Coapilad g May kt

Welfar. Ministry Deaw>M ligation Bureau, toVHinUn Uerddation Department

Operations in the I. Situation at the beginning of 19*5.

Since hit seisure of key points in the MiBTAlAfl In Juno and July of 19**. the enemy had hooa engaged in tho conatruction of largo tort of banes for hoary piano, oa aaXPAI, 90AM, and TI1IAI. la oarly Deceaber ho had began to raid cities and important production facilities in tho Jopanooo hoaoland, canting aoro aad more damage as tho nnahor of pianos participating and tho frequency of tho attacks voro gradually incroasod.

ly tho ond of December 19**, tho onoay's Philippine inrasion oporation, hogun in October, had toon roughly completed la tho Loyte aad Saner areas, and oarly 19*5 hod 000a tho inauguration of full-scale landings on LUZOI. nth tho backbone of tho Japanese float crushed in tho naval engagements off tho PHLIPPHM, it bad become all hat ijspossible to eead la reinforcements or supplies, aad there was little hope of repulsing tho enemy; Japan'• sole objectire had thenceforth been to force tho enemy to pay a bloody price. Ihe eaeoo flaring acquired through hit inrasion of tho MARIAKAS and PHI UPTIMES two largo, powerful, aad strategically situated bases 1,300 allot froa JAPAI, vat now in a petition to sorer coanuni cations between tho hoae islands and tho strategic Southern area, but it was anticipated that ho would path hit hatoo still farther forward la order to destroy ear military resources and off00tirely threeten lines of communication between JAPAI and XOOA, CHUA, end hAICWIIA.

Imperial Headquarters, which had team carefully studying the enemy's next aoro since tho oad of 19**. had reached tho conclusion that, after striking at IV© JIMA around February 19*5. the would begi^ an adrance around April toward tome key area in tho last China Sea region - tho IAII1I 8EOT0, lOBMOSA, or somewhere in central CHUA. the nary was conrincod that for geographic aad strategic reasons the first of these, and OsTTMAWi in particular, cone ti tut ed the aoot likely target.

With the military strength arailahlo, JAPAI could hardly hope

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to defend hoth ZVO JUU end OUIefca egainst en enemy possessed of such cicentic power. Accordingly, la view of the fact that, geographically speaking, IVO offered Vat ■cent7 scope for the large-scale end effectiro utilisation of the Japanese air force, vhereas the conecntrati on of every ounce of the nation' 0 fighting strength on GCIAMA would he relatively slaple, and far the further reason that, unlike IVO, CBMUH when captured, would provide the enemy with easily Built air and naval bases froa which to seriously threaten ear domestic resources and overseas consmnications, Taps rial leadquarten decided to held air and sea aid to IVO to a nin-iaaa aad to threw all renal slag resources late the Ohiaewe campaign.

S

XX. Operational preparations. A. Operations plama.

tho Imperial Heart far tort plane for the Okinawa operation wore transmitted to tho forces concerned early in 19*5 through the medium of the Outline of Imporl al aray aad levy Operations Flans aad the army-levy Joint Agreement oa Air Operations, their major proTisione wore aa follows:

1. Oeneral operational policy.

Xa Tiow of the sensitive international situation, tho , Imperial aray aad levy will endeavor to hreok the enemy's will to fight aad accomplish the nation's war aims by concentrating their energies oa •tapping the drive of Japan'• foremost foe, tho OTITB) 8TABSS of AMHUCA, irrevocably crushing tho enemy's ooabat strength on all fronts aad holding feat to the vital areas necessary for the continuation of hostilities.

2. Outline of general operational policy.

a. In expectation of a steady increase in tho. gravity of tho military situation, the aray aad navy will take advantage of existing strategio conditions

to crush tho enemy drive and immediately create a situation in which the initiative rests with JAPAI. Oar primary objectives in doing so will he to anticipate future shifts in operations aad quickly prepare for strong interception efforts in the empire and tho continental areas essential to its defense; to he able to repel an enemy at-^ tack at any tine; aad, insofar as clrcuaetances

permit, to build ap counterattack strength, particularly trained air strength, in order to engage in aggressive and unrestricted operations.

b. the aray aad aavy will engage la strong aad flexible operation* against the main body of the American

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ftm, mv attMkiM the wmumm Hunt, «*-

fwt it, ui deal a Uw of ■■if power to the eaeay't ooikt •treacth. at the MM Um, they will wimtf to ooatela tho oaeay aad at 1 Use tho tin calmed for rapid oporotloeol preparatlena im otter areae.

0. the aray aad nary will perfect opera II ooal pre-pmUoM afalmet eed defeat AmorIlea force*, particularly aeparltr air aad tea forooo, adfom1 laf aealaat Tltol mi 1b tho eaplre. ft thlf cam, oophooli will 00 placed om oporatloaa im tho riciaity of tho HI! OOfta Oh efaloct ememy «*-tooko om tho soulhara part of tho eaplre from tho Philippiao Ialaada area, oporotioBol preparatieaa at hoy lcoatloa* U that reglea will 00 at epped «p far aotioa ia Fehreary or March.

flo or opart for tho peaaltllity of om attack im tho mumm ■» (incledia* MO JXMa), erery effort will ho mate to atreaathea defeaoee there. It it alio anticipated that eneay olomoato aay ■triko at tho MOM, or that, if oiroaaotaacoo warrant, a poworfal foroo amy invade tho homo lo-lamao direetly. appropriate otopo will ho takaa to deal with cither of thooo oToataalltloo.

A. lho amy ami nary will ocahlao their ailitary ro» ooarcoo om tho lama, om tho com, ami partiealarly ia tho air, acalaat tmo maim homy of tho attackiac amarioam force, im order to dootroy their fUhtlac •troafth ami thwart their iaraaioa alamo.

Im tho aeon time, oooratlomi ■■■•ami primarily hy aroaad forooo will ha aaiertihoa im aati o-ipatioa of attacks my eaporior eaoay air ami naval

otroBfth la •thar araaa. 9m dootraction of tho onoon-»f flfhtta* pov« will ha oacoapUokad pri-narily >y ■■■■■ «f a tolling blow *t m dooJjand to oapltallto 19M tho Talnarability of kit ooa-Wm lnTaaion. Iwmi which land oabioouontly will bo InUM twm their nmi of oupplioo aad cntki la nroand combat. Conntaat aad unreal ttia« afforto will be aad* io aaak aut and dootrey HHf taak foreeo.

a. tbm itato of military preparation, la key loca-tioao on tho fcnitheaat China ooaot will to in-pporad, and caro will "bo taken to nooura ill — reealte In oporationo (particularly In tka air) la tha laat China Baa raglon aa wall aa la tan BUI mm and FMMMa. Oparatloaal preparation, at gKABHAl aad XaalVJBO will aa ampadltad in aatlo-ipatlon of laadlasa by powerful oloaeats prior to or rlaal tone only with tka laraolon of JAM.

t. I» tka toe there Aroa tka chlof eajeetlwee will bo to oohttyo oelf-ouffloioaoy for our forces aad to thwart •navy attaapta to cap tore roar aa tori all and air and aaral baoe*.

f. fan amy and nary will daal with tka eaeay'i ia-oreaolagly hoary air raido by oniooriglag to tka ataaat of thoir ability to raid aad aoutralioo 1to baooo aad by preteetlnc produotioa aad una— nieatioa faoili tiot and pmorile*, publio ardor at hone.

Xa aaUeipation of tka oneajr'o oarly accuini-tion of air baooi la tka pen ■■am the to aroa (ia-oladin* IVO JUU). plan* will bo aado to hlndar thoir atlUaatioa. Alao, oar raid protooUoa

MM0N for fOKTO will be Improved at oaco.

h. Overcoming enemy UwrfWMM, tat eray aad navy vill endeavor It tree apart rati aad raw — trial■ from tko Southern Area to tha hone lalaada aad to koop opom tat tta lanes between JAPAI aad CXZIA aad MAKatlXA Thar tail lit Matt to harass aad imttai tat at tat 'a laaff operational liana aad hinder alt supply tptratitat.

1. Xa addition it •trivia*- far a degree of military preparation aaffltleat far certain victory, tar forote will taitavay to comptaaatt far the growing disparity between tat enemy's aatarlal strength and our own by using ingenuity in their utilina-tion of method* of warfare, military organisation, and want oat m in particular, by atrategie eaphaaie upon tat surprise raid tad tat del attack.

Oatliat Of opexatloaal policy in strategic areas at

the empire (including JUIISI ftaVfO).

a. If forts will be made to cope with enemy air raids by (1) neutralising air bates and tank farces aad (2) improving air raid flafaaatt in key homeland ltoatieas aad (j) working constantly far tat destruction of httUlt aircraft.

aggressive air aafnttt naaeai is will rely primarily on air strength. Veoessary air baaes will be set up tad adequately ooneealed and protected.

b. She defemae of barbers ant vital 11 annsl tatjoaa lines will he strengthened to prevent destraatien by eta and air attacks of land and tea iisassst is tltat facilities in etrategio bintltni areas.

t. The southern ZQHXSS, the OOMNUKl StttO (iaclud-iu» IVO Jlea), tha lASSXl m north of tho anlm i eland of QDUii, WaMbla, and tho Shanghai Iron will ha hold secure na Japan's front lino for operations in dopth in dofonoo af tho onpiro. Ia tho OTont that an onaay landing iaoido tho lino proves completely uaaraldahle, ovary effort will ho aado to oanot a hear/ toll in oaaonltlaa and to proront tho construction af air heeeo.

d. if tho onaa/ invades JUPJI, aaataara VMMk, or o

the Shanghai Area, lead, aaa. and air fareas will jointly repalea and dee trey Ma. tho aosossary fighting strength will ha peered late the HJ1XZ2S, the OaA&anaSA SBOfB, the Ismail SSDtO, aad fOIMOan; appropriate operational preparatieaa will ho aado, aad erery opportunity will ho token to eoaoontrate and reinforce air strength in arte to encoapaas his defeat, o. Our forces will overeeae all eheteeles to aaka immediate and fuadaeental reriaioas aad lapraro aeata in operational preparations inside the empire, particularly the bene 1 si cads ami KsTJLt, aad hattleflaid ooaditlena will he eotohlishod to enable the nation to aeot the anticipated beery air raida. thooo tasks will he roughly completed by fell.

although operatioaal preparations for enemy 1 aadings mill he adopted to ■bamglag cireuas tenses, they will first he quickly tempi otad ia the lento iron, JErasY, and VMBk. Outline of air operational poller.

a. Ike enpeoted enemy attack la tka last China taa ftsfloa will be ereehed ay tka nnaloil off arte of tka army oa* aowy air oaro*. At tka aaaa tlao, diroot hoaolaad Aafoaooo will to .trsa«theasd. tka preYisiea sad utilisation of opoolal attack otrenfth will be oonjba.1 iol for tka purposes of tka fe*af*lag operations.

b. fhe air strength of tka army aaa aery will aa qulokly deployed In the loot Ohiaa Sos Aroa (TCBMOSA, lAIaH OOfO, ooatbaast CHIA. XT9BD, XOUA) far air oporationo doslfnad to dootroy onony larasioa forces. Tbo prinoary target of tka nnral air foroo will ko tank fores.t that of tho any will ha conToys. lac amy will do ererythinc possible to co-operate la attacks em task force*.

0. Operations la tka south Ohiaa Coastal Area will oeneiot chiefly of efferte oa the part of the amy air foreeo (local units with cone rolaforcoaents) to craah onoay attack fore; nary air forest will oo operate inoofer as peeelele.

A. Part of tka amy and nary air forces will 00 opor ate to hold tka aesnpe She to Area.

e. Auk oo sweat air operations la tka Philippine Island. Area will be tka responsibility of part of tho foroo. etatleaed la tka faillppAae III sain and lotas oa araaa. Air forces otatleaed ia tka Iadiaa •team Area will oaiiairir to thwart oossay plans

t. Antiaircraft dofoaees at stratefle pelats ia JAPAI aad Wilt will be ■troae+Atswjd aad neutralise-tion of tka bass, of raid! a*- aircraft will be

©Oatismod.

g. Ia srdsr to oo able to eopo with ■koail 14 iiiw> itmii, our forces will oadoaror to hold rooorre otrojigth and ropUljr raise training lorelo.

h. Both tho eats/ aad tho nary rill sassursgs tho

Of ■rial attack spirit, laereaae thoir special attack strength aa aach as possible, aad sadearor to pt spare other foreeo ia each a way as to aooare aexlnun exploitation of taa special attack veepea.

1. Za air operations ia the heme I si seas aaa tka area around tka lASf OBML BU, Joiat mm aarr actir-ltgr will he tka rale. Za order to aooare real cooperation between tka highast siaeaollng of fleers of the air foreeo oagogod in Joiat operations ia the home islands, they will he stationed at tka sane place during operations.

J. General plans far the nee of air strength are

v

dlTen in tables 1 aaa 2.

taalc 1. Jnr Air ltr«a*th Wtilltatlaa Flam

3 Air neat

5 Air Float

(10 Air Fleet)

Fidfrter.

kO Tlxatara

Fighter.

200

Ooakat plaaeo 700

lo-eer.

10 taker.

•0

mm.

6o

Xrainlnt. plnne. 1.JBO

Attack plan..

10 Attack plana.

At took piano.

JO

Land attack alaaea

10 Land ■aofj.ra

y>

Lend ooaaara

*>

Land attack plana.

Baarj heahnra

30

leeennni.aaaoe plan

aa 10

land attack planoa

•

Iiap1.ua link aaa

10

nplacoaata

5

• 5

total

■pM

Pi

lotal 2.000

IfJBMi ljaton district

€0

•

1 Air Fleet

^yiaad^olr^

Oentrnl 41 strict

Fighter.

u

Western district

30

M

mmm

*3»

Attack plan*.

It

leeert strength

13»

XiancL hashar.

3

Sc«thw«.t

3*

Land attack pi aaaa

5

r

5

■etet Ac 10 Air Fleet, which am eerv. at aa

tTre«a^^«ca^te ltTepcelai attecT' training by the eat of April.

r

light fighter.

5

Seeplea.be.hcr.

5

Mai

•5

fteatkve.t Area

13 Air flaet

fighter.

s

50

Attack plana.

15

Land attack plane.

13

fJrtal

•

m

S,i, ....... ...............__________n^J.r.. / ' .

1. leadying nilitary strength for Okinawa Area operations, the destruction of tho tookbios of tho rspstttss float la tho Battla of tho HBUmB A meaat that largo ooolo, planned surface operatic** hp- tka ismololog elements vara oat of tho euee-tlea. It aaa iaeritnhle. therefore, that under tka dronnsianees exitting la early If**, the air force ■heala oorro aa supea'o amis bulwark agalast the smssry 1* reding her eater perl a* tor, with local defentire loam ooahat foraoo aad local aural strength playing eak-ordlaate roloo. to pat it differeatly, it vaa futile oren to think of ft gating a eager oarfaoe action with air aorta* ia tho early ttagot of am enemy at tack; the oaly oearto open to JAFAI aaa to oaploy local foreeo ia order to roaiot for a tin* ami then teloo aa oppertaaity to tarn the tide of hattlo through tka aaa of her powerful air arm. It wao for this reason that Imperial leadqaartaro attacked paraaeent iapertanoe to air strength ia its preparations for the destruction of the enemy adraaclng toward tka outer perimeter of tka homeland.

1. air force organisation aad training.

the force primarily reoponsihlo for hoaol sad air mm tions in early 19*5 wao tho 3 air float, with units deployed fran KAITO to DUSHB ia JAPAI oad as far N away as the MAMPtt fBOTO and KtMfML It was sep-

ploaented in KXV6EB by the 11 Air lopadrea (attached to the Combined fleet), which was oaolgaed to aatl-task force operations.

Mo«>t of tka strength of the 1 aad 2 Air fleets ia the Philippines aroa had bean orussstod la a succeed oa S of florae battles, with the result that tka 2 Air fleet had been deactirated la early January end ito renalnlag elements incorporated into the 1 Air fleet, a. Organization of J Air fleet

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Aa prewieaaly Bated, tba 3 Air fleet, dopleyad am a alia operational free* aeon ao lag Tirtuelly the ehele ef JAPAI, eae far free adeenntely prepared far the anticipated anony laweelaaa af the

otrcagth consisted af plane units awhanetod ia the IntUa af the IBUmH whl eh hen I chained ta the heart aal aaA vera in araaaaa of isaeeeataaliia aaA training, earn it waa further haapirii ay aenv ereaa weaknesses ia sp are ti seal Aireetien, such aa the feet thnt fleet heudeuartere waa located at IISAIAZU. Za riew of theae clrenaataaeos. the 3 Air Fleet una directed he derate iteelf ta readyinn lta feraee in the lento Area far inre-slena ef the IAWO SBDtQ aad lantern BDIUB, ami em 11 February the 3 Air Fleet's 25 Air Isundroa ami the Qomfciaai Fleet's 11 Air Ixrandron (hoth in XT₯OB), augmented hy aaaltlaaal 3 Air fleet ele-aamta. were organised into the 5 Air Heat and aaaigaed the teak ef deploying ta aeet an eneny lnvaelea ef the Beat Ohina Sam dram, it waa eaUeipated that this reorganisation weald mean n strength of ehaut oOO planes for the 5 Air fleet, to reeeh about 800 hy around 10 March with the addition ef unite in pro a see af training with the 3 Air fleet. Aa tirati an of 10 Air fleet the eranniaatlea of the 5 Air fleet waa rsajsael hie far aaae lapnaamaH ia hsaileal diepeeltlea for air eperaUona, hat the quell ta tire ami auenUtatire inferiority af ear feraee to those

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wnich the invading enemy vac expected to pit against thaa aade it apparent that hone defence aircraft would hare to ho effectively eeaverted into coahat planet, and training unite traneforned into operational forcee. tho Osnblaii Bevel Air Training Coanand wan therefore deactiTated, tho training air green enrolled in training, and coahat plane oouraee wore brought together on 1 torch Into tho U, 12, and 13 ■■■Mail air groupt, which in turn were ooaMaai aa tho 10 Air fleet j aad the training courioe were toaporerily ehaadoaod ia fhave* of operational training ■ aha del si for eoa-pletiea around the end of April, Theee aovee pro-Tided the 10 Air fleet with approximately 1,100 coahat pianos of various types and 2,900 training planes, or n total of 3.&0, af which it waa esti-natod that ahout 700 and 1,200 roapoetively would he available for operations hy the oad of April. Zt was decided that all amah aircraft would he equipped for special attaek operations.

Zt van alee decided to ante nahiosi air groups. Prevailed oa a geographic basis, ef the Combined navel Air Training Coamand's training air groups emerged with the instruction of enlisted primary flight. Maintenance, aad slioness Iret asset to incorporate thaa late the various aaval and guard district forces for work et air bases within tho districts; aad to train thaa far lead seahet ia preparation for the Battle of JAPAI. Although the training ef aaval flight isvssaasl van thaa temporarily halted, it van anticipated that, cir-eaaataeooe permitting, it would he rieaait sieved

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withdrawal of 1 Air flaet to fOBBii. With tho exhaustion of aost of tho strength of tho

oBi t Air fflooto atatioaed U tho VMZZOmWI or a roomlt of euccesslYe epemtieaa of tor tho eneuy lttToolon. it «jm decided to doootiToto tho t Air fleet (oo of ? Jan ha) o«i traaaf or tho 1 air float hoadauartore aad tho planes la the area to fOBMOIA, whore they were to eonti ana eperatioas. aolsjauftore aowed oa 9 January, thoneoforth oo-eupyiag itoelf with rebuilding its eonhat strength.

