IJN
Sumshu Detachment
Former Assignments
203rd Kokutai
Peter Arnold 2003
Aircraft History
Likely built by Nakajima during 1942. This aircraft appears to have been patched together
and although an earlier variant of the Zero modified slightly with later
model fittings over its career from repairs and cannibalization. Manufacture Number is unknown, but a '08' aircraft code was found on
the landing gear leg door. This aircraft was painted with green upper
surfaces and gray / green lower surfaces.
Wartime History
Most likely served with the 19 Zero detachment known as the
Shumshu Detachment, made up of former aircraft from the 203rd Kokutai
that had served there, and was withdrawn back to Japan at the end of
the war. It was abandoned at Kataoka
Airfield on Shumshu
Island.
Recovery
Recovered in 2003 by the Hunt brothers
transported to the United Kingdom where it is in storage, awaiting
a buyer to recuperate recovery cost. Later sold as a long term restoration project.
Thanks to Peter Arnold, Daniel Hunt and Giuseppe
Picarella.
Zero
