Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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We do appreciate[:)] the effort and results[:)]
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If you think you have everything under control, you don't fully understand the situation.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.181
Date: June 6th, 1942 Tokyo time

Bad weather intervened and low clouds hanging over the Burma precluded most of the flying. The Sentai was scheduled for the escort mission, but bombers got rained in, and the mission was cancelled. Enemy planes too remained on the ground - given the rain falling down in quantities it would be very hazardous just to take off. New arrivals spend the time settling down and finding their ways around.

3rd Chutai remained in reserve at Prome resting and in maintenance of their planes for this and several following days.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.182
Date: June 7th, 1942 Tokyo time

Weather cleared up sufficiently to allow a mission for today. In request for continual ground support near Bhamo where a corps of Chinese forces were located, 27 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers were dispatched to be covered by 64th Sentai on close escort. To find the bombers in the solid overcast was not an easy task, but Lt.Col. Kato led the Santai successfully to the rendezvous point. All 21 planes of the 64th Sentai participated with half of the pilots a new arrivals – fortunately no one become lost.
The overcast was also present in the target area, so bombing was not very effective, although a small supply dump was hit. Three of the bombers took some hits over the target area, with one crewmen killed. 64th Sentai flying above the bombers was not targeted. The weather disallowed excessive practicing – it took quite an effort to keep the planes together.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.183
Date: June 8th, 1942 Tokyo time

Mission similar to the one flown on the day before was flown today. Again 27 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers were dispatched to be escorted by 21 of the 64th Sentai Hayabusas… Weather along the way was more lenient than yesterday and practicing was an order of the day. As the formation neared the target area several rain storms forced them to take evasive course several times. But the bombers finally found their target point and released the bombs. The bombing results were mostly unobserved due to foliage.

On the way back home one of the 4 damaged bombers diverted to Mandalay – a home to the 64th Sentai with wounded crewmen aboard. Landing successfully the men was rushed to the primitive hospital but died of his wounds later that night.

As the bomber was flyable, its the crew decided to return home. Lt.Col. Kato quickly got few land lines hot and obtained a permission to board the bomber with a radio picked up from another Hayabusa – he had requested for the mission to be repeated tomorrow and to fly along with the bomber formation to better see and coordinate the training of his Sentai via radio without having to actually fly the plane. The approval was granted so he boarded the bomber and departed the base…
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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Looking forward to the new updates
1966 was a great year for English Football...Eric was born

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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.184
Date: June 9th, 1942 Tokyo time

On this day the prearranged mission was flown along the same pattern as yesterday. 27 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers took off, but one was soon forced to return leaving the 26 in formation. Flying aboard the commanders plane was Lt.Col. Kato. 64th Sentai fell under the command of 2nd Lt. Chiba for the time being.

21 Hayabusas took to the skies and made rendezvous with the bomber formation at the meeting point although the bombers were a minute early. Lt.Col. Kato used his radio to give directions and the whole formation looked like a flying circus. Using bombers as targets, the pilots of the 64th Sentai practiced interceptions from various positions – dead ahead, from ahead and above, diving attacks through the formation, beam attacks, etc. as weather permitted. Encountering almost solid storm front nearing the target forced the cancellation of the exercise. Just as the last plane slid into its position, the formation disappeared in a darkness – visibility was so bad that everyone was flying on its own for a few minutes. Luckily the formation exited the front just as quickly and was able to reform. The bombers initiated their bombing runs, dropping several bomb loads into the target area. Fire from the ground damaged 3 bombers, but no one was hurt and the formation took course for home. More practicing took place along the way back.

The bomber formation leader landed at Mandalay with Lt.Col. Kato aboard, and the pilots had a long afternoon debriefing and going over tactics. It was again arranged to repeat the mission tomorrow to test the new ideas and get more practicing.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.185
Date: June 10th, 1942 Tokyo time

Running the same mission with altered timetable was no fun either. Of the 30 dispatched bombers two had to return, and with the bomber leader flying from Mandalay with Lt.Col. Kato aboard it made a total of 29 Type 97 Heavy bombers. 64th Sentai again dispatched 21 Hayabusas.