Tho operational strength of tho 1 Air fleet et the tiao ef its withdrawal consisted of 195 pi snot (including 70 apodal attack planes), to which 100 aero of Tarloae types wore added daring fernery. Za addition, the fleet endearored to aid to lta re sources hy rotiratlng and training ajtrtal attack ferees aado up of training planes and stolon ts free the aid training air group UIWMi.

Unco it wan lapeeeihlo to aewe the gwiaaf. personnel ef the air groups attached to the 1 and

air fleets (except the 63* aerel Air Oreep) to fOMOtA, the groups were laeorporatod into the 26 Air Squadron ead aado ground forces. Aa ef 9 fah-ruary, the strength cent to fOfJBIA wen assigned to the newly aetlrated 132, 133, 209, and 7*9 natal air groups under the 1 Air fleet. Areigaaeat of aray air strength ta naral oonaand Aray aircraft were subordinated to nary control for the first tiao ia the ear aa 29 Jul hh, wham the 98 and 7 air regtaoata were placed, under the SHoaaadsT ef the 2 Air fleet. After being trained

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In surface operations, these pianos soared excellent results no aray torpodo ■■■tor units vorkinf vita naval air croups, oat although snail local units were frequently placed at tee aavy'e disposal thereafter, there were no other instances involving large forces. After early 19*5, however, the eppereet inevitability ef on Anerlcaa invasion ef the IAMBI BBOfD led to the desire to create a unified srajr-aavy air oners, nil to help off sot the gap between the enemy's aaaorieel strength and oar own, and at the suggestion of the Aray Bapai heoal of Xnperial headcaartera, the 6 Air Amp (TfJ) planes) was assigned to the mneood of Use een-aoader-in-Chief of tho Combined fleet hotweea 19 March sad 22 hay, co-operating oloaely with navel forces as a part of the CnahUal fleet aad playing an extremely important role at crucial moments ia the Okinawa raiyetgn, Technical training ef air strength Aa of 1 March the number of navy planes aveilahle for operations in the hansel Haste iree was aa foUewas

5 Air fleet - about 600 planes (acarly ell deployed in tho sectors half ef JAPAI Proper.)

3 Air fleet - about S00 planes (nearly ell deployed in tho eastern half af JAPAI Proper).

10 Air flaet - about 400 planes (deployed throughout JAPAI Proper).

1 Air fleet - aheat 300 please (ia ffJaMSA).

fatal - aheat 2400 plaaaa

however, all of the air fleets included

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partially tralaai personnel; la particular, alaast all the aam la the 10 Air flaat end erer half af thaa* la tha 3 Air flaat vara inexperienced per-aaaaal atill la tha traialaf atage. lacogalrlag that tha affaatira attltaattaa af aach poroconcl U tha iaaiaaa t tail aaa iiaiilgo I at sal it something athar thaa oetahltebed tactics, aad, ia partioalar, that tha success af tha aaatalga would dapaad upoa Japan'a ahility ta luiekly in-araaaa tha teahmiaal akili af har laorportoosoi flyers, lay art al anadeaortaro Aoro tod a great deal ef study ta the aolutiaa af the traialag pro Waa. Ia the aeaatlaa, uhila the Better ef air operations la the Oklaawe Area lias it go aaa being thaa considered, special attack aetheda vera already in gsasrol uaa in tha 1 Air flaet, a feet which lad laperial aaa* quarters ta snare soy lta aatlreUaa ef the) 5 aad 10 air fleet a with confidential instructions revealing lta intention ta aajheitie the special at teak method hecanae af the importance af tha Okinawa saepolga Aa a result, the air feraee la JAPAI, following the example oat hy the 1 Air fleet, alee a*mara11r adopted the aathod end hogan to give ■imple and practical apodal at-taok training to their oemi-tralned perooaael.

the 5 Air flaet, which cemotituted the main strength of tha air force, in general, decided am the following operational policy, lta objectIre being the sighting aad oasrlhllotloa af enemy teak fereeo •

"ladar petrel pianos, ■tarsalag a viae area during the eight, mill eight and aeintein contact

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with m«v teak force*. Aft 4m spedal at1 planoc equipped viftk bombs aad will aaaaalft tha enemy la order to aaatrallso Ida planet prior ta their take-off; sad apodal at-tacka continuing throughout tha day vill tho dftaatioa. finally, f eUow-np might att will iaflict aoro dnsnges and annihilate tha eaeay.*

Oai tho hade ef tha nhowe policy, plaae far the disposition af strength, eeaesjAieatleae, de-

faaaa, supply, ate., were aado aai appreprlate trdaiAg activities undertaken. Disposition af etreagth need for

As it was estimated that fOAM, . ware being employed aa advance! heeas far the enemy attack aa JAPAir Proper, vlfth wT.HU, in particular, eerring ae e teak f« reeennaiesaaee ef these arena to obtain tafarae ftlea concerning the eaeay eltantlen was of the mt-aaaft importance to the success ef ear homeland interception operation.. It aaa daeldad that , esanee plaaaa free the 1 Air fleet ia would corer HTta, haft, eapealany after the fell ef ZVO, reeosnel ssaaas aft ILXxal aad eVae oeuld he aarriad eut only hy alrereft fren bases aa SOT. la - (S late alaaing), • (HI lumber missing) SAIcY plaaaa (ft HZH) free tha 3 Air fleet were seat ta «0T ria lit) aad aaVW I SLAMS,

replaeeaenta (effected hy submarine after the fall ef MO) ta amintain three or fear af thaa aa the

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island, deeping euAk and uLXTBI nana? constant surveillance, they ofton brought in roports of ■aaa importance as to assist tha operations ef all oar forces. This rsseeaaleesecc unit received a ■PO»sodett ■■ from aaval Goassjnder-in-Chief Osaka em 13 Bar *$.

2. the oarfece craft situetlon (to he discussed later).

3. flee local surface seal underwater ejeeiol attack strena-th situation. (Be me discussed later.)

H. The grown* strength situatioa.

flea femoral policy was to peer tho necessary ailitary reoomroes late the MMM1 mm ia odveacs, strengthen the fortification of the islands, ready ell oparotloaal prepemtioes east hrimf in ooseeatratod roiaforooaents of air strength at the isaarvaas neaeat ia order he destroy eaeay at to eh lag units.

Bee army had staUoned tie 32 Aray (three diri-sieas aad a aimed brigade) ia the aaaeei She to Area, hat vith the opening of tha Philippine isiaelffs aaa diTieion had heen diverted to lam flat navy frequently issssadsi that a TSclcscasnt ho aado end called for stronger defeases in Oaten, but the de-seals ware not aet hy the eray which ogreed saly aae rarjaaat from MamsVAA to OUIalAi tho oppertanity far even this aove mac lost when troop tranepertatioa he-cane inpoeeihie.

level fcross in the lanoei She to area eoneietod af the Okinawa Area Bene Perce end aa air group with a etreagth oa the aein island af CKXBAIA ef aheat 7,000, or aheat 10,000 Including tha workers ef the eonstract!en sattali on.

tha defease of tho aeln 1 ileal of OfJBAVA alaod toward tho kmook oat of? tho cooes/ ah tha heeeh eat uoealoToitaeh prooerotisoe vara Being made hy eoa-otruetiag etrong portion* oroaai the Berth end Cen-tral Airfielde, hat tha direr si on af aao aray divi-

hat loaaalloi a tcaporary either seal frea tha peei-tieae errand tho eirfislds la favor of a ■oaeantralloa of foreee oreaat BAB* to take ap a otaat for preloaded roaicteaoe. A suggestion hp the Bevy Section of Iape-riel ■■aiaeattori remedied tale situation, hat there ooeld he as iaajing the feat that, pmctionlly spook. lag, tha shortage ef troapo hem resulted ia aa en. tr early vook force to faoe the Aaerieea leading. Bevel unite hod ooastreeted etreag peoitloae

fully prepared, for a proloagod eagageaoat.

S

-to.

XXX. Bel Blag opemtione on enemy baees ia preperatiee far the Okinawa Area Operation

A. forecasting cameo/ lueses for tho Okinawa area operation, tha employment of large number* of special attack planes ia aerial ooahat aaa a taotie with ao precedent, caking it diffl-amlt ta aoha any estimation of pot si sic results ia tha <aiaana area oyoration, to he sure, eyanlol attaokn ha* heen aado ia tha tattle af tha IKLXmhat, hat Xaparial neadauartcre did net expect that re would aohioro result* to Batch thoeo rap a* tod froa the front. A oeuoervaiively oatiaavtod naaaariaia af oar air etreagth and a given Aaoriean invasion strength is given ia an annexed table, since an accelerated increase in our air strength van indicated as tho training ef inexperienced flight personnel progressed, it vet hoped that tho oaoay invasion af the Okinawa Aran would take place after the end af hay. She only way ta delay tha tine af lavasion waa to atriko a aortal alow at tho onsen/ task forces before the invasion could get underway. Shis waa the chief reason far the studies aado for raids an American teak farce bases.

1. Air raid oa American tank force at tUfnl

Xa nid~7ebru&ry, InaeiUotel/ after the formation ef tha 5 Air fleet, the Oombined fleet pi easel e long range air raid oa the enemy teak farce at BLIHX froa bases ia the homeland, the enaay tnak ferae, however, left aUBX wnetpeetvely early, ataglag am air raid aa the lento Area ea 26 fearuery aad fallowing up milk the invasion ef IVO JXMA. faring this tine, tha 5 air fleet aid art participate in the Xee operation, ooaaaattall eg lacteal an traiaiag la preparatiea for the next invasion eperatiea ef the eaear aad at tha eane tiao studying and preparing for tha Hithi air raid (known no til Operation Be 2).

At a time when every hit ef information aa the enemy teak force ana Being collected sent its ami area to were bsing eloeely

watched, radio tatslltgeaee af tar 7 March had aado it appaar very likoly that tha oaoay taok forco aaa orohorad at BUTE, as pre-peretioas for TAB Oporatioa Bo 2 had hooa underway siaos 17 fehre-ary with good progroos, aad tha raj mum aoro waiting oaly far tha prop or aoaont, a fnfHaw report oaafl Ml at tho prosoaoo of tho oaoay task force at BUBX, aado hy s * fleet 811VB rnaaael nan plans hacod at TUtt.. brought the doclsioa to striko oa 10 March.

The general plea far toB Oaoratlaa Bo 2 aaa aa foil see t

1. At 0300 hears a largo flying heat will toko off free rAdyMTftTBI bab aad rocoaaoltor weother soncMtlonc of the flight eeareo loediag froa BAZA M2BAKI to OXIBD-TOBI SBIMA aad uLIfaX.

2. fear aadlaa lead attack planas vill toko off froa IABOTA at 0*50 hears for flight coarse petrol.

3. fear largo flying Boats (1 •aire Bait oosclstleg af tee pleaes aad 2 Quid* Bait, 2 pianos) will take off free BBjBjBBJBjB bab at 0700 - 0730 hoars aad gold* the tXBQA (bjj Trances) unit to BUflD.

B. A aXBaA Bait ef & piano* vill take off froa XAflOTA at 0200 hour*, reudesvoua vith the golds unit ever BAZA niAXX at 0820 hours, sdrance ta BUtaT aad carry eat a aaaortal attack oa sarfaco craft there. Bach plaee will carry ear BOO kllegraa heat. Taaodiotoly after the attack unit took off at 0000 hears ea the 10th oooordiag to the above plea, one-third of the aeaosgo giving tha interpretation ef tha Blithi riiiaaal ■aaaa* photographs token hf tha IATBB the previoue day arrived froa tha k fleet. Zt shoved oaly ear regular aarriar aaahoTOd at DUTH vith aa ladiee-tiea af other eerrierei aad aa the decision that aa attack oould act he aado without eeaflraeUon of the position af carriers

throughout tho anchorage, the ettack that day aaa eaescadoo aad all planes recalled.

The other pert ef the message free the k fleet erriTOd letor and e summary ef the phetsgraphla lmtorpretetioet revealed that eight regular cerriero, seven CYI'e eee four ohipo ef enidanti-fiet typo were et oUIJB. tieee ee time could he loot for preeslng heme the attack and a latter oondltleee he* to he considered, it eee decided to oerry eat the attack em the following day, the 11th.

aecavdlog to tho report of the weather ohoarretioe firing hoot, the actual opeed ef the pianos would he increased duo to a toil wind and BsaBBoecatly the toko off tin* for ell plane units erne Bowed heck erne hour in order to adjust the time ef arriwel et ttXHX. On 11 March, fa* Operation to 2 was activated again ea scheduled, and although the mother okeerration planes arm gride planes took off a little healed schedule t encase af treehio leering the ground, the attack unit rondosicueod vith the gaido plenoa ever •Aid Milan! aa schedule et OffO hours and get underway. On the vhole, weather conditions verm favorable hut a seuoll waa sighted couth af the vicinity of (llaVfJaU SOMA, ■■ajanteg the pierce ta fly ehevo tho clouds, at the oetinated tine of arrival aver QUfBZ the target had met heen sighted, hat after separating free the guide firing heats at UJO hours, the lead plena of the OIJHU unit sighted Id? 11X419 aheat fO nautical mile, east of lto earn position aad immediately changed course for ttlfJB. it that time the Beater af attack planes within tha range ef vision af the naaialir af tha attack unit waa lfj.

•emset at taVIfml wee at Iff* hours; the attack malt penetrated VOtl hotweea cheat 1905 - 1930 hours, the enemy had art inpoood a hlackout, hat after the leading plane made lto ram all lights vara deuced, Baking it difficult far the pleneo following to eeke their assault. Of the ft pleaee of the attack malt that took off from tho hare, 11 plamoo Bade farmed landings nt UIDYA, (MnUMk, MTTJUCDJIMA, MIAMI BalfO JIMA, ami TAP I aland dee to engine amd other trouble, era tee planes were forced down et eon.

Doc Be 41010

• of 13 planes fovea* down, the nunber of hits

on eneny ships ay the 11 planes which attacked U1ITHI wen Since night had already fallen when the assault was nad ships were tlaohed ant, making it Inpotslbls to aeke eat the gets, the land plane Jettisoned ite ton* and node an anergen landing on ZIP ISiOKD warn it picked ap the crew aeahers of planes that had already landed end returned to IAB0TA at 1500 aa lit March.

▲ tim—Isssnn flight ewer IttfJB en 12 March by a reconnai seance pinna fren SDK rerealed that the carriers at had net been homed, confirsdng the failure of TAB OperaUon Is

Bala reasons for the feiluro ware tan fact that the off tine was aat back, the planes arrived at ELITE after end the fact that unexpected weather conditions slewed the planes en rente>

Blth the failure of TAB Operation Bo 2, on which great hopes had been pinned, went nil chances of delaying the enemy's i, greatly affecting subsequent operations.

2.

XT. IpmHm ac»lut area/ teak f«r*a around VtjiwlH of tajBsjan imOoortiloi

A- Istlmate of enemy situation during flret half of March. The fallmro of ZAI Operettaa Bo t, carried eat with groat oxoootBtioao oa 11 March, Barked the couplets failaro of Jassosn plane to delay tho eaeay ievae1oa ef tee or oa surrounding eafal -Proper.

An eetiaate ef the situation drava free verieue eourcoe iaoleding redio intelligence aedo the Jopoeeee elaeet positive that tho eaear taok force bad loft eUZIX around the lUth cad lad to the cocci eaten that it vac highly possible that it would strike at the Ayushu Area around the l«th.

Ia regard to the aafssasal af this tack ferae, lop oriel Keodauartare judged that, although the enany Bight possibly attempt aa I Matt ats lending operation ia aha Okinawa area, it ana aero likely that It aaa a taok farce air raid operation preliminary to a leading operation in the Okinawa Area aad highly prehehle that tha teak ferae would return to 811 HI after eaaplotlag tha air raid aa tha lyuahn Area aad sortie again, tads time with operational fereeo, far the Okinawa Area landing. Opinion ear divided aa ta whether ta earry eat n general attack on this teak feree with tho strength ef the 5 Air Fleet, or to avoid the eaeay far tha tine

leg oporatioa. At that tine the 9 Air float, having Jest heen orgonisod, ear still ia lta training stage and the leer of a single day' e training weald aerioucly effect the decree of lta lethal ail ability, therefore, lap oriel aewsianortart decided to ■laiaiii the air feree etreagth, unless tha eaeay tack ferae was eeeeapenled hy aa lnveeiea feree, ear. notified rsstriati fleet Baal smart art to this effect.

Or 17 March ereaed Of JO heart, Qsatlaol fleet aaadaeortBrs

ordered 5 Air floot Headquarters, "Attack the eneay task £ croc oaly whom it !■ oflBeapsalel hy aa iavasioa force; otherwise ooeeeree rear streagth.* Actually, the order paced a difficult qaeetloa. After .tudying this order, the BeaAquartare ef the 5 Air fleet ooa-claded that it waa neeeeeery to prepare plans for an atteek cn the teak feree and leaned an operational policy outline at 1000 hears that day. At the erne tire, it presented its opinion to the Oer> aaadex-ia-Chief ef the Osohiaod fleet end Taper! el Bonlaisrtero etatlag the desirability af staging am attack em the task feree. Both Xaporial Bead quarters end (TnrtHaod fleet Besdennrtore agxsed* with the opinion end ianedistely mmermrei with the order to attack the teak force nt the discretion of tho OornondoT of the $ Air fleet, should he fool that tho conserving ef tho 5 Air fleet strength would he difficult.

B. Outline of coahat with tho teak ferae

Tice Ada Mail, Matoae, coaoondor ©f the 5 Air float, had issued at 1000 hours on 17 Baron an operational policy outline vith regard to tho attack on the oaoay tank force to all air forcee under hie coan*nd. At the tiao, all forceo under his inaeial were ia training ami scattered in various localities, hat thay were quickly called together and placed in operational disposition.

following this, flying boats and lard attack planes vara sent cat oa night patrol ever a vide area of tho oaa eeutheeet af ITOWBJ ia accordance vith tho air fleet plans. Beer tiro after tJOO hours en the 17th, tha patrol planes discovered and ■oatiamod tracking n largo oaoay force. A oaaaary ef tho roper to free tho tracking planee disclosed that the large oaoay feree wee m task feree advancing northwest aad that it would rarely enter ear attach!eg range oa the 00a east of UUBBO et dawa oa the lath.

Accordingly, at 0200 hours am the loth* tha Ooeeander of the 5 Air fleet ordered the activation of flam Bo 1. Vith this

-17-

order, all unite went into actio* froa their previously designated •tetioas, tee torpedo welts aad tiled asocial attack unite carrying out dawn attacks, tho IdleY Waits taking over recoeaaiaaeaeo aad trochlea; free deem throughout the day, tha 80ISJB. (ft Judy) Baits aaking epoelal atteeka during tha day aad the Taenia!eg attack and coahat units going into general attack and interception

froa around 0*20 hours, eneay carrier planes raided the see there lyushu, Bhikaku cam ear there lyeahe areas in aammaaalam, hitting ear air hence end inflicting heavy den ogee am ear ■■ammmlia tioa facilities. Aa a result, coaaunication liniaan between the bases boceaa eery had, greatly hoar art eg operations.

