Aircraft History
Built by Mitsubishi at Nagoya.

Mission History
One of sixteen G4M1 Betty bombers led by Lt. Commander Hatsuhiko Watanabe took off from Vunakanau Airfield on a bombing mission against Port Moresby.

Intercepted over the target by P-39 Airacobras of the 8th FG, 35th FS and 36th FS, before the escorting A6M2 Zeros of the Tainan Kokutai could intercept them. Eight of the bombers bombers were damage, and one force landed at Lae Airfield on the return flight.

This bomber caught fire and exploded in the air, before crashing in the Port Moresby vicinity. Precise location of the crash is unknown.

Wreckage
That same day, the crash site was investigated by Australian Army troops.

COIC Intell Resume to 1100K/19/5/42 May.
“One T99 heavy bomber [sic Type 1] shot down [by P-39's] and burnt in air.”

“Further to Raid 52 on 18.5.42. Two more Jap bodies were found by 53rd Bn. in vicinity where Jap bomber crashed in flames.”

References
AWM 52-1-5-51-014 pages 6-9
Mitsubishi Type 1 Rikko 'Betty' Units of World War 2 page 41
Thanks to Edward Rogers for additional information

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009