Kokutai engaged: the ‘B-29’

 Chapter 2: Fierce Battles with Enemy Carrier-Based Aircraft. The formidable foe that ran rampant over the Kanto region: the ‘F6F’. Verification of the serial numbers and variants of the Zero fighters from the Tsukuba Kokutai’s Fighter Squadron that participated in the interception missions.

Chapter 3: The Okinawa Air Campaign. Easier to handle than its menacing appearance suggests? The ‘F4U’. Casualties from the Tsukuba Kokutai’s Fighter Squadron.

Title: "Imperial Japanese Navy Tsukuba Fring [sic] Group, Fighter Squadron"

Authors: Yoshino Yasutaka

Published by: Dainippon Kaiga, March 2025

Pages: 176

Photos: 116

Profiles: 40

Size: 21X26cm

The book is available.

Price: $US 39.00 (Postage NOT included)

Send over an email if interested with your name and delivery address (to calculate postage): arawasiorder@gmail.com

Nakajima Ki-43-I "Hayabusa" (Oscar) by Kenneth Henderson

Nichimo 1/48 Nakajima Ki-43-I "Oscar". I really had fun building this 51-year-old kit, which is definitely a better option than the Hasegawa early "Oscar". The only real drawback of this kit is the shallow wheel wells. Some will not like all of the rivets, but they are really well done, and after a coat of paint, they look pretty good! 

I was told years ago not to use all the interior parts for the engine mounts, etc., as they will never be seen once the model is completed. I totally forgot about this and ended up removing all of mine from the firewall and drilling a hole to mount a tube to which the engine could be attached. 

I painted the model with Gunze and MRP lacquer and weathered it with oils. I started out with Aeromaster decals, but ended up painting all of the stripes and using National Markings from Rising, as the Aeromaster decals are not quite accurate when looking at the photos of this machine in FAOW #13. 

The color scheme represents a 1st Hiko-Sentai Ki-43-I flown by Major Takeda Kinshiro from Hanoi, Indochina, in October 1942.

- Kenneth Henderson -