A aamaary af reports since early earning froa ear attack and reeeaneiesanae unite revealed that wo had node tho great oooro of sinking or deoaglag three carriers, tee battlcehipe aad fire or six other ships, Therefore, in an attempt ta dectroy the teak feree at aaa blow, a MJOA special attack wait (carrying heahe) aad a JII1AI (S IAEA bonb) Unit were ordered to aekn e daylight epe-clal attack, e twilight attack hy tXJmA plans s aad heavy bomb or s (carrying torpedoes) waa planned, ead lAZtY planes were ordered ta continue tracking the eneay task ferae until twilight, flea interruption of coasronication liaison end the raids by oaoay planes, however, delayed the preparations of tho ftUOA special attack writ aad tha JrJOUl Unit, eeerelllag then ta postpone their attack; arm the twilight attack, also taking time, ended up an a right attack.

In the evening ef the 18th coateet with the eneay wee broken off as the bAIUX tracking pinnae turned heck, hat after 2200 hours right racer patrol plaaaa (aray attack plaaaa ead flying hemic) aado contact with tho enemy feree end siatteaei eight tracking, guiding tho night attack writ arm tha deem attack wait aa tha 19th. the eneay tank feree, h sail eg north, war about 60 nautical alloc couth ef AlffTBaiUlT at dawn an tho 19th. ft than hooded

•aitwd, moving, during the morning of tho 19th, ia the sons froa Ho te 100 aantioal niloo south af waotO MI&aXJ and raiding tSJJOa, CBMOn sad northern 17U5BD. Zt waa oonfiraod By aAIUI planes aa daylight roconnaieeeace that the enemy strength ernaistad of four group■ built around three, tee, tee ead fear carriers respectively. During the day of the 19th, 20 801811 plaaaa nede sn unssoerted attack ia wares, sinking ear carrier ead one cruiser aad setting fire to another carrier. Za tho evening of the 19th, the weather gradually warned had end the eoaaaador of tho 5 Air fleet, loolng eleoo eenteet with his unite end r call ring e read for re-grouping his strength, ordered the diecontinuation of tho attack, hat reioiaded the order in fewer of e strong pursuing action upon learning that about 20 planes of e 807 8BI special attack unit of the 701 level Air Oroup were operational.

Baring the eight ef the 19th the weether tamed had, aad, aa it wee lapoeslhle to eake eight searches, we ware unable to contact the eneay. However, at dawn oa the 20th, SAIBH planes, sent oat to search for the oaoay, discovered before IO30 hears, aad ceatjaaod tracking a task force containing groups built arouad six carriers, fear carriers, oad one carrier respectively, advancing southward at a point shout 120 nautical miles east of 101 MI8AJJ. A daylight special attack similar to that of the 19th war aado with 20 80I8ZX planes, ead largo fires were started en en Bases-type ead a Saratoga-typo carrier. After making efforts to coaf lrn further damages inflicted end maintain fall contact with the eaeay, a night attack (torpedo) waa aado with the entire etreagth ef BXBBA, heavy

boater ead zuHZAB (IB All) plaaaa. the night trucking planes

S

detected fear groups ef the enemy teak feree advancing southward aa the soa oeet of UUBHU ead continued tracking. A eeaaary of rep aria from the tracking plenee reroeled e great llhelltaed that tha enemy war headed for the Bans el the to Area, which weald present n good opportunity for n J1BHAI at teak provided the weather waa gaad aa

the flat. A JUDUI Omit was consequently dm the order to attack and a damn attack van carried eat my tXHU end ffBAI unite in order to enlarge upon the renal to of the pursuing nation.

A eenreh nt dawn by IAIuT planes en the 2lat, found the eneny tank force retiring southward at 1*5* JJD nautical niles off 101 WAAD, and at 1135 *»urs, l* W attack planes (of which l6 carried OKA (« IAEA beaks)) and & direct-escort Zero fightere took off to nake n iWUI attack, neverer, they were Intern opted by eneny fightere nt n peint around 6o nautical niles north of the eneny tank force and tan ill-fnted JlnaAI unit nan annihilnted. ■ince tan ftlnaA and VnVZAI units an nana eenreh end attack nissieas were nine naahle to eeere notable results, the pnumtag action ended in failure, despite mat high hopes. The progreaa of the emav hat deecribed abore ia ehown in the f oUowing table.

1. HiM patrol im % ••out vlml at 1000 hoare oa receipt of tattlMepjaoo repcrt that laree eaeor took feree aad left UflB oa lh March aad proaooao* aorta..

hjanllini' *' I ■ooal 04 It «o«Xd raid Xyaafaa area, patrol ■■■■Uaril aoet lajirtaat mi mi 11th.

h. Ordera far Plaa he 1 at 1530 hoare. Mleelea Ilaht patrol «Uht patrol

Action Miaoartod 2200 lawn H|aalH IM MJD haavo. arrived 0000 hoare. Oaa

9o9a^Ba%?7* a^JPeflhi^^a^^L 0000 lfeaWao^S ^^3^BtfBe^ ^OjOa^fco^a^^fcol^ol ^OmUB^^ f^W^Po) 4JLSCoW^tV94l ^e^ *ee^tfBea o&$^0b^0)ob>

Slahted large eaeagr forooo at 290 hoars ah fHP OlajhtH oaa oleaamt ah aTJono* ajJ+JO*.

■aaalto H35^5* oaa at WP** H33°35«. _. ^ .

₯e ere fired apoa at 23H0 hoare at 13a^0« I133V--

Ftlioy ttmfU *••!•« taty 1ml tt torn

^ ilt^'iS^ SL.%Uf «4^Mct>« S^t\n«|3i" fcl^k* Two plw, fall*

t. i*uggy5LilfMpL fl4U*******

^w^^Sai*s *B*1" 10 iTt TijMiliTf l,ir" 1

▼t^S^'if^l'*1•AUiiTTl >n&aar Iraa*^

---ma* J* hioio ------~--------------~-----'---"T~-:-:-:-mm---

■f tsi —

Yd Ha*** attack 0*30 keore thrlr target

feeiutul***^ ^Sae^eT^ feen\'aaA^Ye

Id^tSSST W C*lSooToers l"*!""**

5- At 0930 heart. lATO't 1 fall reeeaaale- ttjTttt at lOHo

fell ttreagtk at- teaae ef teak heart; laawal-

*^«A feree atelr afkeraar*

e* tiac'te fighter elaae?

areeere attack. ever IAWDU

Oeagka

SAItY. ieecaAetage PaparteA eeteeaa •.....!■■ amt

mmm mmm ««w fear

BBS!

teals* 5 ••aroa Ie*t©O0*aeea»e, a ItSt^mhmtS^ fai led'to"re turn

"v f

bm m H1010 — ft

vitSw ^est*1 miam *—*%% u>»—

plaae el«kted afttan^mtfft^

18 HSK »4*t «HMk Departed XZYa- Sank en* carrier 0n« plan* aaa*

Ummam knak feroe laJQ aft ljfj team lamfJmi,

keen**, arrived cemckt fire

OXtn aft »35

•Umr X

leaker, mf* *Z*L JNP*rfta* UKJT* tec alomoo

d* i^^at

s feree aft ©WO

•ftrangftk ready fer action aft

1

HvflHVaVHVaBLaHVdaHVa^HVaS

BMfetlttO Ft 19 eleedr. later nu

^___ 1. Oarrtad eat full otroa«* attack agaiait eneey taak fare. .p .rati at aff Ml oval raidla* fJBfJBI aad ehaeaka araa.

Feller t. heather t<iaai had ia aft araa aaj night ■■araa lapoo.lhle. IThmtloa ■•■■go* of eaca malt ■odin n aad aood fait

for etroagth ro-erooglaa-ottaor belted at 1*20 heer.j hat aavoadt oarrlod oat aft aafjaottM of 701 air fcreep

loop obi eg fHtT^T uatm ' tAXHTo liloW'o t afh'i ■Bloml'o 20

P >UJMlk Flrlngieet

•ftmmmV uTjUro&e* •S^Tim'* iTjHZt*? tlyfVn* >^tod^at ^terral.

leealte tratoij roomlu" ^traAo^ lr!f^t

aoftaaoaa booth*! five or oiz

Leooeo teo^plaae. failed faUedW^

**o Be *10IO pa

1. H|M iwa i»|Mtitti eight before, hut enemy task fore* sjnfca.il during teem SQnroh or ojjBV* ■ sad per suit serried oat vith 701 Mr troup carrier toahor aait aa aaia attaak strcagth.

2. ligkt attack otroagth dropped to oaly several plane* par omit.

ttoaal 3. first, inial aad third stag* sight ■ isrian carried outj four eonenr grwsps sighted proc**diag couth, h. Ordero to proparo far JII1AI attack toaorrov. V 5- Orders for cava ooarch sad attack by oaWa'o aad XHSAV*s early tomorrow acralag.

Opera- UIUI's 5 anise's 2 IdXaY** t CarrUr OIKa's 6 jJaary floaaaV'o f Load ettack

ttreogtk Waaesra keaacre f fcaaj heat 1

including oao.'foar, 'aad BaG three leoex class hroke eat cm pl'moos

are ■» *K&n - '~W^---—

preeecdlag se*th*aBeut 1*0 SSim*^ sMpt"* *"U olan'Mrrto ImlM aentlcal alio, seeth sf three, three

TOI MI tiCI aft 1030 beera amft ftaa aaav

laaaaa iSSaa^a**"

Oam- 1. Ugh* search raali aaaajr tea* feree retiring to south; dawn starch aad attack enrrisd out. ftiaaal

Felley 2. aaaa? ei teetioa learned ay aelaa reooaaaissaae*; although aaaa eaxiefty erer distance, aaaaad a goad ijjir fifty far Interception; JXaaaX attack carried cart.

©•ere- SAIea'e h lAZW*. aUhU's 15 aW*i 10 Laad attack elanes far* flgktar* 55

Uag s IS (lkaarrriag

Strength Oka)

amea ••■rch 0* tfcrafts la aaaa saereh,aft- Baaa search. /XkuiX aftftaak Support JXItnl aalts

Misaiaa treckiag. sad ftaak (special attack

JlamAI^atkeak aftftaak)

BOO lo 1*1010 .___________ft -_|

a March (mUmud)

1. light** tee 2. Sights* three Torpedo attack Intercepted Or Tighter pUn.i ee-

greepe of groups of taak against ee* about «B aaamy gaged oneee* plceee

MV taak faraa aaek ia- eraiaar; taa fighter planee

to ram 1H50eluding two, plaaaa attack- akoat 00 aaa II

320 oaatloal two aaa throe tap; aal ad loo aaa Ih

ad loo fraa carriaro roe- of cacao/ taak

TOI ttadU peotirely force; JJJkal

aait oaarlhtlotil

7. Okinawa defence operation!.

A. Kstlmate of the eneay situation around 21 March.

it that tlaa Imperial Headquarters did ant have accurate Intelligence aa to whether the reida af the enemy teak force em the Shlkokn and Kyushu areee would ha followed hp tha landing af an American invasion faroe in the Okinawa Area or whether they were an independent operation in preparation for a landing operation, with tha enemy teak ferae temporarily withdrawing to lte base ta carry out an invasion operation et e later date, however, it was estimated that tha losses Inflicted on the enemy tack force by ear air forces were, et the very least, three or four carriers sunk or severely damaged and considerable damage to other carriers, furthermore, the eaeay had been attacked again on 21 March and wna aow east of the MAHSII 3H0T0, retiring to the south. There wee again ao Intelligence of tho taok force on the 22nd, and it waa thought probable that it would temporarily return to the Ulithi or the leyte Area. The 5 air fleet Headquarters undertook a etreagth readjustment on tho basis of similar conclusions and summoned tho cf fleers of the air forces under lte cenaaoii to KAIOTA where e strategy conference wee held oa the Slot end the 22nd.

However, intelligence reports froa OKIIAWA on the noming of the 23rd revealed that enemy carrier planes had began to raid GKIHAeA and MlnaMl DA I TO J IMA at around 0800 hours on the 23rd end that a total of approximately kO battleships, cruisers and deetroyere were cruising within about a 30 kilometer radius of the main island of OKIMA WA and shelling it. This development cast considerable doubt ee the accuracy of our estimation ef the enemy's plans, and node no see the need for reconnaissance of tho enemy situation. Accordingly, two iAIOM's reconnoitered tho seas southeast of OKIIAWA and two more the Mimaml Delta Jiaa area twice, respectively, once in the morning and again ia tho afternoon, but were eaabla to obtain e eooploto picture of the enemy taok force. HeoonnaUsance planes froa the 1 Air fleet operating ia the foraeaa Area alee searched the seas east of

FOHMOSA, bat without obtaining now information on the enemy.

According to radar spotting on the main island of OIIBAWA, two groups of a task force were apparently operating 50 to 100 nautical ailes southeast of 0R0KU; oa the 23rd approximately 1,000 carrier planes raided the BAB5SI SHCTO.

On the 2*)th SAITJI's were sent out on a two stage search, bat, as before, the search did not reveal a clear picture of the task force. However, about ho ships of various types were cruising in the vicinity of the main island of OKIBAVA and shelling it, as on the previous day, indicating increased possibilities that the eneny would invade OKIBAWA. Air search on the 25th revealed three groups of the eneny task fores operating 70 to 170 nautical miles southeast of the main island of OKIBAWA, bringing the number of ships around that area to about 70. In addition to continuing the shelling of the island, the eneny on the 24th began to nine sweep the area north of KEISB, and on the 25th a convoy entered the anchorage at KIBAMA and oommeneed landings. With this development it was now certain that the eneny inteaded to invade OKIBAWA.

1. Summary of Progress of the Campaign.

1. Conditions up to the eneny landings on the main island of OKHAWA

enter cover of a gunnery barrage the eneny began to nlneeweep the area around II SHDIA, KIBAMA and the we«t coast of the sain island of OKHAWA on and after 23 March end on the 25th coaaenced ifl«e<«gff oa RIAMA RETTO. from this day on, the aaln island of OKHAWA was subjected to an intense and almost incessant nlr and sea bombardment. Since these various developments Bade It clear that the eneny planned a ^landing in earnest la the Okinawa Area, the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined fleet, TOYOBA, ordered the alert for TBS Operation Be 1, at 2000 hours on 23 March and lta activation en the following day, the 2oth, at the seme tine transferring the strength of the 3 Air fleet end the 10 Air fleet to the Commander of the 5 Air fleet, UOAKI, who then ordered the strength of the 3 Air fleet and the 10 Air fleet

ft

to be brought up to tho Kyushu Area. The admiral flag* were hoisted at KAN OTA upon the arrival of TMAOKA. no mealier of the 3 Air Fleet, em the 28th and ef aABJA, oomaander of the 10 Air fleet, oa 2 April.

The deployment of the operational strength of the 3 and 10 air floete in the Kyushu Area van completed hy about 31 March. During this period tho 5 Air fleet, baring suffered heavy losses duo to continual coahat with the enemy teak force, had been experiencing difficulty in carrying out organised, entire operations against the eaeay task force until tho 3 Air fleet was brought up to the Kyushu iron. Consequently, when tho eneay task force raided the Kyushu Area on tho 28th end 29th, ao counterattack wee carried out.

When OIKAWA, Chief of the aaval General Staff, aado hie report to the leporor on tho etnto of the war on 29 March, tho emperor's reply vac, "The operations in tho Hansel Shoto Area vill decide the fate of tho Mat ion. I ask that you make every possible effort for the attainment of our operational objectives."

Thie message was Immediately transmitted to Commander-in-Chief TOTODA of tho Combined fleet, van sent tho following message to the Combined fleet that same day: "(1) open receiving the gracious message of the nnperor, I mode tho following reply: •In compliance with your gracious message concerning Tf£ Operation 10 1, Z and all tho officers aad men under ee shall fight to tho death to fulfill your Iaporlal wishes.'(2)1 expect all units under ay command to exert every effort and fight to the death for tho successful completion of TSI Operation lo 1."

On that day the large oaoay convey which was proceeding north anchored at KfJUMA aad an eacmy landing oa tho main island of OKINAWA appeared Imminent. Accordingly, Commander-in Chief TOTODA of tho Combined fleet ordered the 6 Air Army, which had been put under hie command, to attack the enemy convoy vith lte entire strength. On the following day, the 31st, eneay oloaeete occupied KAMITAMA 8HIMA about 10,000 meters weet aorthweet of IAHA, and the occupation of OSAMA was presumed to have been completed oa that day

alto. Oa 1 April a large oaoay foreo began land Inge la earnest at TOOTA* on the west coast of the nala Island of OKIHAWA aad oa tha coast of KADIMA. In the crucial period up to tho enemy's first landings, the 6 Air Army was unable to use lte opportunity to attack duo to their delay ia preparations. The naral air forces on their part, elow la bringing ap tho strength of the 3 Air Fleet to KTOSHU, waa also unable to stage aa effectire attaok against tho eneay taok force aad the oaoay convoy, thus allowing the eneay to land without opposition*

2. State of operations during the flret state of the eneay landings on the main island of CglhAWA.

After 25 March the main island of OKIHAWA was subjected to an intones bombardment by carrier planes of tho task force and by about 4o ehlpe. Including about 10 battleships. Oa the morning of 1 April an even more intense bombardment cossBsnood, aad at 0720 hours the eneay began to land in the Mlnatoga Area on tho south coast of the sain island, but he withdrew at 1300 hours under our counterattack. The flret ware of the eneay attack hit tho hooch at OUGHI on tho west comet of the main island at OS30 hours, but ne tho disposition of our ground foreee in this area was tain, ws inflicted oaly slight losses on the enemy. Suffering ao sewers losses during the landings, the eneay was able to debark about 50,000 aea aad secure a bridgehead 5,000 actors deep by nightfall. Tho Mdrth and Central Airfields on OKINAWA had been occupied by the eneay about noon.

Subsequent inrestigatlon has revealed that the invading force of the eneay wae under the command of Tioe Ada 1. A. SPHJANC1, Commander of the^US 5 Fleet. Principle forces under hie commend and their oosnamdere wore as followst

Joint expeditionary Foreo (Foreee directly participating in tha landing operation) - Flee Ann R. K. TOMMSt. expeditionary Troops (Includes all ground foreee) -It Con S. B. BTJCKTO.

^5

lust Carrier force - Tlee Ada a. A. MHSCHBR.

British Carrier force - Tlee Ada 1. P. RAWLIIOS.

Rear Supply ttrocp (Tankers ead cargo ehlps supplying the fleet la act lea la the coahat rone) - Rear Ada D. P. BBARI (« Bract ROMAJI true lit erat Ion of original KAMA. Presumably BBBBf).

dorr lee Squadron (^epelra, supply aad elscellaneous duties by various types of ships based ia LBTTI BAT and In the MARIAHAS) - Coaaodore V. J. CABTBR.

Amphibious Operation Support force (Includes escort carriers, mine sweepers, underwater demolition units, gunboats and turret-carrying ships and croft used in gunnery bombardment) - Tlee Ada ₯. H. P. BLAIHT.

Ounflre aad Covering force • Bear Ada M. L. BBTO.

The above foreee consisted of about 5hg,000 aray, navy, aad aariao personnel and 3IS oombat ships and 1,139 auxiliary ships (act Including boats used for landing esa). The enemy troops landing on the eaia island of OKIHAWA. were the 2* Corps (7, 27, 77 sad 96 divisions) of about 00,000 aoa aad the 1, 2, 6 and 7 (*B Slo) eerlae divisions of about 00,000 men, for a total of around 120,000 men.

