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45th Hiko Sentai (45th Flying Regiment)
Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF)

Background
The 45th Hiko Sentai (45th Flying Regiment) or 45th FR was part of the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) formed in Japan equipped with the Type 99 Light Bomber Kyu Kyu Sohkei / Ki-48 Lily.

Wartime History
During late November 1942 twenty Ki-48 Lily light bombers from the 45th Sentai were flown to Yokosuka then loaded aboard Ryuhō that departed December 11, 1942 bound for Truk. On December 12, 1942 at 9:10am hit by a torpedo in the starboard side fired by USS Drum SS-228 roughly 160 miles east of Hachijo-jima and caused moderate damage and returns to Yokosuka for repairs and the Lily bombers unloaded.

During January 1943, the bombers were embarked aboard another carrier and transported to Truk where they were flown off the carrier the proceeded south to land at the newly completed Rapopo Airfield south of Rabaul and became the first unit at the new base.

Later in the month, a detachment of Lilys flew to Munda Airfield on New Georgia to support of Operation Ke-Go the Japanese evacuations of Guadalcanal. On January 23, 1943 their parked Lilys were observed by U.S. photographic reconnaissance. While operating from Munda Airfield, at least three of their bombers were disabled or destroyed on the ground by U.S. bombing or bombardments including Ki-48 Lily 534, Ki-48 Lily and Ki-48 Lily.

On January 27, 1943 nine Ki-48 Lilys from the 45th Sentai took off from Munda Airfield on a bombing mission against Guadalcanal. The bombers were escorted by Ki-43-I Oscars from the 1st Hiko Sentai and 11th Hiko Sentai. Over the target, the Japanese formation of 74 planes were intercepted by U.S. fighters including P-38 Lightnings, P-40 Warhawks from the 44th Fighter Squadron and 68th Fighter Squadron. This was the only Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) strike against Guadalcanal.

Afterwards, the 45th Sentai returns to Rapopo Airfield. Although Operation Ke-Go was still underway, the Japanese Army offensive at Wau on New Guinea was so perilous that the planes from the 45th Sentai and 11th Sentai were diverted to Lae Airfield to provide support.

On February 6, 1943 nine Ki-48 Lilys from 45th Sentai took off from Lae Airfield on a bombing mission against Wau Airfield escorted by 29 Ki-43 Oscars of the 11th Sentai. Over the target, the Lilys bombs Wau Airfield. A stick of bombs fell along the runway destroying CA-9 Wirraway A20-447 and the Air Cooperation Signals hut received a direct hit, killing three inside. Over Wau, three Lilys were shot down, one claimed by the 156th Light Anti-Aircraft battery, the other two by U.S. fighters.

Markings
The unit motif was a stylized lightning bolt. The tail markings were Sentai Hombu (Headquarters) blue motif, 1st Chutai white motif, 2nd Chutai red motif and 3rd Chutai yellow motif.

References
Emblems of the Rising Sun (1999) page 26 (45th Sentai)
Thanks to Richard Dunn for additional information

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