With much better weather both pilots and bomber crews got more practicing. This time the 1st Chutai of the 64th Sentai (8 planes) took the role of the defenders while the 2nd Chutai (13 planes) were send ahead to stage an ambush. Bombers passively took their course toward target covered by 1st Chutai only. About half an hour into the flight the 2nd Chutai managed to jump the formation from the sun – they got among the bombers before 1st Chutai could intervene. Nearing the target the exercise was interrupted and normal cruising dispositions were assumed. Good visibility offered bombers a nice clear bombing run and bombs fell into the target area. 3 bombers again took hits from ground fire, but nothing fatal to the planes, nor crews. On the way back from the target the roles reversed – 1st Chutai went forward to attack and 2nd Chutai remained with the bombers. This time the interception was not so easy, and 1st Chutai was effectively engaged by the 2nd before it got to the bombers.

Lt.Col. Katos bomber landed in Mandalay again, and more work awaited the pilots on the ground to dissect the lessons of today. The bomber crew stayed for a quick dinner party thrown out by, but departed in the evening for their home base with best wishes.

News latter arrived that the incessant bombing broke the morale of the Chinese Corps at Bhamo and they retreated when a mixed force of three regimental combat teams of the 56th Division and assorted artillery arrived, exposing remnants of several Indian, Ghurka, Burma and British battalions and brigades. The attack of the mixed force of the Japanese Army took number of prisoners and dispersed several units. Total casualties for the engagement at Bhamo were about 1300 men for the allies at the cost of 110 our own. Banzaii!
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.186
Date: June 11th, 1942 Tokyo time

Days of intensive flying were not behind and on this day another mission was flown up to the Lashio. 21 Hayabusas of the 64th Sentai departed to escort a mixed force of 29 Type 97 Heavy bombers and 16 Type 99 Light bombers to bomb allied positions around Lashio. Light rain did not hamper the formation and target area was clear enough to allow a good pattern. Target area was thereafter hidden in the cloud of smoke as the formation departed the area. 3 of the heavy bombers sustained light damage from ground fire. All planes returned to base, although signs of fatigue started to appear on the pilots of the 64th Sentai – especially on the newly arrived not accustomed to the high operational tempo.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.187
Date: June 12th, 1942 Tokyo time

Weather took over the flying on the Burmese skies – countless clouds, rains, storms, and winds flew overhead for the day. Pilots enjoyed the day off and made most of it. Machines and mechanics were not that happy, of course.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.188
Date: June 13th, 1942 Tokyo time

A mission requiring both 64th Sentai and its 3rd Chutai was planned for today. According to the plan the 3rd Chutai should sweep Akyab area first, followed by bomber formation covered by the main part of the 64th Sentai. But weather over Mandalay turned worse and the escort part of the mission was cancelled.

3rd Chutai successfully took off from Prome and sweeped the area according the plan before the bomber formation – 28 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers arrived without escort and laid a pattern neatly across the Akyab airfield. One of the bombers got light damage from ground fire, but all planes returned safely. The repeat of the mission was planned for the next day as the airstrip remained operational based on the later recon flight.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.189
Date: June 14th, 1942 Tokyo time

Series of heavy air strikes were planned to the vicinity of Akyab. 59th Sentai was to sweep the area first, followed by main bomber formation escorted by 64th Sentai to the Akyab airfield and later a smaller formation covered by the 3rd Chutai targeting retreating enemy columns in the vicinity. Plan fell apart almost immediately due to excessive waterfall during the night soaking up runways at Mandalay and Moulmein. As the weather was changing orders went forward for units to take off independently as situation allowed. It was only by chance that a bomber formation dispatched from Rangoon containing 37 of the Type 99 Light bombers met 3rd Chutai from Prome along the way. 2nd Lt. Hirabayashi M. leading the Chutai decided to provide protection for the bombers. Light bombers turned few miles before Akyab and dropped their bombs on the supposed enemy ground units with unobserved results. Few hours later 59th Sentai managed to take off and sweep Akyab area encountering no opposition except thunderstorms raging in the area.

Heavy price for flying this mission was payed – 2nd Lt. Tsukamoto B., an experienced leader of the 3rd Shotai/3rd Chutai with 2 victories was killed in a landing accident, his aircraft crashed after sudden change of wind, left wing dropped down, caught the ground and the plane quickly disintegrated upon impact.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.190
Date: June 15th, 1942 Tokyo time

Weather intervened again today and no missions were flown by the 64th Sentai today. Although kept in readiness, it is with doubt it would be possible to take off from rain soaked runways into low hanging clouds.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.191
Date: June 16th, 1942 Tokyo time