On tho other hand, the Japanese garrison foreee consisted of tvo ead a half divisions, aheat 50,000 eon, under the command of Id Oen USHI-JIMA, Hit sum, Commaader of the 32 Army, aleag with about 40.000 men in locally activated foreee for e total ef 90,000 army troops, and about 10,000 naval personnel under Rear Ada OTA, Minora.

Because the Japanese forces avoided active resistance on the beech when the essay landed, abandoning our tvo powerful airfields to the oaoay aad retreating to tho southern defensive sector, tho enemy vent free the landing point to the east coast, crossing tho nook of the island, without encountering eeteblo resistance, and completely occupied the Yontaa sad Kadena tootore hy B April.

^e-

The Imperial Headquarters Mary Section and the Combined

Fleet hid for some tin* held that the key to the Okinawa operation waa ia destroying as many aa poeeiole of the invading eaeay before and during hie landing, than leading the way to tha annihilation af eneay fareee. Consequently, the aavy had hoped that the local garrison aray would offer a stubborn and prolonged fight at the beaches whoa the eneay landed, secure the airfields and create the opportunity for our air forces to strike at the eneay oonvoy. It had time and again In the past expressed the hope to the aray that great stress be laid on the fighting at the beach, but contrary to all expectations the 3? Amy had given up both airfields on the day of tho enemy's landing,

A strong demand arose at Combined fleet Headquarters for the local foroes to immediately take tho offensive in an sffert to regain the two airfields since it was feared that, if the enemy should use thorn, it would make it extremely difficult to contact and destroy tho enemy task force and, as a result, make the whole Okinawa operation all but impossible. This demand wae tranaaitted to tho local forces through Imperial Headquarters, The local forces, on their part, claimed that in order to take the offensive it wae necessary to throttle the enemy's planes and neutralise hie naval bombardment force (the fire power of one battleship equals that of seven divisions of a field force) aad that therefore, the navy should first destroy the eneay task force and naval bombardment force lying off OKIIAWA. On k April, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined fleet TOTODA, feeling keenly the need for the navy to turn the tide of battle by striking a aortal blow at the eneay before iho moment was loot - The enemy could bs> expected to put tho tvo airfielde in use around 10 April at the latest-decided to use the entire strength of tho aaval air forceq and activate surfsee special attack unite, throwing then into 01IaAWA in a geeeral attack with the Okinawa garrison foreee, and leeued the necessary orders to tho foreee under hie command. That

it, 1% vat decided that a general air attack, the so-called KIKUSUI Operation No 1, would he aado on OKIBAVA oa 5 April with tho entire force of the naral air strength and of the 6 Air Aray then aader the coaaand of tho Combined flaet. At tho sane tiao attoapt waa to bo made to penetrate OKIBAVA with a surface special attack wait to bo formed tinder tho commander of tho 2 fleet with tho battleship TAMATO, tho TAHAGI aad eight destroyers of the 2 Destroyer Squadron, all ships of the 1 Dirersion Attack force then standing hy ia tho S1T0 lAlKAI. KIKUSUI Operation Bo 1 waa carried oat on 6 April, one day behind schedule because of delays ia readying personnel, and it waa Judged that groat damages were Inflicted upon tho eneay ships. The air strength which participated ia this oca-bat waa about 300 nary planes, and about 120 planes of tho 6 Air Aray, joined hy air strength froa tho 8 Air Division end froa tho 1 Air fleet based in FOHHOSA.

The surface special attack unit called froa TOKUTAMA at loOO hours 6 April, expecting to he off BADBBA at dawn on 8 April, About 0000 hours on 7 April, it sort led from OSUMI KAIKTO and advanced south. Oa tho same day, after 1230 hours, about 200 degrees, 90 nautical miles off BO 10 MI8AIX, it ran into a eorloe of air raids by an aggregate total of about 300 carrier planes of the took force, the battleship TAMATO, tho TAHAOI and four destroyers wore sunk, putting on ead ta tho Okinawa raiding operation. The remaining four destroyers returned to 8A3BB0 on tho fallowlag day, 8 April.

Tho 32 Amy in OXIBAWA started a general offensive on tho night of 7 April, tho 02 Division driving hack tho eaeay froa hie positions and infiltrating KAMITAMA SHIMA. The attack was partially successful, but was discontinued without notable results.

The aray and navy air foreee subsequently co-operated to carry out KIIUSUI Operation Mo 2 on 12 April and KIKUSUI Operation Bo 3 en 16 April, aimed at eneay ships in OKIHAWA; aad the naval

air foreee staged eight daylight attacks oa tha tank force between b April aaa 17 April, all of which, while scoring considerable results, failed ta stop tha sneer landing operation to any great ex-teat. Between 1 April aad 10 April, the eaeay landed about six divisions of troops acooapanied by powerful aeobanised foreee ia tha soee extending free IAflO la the north to the Ilea running through OTAMA, GAMBKO, aad VAUKI la tha south. Oa la April, ha began the invasion of IB SBIMA.

By around 10 April, the eneay had landed about six dItis ions

of troops oa the main island of OKIBAVA, and on 19 April, after about 10 days ia which to make preparations, he began aa all-out general

offensire. froa this tlee eat11 the flret part of hey hoary fightleg ewept back and forth In the area bounded by a Ilea through OTAMA aad

WAOKB and a line running coat and west through SHURI.

By this tlee, the Japanese air forces bad exhausted their air etreagth la their successire attacks lad were hardly capable of making aggress ire daylight attacks on the eneay invasion ships la the ricinity of OKIBAVA. Hence, froa 27 April to 2$ April, night operations against ships in OKIBAVA (KIKUSUI Operation Bo k) wore carried out, and on U May, whoa the 32 Army started a general attach:, the air forces co-operated by activating KIKUSUI Operation Be 5. The general attack by the 32 Aray ieproved the situation somewhat, but the expenditure of men was so great that on the evening cf 5 May the attack was discontinued and we retired to our forcer positions.

Constant offorte were made by tha Japanese foreee to approach aad destroy tho enemy task foroo, hat after the attack of 22 April, the tack foroo retired, principally to the seas south of tho main island ef OKISAWA where it was assigned to the support af ground operations, giving us little chance to approach aad attack It; and aoet ef tho took foreo was believed to have returned to ULITHI after the letter part of April, when the airfields in the Okinawa Area wore put in operation hy tha eneay.

3. Subsequent operational situation.

It wee at this tias that 2k CI BOA planes of the 4 MIT ATI halt, which had been organised aad in training la tha 3 Air Fleet, attempted an attack on 7 May on the tank force at ULITHX, hat waa foraad to turn hack midway becauss of had weather conditions.

Oa 17 April, formations of B-29'a based la tha Marianas Araa began attacking our bases la tha South Kyushu District, thereafter they repeated almost dally, air raids ay large formations aado oar air operations wary difficult.

After 23 April, tha Ooanmadsr-la-Chief of the Conbined Fleet concentrated 1AIDH (ft Jack) fighter piano unite froa tho commands of tho various naral districts la the Kanoya Araa to intercept the e-29's. these unite-proved fairly effective but wore unable to a tap tha eneay's attacks.

tha future of the situation looked black indeed; our success Ire air attacks since the opening of the Okinawa operation had coat ue heavy losses In air foreo strength, particularly among interceptor fighters, reconnaissance planes and daylight special attack planes with no Immediate hope of replacements, and we were steadily being pushed hack oa tha ground.

From around late April the Imperial Headquarters Bevy Section began studying plans to transport aray troops to OKIIAWA with a large number of small ahlpe and boats for a counter landing aa a means to sere tho situation aad took the plan ta tho aray, hut tho army would not agree to the plan. Meanwhile, Imperial Headquarters unofficially communicated its plan for a counterlanding to tho Combined Fleet, the Combined Fleet went ahead with lta operational guidance with this understanding, reviving TAI Operation to 3, aad at the same tiao adopt lag tho policy of taking ell

peesibis steps to contact end destroy tho oaoay teak force in Okinawa waters and step up the attacks em enemy skipe in the Okinawa area. In accordance with this policy, KIKUSUI Oporetloa So 6 was carried out on 11 May, hut FAS Operation Bo 3, scheduled

S

for 12 May, was cancelled when a reconnaissance flight ever ULITHI revealed that the task foroo was not there. On 13 Nay an* Ik May, ve attacked the task force which appeared in the seas south of ITB6HU, and after 1$ May, we continued daily attacks on the Okinawa bases and ships. An overall estimate based oa intelligence on eneay conmuni-cations indicated that a powerful eneny convoy had left ULITHI on about Ik May, that ships would again be active around the Okinawa Area and that the eneay was contemplating so no new operation.

The army, taking advantage of this opportunity, transported an airborne raiding force by air to the north and central airfields of OIIlAHA en 2k hay (the so-called GI Operation), succeeding in temporarily putting ooth airfields out of operation; and the navy planned KIKDSul Operation Bo 7 *s a co-ordinated attack, but losing tlae in assembling the etrongth, carried it out on the next day, the 23th, with little success.

In the latter part of May, the eneny landed about two divisions of reinforcement forces on OKIBAWA. This made his attack heavier than ever and he entered the olty of Mafia on 31 May. On h June, he etarted lancing from the area east of OBOIf and MIHaTOQA, and the Okinawa operation entered its final phase. Oa 20 June, the ground troops on OKINAWA carried out their last charge and on the following day, 21 June, officials of the United States Forces announced officially that all organised resistance of the Japanese forces on OIIMAWA had ended.

While these events took place, this time, Japanese army and navy air forces had been co-operating with the ground forces in watching closely for opportunities to attack the eneay, bat because of fift had weather in the area, active operations could net he carried oat. IIXUSUI Operations Bo's $ and 10, carried cut ea 7 and 21 June respectively, succeeded only in easing the situation of our comrades to a snail degree. - -

C Okinawa raiding operation of the surface special attack

unit.

After the SHO Operation, most of the 2 Hoot returned to the homeland. The 2 Fleet bee lost the backbone of Its cruiser e uadron and the battleship squadroe had only three ships, the TAMATO, IAOA«0 and HAROMA, it had lost its balance as a fleet and could scarcely leek forward to its reorg-miration as a fighting emit. To eake natters worse, the feel shortage was getting critical. In January 19h5. the 2 fleet was in Mat sura J lea Anchorage with only the TAMATO, the TAEAOI and fire destroyers of the 17 aad Ml destroyer divisions able to participate In training.

In the middle of February the 4 Air Squadron and the 2 Destroyer Squadron returned free SIVOAKAS, The 4 Kir Squadron wee placed on the reserve chip list and the 2 Destroyer Squadron ens combined with the 2 Fleet. The organization of the 2 Fleet as of 1 March wae as follows:

2 Fleet

1 Air Squadron

2 Torpedo Squadron

TAMATO, AMAOI

KAf 8UBA0I, SHIMABO

HAXATAEA, RTTJHO

\

TAHASI

7 Destroyer Division 17 Destroyer Division 21 Destroyer Division Ml Destroyer Division

Commander 2 Fleet

Under direct command of the Commander of 2 Fleet

Commander of „ 2 Destroyer Squadron

The air 'raid on the homeland by the American task force on 1$ March included an attack by sons elevants on the Mure naval bass and Its environs, with some 70 planes also striking nt the 2 Fleet at anchor la Xatsurajlma Anchorage. This last attack was chiefly concentrated oe the TAMATO, but the damages en both sides were slight.

J*-

As the result of studies aado of this fight, however, It was eoaoludod that tho destroyers, with the exception of the air defense deetroyers, wore dsf iciest in anti-aircraft amansnts and that no great reliance could he placed on then for anti-air purposes; grave feare were aroused with re spent to future coahat when it was realired that even the TAMATO was not particularly efficient in this respect. Mo notable suggestions resulted froa tho study meeting, lte only conclusion, outside of a recosonendatIon of one and a half to two klloaotore as tho proper radius for a circular disposition, bslag that an even sore intensified training was necessary. Thenceforth, priee emphasis in fleet training was placed upon anti-aircraft action with corresponding stress on night action, radar controlled firing, radar torpedoing, training in lo 2 oblique torpedoing and training In sonar devices.

fuel allotted to the 2 fleet at that ties for both action and ordinary use were sufficient for only one and a half days at 12

knots for battleships and cruisers and two days at 12 knots for

v

destroyers.

When the United litotes forces began landings en the OSAMA RBTTO, the 2 fleet and 11 Destroyer Squadron received orders to assemble in KUBJS to sake bottle preparations. The unite sailed to KUBJ froa Katsurajlna Anchorage that day, and after completing battle preparations, the 2 fleet eel led on 2S March froa KUM1 to the eeae off KABUTO SHIKA. The order that the commander of the 2 fleet received froa tho Commander-in-Chief of tho Combined fleet et that time wae for tho 2 fleet to sortie froa 10100 SQ100 and sail to SASSBO via OSQMI KAIITO, there to stand by. This movement was calculated to draw the eneay teak force, then showing no eigne of leaving the Okinawa *rea, into the sphere of effectiveness of our base air force planes, where e rigorous blow could ho struck agaleat it.

SI

lerly U the aorning of the 29 to tho cruise froa offshore

KABUTO SHDtA to bASr.BC was given up vhen plums fro* tho enemy talk foreo attacked the southern pert of KTUSHU and the fleet entered the anchorage offshore at 1010 that evening to stand by. from this cay on B-29'e appeared daily over the fleet for reconnaissance.

On 1 April Anerinan foreee hagan landings on the main leiand of OKINAWA near KADXNa. Both the Berth and Central airfielda vara aaisad at once hy the eneay, and within 10 days the two airfields had been readied for use.

Oa 2 April the Comxandor-ln-Chief of the Combined flaet leaned ordere to carry oat an air general attack agalnet tha Aaarlaaa foraea ea aad around OKlalvA (KIKUSUI Operation Bo 1) on 5 April} ee tho hth he leeeed orders postponing tho general attack until the 6th. At 1900 bears on 5 April there was a dispatch order froa TOTODA, Com me odor- in- Chief of the Conblned fleet to Cem&nnder of the 2 fleet ITO, ordering tho formatioa of a surface special attaok unit consisting of the IAMATO, the TABACI, the 41 Destroyer Division and the 17 Destroyer Division, to effect an Okinawa breakthrough operation. Accordingly, at OoOO hours on the 6th the 2 fleet left anchorage off UBX imd nailed to TOXUTAKA where the TAMATO aad the other chips of tho Okinawa breakthrough operation were felly fueled aad stripped of all unnecessary equipment In preparation for action, furthermore the XAStTMI of the 7 Destroyer Division and tho UAIIIMO and nATSUafilMO of the 21 Destroyer Division were edded to tho unit. The organization of the Okinawa breakthrough unit was as follows1

TAMATO

. Ooatiander, 2 fleet

2

fleet

2

Destroyer Squadron

s 41 Destroyer Division (FDTVSBKI, SOZUTbOKl. AiiASHlKO, RAT8USEIM0)

17 Destroyer Division

(IBOCAKB, TOT IKA71, BAMAKAZB, KaAUMI)

Commander, 2 Destroyer

Squadron

Doc Bo U1010

On the sane day TOTODA, Oonnandor-ln-Chiof of the Combined fleet, sent tho following no■ sag* to nil forces: *fbn Imperial naval forces will, in oo-operatlon with the amy, use their total

air, son and land strength to nount n general attack against the eneny fleet la the vicinity of the island of OBIBAhA,

•The fate of ear Bnpire truly mete upon this one action. X hare called for the organisation ef a surface special attack unit for a breakthrough operation ef unrivalled bravery eo that the power ef the Inperial Bavy nay he felt in this one action, that the brilliant tradition of the Inperial levy's surface forces nay ha exalted and our glory handed down to pesterlty. Bach wait, regardless of whether or act it le a special attack unit, will harden ita resolve to fight gloriously to the death to completely destroy the enany fleet, thereby establishing firmly an eternal foundation far the Bnpire."

Planning to reach XABBBA at dawn en the 8th, the 2 Fleet left TOATJTAXA at loOO hears en the nth, held attack drills in I TO BABa on the way and pasted through BUM00 SUIDO around I93O hours, after which it went into an ant 1-submarine alert cruising disposition and nailed south at n speed of 20 knots, passing through 0bbmx ZAZTO the next day, the 7th, around 0*00 hours. Baring this enwonoal there were indications that the fleet had been sighted by American submarines during the night. At 0700 hours en the 7th, changing its course to 210°, the fleet began to proceed south at a speed of 2* knots, in a circular disposition. At o730 hours two American plance flying north were observed to the eaet ef the fleet| nt 0*00 about 20 sere-type fighters sent from the J Air fleet arrived to —

air patrol until around 1100 hours. There was a gentle breese that

S

day and the sea was calm, but sines the sky was covered with clouds throughout the day, the weather was unfavorable for air Issheet. At 090O hours the destroyer AS ASH 1*0 ha* te drop eat of the circular disposition because of engine trouble. Around II30 hours an large flying beat engage* in tracking was sighted about 20,000

eaters east of tho fleet, then suddenly a, —■■ago was received froa tha lookout poet en am AMI OSHIMA that "about 2*0 email plaaaa ware flylag north."

at 1200 houre fleet radar Interception detected large flight faraatlaaa approaching froa a die tan ee af about 100 kilometers. At i25o houre anti-aircraft began. Since It wae ee cloudy that cap, however, anti-alreraft action wae cxtreaalp difficult. Ia other words, the Americans were so well hidden hp tha clouds that they furnished a peer target, range finding wee alee extremely difficult aad artillery spotting waa almost impossible. Moreover, the eeiliag waa ee lew that hy the tiao tho each too gene could sight their targets the bombs hod already been dropped, tana, an aggregate total of around 5OO task foroo planes aado several successive bombing and torpedo attacka oa tho fleet which waa almost powerloee to hit back. Around lfjOO houre tho TAMATO sank; then, one after the other, the TAHAGI and the destroyers ASASHIMO and BAMAIAZ1 sank; the IftV KAZX and tho IASUMI were so badly damaged that they could ao longer navigate, end after their crow members were transferred to sister ships, they wore sunk. The scene of this battle wee about 200* , 90 nautical alios free 20 10 MIS AMI.

Ia view of these developments, TOTODA, Commander-in-Chief ef the Combined fleet, halted the surface special attack force's Okinawa breakthrough operation aad ordered the foreo to return to SASBBO. The fleet entered tho harbor at ftASfJO oa tho 8th, tho F0TU7UKI, the TDXIKAZX, cad the EATSUSHIMO arriving et around 0900 hours and tha 3UZUTSDKI arriving at 1100 hours.

The policy of cur base air forces with regard to tho surface special attack unit1a Okinawa breakthrough operation waa to cooperate by neutralizing the eaeay tank farce through a direct attack and to held the dispatching of direct-escort pleneo over the fleet to e minimum. In line with this policy, Commander of the 5 dir fleet, 00*11, Boat search planes free early in the aorning

of 7 April to reconnoiter a vide area south of KTUSHU and discovered an enemy task foroo consisting of tho following aggregate of serum groups with e total of free 13 to 21 regular carriers,

(1) At 0900 hours oee group which included two regular carriers, one escort carrier, and two battleships; 60 degrees, 120 nautical elles froa HAHA.

(2) At 0900 hours one group which Included four regular carriers; 90 degrees, 55 nautical alios froa HAHA.

(3) At O9OC hours one group which included three regular carriers and two battleships; 125 degrees, 90 nautical miles froa HAHA.

(U) At 0900 hours one group which Included four regular carriers; I36 degrees, 115 nautical ellee free HAHA,

(5) At 0900 hours one group which included one regular carrier and one battleship; lh2 degrees, 90 nautical miles froa HAHA.

