IJN
? Kokutai
Ray Fairfield 1974
D
Pennefather 1974
Aircraft History
Built by Mitsubishi on December 31, 1942 or January 1, 1943. The 47th Model 22 assembled.
Wartime History
Abandoned in the Rabaul area.
Wreckage
Remained in situ in the Rabaul area until the early 1970's.
Ray Fairfield adds:
"I thought it came from the nearest strip [Vunakanau]. Somewhere around the mission school, or the strip."
Recovery
Recovered and transported to the yard
of the Rabaul
Technical College, and maintained by Michael Pearson,
until at least 1985.
Later, moved to the Kokopo War Museum where it is on display in their outdoor yard. Although this wreck looks gutted, it is in remarkable condition. All the fittings and framework are present, even the wing 20mm cannons.
References
Thanks to Ray Fairfield, Bruce Hoy, David Pennefather, Jim Lansdale and Jim Long for additional information.
Charles Darby noted manufacture number in 1974
A6M3
Photo Archive