Ground support mission to Katha area was flown today by the 64th Sentai as the weather cleared up sufficiently to allow air operations. 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers were escorted to the target by 21 Hayabusas, near the target 4 of the Type 99 Light bombers caught up with the formation and bombed together – target were retreating enemy columns, but results were unobserved. 1 heavy bomber was hit by ground fire, but no casualties were incurred. Later another formation of 16 Type 99 Light bombers bombed the same target, with similar results. The origin of the 4 machines that caught up with the heavy bombers was thus explained – they lost their formation in weather and in an attempt to catch with them, they instead outrun them and joined formation of heavy bombers.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.192
Date: June 17th, 1942 Tokyo time

64th Sentai was again grounded due to weather, but retreating enemy units got their share of bombs anyway. First the Navy dispatched 27 of their Type 1 attack bombers escorted by 15 Type 0 Fighters, and later a formation of 22 Army Type 99 Light bombers appeared over them. Bombing was through thunderstorms and jungle canopy, so the results were again unobserved.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (Resurrected)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.193
Date: June 18th, 1942 Tokyo time

64th Sentai was again grounded and enemy columns again got their share of high explosives – 21 of the Army Type 99 Light bombers bombed in heavy rains. Other missions scheduled for the day in the area were cancelled.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.194
Date: June 19th, 1942 Tokyo time

As the weather cleared on this day, several strikes were planned – and this day is became known as "Black Friday" to the men of the 64th Sentai.

3rd Chutai was sent to sweep Akyab area, encountering no opposition, but losing one of their Hayabusas to landing accident. Pilot 2nd Lt. Ishimori N. walked away from the burning wreck.

Rest of the 64th Sentai drew assignment as an escort for series of bombing missions targeting the ground troops near Katha. 59th Sentai is supposed to sweep the area before the main force arrive, but failed to appear due to soaked runway. With bombers already in the air, the 64th Sentai took off from Mandalay and assumed position over leading formation of 17 Type 97 Heavy bombers. Following behind were two formations of 17 and 20 Type 99 Light bombers.

Near the target the weather cleared up and the sun shone up like mad. And up in the sun - the enemy!
No.136 Squadron RAF dispatching 14 Hurricane IIb took off half an hour earlier from their base at Cox's Bazaar and climbed steadily towards south-east. Commanded by S/Ldr. Elsdon and now up in the sun, it is in perfect position to ambush the score of Japanese aircraft below.

Jumped from above the 64th Sentai suffered heavily trying to defend bombers. While mostly successful in their mission as only two bombers were lost from the first two formations, the price is enormous:
Lt.Col. Kato, Tateo was last seen in the middle of the fight with two enemy fighters on his tail and is currently missing.
2nd Lt. Kizuka, J. with two victories failed to return to base. Last seen struggling to keep his smoking Hayabusa in the air and is currently missing.
2nd Lt. Kikuchi, G., one of the new faces in the Sentai, was killed in the initial enemy pass, he was last seen covered in blood as his Hayabusa dived vertically.
2nd Lt. Ban, B., another of the new faces, was killed in his plane - taking evasive action from one enemy fighter he run into another. His Hayabusa disintegrated mid-air almost instantly.
W/O Chojiro, O., another new face, was shot down too – his plane riddled with bullets lost left wing and spiraled down. No attempt to escape or chute was seen.
2nd Lt. Kizuka, B., yet another new face was last seen in the middle of the fight, his aircraft barely able to fly and Hurricane right behind him.

Two formations of bombers pressed on to target and bombed successfully although results were again not observed. After that they quickly turned and run away covered by valiant effort of 64th Sentai. While several bombers got damaged only two were lost to the enemy action.
Third bomber formation, now just 16 Type 99 Light bombers strong got little delayed along the route and arrived at the moment the No.136 Squadron RAF regrouped near the target area. Unprotected bombers presented too tempting target to leave alone, and 9 remaining Hurricanes tore into them without hesitation. Soon thereafter 7 bombers burned on the ground with the rest dispersed trying to save their own skin.