(6) At 103d hours one group whleh included one regular carrier; 152 degrees, 220 nautical ailee froa ISHIOAII JIMA.

(7) At 12ho hours one group which Included two regular carriers; 75 degrees, 100 nautical miles froa nana.

The whole of tho enemy took foroo haring thee been generally accounted for, around 1100 houre CO OIIGA*boebere with ee escort of about CO fighters and lU aray headquarters reconnaissance special attack planes departed to launch a special attack against the eneay teak force. Although It was difficult to obtain confirmation ef tho results, according to radio Intelligence the majority of the special attack planes made their attacks; but since these attacks could not be aado before eaeay planes took off for an attack oa our surface epecial attack unit, oar fleet Buffered fatal leeees. Hy subsequent investigation it was learned that the American carrier HAH COCK was attacked hy one of our special attack planes and sere rely damaged.

1. Airforoe operations.

the 5 Mr Fleet, which formed the mU strength of our naval alrforoes which could he spared for operations In tho Okinawa area, had just heen organised and the 3 and 10 air fleets were largely manned hp untrained personnel; If the eneay should earry out Invasion operations la the Okinawa area la the latter part ef March or tho oarly pert of April, our intercept lea preparations would ho insufficient in tho air. for tele reason a treat deal eee expected of TA1 Operation he 2 on 11 March, which was an attempt to delay the eneay attack, this operation felled, however, end aa eneay task force raided the Kyushu Area oa If March and began landings on the mala Island of OKIlAhA in earnest on 1 April. The operational prepara-tlona of our air forces having heen delayed, we were act abde to strike any effective blows against tho enemy during the critical early stage of the loading operation. We node greet efforts ta step-up our preparations, however, and on 6 April we launched en organized large scale air attack against OKIMAWA. this wae KlKVtfl Operation Mo 1. Thereafter, wo endeavored to build up our air etreagth and to contact and attack enemy took foreee en tho one hand and to earry oat tho attache oa OKINAWA en the other, tha strength used far the 10 KIKUSUI Operations until 22 June waa aa shewa en anaorod table he. 1.

level air strength used in operations in the Okinawa Area from 17 March until 15 August was as followei total number of planes - 6.125; number of planes making attacks - 3,0*9, l.Ugi 0f which were special attache, totalis are given in annexed tabloo he's 2 to 5.

1. lighting by aaval lead foreee baaed aa OKIWAWA.

Ia September 19*1 the Oshlaa Base force was organised to servo ee naval defensive strength in the hansel Shete Area with headquarters on land at ARAM I OS H IMA, and the Oshlem Defense Unit and Oshlaa OosBranloatlona halt attached to it. Ite principal cut lee were to guard 0SH1MA and BiIseV/ttI₯ MAI and protect 00a truffle ia

the Mansei Shoto Area, aad it was almost totally daflciant la strength far land defease. Ia Janaary 19*12 tha Oaalaa lata Forca waa deactivated and the Oshlee Befeaae Unit was attached ta tee Saaabo Befsasa Squadron.

As tee enemy's frontal attacks la the PACIFIC reached a aliens ead the leas ef the OIUXW end MARSHALL Islands brought home tha aeed ta quickly holster hey areas la the national defense, the Okinawa Area Base Foroo waa activated In April 19** with headquarters an the main island of OIIBAWA. aad the Oohian Defense Bait waa attached to lta conaaad.

In Septeaber l©,hh the Miyako Oaard Bait and the Ishigaki Beard Unit ware eotiwntod and placed under tha comwander of the Okinawa Area Bane Foroo in an effort to strengthen defenses in the Baaaei Shoto area* bat ao spectacular reinforcements of personnel or weapons were aado and special aaral leading feraee of consequence were not brought la until tho very end* In August lfyhh, tho 2fj air Squadron waa activated as the base air foreo for the Banael Shoto Area, end, working hard to construct en air heme and build ep lta defenses, it showed some progress le the air defense installations; bet in Bovenber the demends of the war compelled the transfer of lto headquarters free OKIBAWA to the Kyushu District. As may be aeon froa the above, naval strength baaed in the Okinawa Area man originally not stationed there ee lend coebat forces, hat la tha early part ef March 1945, when the enemy's plane to lead In tho Okinawa Area became clear through tho air raids of hie taok foroo la the Okinawa Area, the naval foreee stationed ia the area, realizing the need to prepare for land combat, organised a combined aaval landing foroo and^ roughly completed combat disposition by the ead of March. The area assigned to aaval foraaa ee the main island ef OIIIAWA waa tho Oreknr dree In SBIMAJXBI tee. the men stationed there end details of the area were as shown in the following chart;

J*"

Chart Showing deposition of naval Forces on Main I aland of QglAWA

Armament

(Quantity)

Name of force

Strength

Sector, Area Assigned

Rifles

Machine Ouns

flans

Rocket Guns

Inprovised Mines

Rand Grenades

Mortare

Okinawa Base Force

1,500

E sector

1/3 of men in each

10-25 am caliber 15-13 nn • 20-7.7 sm "

5- 20 centimeter

6- 15 ■

5- 12 ■

2115.5 ■

6- 12 ■

5

m

Iwao Force

3.000

A sector

force were equipped with rifles; others carried bamboo spears.

30-25 nn caliber 25-13 an ■ 80-7.7 sm "

3-25 aa caliber 25-13 bob ■ 8-7.7 *n ■

6

2,000

2 or 3 " per enn in all

o +» o 0

t/1

o

Yamane, Iahiroe Forces

3.000

C,C» sector

0

2

units

50

M

O

Maaoru Force

800

B sector

3-25 nn ■ 1-20 nn " 20-7.7 sm -

0

6

Kunigarni Area Unit

600 v

Kunigarni Area

18-25 am 1 10-13 an " 8-7.7 aa »

0

0

Aray Detachment

500

Area assigned by amy

Unknown

(1) Most of the 25 milimeter, 13 mllimeter and 7.7 millimeter machine guns were airplane machine guns converted to flexible ground guns,

(2) Hail-style gun mounts were built to fire the rocket guns.

•3 O) .5. 7* and 10 kilogram improvised mines were made from yellow explosive powder used for boabe end fuses and used ae an anti-tank

weapon.

(4) Hand grenades were made by tamping yellow explosive powder and dynamite into 25 millimeter machine gun cartridge cases and empty

, cans.

(5) About 2.500 men were taken from the Oroku sector unit in early May and dispatched as an army co-operation unit. All mortars and about 1/3 of the light arms in the sector were taken along at this time.

that It, Mm naval forces were assigned key areas on the main island ef 0X1BAVA with a strength totaling more than 10,000. Only a rery small number, however, mere naval landing ferae personnel, the majority helag members of the construction end repair branch of the Jane air force Construction Battalion: civilian workers and conscript reserves who hardly knew how to handle rifles. Moreover, since their arrival on the island and until Just before the fighting started, they had been busy constructing airfields, positions, air raid shelters, etc., aad had bad no time to train for land ooabat. Consequently, they were highly unfit for land combat; and, to make natters worse, the inadequately supplied arms were old or hastily improvised. This situation was the greatest source of alarm for the commander and hie staff officers, but due to the guidance and efforte of the staff officers of all ranks and the realisation of the men of their duty and their consequent efforts, we went into this operation with high morale. The enemy, who had been repeatedly and furiously bombing and shelling the main island of OKINAWA from both air and sea since 2} March, began to land oa a wide section of the wast const of the main island centering around KADMA on 1 April. By 10 April he had put ashore about six diris ions of men accompanied by powerful mechanised forces. During this tine the American and Japanese forces merely ongnged in some interception fighting aad no great battle wae fought*

Oa 19 April, after about 10 days for preparations, the eneny opened an all-out attack on Japanese troops in the Shurl District, and from this date until the early part of May n close and fierce battle was fought in the area between the line through OTAMA and KATJKE and a line running east and west through SHUPI.

On U May, in co-operation with the Ceablned fleet and amy and navy air forces, the amy forces put their entire strength in a great offensive against the eneay and decided to carry out an operation to re-take of the Berth and Central Airfields, for purposes

Mr-

,rf^:;:.

ef co-ordination, ike naral force* sent at this tine two battalions, abont 2,500 ef their best nen, to tbo front lino area around TOBA-BABU end tho sector southwest of SBJRI, putting tho troops under tho direct ooBuaand of tho amy forces. Unfortunately, bowersr, this operation did not progress satisfactory and was finally suspended, with tho result that tho Japanese foil bonk on defensive operations, standing on tho line running east and weet through SHOT I. Thus a grant battle raged honk end forth in the nrea north of SHOT I until about 20 Mop, with considerable losses on both sides, bat no narked change in tho battle lines.

In tho latter part of May, however, tho eaeay's pressure increased aoro and aoro, gradually pushing the Japanese to tho south. Tho eneay was, ia particular, breaking through fron tho east of tho right wing, aad finally, on 29 May, tho amy withdrew fron the 8hurl line and removed lte entire foroo to the southern end of tho KITAH HAMTO for a final stand. Tho naval forces were to stick to tho defence of the Oroku dree and join the amy foreee ee a loot resort; with thle understanding tho amy conaander and hie men prepared, with strong resolve, to nest the southward advance of the eneay, even bow closing in. The eneay increased the speed of hie pursuit about the tine tho Japanese began withdrawing; hy tho tiao tho withdrawal was completed, he was peering into KOCHIMDA Nam and the aree before MIHAT00A on the east and free MASAM1A8E2 to TOMIGUSUIU Mum en the weet. Burly in June the eneay finally turned hie at taok toward the naval eee tor et OROKU free the oast. Oa 5 June about oee battalion ef aray troops was completely wiped out in the vicinity of OHO. In conjunction with that action, the enemy cent about 1,900 marines, aboard about 00 landing boats, aad, acconpanied ay e powerful tank unit (about 50 tanks) from the Maha oad Doaai areas down along tho coast, under cover of e terrific bombing ead shelling, peat KAGAMTSU, leaded then at Oroku Airfield. Thle put hie In a position to attack tha Oroku ami Garrison Die-

triot froa four sides, oast, south, wast aad aorta, tha naral foreo was finally engaged la all-out coahat and, during tha subsequent 10 days, underwent lta most serere fighting.

Oaring this tine, all forces ware strongly aalflad. fighting froa their positions aad trying ta aaa their weapons to beat advantage la daytime coahat, night infiltration and surprise attacks. The/fought exceedingly well and inflicted considerable losses on the eaeay, but were no natch for the terrific bombing, shelling, mortar fire, anti-tank gun fire, tanks, etc.. of tho abundantly supplied enemy.

By the 13th and Ikth of Juno all units ware attacked one after another by the eneay* a old trick, tha aeddla at taok (To Am attack In which care positions are ettacked from the above rear). Japanese troopa made their final charge against the enemy and at 0100 hours on tho 13th, Bear Ida Ota. Minora, Commander of the Okinawa area Baae force, and hla staff 00emitted suicide le the trenches et headquartere. Bo organired fighting was possible after thle tlee.

ilthougn It le believed that the majority of the navel garrison foreee had either died heroically in action or committed suicide about the tine of the final all-out charge, pert of tho assault force later joined army unite aad 00-operated with thaa; about 300 aea roeelelag la the Oroku District confined themselves le their original positions, end, turning to trench fighting, continued eight raiding and infiltrating and defended their positions until the ead of tho war.

AHKSZID TABLES HO 1 to 10 5

AHiEXED TABLE 10 1 Strength need in the 010501 Operations

UMOB0I Operation Mo. 1 (6 April)

Mission Aircraft ■nplffyod nonbar Total

Air control

Carrier fighters

214

20 amy

U.) a*

Attack (forgot) (Tank foroo)

-f fighter, with boxabe-.Carrier boobers -

- 30 opeciel attack Y

-22 /

52*1

(Serf ace craft in ricinity of 0*1

leak) •( Carrier attack plnra

is — 60 special attack

)

■ U3

17f

(Alrfloldo)

Might fighters -

-14

14

J

/ 0—a »»♦ mOi nl oneai -

4 \

sad other nissiooa

)

■ 13

s

•

Total 404 Qka 20 oa

bettni

Doe lo 41010

KIHJ5UI Operation Bo. 2 (12 April)

mmmm

Aircraft ioployed

Tetal

Air control

Carrier flgktoro

161 (laalaaiai 15 army plat

am) 161

Attack (Terse*) (Took force)

leery bcofcers . Fighter* with bombs -

12 la

20 special attack 2 special attack

12 special attack,

r

->

62

tekt heefneea--

-

(norfooo craft in ricinity of OKU

f

Carrier attack planeo —

Largo btnebers . •kheak plena

13 ■Moill ottack 29 opoclal attack 6 special attack

u

44

y

148

(Airfioldo)

Might figbtere -

22

22

-

Patrol,

-<

Flying boot--

Lend Attack plaaaa —-

t (Tat Sic)

14

14

1 y

Seegdaaa^loafca^

Total 323 (Including 31 ear/ planes)

Doe iio

KlXUTUl Operation Mo. 3 (15 to 16 Aprilj

MiMlOO

Aircraft JOjil nyoif

Mvasber

Total

Air coi itrol

Attack 3 (Aatitaek force)

(Surface craft in ridaJ

(Airfields) Pntrol and other ndnsdoas

dOR piano i

ty on* oniMtf,) J

s

<

—

Carrier fighters Wight fighters

Roccftiol woanoc pianos ..... — ]

Might fighter -J

Land benbere-2C

flghtaro adth bonne —— % Direct cooperation planea —- SI Carrier boat*»r? ■ ■ ■ ,. 11 LIa**lnne^-—- 1

Type 99 bonbera ——— V type 97 carrier attack planes- 2C rightare with bacaw ■ 3

Land benbere-U

- TJOCAR carrier attack planee— K Large ■■aairi 1 Land attack planea ——— (

f Land attack planea ■ ■ ■■ 1 v f oorJoiw hmiiois . \

n^bST^^-*

^ leant at took planea ■ J

102 (Satin 14 P

\ L >

> ftpecial attack

> 19t ) apeclal attack

I opooial attack

<

? apeclal attack

| e o

} " " 59

> •

j • >

i >-

Si)*}-

"1

122 (Si Sic) fj

u

15

Doe le 41010

Go

XXKBPUI Operation Ho. U (25 to 29 April)

mission Aircraft employed

Air control

Carrier figfatere ------

- 50

(Including 12

army planes)

Attack

r

(Taak fere.)

light fightoro -

- 20

Fighters with benbe-----

- 33

special

attack

(Surface craft ia ricinity of OXZHAKA)

Seaplane boabore '■ - --

- 10

- 2

special

attack

Land attack pianos -

- 6

land taak or o-•-

- IA

•

Heavy bombers ........

- 15

TflBAR carrier attack planes —

-12

>

Carrier attack planes ■

- 12

epeolsl

attack

Carrier beckon--

- 20

H

light fighters -

- 18

•aimaul iisail seaplanes--

~ 2

N

m

(Airfielde) J

["Hoary bojobers -

- 5

TBEAK carrier attack planes -

- A

s

Tim mnil ■■■nil ■ mirt ■■>—1

Might fighters -

-62

Land attack planee -

-15

Jljiag boats-

— 2

Total - 31B

(Including JZ army plaaaa)

tOBBSOI »H1M W. 9 0 to k May)

Mlaalam Ainratt aaployo* aaafccr total

Air hi ii

Carrier fighters

49

*

Attest.

(emrfsee ereft in vial

eity of OCUUB

PUntere site beofee-

-11

--4

-10 opocial

-20 •

- 7 "

■ o

ia>

(AlrfUloo)

3SS5SL-

— at «

-40 •

- 7

- 4

- g

«

1

-

141

aa* teaawrfr-TTr

s

njriafboat-

- 4

- i

]

-*

7

QKB0X ftp oral 1oa Ho. 6 (10 to 11 Hoy)

Wool OB Aircraft anploy»d Huaber Total

Air eontrol

45

45

Ittioa

(AaUtaak foroo)

Flghtero »lth beabe —

1

Carrier bonbaro -

-M

r

44

44

(Sarfaoo craft in Yiainity of J

Land ooabere i »

- 4

1

GtUUIA)

- 4

•

-15

spooial

*n^&*aaaaVk

naeonnaleaaneo ooaploao

« „ 2

f

5*

- 4

Fighter, with beobe —

-11

n

(Alrflalda)

- 8

i

-

I

-p— 10

-

^att^ plana.

-*

L

[ ii mil IP'

-I

r

23

Mai 208

HOW OjwiHiii to. 7 (23 to 25 1*7)

»**a±aa Aircraft aaBleTed heater Trtal

Air ecatrol

Carriar fighters

211

^{Amtitaek ferae)

"light flahtera-

2g

1

1

Land heaecwe ■

1 attack j

SO

*

Mgwft ia TicinitT of

26

caiaiha)

-- 7

- a

Mpt^^Tral^

i--20

- fa

f4

r) -20 apada

1 attack

-ao ■

Iarra boafeere ——-

-12 •

a

•

(Airfialea)

f Land at! ■ ah gfirm -

--—10

]

1

mm *. a .. plaaa

-4

i 24

22

11 4

- 4

aaa- 1

■ 0

H

, Fljdaihoat.-

- 2

J

Mai 324

KLKU5UI Operation No. 8 (27 to 28 Ma/)

Mieeion Aircraft employed lumber Total

Air control

-

Might fighters--

- Carrier fighter* ——

-45.

91

Attack

(Sarfacc^oraft ia ricinity af

Carrier attack plane. -Land attack plane. -

Might fighter.-

Carrier attack plane. ■

-4

-11

-4

-4

-7

-14

- 3 special attack

-4 " ■

1 "

It

(Airfield.)

X

■\

Might fighter. -

- Lead attack plane. -

—*1

22

at

Hying boat-

-1

-2

aa

-

*

9

-iineiliiniir plenea

■ 3_

Total 221

UBMB Operation Mo. 9 (3 to 7 Juno)

Aircraft Jojfclojia

Total

Air control

Carrier fighteru

64

44

■tloot

(Surfoo* croft in ricinity of OEBttMA)

Land honfaoro-

Haary beahars ,

Carrier attack piano*-

Might fighter* -

Carrier tana ire-

-12

-15

- ft

- 4

- 4

- 4 special attack

r51

»

(Airfielde) '"^^jJJ^^J^J^^J*^'*^* eeerek end

1

^Land attack plane*-

v Might flejrlere-

- 4 1

- 5

•

f

Carrier^fiaktere -

— 3 - 2

_..... 4

ce

an

Might fighter.-

Firing heat -

-13

-u

- 1

—

>

S3

33

Total 177

KXKIBUI CaoroUon lo. 10 (21 to 22 Juno)

mmm*

Aircraft Beployed

■u-ber

Total

Alr control

Carriar fighters

114

114

Attack

>

(Sarfaoo craft la riolalty of

—

Land boaboro - ■ ■ -----

- A

OXUAJIA)

Hoary bombers ■ ■

-U

Carrier attack planes ■■

- 3

-14

1 71

n

SHIRAGIKU -

— 11 special attack

- g -

Large bombers ■ ■

- 6 •

N

Fighters with boabe -

- 0 a •

r'

*

(Alrfioldo)

f Land attack planes —■-

v light fighters---

—»r

30

30

-1

Reconnaissance planes -

■ ft

other odeeione

— »j

7

7

s

Total 224

kMBXBD TABLE 10 2

TahleSanadj

gth Used and DaeA*ee

hnfllotod am oaaagr ia Okla

aaa Araa Operation*

a. mmm*

mmm «u*al air M

atlac tiw JAPAI Pre

an to tho

aad «ff tha aar)

Ju

a. Fnaaol, mawitM k. Air ecoa-rol-

m91 mm

-

- yjm

- m

Total —

- tttm

Mm

r

*

a.

w

itteeko aa tank ferae

ooial^taS^-^

2L- 8

*

--*. i.M

Cth«thaa

. * aaa

IS

Total ^

—- 1*9**

ami*

Mia

••

Attaoko on bmm Mod

Am

oar than opocial ett

other koreate

H

eeial etteek ——

- ft

141

HATttfi

3t4

M*

a*

\

Jub

ff

*

PHI

en

if

m

•M iaeoaplat

hm bean taken fro* «d.«ti . that the aetaal fl«area are

c.

