IJN
Tainan Kokutai
December
1942
Justin Taylan 2005
Aircraft
History
Built November 1940, possibly used for field testing as an escort gunship. Its initial unit assignment was with the 1st Kokutai, with Tail Number Z-985. Later, it was transferred to the Tainan Kokutai.
Wartime History
One of two Bettys being used as transport planes for the Tainan
Kokutai. The other was G6M1-L2 613 Tail Number V-902. Destroyed on the ground at Buna Airstrip,
with the center section burned out during a strike by B-26s and P-400s on August 29, 1942.
Wreckage Today
A wing and tail section of this bomber are displayed at the end of the Buna
Airstrip, near the war memorials. A
second wing in poorer condition was likely transported to the nearby
Buna War Museum, it is displayed sticking vertically out of the ground.
References
Mitsubishi Type 1 Rikko 'Betty' Units of World War 2 by Osamu Tagaya page 40, 42.
Betty