As the 64th Sentai planes were returning home one by one, smoking, shot-up, it was evident to the ground echelon what happened. Three, five, six, nine, ten, twelve, thirteen, fourteen. Just fourteen of the twenty one that flew away in the morning. W/O Ichida, I. crash landed his Hayabusa wheels up and badly shot up. It was declared a total loss. W/O Futagami, B. landed successfully with quarter of wing missing. But no word of Lt.Col. Kato, Tateo!
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)

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In one fell swoop and elite unit has lost it's commander and tasted bitter loses, moral most have taken a big hit.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)

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64th Sentai war diary entry No.195
Date: June 20th, 1942 Tokyo time

Sad mood took over the 64th Sentai. Everyone anxiously waiting for a word about Lt.Col. Kato – yet no word arrived, not today, but field orders did. War won't stop for one men.
"Bomber escort to the vicinity of Lashio. Take off 0900, meeting point 20 miles NW Mandalay at 0945, alt 5000. Major General Ban H. in temporary command."
What? Major General Ban? They sure has to have serious drinking problems at the HQ. A mere 2nd Lt. Ban H. which departed the 64th Sentai two weeks ago posted to train new pilots somewhere in Manchuria made Major General (that is 6 ranks in two weeks!) and now ordered back?
No matter what the authorities thought the tactical command of the Sentai fell to 2nd Lt. Chiba D. (leader of the 2nd Chutai) until the new CO will arrive.

12 Hayabusas – all that remained operational in 1st, 2nd and Staff Chutai took off on the morning for the dark and cloudy skies. Joining two formations of bombers they took course towards Lashio. 17 of the Type 97 Heavy bombers were in front, followed by 17 of the Type 99 Light bombers, the 64th Sentai weaving slightly above them. Nearing the target weather turned sour and several thunderstorms developed in the area.

Hidden in the cloudy and stormy sky a three lonely Hurricanes buzzed at 15,000 ft – No.136 Squadron RAFS/Ldr. Elsdon led them again, acting on his hunch he led one flight off the assigned patrol area. Looking anxiously at his fuel gauge being well down, it was about time to turn back. Making last scan of the southern sky before the signal to turn back, something caught his attention. There, just below that murky cloud.
"This is Red 1 speaking. Bandits, 3 o'clock low. Follow me."
Turning right he led the other two pilots just above the top of the cloud.
"I am almost bingo on fuel, so let's make it just one quick pass and back home, guys."
Both his wingmen acknowledged and prepared for fight. Three Merlin's accelerated and propellers dug in into the air, gun armed and ready. Over the edge of the cloud they turned their Hurricanes upside down and pulled hard on sticks. Diving from dead above, thirty-six Browning machine guns spitting lead….

Without warning the pass was deadly. 64th Sentai had no time to turn against the trio of attackers. Hurricanes nailed 2nd Lt. Okamoto B. (another new arrival in the Sentai) first. Incendiary bullets fired from the Brownings quickly ignited his fuel tanks and Hayabusa turned to a ball of fire. Pilot tried to escape, but cockpit was locked shut. Quick glance at his leader, last salute and the Hayabusa plunged down.
Diving past the 64th Sentai the Hurricanes split up and dove for the bombers. Slashing from above their pilots squeezed the triggers… more lead, more hits, more flames, more dead. British pilots had no time to observe the results of the attack – diving down to ground they quickly abandoned the scene.
Type 97 Heavy bomber got it directly into the cockpit killing both pilots – the plane flew along for a few seconds, then flipped on its back and plunged to ground. Another bomber lost an engine. Type 99 Light bomber caught it in its fuel tanks. Flames appeared and then the plane exploded right in the middle of the formation – its debris damaging another bomber flying nearby.
Three Hurricanes, 10 seconds, three planes down, two damaged, twelve dead airmen. Cruel mathematics of war.
The formation continued to their target and bombed through the clouds – results unobserved. An hour later two more bomber formations followed without escorts – and the S/Ldr. Elsdon dispatched another flight to the area. Three more bombers were lost on that day. In the evening the 113th Infantry Regiment reported that Chinese troops in the area were successfully attacked and are now retreating.
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)

Post by adarbrauner »

Very interesting and well written.

A few questions:


a- are pilots transferred to TRACOM automatically promoted in rank?

b- are new leaders/commanders drown from TRACOM's list as well?

c- I've noticed a countless number of times that new group leaders choosen and"brought from without" do not fly , and are not included in the pilots list at anytime, is that confirmed?


I find it extremely peculiar that in this engagement the escort did not engage the intercepting fighters, before them to direct themselves to the bombers.
Is it really what happened here?
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RE: Kato Hayabusa Sentotai - War diary of 64th Sentai (The Black Friday!)

Post by Bif1961 »

If the Hurricanes, which happened here had a speed advantage diving and of course a height advantage they "JUMPED," the formation. and kept going. An escort flying above and behind the bombers at the bombers cruising speed would not have time to react or catch the Hurricanes as they dove through both formations at high speed.
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