DwiN Inflicted

c -

"

Carriers I ^Trr'

— >

- 5

Cruisers H

Dcaagca — ■ ....._____

- 43

- 4

Light cruiser.

Set afire -

- 4

smttleehlpo 1 he-aged-

-14

fftUat

I fat afire —

f Soak

Trsnspcrts

I «»-» _ a«__

- 9

a

raLxt aaaa

L set afire —

mm

Plaaaa

Deeaged

LaeTSL.-

-14

- •

•

r Great fires started, eamleaicea set off

Miee_-^e (SU

-mmm 2

f[mm——

- 3

1 SeTSlre -

- 1

Bote: Pigaiaa in this tabls rapraaant a suamarr af reports from ■psgsalsax units; it ia thought that actual figures arc

AMBDBB TAR LB ID 3 The B^le of Special Attack Planes in the Gklnenm Araa Operations A. The TBI ) Air Attack Force (5 Air Fleet, 3 Air Fleet, and 10 Air Fleet)

a, 4^

Plane Tree

■enter af

WtmmAmm

to ii oa ii Inflicted

Dosnejee Incurred

2 larck

Lsnd beater.

2

■■earaid to haea tuoan

of had eeether

1 least taster shot deem.

11 karch

I^feo-ber.

efj

Attack en Ulithi airfield

9 lend bombers loot la smkine. ran.

14 harsh

4

20 •

Opecial attack oa

fktaasaa

4 foiled to rsturn. 1/3 peeitiToiy

It lira

I^b-here

f

a

o

5 plane, mode rem.

xr aajen

seaeaatll iilu liidjej!

ao

e

e

Orer half mode rem.

20 Inrek

berrier hooters

20

a

1 Beeex tree hit a aid-

4M

Lend soakers

If

tJafaaU^*

eeaaaepa

Oaknaam

Lend etteek plane.

10

Jl-UI etteek

aaaa)

Aamihilated

B*

nana Typa

■■■n^esT

mmm

Bnsaga* Inflicted .

27 karch

Sara fighters Lam* iiim in

55

Direct escort Tor shere etteek

mmm,

T

Attack em teak ferae aear ABRAkA

Direct hit oa 1 battle-•Mp .«*»»,— results

5 foiled to return 1 etreek by shell

SinsII carrier ■larisii

5

Attack on teak farea in Ckinaea area

mmm

5 foiled to return

29 marsh

S0X8II sear 1st haohori

4

Attack an taak force couth af nkatUfflTMl

Massage recoired that 2 aircraft carrier

4 foiled to return

2 April

V

Fighter bcebar.

30

Atteek on teak force

4 plieao cede rune oa aircraft carrier, kettle chip, end cruleor, bat results unknoan

**—

3 April

^^frl»li.ahsr.

24 21

Attack on taak f area 0^9045. n,,** of

Direct kit an large type cruiser or bettleehip

14 felloe to rot era

3 April

20

Attack oa teak force south of CKXAAMA

About half nada runa

SM

• April

Fighter boehere

30

Attack on teak fere* south of OSRXaA

Hero than half aade run* on aircraft carriera or

spot ttwiff hindi.r.

22

Attack an tack force

hlt^l ^tleaMp^aacej^

la failed to intern

4 April

1 hearily daaaged

tskav carrier nil art

15

«x--— j — 1 an+4> cncnicM «bbm

Sank 1 nedlua eieed chip A. plon.a made rnac en cruieer. neat unknoan.

eaxface^creXt

1?Sbm (type 99) either lent in coabat or failed to return

typa 97 ««Ti.r attack planea

45

n**3SJOAe»JL CnMhacnhMLaP OD

ehipe at GKXSAWA

Type 99 carrier banker.

A9

4 April

I* y

Beeulta tiaerMd froa leant Sank by explccionj

2 hMtloohl|) J eruieere

8 dcatrcrare

5 treaeport ehipe

3 n1Blean mre

12 uniaeeAified type. ) large aarehipe

1 anall ahipa Daaaged by boabei (hearily daaaged, act afire) 3 bettleehipe

deetreyere

treaepcrt ehipe

2 eaall type ehipe

9 unidentified type.

• April

Set efire, oaplootoon cot of ft 3 ahipe

Fighters slth bombs

30

Special atteek. on

More than half mode run

SOlftgJ carrier isolisps

11

tea* foroo

TAf*±l

12

Spoclol attack OB

? foiled to return

2

Attack on took

**~

2 felled to return

11 April

Fightere elth hen**

SO

Attack on took

11 planes mode runs sm aircraft cerriero A^plsmemj eejs rune on snipe

Uaknran '

ko^

•

nonet MMn

5

Tailight attack, on enemy took force couth of KI1AI

3 cruisers sunk

5 failed to retain

Lend taosirs

12

Large lire oterted on

7

Hit 1 cruiser end 1 destroyer

s

*

2 cruisers eaak|

Bit 3 aaetreyere end 2 cruisers

s

*

e

12

Spillll tit fern? on teak foroo

•mmmmmmm

fijfcairi etkh Mm

20

Attack on tack

■ore than half aade runa

It April

13

Special attack around (XSUJIK

13 failed to return

Typ.W«*rri«

2*

Attack on^ohlno

20 foiled to return

Ott UKk boon

0

1 aotlloonlp eonk) Hit 1 oettleenip

5 foiled to return

14 April

m

21

Attack on taak foroo at 125°t0« frcoi TCnTJaXBUZMA

Certain

1 plane anno rem

t (a tie) plenee Mini to

7

7 failed to retain

3

ZmLTmmV

SJM.

if April

lero fighter*

It 10

Special etteek to control lie airfields en OKXRABA

Sneoeeded in onrprielng

-

1* April

««rrl*r

If

•

A and* runs an ships

Typo 97 sarrier

10

fi4*%« nth in.*.

20

Sp««i«l at tack a on •«lp« •round

OJBQAfl

1 nsde run on carrier

3 node run. on trth|jsh1y

11

10

2 aunts' runs - trnrfirii

OKA

4

Flatter, nth beat.

to

epeeial attacks «n

-

tTWtT isxrlir toshsrc

30

x---- N

0

Platters with hoete

30

Atteek on tank

feroo

17 April

(V QLjtfhte)

Senreh forf and at—

■A*** *ssbere

30

A

22 Aaail

If

1 unidentified type of aids •et^efirej c4L eeen over

at

as kpta

S9KX «±**t filter.

1

Sioccm far can! rttace

1 a!*** flatter (care type) fdied to ratara

2ft April

»

•

Attack on chlpc around

1 e*4e run on carrier, 3 minute enplceion on 1

24 failed to return

20

1 Mia ram aa baULcahip,

~———

7

1 plane nad* ran on ahip of unidentified type

4

2 oeetreyore torpedooa

IMMIBIMIIMII COeplanCe,

—---> ..i.

1

acre VP*

a

•Anting

2f April

33

g

j.

"Vf failed to reteaa

Ficttarenth bonk*

21

Attack patrol chips

•

Fi**ae<'sito bomb.

20

Attack an ship* la anchorage

4 plaaaa aaa* runs

•

ffaakjll

7

type 97 carrier attack

10

OA

2 aado runs aa battleships

|

17*la^Xr«a*^"ah^r

•*

. T

Attack on ships in

Sank 1 battleehip, 1 cruiser; report hit em 1 hot^locerlp or

4 failed to retain

2k

Attack oa ships at anchor at DLITHI

ja^a^

1 crashed

1

IX mm

1

1

2a£™~ethe^^

4 foiled to return

Carrier attack pinnae

f

} ......

*■ ■ !......11.....

. 2

mwm

Flatter, eitfa heeta

J7

3 aeaht aaaa oa.aircraft carrier

23 loot or failed to

10

on

A

80JBH cerrier boater.

10

tttf

28

roarch^for and lit eat

3 cade rune oa carrier, 1 aade ran ea ehlp, 6 eerr4ere^7 ohlpo.

22 foiled to Ml an

24 a*?

SHXXA6XXD roowial »oa>oo

20

AUaaksin fariaaaa

Ojaaaaaa

temerity opparaHlj

plcace

aiarn

aado reaa

v mmm

22

Search Tar and at-teak taak fdree

2 plana* aada rue* aa aircraft

Type 99 a^ h«o*re

10

1 plana aad* run on ha^aaMp^

A loot

aajority turned keek

OKA

12

1 plan, and. run. uaaanfiraanl

mmm

20

riaeSk iriaalerte^ W'

17 new

11

Bight special attaak am enlpe at (aUBABA

Basalt* aakaaan

I'.'iiuiili'" mmUmn'

4

U Bay

ftHTOJOjrU plnnM

11

attaak on nhipe around OnSABA

4 plaaaa aaaa ram. 1 plana aaaa) run

1 plana aaaa) run

Land keiabere

3

4

3 *■»

4

Attaak aa chine at

qfrraama

3 Plonoo^eeea f oread

$4mm

5

Attaak aa akiaa at IA1AMA

2 jil rii n attacked aad^oede^rua

3 failed to retara

SmIJU«0 plan*.

11

Spaclnl attack, in

5 plaaaa made rune on mealan typo ekip, 1 plane on aircraft carrier, 1 alone en hot*lectin

10 loot

Bare type i ihimIiiiiiiii

i

eet pi ana. ekeorvakieii^

6 planes made runs

6 lost,

2 forced down

i

OKA

4-

tnaalal attaak aa an-

wmmm

Plnmtnr.ntb.oaaM

•

bnknaan

7 failed to return

SttBJOIIB plan..

u

attack on satatrooa nt

CGaeSt

2 planai poaitiraly aaaa nana aa transport snip

3 planes anas rune

Beee»ae1,,.nn, ooopleaoo

11

lead beaters

5

1 plana seen ran

2 failed to return

9! Jam

1

tpaalsl attack on ekips around COaXal

Plaaaa posit!rely nana runs

7 tolled to fit ana

fell MISS 1 »Stl Ml • MAplHkt

snsir.aH as

«Mr

•

Attack an ablpa around CKXBAfiA,

2 Dianas positively nade rune

39 Annent

5

a

1 plane eaate nana runs an carrier end ether ship

If mmm

— "»■■■■»'■■

11

Special attack: an

ablpa around mJMMK

7P1— mmmm

s

Tha 1 Air Fleet

mmm

Plana Type

""a*"* Plaaaa

Mission

Damage. Inflicted

Damage. Incurred

1 April

tare fighter.

Special attaak

Mataaa

C^Zero fighter heavily

•

a

-

a

acme

3 April

a

N

Can Zero fighter failed to return

4 April

•

Direct eecert of special attaak 60BA*a to (MMMA

One Zero fighter forced dona

e

3 SUISal carrier boaters failed to return

aaaaaa eexrier Deneere

Special attaak

29 April

4

Direct eecert of special wtt ertr plencc

«-

-

30 April

a

30

ferea"1

mmm

Of plane a farced aaaa, 2 heavily deasged

4 H*y

a

10

e

Large carrier hit by 11 planes; sinking certain 1 cecll aircraft carrier

1 aircraft carrier est afirei disabled

13 Xere n gators leak

1 Aero fighter fereed doom,

Xtro fljttare

10

Special attack on taak

force

3 pinnae kit 2 carrier direct loaurt chips 1 carrier soak

1 Itro UmC*™ **** *"1 A^cro fightere failed U

15 May

■filial attack cm tan*

fCTCC

I Zatenej felled t* retain, 1 farced dean

a

•

a

3 Acmes failed to return

Annexed Table Be k

Opera ti one of the TBB Air At bock To roe in the Okinawa Area Operation*

Excluding special attacks)

mm

Plane Tape

Planes

Mission

Bio141 Inflietsd

*******

Ik Fetreery

Lend heritor.

1

Patrol

tmm

mm

.e^L^pI£r

2

s

s

e

BA1BB land rocon-

B

s

s

•

11

s

Discovered what appsnrot to he eete large type esses/ plene at UAI.

•

Land attack planet

. B

Bight patrol

mm.

0

firing boats

2

lb Pekenerr

7

Patrol

s

s

5

o

k planes, apparently fighters, diecoTored 122°2o0» off 101

s

*

***** petrel

1 land etteek plene erodes!

16 February

Flying boatt

2

Might patrol

aaaa

teaes

w

S

Patrol

0

1 learn beaber failed to return

17 Fslnruary

IAIOI reconnaiteance placet

6

2 oncer/ ckipt found 2h0«a0* fron aaaaaaajMi

Land attack planes

3

light patrol

aaaa

Flying boats

3

e e

0

t

v. *

f

Patrol

X&scorered tack force 120°200' free CHICHI Jink

1 land bomber felled to return

1

t

HoooTored eaeay eaall type plea* at MBoHXTa (TaT Coded plea* nane

■one

•

0

mm

•

If February

Tracking

—

Land attack planet

light tracking

Hon.

Flyiag boat.

f

a a

0

•

19 fhhraary

Lend banker.

•

Patrol

Discorered 3 task f erect la Zee Aaa Area

■ -

anion* renoan.1 ooonro

2

Patrol

aaaa

mm

Flying Wti

2

light patrol

0

•

«M f A„, ■ ■

lend tsnksrs

S

Patrol

UocoTered 2 taak forces

•

1AIW reconnaissance plm#s

f

none

•

21 Pekreary

Land a ami ays

s

•

a

•

22 Feermarj

Land bonbers

4

•

0

•

plaaaa

2

•

0

•

5

Discovered surfaced rnaaarlno at KtkaaXa (fX Coded place

23 lukraury

III VAT reconnalssanee

2

-

—

•

24 Itfw

3

•

o

25 February

UXP,..—.......

2

•

s

ttNIr**,

5

•

DlacoTered^task force 1«0°300'

•

tf Mercery

Land attack plana*

3

Bight patrol

Bona

Beae

17 Vetreary

anion* rocoaaaieeeneo planea

*

Search for tank force*

a

a

5

Patrol

Discovered 1 submarine,

a

27 Feomary

8

e

lane

a

2S litaur/

1 harch

plana*

7

Search for tack force.

mm

*-

Land Veafcar.

Patrol

•

a

Tlyia* beat.

light petrel

•

a

Laad attack plaacs

1

a a

•

1 land attack plana failed to return

t March

Land attack plana t

1

e a

•

Bone

Beery henWre

10

nana attack

•

2 hoary lanhara Loot

tmm

L-d tenter.

5

Patrel

*****

3 laad leaker, felled to re tarn

3 MaTCh

SAIuV rcccaaaltccaec pieces

5

Petrel

acne

aaaa

k Merck

Isasl hSSdMTS

5

c

s

s

i^rseoBnai.sance

2

s

s

c

5 March

(March

Lead attack please

M

MLcht petrel

aaae

Bene

6 March

flriaa heats

2

s s

s

- s

mm aa ■ a

lea* hash its

3

s s

s

s

7 mmm

1

Patrol

s

s

i March

Iaaal headers

5

s

s

9 March

Lead albask plans s

h

Conroy patrol

leatralised 1 suhaerlne

■see

10 March

riyina heat

1

Weather obeervatlon

s

Vlrlas; hcatc

1

Ouldlnc attack aalt

s

aaaa attack plane

1

Weather ckserratloa

s

Lead etteek planet

k

Oenrey petrel

lentrallied 1 echenrlnc

■caa

11 Merck

Flying boat

1

Weather observation

c

Flying beats

3

Qulding attack emit

1 firing; heat failed

to retera. 1 firing heat

fcreed deem.

It Merch

13 Merck

1* Merck

•

-

15 March

-

16 Merck

lTllereh

lend at keck plane.

h

light petrel

Firing ken t.

2

c •

1 felled to return

Land attack planee

f

light tracking

Tracked teak forces eaa gelded attack wit.

1 failed to return, 1 forced down.

18 March

1^ heritor.

Ik

1 dootroyor, 1 destroyer or

3 lead boater, failed to T*tBIT-

aeeaytoriber.

lk

First attack

1 aircraft carrier sank.

3 hoary combers failed to re tern

10

HaaTy bookers

11

locoed attack

Sank 2 battleships, 1 eraieer.

I tmml k~Tl17 tmmmU

"ea^oaaaaBaaaam e

90041 carrier attack places

I

5 BIUI cerrier attaak places foiled to rstam

lUt* reconnals-ccnec plaaaa

5

Beam search

Discovered teak force

1 failed to raaara

If Itarch

ftaXIII reconnais-aaass ploaaa

l

Taak force reconnaissance

1 forced aaaa

ttin rscennais-canoa places

5

freckle*- teak ferae

lone

kai attack places

Ii«kt eoeraktea

2 felled to raaara

Flyiag heats

5

s s

3 felled to return

Lead koaaers

S

light attack

Unknown

Bkfeeaea

s s

1 warship, type unidentified, cot afire.

' 0

\

^Vaabers

9

s s

1 aircraft carrier sank

2 felled to return

Lead attaak plaaaa

3

light tracking

2 fulled to return

firing boats

(T* tic)

s s

1 failed to re tern

SAlka recoaaals-

10

Searching, track-

k creep o of teak force

3 felled to return

aance -plane e

lag, guiding

diacorcrcd

-

SaIW reconuaie-

Searching, tracking, guiding

3 failed to return

Lend keeker*

light ticking af

2 failed to retara 2 failed to return

•

loom Attack plan

light ■aafshtcg

9mm

HUM wt

■ B

e

tl eeBTek

•S^iST"*

Mkiiiaial taak force

a

.e2;2rl,~

*

Co-operate with rnTMAl attack

Confirnjire ajr 2 pinnae

a

attack place o

10

cam attack*

•Apm

It amreh

*3eepp*a

farrier leakers

3

him aad

mm

0V

SAX 01 reconnale-

2 failed ta return

—

7

Attack in Oklaaaa

anknavn

lAIUM race anal »-

5

search area eoath ef OQnalA

a

1 failed to return

25 March

lAlW reconnele-

5

teerch af Okinawa

Haccrercd 2 task feraee

Unknown

fJBlAl carrier torn* attaek planes

5

light torpedo attack

lit 2 hettleehipe f (H tic)

e

*****

aAIUW reconnai e-sance planes

8

tearch far task force ia Ml lata

Unknown

a

SAIMK recoanalo-

1

Reconnaissance of

Photographic rsmaaol aecnae

s

Lead at tank plaass

>

1 failed to retara

Tines kaate

t

tetected large ferae

1 felled to rttnTl

Wad honkers

T

It**!..*-.

hah 1 hettleshlp, 1 cruiser

with «00 kg heats.

1 eattleship act afire.

5 failed to retara

eoawen; cw^or koanere

IS

27 anreh

land attack plana*

attentat

2 failed to return

29 March

SAIUH recenuale-aaaee placet

3

Search af kalSSI SHOW

DiacoTered tack ferce including 2 carriere

Wmm

SAIU1 reconnaie-

1

Tracking taak force couth of

m.coTered taak farce Including 1 carrier

aaaa

Land attack plaaaa

h

light patrol eouth-east af KYUSHU

Detected ferce

2 failed to return

Tlylac Wat.

2

a

e e

mmm

30 March

leant tick in

12

Might attack oa

1 aircraft carrier aaak

1 failed te return

Mcery ho*er.

15

iaimr rocoanale-aaacc plaaaa

3

Fkaa«arcpkle reeon-rieinitraf cciaYA

T

mmm

31 MM

Wkcakcr.

f

Attack aa taak force la Oklnava Area

Ceaaiderakle damages inflicted on tka enemy

Hearyk-ker.

12

fMBll carrier attack plaaaa

|

fleeter plaaaa

f

Land attack plaaaa

f

Attack ca fart aaaa lnraaion ferae

Soak 1 cruiser, 1 tran sport; 1 cruiser cot afire

3 failed to return

SAIUI reeeanalsseeee

2

Search for taak force

failed to sight enemy

lone

31 M

US* uniiileooaeo

1

locmanol aaonco, nkiaaaa Araa

1 foiled to return

SAIuT laaaaaaal saoaoo plaaaa

3

Attack aa aklpa

at OKIHAWA

Unknown

felled to return

2 severely is—ust

Sype 100 reconnaia-

1

Search for tack force

Uaoovered took force 50 miles soukkeect of OUMkVA

plaaas

2

1 April

1

a jK a o

Discorered tack force 50 »iles south of OEMAKA

s

plaaaa

1

taarok fcr ahlpa la OH aaaa Area

s

aaaa attack plaaaa

k

alght patrol

Detected enemy force, 1 carrier, 1 battleship

s

flying bouts

t

light patrol

Detected enemy force

■aaa

2 April

Loadboahcrs

S

Imtjt boater i

13

Attack oa taak force 210°?' from UXAI SEIaA

Fsilod to sight enemy

niil carrier attack planes

I

•

Lead besmars

6

Attack oa taak feroe

a a - a ■

2 foiled to return

2 April

SUISkI carrier bombers

7

gearck for and attack task force

see o

1 lest

SAIBX reoaaaaisssmea plaaaa

2

first phase af eearch

S carrisrs found lSO°kO' froa IAEA

1 type 100 reconnaissance plaao failed to re tare

type 100 reconnais-saaee plaao

1

for taak foroa

}

plaaaa

2

first phase of search for task faroa

h carrisrs found 135°20» from aaaA

-

aaaa attack plaaaa

If

Attack aa anchorage at OIHAka

1 battleahip. 2 cruisers,

1 battleship or CrwAaer sunk.

1 cruiser damaged.

2 failed to return

V

81IUI racoanaissamee planes s

f

light eearch for task force

failed to sight enemy

lone

SAIOI recosaaissaaee plaaaa

h

Searching sad track-

Discovered 3 groups of

a

3 Auall

ff/po 100 roconaals-ssnoo pleas

1

ing taak force

taak force

3 Bf*U

Zero Tighten

32

11 plane* shot dove 7 plane* Aewaged

2 lost

6 failed to retara

fight or planes

I

Air control,

toro fighters

20

Bering patrol

pToaee mwm

tea.

Wry honkers

«

Attack ia Okinawa Area

1 cruiser or hat tie ship, 1 converted carrier, 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer soak. 1 chip unknown typo daaaged.

2 failed to retara

B April

V

Seaplane to at ore

3

Attack ea chip* ia Okinawa Area

Unkaov/n

Unknown

SAXU* reconnaissance please

2

anarch for cad track

Blacororod k carriers 2IO°70' froa Bait

Hone

Typo 100 reconnaie-OOBOO plaao

1.

taste iores

Boro aight fighter.

h

Bnwa ooarch for cat attack oa Back

force

Tailed to dght eneay

e

SOT SIX night fightoro

l

h

Attack oa ehipe ia Okinawa area

—

s

5Bprll

IAXBB reconnaieeanee planes

1

Boaroh for and track tank force, photo

Succeeded in photographic reeoaneieeoaoe.

s

Heeerered taak fereee 70*230 •, UO*UO* free

mm

mm antvtMtan

12

Attack taak force

3

MiBclarlag eff shore of aorta airfield

Believed that all aaanaiai

1 failed to return

M

*

light patrol

feree^t^eathof* eBJKKD{ ealded attack uait.

mm

1

V

g," '

*

Keeororod 2 group, af taak feree aaatk af QfaTDU.

1

SI

fjraek teak ferae, inflicted

2

fviligkt trackiac

t

(ess

SOI HZ alght fighters Zero might fighters

f

f

Attack thjeeiw air hess, pert ealeeaing peiat.

Direct ii skat kite ea 1 kfcaajiirt eat afire

1 Sere aigkt fighter failed to retsra

Sere fighters

10*

air control erer OOIsbU

7 hellcats aad ocreairs

2 planes loot or foiled

to retarn

insnr fighters

110

Air control la ricinity of 00*1*4.

h

Attack en ships ia

vmtmm««e***s*

Lead attack plane s

SJ

light patrol

failed to sight enemy

mmm

i J

SAIBV reeoanaieeanec

t

learek for tack ferce

y

teak'ferce 3 *****

J ll^failed^t*1 rctara

Type 100 reconmeis-eanae plane

1

2

Tisiailsi taak ferae

2 lost

tare fighters

if

ST fee ■ spsnisl ettack direct eecert

Sara fighters

71

Air eeatrel

Least stalest planes

3

mm-**

flying heat

1

S Jearil

■TIfKX flight fighters

f

Search far aad attaak teak force

failed to sight eneny

mm

• • ■

3

Search eastern vatera

s a' s s

s

Secretins and tracking;

Dlsoercrcd h greapa of teak ferce

Type 100 reooBaeie-

sance plane

X

1> cneBvXQTsf eT^OOea&4s>a, SScbbbV04j

plane failed to re tera

U April

law* fighters

to

Mr ceatrel

■Ila«l fl^tar pla^a

15

•

SL*—lM~*

t

Track teak ferae sad okserre act at remits

mm

plaaaa

1

taak ferce ^"B*

331 soevered 2 groups of task force

1 failed to re tarn

Xw T

l

rkotographlc recoanaia-

•

Laad attaak plaaaa

5

klaeleirlag la^

5 pleasa riper ted soring of niass

5 failed to re tern

1

aaaa attaak planes

k

al^t^seerntleg ia

Incur sitnation net leaned

1 laad etteek plane failed to re tare

flriaf kaata

t

Zero might fighter ■

f

StrefB end bee* Berth. Central airfield* ia 0KXJUVA{ eeatreliie enemy fighter plaaaa

2 groat fires atertod

3 fere eight fighters felled to return. 3 SQZSkl eight fighters foiled to retern

301111 Bight fighter.

lh

•

t

■err* oeuihouatern

A force lac, ad lag aircraft carrier found 60 alias sect of TCBCkTO

trpBlOOrMMBllBW SOBOO plBBB

l

vatera.

12 April

Zero fighter.

leutralire OKHAWA

Orer 26 shot down

1* felled to rsturn

«« fighter pl-e.

*

leutralisc rieUity of 08H2MA

About 20 planes shot down

f felled to return

C 1'11111111

2

■eorohfor whole

loom* 3 grooms of taak foroo

15

light attack oa taak

1 seator tod carrier, 2 skips unknown type conk? 2 kettle-ships or eruloero sunk; kit em 1 bettleehip

1 failed to return

16

Ik

Attack in Okinawa

1 eettleeBlpneet efire 1 battleship kit

1 felled to return

iTUg heet

1

Search water, east of CgXJUkA

1 felled to return

Lemd etteeh plane.

•

12 April

mmpm tadtar.

11

Might attack la Tidal ty af IAS8J1

felled to eight eeeoqr

aaaa

X3Af.il

S; .....1 111

2

iaarch aaat af IAISB1 8ADT0

Diacorered teak ferae

1 loat

Sera fighter.

8

Da a troy aaaay eight fighter.

1 forced deem

1 failed to return

pleaoo

•

fear eh far teak faree

failed to eight eneay

e

Laad attaak plaaaa

Ik April

gs..........B.....'

1 felled to re kern

1

■nan eight fightera

2

etteaaTealt^*1

2 failed to return

fro fighter.

125

• Air eaatrul

Aerial ooakat ever ATLAZ SUMA

mat* fighter pla...

-

.......1 11

1

mmm

lb. April

B-7 Wm

B

iaareh 166 ailee •outhaa.t af OSXIJU

1 battleship, 1 ship type

Iao4hcr*ara

T

taak f arc*

1 large oarriar aat afire

1 failed to return

Bin fighter plane

1

March east af nxix ehTMA

• •

lead attack plane.

1

MB* •j*^q^

failed to sight ocean-

-

*********

1

If +*1

mmi night fighter.

k

Baa. eearehlng

mm

0

2

?Wt»graijbla^roooaaaio--Anchorage aad airfield.

leeat attack planea

Ik

Attack oa ahipa aad

part in vi clni ty of XI 8HhA

mm

aaenOaae heoh«r.

3

axmaxne an laia***

teat attack planea

f

Scorch aeet af

1 failed to re tarn

nvtssVaat

1

la apa*l

•

12

At taak aa taak faraa

lanrrheakoro

13

£5iin^

It April

tM alskt fighters

las atUok. am Barak aaa Oeatrel Alrfielda; aarly eerning air

y jaiogroa scabs aaek an

AlrfialAa, 7 Ursa flra. otsrted.

1 eight flskter failed tc retarn

.T1S11 night fighter.

it

eearch uaterc eeuth-east af Oamam

3 groups af taak forea diaoorarad

■Wfilktm

5Iai^%£^

tO planaB akat down

9 failed to return

Air centralisation

22 plana■ shot dovn

7 failed to return 3 failed to return

Okamrra enemy laaaaat

Bare fighters

A plaaaa atari Aaaa. A danasad

* failed to retura

nn fightere

Wkaater.

t

1 ship uakaowa taps, 1 oralear or kattleaklp aaak

2 failed to return

.1

af HXAZ

■^he-Mrre

It

2£T

1

1m April

Lead WaW.

3

tight seereh eeet of

•

1

17 AprU

fere eight fi«At«r«

3

etteciTwek*ftrce

felled to eight earner/ aircraft carrier.

iW might fighter*

12

3

l

' eeefcT eel track! eg

Recovered 3 greep*

•ere fighters

At

eeutralizo eir erer keek fore.

1 felled te rekere

WeVfightmrs

*

Ught seereh eeet of fJJDfO

1 failed te retare

Lead etteek pleeee

3

nriegheet

1

tAIea* raooeaelssoaoo

1

eeehereee) end eirflelds

felled to contact eaear/

Boee

11 April

pleaes

ffppe 1M reeeeeale-

If AprU

•

■J--—

—

-

If Ae*tl

*m ly^iiiwrti-

1

Uu at leak plaaaa

eight search af aaa aaat of aalaal SH0T0

nrlaa- keat

firing kent

1

lnn fsrosaaol forced down at OSHZMA

**

f » April

fSaal eight fighter.

u

Dawn ccarck aaa attaak

failed to eight oncer

1 foiled to re torn

W-Ti'riir

V. *

Sana aoarck

S • B •

Aksaa

free IOO^m......tk>

1

■ OS s

0

11 •

kigkt patrol aaat of IA1XII SR0T0

i

-V

21 April

Waakaat

1

s

iea*-.*—

failed to sight sneer

—

a April

rt 1

Fhetogrophic rccoanaxt-

-

1

tB April

SAIBT recoaaai eooaco

2

Daytime searching ead rocoaaaleoaaeo of Okinawa Area

Reconnaissance inadequate

hecav.oo of hod weotherr

conditions

-

t5oB»*l

0

I

Search for taok force

of anaoBToco at

OKlilAkA

and several eeaplaaee

fype 100 ree penal e-

1

BAia reoeaaaisosjeee

1

Weather reoonaalosaaoo of eaetera ooae

lad weather la eaetera

26 April

Bed weather ell day

*9M*U

lore eight flghtort

«

Beereh for aad attack oa teak force

Jailed to sight eneay

•*

BBTBK eight natters

1

BJIM MijeBcdeaaaes

*

r^taaeal«

Seaplane boaBore

Attack ship b around

1 felled to retara

Lead attack plaaoe

o

Torpedo kite aa 1 era!ear, ljnre^^ahlp. 1

faVSAI carrier attack planea

k

Icetraliae keeec kgr ■trafiaff aad koehlng ettecka

A flree aterted

1 sink* fiskter (sere type) felled te return

Xaro alfkt flfhtari

«

mUm aicfct fi«atcra

to

acme etteek planea

*

light petrel eeet of OOattaU

Beetle to detemino eneny aituation

—

fillet keet

light petrol cect of IAISAI SBWO

Bet oo tod what epp oared to ko aekeerlee

mm

tAmrecceeaia^c.

Search ace aoutk of HAISH StOTO

ttooorered A aircraft cerriora 100 niloa cect Of OCXBAVA

mm

type 100 roaiecolo-oenee ploooo

2 ■

Seder deception

2* April

A

2

fjeek S^Skk) **

lAaea raceanala aoaco plaaaa

Sera flatter*

*5

Air control

■act deem A Coreaira

A felled te rekara

fere night fighter.

6

Attack em clrfioldo

Started A firee et Central Airfield

1 felled to return

•HSU night fightere

12

aceoi—w ^■aaaa* aa^F^^^-aa1

1 flying keet and 1 tent act afire

1 foiled to return

Upj t.rtrr.

|

lUkt attack aa ablpa at CaUMAMJL

•

1 felled ta return

2C April

Beery hoaoer.

c

7MM1AM carrier attack plane*

6

Lead attack planea

h

light patrol af aaa aaat of HABB1X 5M0T0

-

1 failed to retara

2* April

i

tAIOT^rccoan^

2

loam aaarch

Disco re rec 2 group, of teak force eeet of OKTJUVA

1AIU1 rininaileeoaoo

, ■ 1

Ohaerve flaaaaai Inflicted la teak force attack

Sear 2 fighter, alt cruiser

Sara fig*tare

13

Air neutralisation

Band kaaad f igh tore

12

Seaplane koaker.

Search for aad attack

So suit s of tataorlaa

lone

i r i n

8

Baht attack, around arawawra

1 battleship or cruiser alt hp torpedo aaa sunk

Bacrrr boan»r.

5

(

15 April

tare night fights aellBI night fighter*-

1

12

feutrellae airfield, at OKIBAVA

Started 1 fire et le Shin* Airfield

1 failed tt retara k felled ta return

Land attack plaaaa

■Ight^trcl^cf jca^

laaatlo ta de to mine eeeetj situation

Bene

a a •

Transport hy air to

mm

Coaplotod

flying Boat

1

fat ding traaapert TOfXAANA to fJSK

a

30 April

-V

talta reconnaissance

*

Search of ea«torn water.

found task feree 70 alio, tenth of OSHIKA

type 100 reeooaale-aaaaa plana

•

i

1 failed ta return

Land attack plan*

1 '

feather reoonnai aoanoc of oa.torn water.

Stjaa

flyiag heat

1

withdrawal hy air

mm

2 fighter plane, chat deaa

1 lest

2 May

BAIfaT recoanalasaace

2

taarehaf UBWl ***>

failed to right eneay

Bene

Land haahcora

f

11

1 cruiser sank; 5 or 6 large fires started, 5 or 6 trana-

2 May

tlBTII caxrior attack pianos

Attack an nlrflddc at OXIMAMA

•

Lend attack pianos

$

i

■ATOM TsoocnolBsonos

3

tanroh and reconnaissance around 0s3BnVA

Be eneny sighted §*■■■■■■■ in photographic

Scro filters

56

Intercept J-29's

1 ahet deem

mam(» Jack)

20

WUm night fightara

1

Might attack oa airfields at OTXfJLMA

Lend nttnek pianos

|

Attack ships in ■■MtlTijI at OfJlAfA

1 cmlaer, 1 chip unknown tree Bank; 2 chips set eflra, k tranneBFti torpedoed,

MM —VI---

Lend heahers

f

Maary tanker.

g

attack S^s'

20

Boon cciewa«

Land attack planas

U

fd^jtrel^yt

Medina to light danage af seweral plcace

firing kent

1

fight search of enters southeast of XTVBa?

1 failed to re tare

tJZtK niakt t ichtera learn attack plane a

f

Attack oa sirflelds la orjkAka Attack oa oaaoly damps

2 failad to veton

A mm

<

3

1

ewiIWfl fLfktor

35

aftr awtrnllaation oTor KXEAI

13 shot down 1 ■sanazii

6 flfktara foilcA to return

Wee* flfkteora

*5

tare f Utters

As

r

Air ■■■till oror

Leant keaed fighters

30

t^aa. beaker.

3

Attack airfields ia (aTJaAK/

Laad attack plaaaa

3

jjjfc* Ma aaat af

—

5*W

3

Scorch foar oacar oat na-ra4M4 ****** 9

892BBI night fightara

f

Attack aa airfield* at'OXIBAWA

1 hatUeehip ead 7 traaapart ships found BO niles snath root of BAIfOsTIBA

heavy boahera

T

light attack on ehipe around OXIBAWA

1 ship of unknovn type aaat:

ships of nuruowa typo cot of ire

5 Bmy

Land hoebero

f

Land attack plaaaa

h

Bombing Berth aad Central airfields in OXIBAWA

Beaults unknovn

Land attack plaaaa

3

Transport supplies aad food to XXXAI

Succeeded

e

8BXSBX night fightara

6

Attack am airfields at OBX1ABA

If fires started at Berth Airfield, 2 largo fireej 2 fires started at Central Airfield

6 Baa/

2

Baesanaleaaaaa ef flight oonrae far TAB Operation

f

leery hoabera

17

light attack en ship s

1 ship of unknovn type sunk,

1 foiled to retara

i

Lead attack plaaaa

1

2 ahips af unknovn type eat afire

fjyjax

—»--1

kuth of 14901

failed to sight caear

mm

m\m sight fighters

•

•march for aad attack oa task force

failed to sight enemy

mm

8

leoosaalsscsce af

failed to sight task feres faccseded ia photographic

*~

fk^ia^l. .i.rfs-

1

■aehersgs aad elr-fielda at OJTjUha

flriMhs-te

Weather eksaiiattsa to sacs attack asat

mm

ticas crcr flight***" Bsjsraa far Hlas>

lea* heaters

i

TJghWttecks ca

1 failed te retcra

BMV seekers

I key

t

amkW

learn kenkera

f

aroaaaacm^<m

3

flyiag Wat

1

air traaaportatloa ia

aad ntmu

1 alsalBg

9*w

V

KM eight fight ore

I

Seereh far aaa attaak am taak f araa

Tailed to eight ccaaa/

MM amttD) flghtera

2

8eereh for aad attack am ohipo la attamaX 8BOT0

Tailed to eight cacaa/

-

lore eight fighter*

2

BBtSBf riuoBol laaaii

1

llliail...... af alr-

ftalda cam aaeheregee arocad T***^

Bacoo^iad. ia photographic

l-«*iteot*r.

f

Largo fire otartii oa 1 aircraft carrier

Beery keeker.

12

Bight attaeka aa ahipa

La- attaak plaae.

1

i!

emtmaam

1 failed to re term

•^....oaed......

t

Saarchimg

Haoerered 2 a*cap* of taak force

1 felled to ratara

tyaa lOOrecaWa-***** !l*e»ef

X

XO amy

2

Tracking taak forea

10

Icntruliaation at might of Okinawa alrflald

2 fire* started

e e o

t

anamr plaao*

1 shot ieaa

-

tea* sdgkt fighter*

3

Wad attaak plaaaa

aaotorm motor*

lo tooted larg* force

1 felled to return

a- a •

X*

Wautraliaing attack* am a^rfl^*T at CaUOUL

9 fire* atartea at earth Alrfiold

Both plana* teamed keek

1 fail «d to reterm

•e^oaaakoeAm

45

aaTaaT eight fighters

10

«*

t

«am*em*ar.

*

light attack* oa ■m-hb >t aniaaauv

ao reealt*

kern.

ameer kcatcr*

I

aaapa aa waaeaan

11 mmw

3

eerrchiag as* track-lms

t oleee* loot

0

t

d^tio.

lara fighter.

Air oo^ljrer Oki-

1)

y^s*"* ****

1 alamo fmlloA to

It mw

mva eight flghtor.

10

le»j^.*

1 plaao foilod to

faro sight fighter.

t

lAIOr rMiuliuM*

t

imbibe rUlmitJ of**** TAAA1A AtXmA

raUad^to^eiaht seems/ ml ttaka te HA ffJOHA)

earner

7

A

laidlag oomteet with KOUfOOA U OfJOUMA

*3 *w

ffZIIZ sight fighters

it

Pmsm Mtfeh eel attack

1 plaao folloA to reterm

5

■aorehim*

9 vaaaaaa fJalfAal ha reter*

•IMS "*81*"

OXBfS finktor planea

t

•Mitt*

•n^lan. Wakar.

3

aarTen.ift raiding contact

Ooatact lapoeeible

1 plane failed to return

UyUf toeta

2

1 plane failed to retarn

1 plane failed to re torn

«^ele~

3

***** area^eaat of

Bneny forcai datactad

■ear, tester.

12

Bight ntteck on tank feme eeet af TOI M1AI1

6 plane, node torpado attack on taak farea,

1 plane failed to retorn

neaol OOOkore

5

sfxai night fighter.

$

Search an* attack

rW41«4 tn a4/rht rn.nM.um

2 mmn Bight figktore failed to retorn

Sere night flghtere

t

aaaxva »o eign. mammg

'*

anutrnlialng air erer

h pi aeee abet eeeen oaa converted carrier aeee on fire

h plane, leek

1

HiiiiajilinT- af

IMllKJMllttM

3

Bay •otttti 01

failed to eight enenr

plaene/** 9mMm

aand etteek planea

t

Bight attaak em Skinaam airfields

15 **7

3

0U1A-A rcitiaa ocataot

teraad tack dee tc mat

if ear

1 tlil11

i

aaSat^'ii^ caanry mat alaalca

5

Attack cm cklpc around CaUlAhA

1 plaaa aaaa direct terpede kit cm ereleer. 2 pleaee keeked Berth eel famtral Airfield e; 1 plaaa cede direct terpede kit ea ekip af aadeteralaad tree.

«~rykee*er.

f

•

3 pleaee attacked Berth cad Ceakral^Airfieldc;

Lea* attack plaaa.

t

leak (art aaaa airfielda

ammetmaaa^

mm

BAUD MtMiai ■ tanfti

t

lavjt^ mm

Yelled te light eeeagr

17 *r

Laad attack placet

t

MLckt attack am ekipo arcuad CVlAkA

1 eralcer sank; other daiaage

mmm

H^kcakere

3

1

1

1

1 pleae failed te retera

aacacat* carrier attack

torpedo attack am

Land attack plenea

*

Bhrtk Airfield

•tart 1 fire at aarth Airfield

■Lgkt patrol of aaaa

tkaable to detendee oaany aitaatlon

1 plane alaeiag

U hep

*

lacoaaolter "PAHI.

ftk^iift^ in eke rake aaa airfielda

Oaahle to deteraine eaeap/ attention with regard to teak force; aueeeoefel

Type 100 reconnais-aance plane

1

1

light attaak aa akiaa around taiaiH

Street terpede kit ea con-rerted carrl erj Large oclaan of fire

*

a

Torpedo attack on ereioer or doatroyers ankaevn

1 plane felled to re tare

•

earpedc attack on tr on apart.

aavtaaa*.

leak Okinawa airfielda

1 plane failed to re tarn

t

aaakle to detemlne ea*nr aitaatlon

a

light petrel

X9T

•

Jailed to eight enemy

19 *w

*9* lf*JIIIMll«*

1

Searching seat southeast of OKISaVA

failed to eight ezxeiQr

1 place lest

■■

**m yjM.....

*

ttattvMt of**

oamoralC^

Attack ahlps around

OKIIAVA

1 ligkt cruiser soak

2 plaam MM *• ratan

aeaal attack pleaes

light patrol

Foiled to aigkt oaaay

mm

flrlag Wat*

2 , attgk^ooorck rf mi

Jailed to aigkt omojsjr

mm

! •

Blf

free Wwiii>i1».

i

0 O O 0

ft aha/

Attack oa\ okipo around OKXlAkA

Torpedo attack oa 3 tattle-

SftTllc Ann Hast Tnva r

mm

«3*r

a 11

3

■irriktcg of ooao

Sighted throe graopfl of teak farce

23 *w

Trpe 100 recoenai.-eanee flam*

*JUJ»B flgatar plaaa ■

1 t

S*nT*M*g af aaa* eemtheaet af lAVIlI SaTHO aaat ansee OXXaank

Sighted tkree greases af task ferae

■laylMi Vaati

10

Attaak ship* at OJCOUkA

leak 1 treaeport, 1 do.trerer

tar* night fightere

a)

Bnaa a—eking aaa

Failed te «Lgkt oneey

mfS Bight f ightsrs

10

at task sn taak fore*

OXaaV flght*r plana*

2

ksconaoltsr ollsrs northwest af JM OBsU

failed te sight easse/

* mm?

J£eV1 " '

1

Sooutiag af asms aamtk east of AaBB 1*010

Sighted three grsasps af task ferae

«

bbbbbj t*no*a*1 ■■■mm

1

Twilight traskiai af taak fares

Tailed te sight enemy

V

plnaa

-

I

aeeSssseTef BatTO*

Sighted two groaps af tea tea* fares

mm

Tlrlac heata

t

a

Peteet* enee* ferae

mm

10

III! | I 11 MM

teak h traaeperta; direet kit ea 1 eralser

\ alaaaa failed U nun

Laad ilBMfff

9

against taak force

Torpedo attaak aa 1 transport (l plana);

amoat

hearr

9

Laad attack plana*

(» Illeglkle, caller** to ke IS)

Attack en Okinawa

airfield*

Attack aroaad OOKAkl

Sat Ze Shina airfield afire la 6* pi cots

1 oral oer soak

1 plaaa failed to retcra 1 piano foiled to return

k

7

V

inniiitt^

10

Scareklxig cad attack against tank farce

rolled to aigkt enenr

Icra sight flgktsro

k

H pioaoa ialloc to re earn

plane*

3 .

coatheeet *«a*

*

Icntrallis rlolaity

af isnxi

Sere flgkter plana*

a

Isatrallss air ercr

1 plaas skat doom

k

Patrol sir erer

foiled to sight ones?

a.

•era i manse 1 ■■■hit

l

OtaaAkA raidlag contact

emcneceasfnl

aaaa

■topical

*5*w

mmm fighter pleaee

1

oaaiiMstltir Ticiaitr of OfJOMA

Failed to «lght eeeop

1 plame failed to retmrm

Attach *hlp. eromad

3 pleaee felled te reterm

stini eight fightere

OUa*aa* 4> i « ii. i ... i i

1 plame felled to reterm

Zero mi#*t fightere

railed, to alga, aaemj

mmm ma _

lore eight fighter*

171 seat eg tmt might ftghterm im MB

least heeaere

Ught attack mm

c%j amcherege /

or creleer, 1 deetroyer

1 plea* failed te reterm 5 pleeee felled to reterm

•7 mw

leerr teat II ■

11

h

TlMllll ll >

|

12

Attack em Okinawa eli«elee

laarttMtfhM

I

3 flroa started

h

•

Laad attack plane.

3

light patral

Haaala to determine enney situation

-

Flying teat

1

t

eerreaea yaja^ com tact

ahaaSaaad tha ad sal o a

1 plaaa felled to rotera

-

Mmm

fUSSl eight fifMsfi

•

Wmm alga* fighter.

f

Bean ooerohlng aaa at*

3

failad to aight aaaaqr

mm

te

aMatf-

A plaaaa shot aaaa

kmmmm*

Sara f ighW pleaee

57

nm

ttyiag Wat

1

light jeerohlag seath-

Failad to eight oaoor/

V

3

0 0 0 0

SBZSSI night fighter*

k

JIM*

ST——

1

Sag**"—*

•

1 pirn* failad aa nan

fere m\%%% fighter a

5

Search eeatk of fSI M11AI1

failad to aigkt oaaay

2

Search aaaa eeatk of OXZaaVA

SiacoTOxad 2 gronp. af

taak force

^yjNMHiie-

1

SAJBB! TfTf^'ft***

Search ■na.hioat of

failed to eight aaeaj

i

Attack aa ahipa areead OKlaAkA

Ikuaages uxdete rained; etteek raaiaaied

SS232T

1

a-..mm-.....

«.

3*opping oeppliea •* XIXAI SHXKA

——

—

It 9mm

fg.' ' 1

1

Soar oh aeetheeat af OQtAKA

lolled to aigkt eaeejr

tree 100 n miile-flaw

Xaaat attack elaaoe

1

Attaak Okiaawa airfielda

tone

1 failed to retarn

a a a

a

31 **₯

.....""""

1

•

1 9mm

i

fight searching

failed to sight enemy

1

^arckiBg eeet cf

c c e e

t /eee

tor* bU&* fighters

Scam search cf ccaa

e • e e

«■ eight fighters

«

Searehlag cad attaak la Oskiaa area

aaa e

»

SssrnhiBf caat af

HAHSSI SHOTO

e c * c

Attack aa *kip« around CCUABA

<

39mm

i

attack ^essae

5

2 pisses failed to fstore

lead Attack planes

OWfi^placi.

2*

Attack taak ferae

Shot deem 13 places

flriag toat

1

fight sssnrshtag semth-eeat of HUSaV

failed to sight eeeagr

—

gg.' 1

2

SoornklBg soatkoast

Sightod tea groapc af teak force

3*»»

8B1BBS ft a* tor piano

1

Searching santbeeat aaaa

Uro fighter plana •

*

f planaa loot or felled to return

gST.....-.....

l

I^lu. t»b.r.

3

Ittaok en QEIlaKA

) pi—.

B 9mm

SaleV reeonnol aaanoo planoa

*

Becoeaadaaanoo around

Tolled to Bight eneay

type IS* »■■■■!o-aanoo plana

Becoanalaaaaee aroand ISBTA aTA

Bed weather

s

a

a a

-V

plane

Weather roronwal aeoanao eeet of BaBKBX M

Weather and viaihility •

Bono

s

oneron? acnaaoaai -»*»

2

Beconnniaaance vicinity of VQaTQaT) skull

relied to eight eneay

1 fighter piano, SBIBBB. forced lending at IdO SBBU

MUiH zian**r pxaaee

laant Benaoera

S

eVeno

aeecajr Boohora

12

Okinawa aaeharaga

WaA at tack plaaa a

1

•aarch of soutkeaat

-

s^sr1—-

iaarak af aaaa aoatk-aaat af 101 ttaaJU

a

fJBOl eight fifhtars

«

fiaam BOOToklBg aad at-

laro eight fightere

5

•OCX against »M ■

faraa

aa vop*t danego aedefteraiaod

IdlBB receaoaleeeaee

h

Qaarohlai

Failed to eight oaaaa/

plaeee

•

Fight attack aa aalaaaa

taak 1 doatroror, aaar adss oa 1 doatroror

•aariMaj aaat aaa aaat of aaaVD aaOfO, local

Failad to eight ceeay

i

ratteaaalaaonoo aa

na»yaraatft

faaaaaofal pkc to crop hi a

*

7*aaa

_______|______^

lighted U aaaa ail 41 pop with

aaa aaatker at fJUULt

Urt8ioaa^of*U daatooTcr^"

i

W attack plaaa.

3

1 plaao failad to raaara

FlyiM heart

. 1

■lA^tjoatrol^of ooao

7 tmm

ZZJL

-

1 plaao failad to -stare

*

Attaak am akiaa sroaed OZXItkA

Seek 1 dsstroyer; aoar aias am 1 destroyer

1 plaaa) failed to retara, 1 plaao adeelar,

lead attaak plamea

5

amldlaf traaaport te ■aim island of OCattaA

2 plaaaa dellTorod load, 1 plaao uakaova

1 plaea failed te retara

*

BadeUse; traaspert

to mix

alaoioa ssan/lated

1 Jems

Attaak am skip a around OIXIAkA

1 eraiser torpedoed, liaofi undo termlned

•

taak 1 large akip aadeter-aiaad typo; tarpsdsed 2

*

—9mm

1 skip, kelisTod kettle-akip. soak

k

Attack Okinawa oirflold

2 fires at Central Airfield

•am fK>w.

f

6 flree at Za Shiaa Airfield

mm

tlalafrt ^

mm

SAIuT reconnaissance

2

HBoonnniaannoa af skips aroaad okihawa

Found 1 kattleekip, 2 creleers stJ^SgaUt „]v*£^^ *

transports*!^' imAmmT4***

fJZfJi rs senna, ssanos

2

Searching southeast of OSaXMt

Failed ta sight eaeer

mmm fighter pleaee

2

Land tester.

3

f *aae

mmrj VriMrt

3

Wight etteek an ships around OaXUlA

Large Are started ca 1 j^iiyi—^^oatsV

1 failed te retura

attack plana*

SsepAaa. kekkcr.

•

Land attack ylaati

3

Land attaak plaaaa

3

Wat kaat

1

Search aact cf

SMkLe^to < etas else mmm

■aaa

seaplanes

5

lAJatl ffJBDTO

99mm

8BIIII nigkt figkter.

10

Attack acrth Airfield

L'tfstr^fsr

3 failed to retura

Urn alcat flatere

Olaaa oat might flahtara aaar HTMI

1 Bight fighter shot aaaa

-

10 Jeme

fOXBBI Bight fighters

k

' "

t faerak south af JT^SK

j 1

failad ho sight aaaamjr

bbbbV reeeaael aaemee

2 laaroh aaat af bawbbt

failad to aisBrt anamr

11 Jeee

plcaCC

C VVBM *»*a vm a* Wi eBkBBMBiepem4>

i

'•Uia** 9*9 m a. ay* V vaaaaiai^r

bbbbI bbbbbbW

k { lj£ht at taak la

farmed tack due to had weather

BlBBBJ bIbBBJI

•

b

15 9mm

— ■-

lla^attock am ahlpa

Attacked la ricinity of

0 ant

....

\

91 9mm

plaaaa

■Barak aouth af

oniiwi

1 felled te reterm

1

Bed weather

11

Berth Airfield eet afire (* pleaee etteek)

2 laat, 2 failed te retara, 1 forced deem

IHfal aigkt flgkher.

1

Attack fkiaaaaj airfields

1 failed to retara

Bare at** «#»aya

L—.__________..

8

1

1 felled te retara

la nfixe

Land beakers

light attack ia Okineva area

failed to retara

failed to retorn

91 Jiu

learj keabers

7

raiilW carrier at teak planes

5

lean! Mi beakers

«

SWIShl night fighter•

3

Search ercr Okiaaaa airfield., deem search of eastern waters

Tailed to eight enenr

2 failed to retara

tarn eight fighter.

SaJH reeeaaaieeenee

gins

tree lOOjrecoaaaie-

1

ladar deceptloa la eeas vest of oataVA

ShTBhY floater plan*.

leutralising air erer KZKal ShlhA

7 shot dean

h failed to retara

Sere fighter plane.

at

Direct escort of Ola, air control erer OTJllaa

7 shot dm (2)

9 failed to retorn

i

light^attack on Ctrl.

taak 1 chip andeternined

tjrpe

Seaplane beahere

i

Oklnaea attack

1 eml.or not afire

23 Jama

Zero r.connaie Banco

2

Saarch af aaatara aaa.

railed to eight enemy

15*-

um re

1

taaxak aaat af BABBBI sbdto

feand 1 aircraft oerrior, 30 lore*, transport!, 5 modiem transport, end 15 aaall tremeporte at IAlAOOBwTO BAB

1 failed te retara

Typo 100 reconaaie-asmeo plane

1

Xera night fighters

5

Boatrnliilng ricinity

af onpu

failed to sight enemy

the*

at task piones

5

Okinawa attack

1 failed to retara

Attack am ehipe at omAaA

1 transport seek

2 felled to retara

Laad attaak plaaa.

Bstooted large fere.

1 lead etteek plaao crashed

flying koati

<

e

S^-™1--

■u)

a

■UH «l«kt fljhtmri

Attaak Okinawa airfield.

1 fire started at le akiaa I Airfield, 2 at Berth Airfield

I

1 failad to retara

*6 June

Xero night flghter.

5

Air control in vicinity of 08HUU

-

8AIUB reroanol.cnnce plane.

Okinawn Area recon-nni.aanee

Bad. wen ther

Seeplane bonhnr

-

1

Attack ntdps in Okinawa Area

«7

1

Attack Okinawa area

1 destroyer sunk

25 *■*•

•

1

I . .

1 felled to return

30 /.me

planet

2

flhlnewn Area recon.

Discovered 50 flying Bents, 153 We, 3 battleships or erninnre, 1B5 ether

ehip.

2

lank ..arching

treyers ea.t ef flnTKBli, BO ImmnjHti nt BAKABBTBOXB BAB

VSKZJM carrier attack flame

1

light attack

see*.

1 felled to return

3 July

i

plane

1

-'■J"l>l-

leather had, unnhle to

Wam. night fighter.

Attack In Shlna Air-flelA

2 fire, started

2 failed to re turn

X JmVm-

Xero BUM fiektere

5

leetraliee air la Tidal ty af OaallU

Failad to slfkt enemy

-

IK tkl alekt fiaktere

*

*Mr

*

hnencesssful

aw

ibb* attack B14BBB.

3

H«ht patrol aaat af

Camels to determine

-

flyim* Coata

«

BTOIB BlfBt flfktere

H*nt search aaa at-taak arar laaVB UDfO

Failad to sLcht aaaaqr

e

Iemad attack plasma

3

aajkt aaarak af aaatarn

a a a a

a

FlTlBC Beat

1

figkt Baarck af

aaa a

a

IA1W IIIIHBJ

general aaarak

aaaala to determine

10 A17

plBBBB

^aaBBvaaavep sew mmm rr«a»aaa*aJBa»

enemy aitaatlon

IbbbI attack plamca

Flyls* Wet

3

BMtjaarakjeethcast

a

-

U Mr

5

pjLrkt aaarak af aaaa

3 failed te retara

Fiyta* w«t

1

torpedo ettook em ehipe ia Ohieeee tree

1 plene coerce terpede hit oa hettlochip, confirmed

mmm

It My

Si*—1"-"

8

80 largo ehipe. 50 other, dlecorered at laaAMA

tea.

BA»™u.~

8

Oorriod oat photographic

li #mJy

IBZItl aigkt fighter.

attack Okleema airfield.

3 pleaee termed keek

•Oin eight fighter.

■Wtrali.ing ell* orer

tore might fighter.

Snaaea" oerrl oltoot plenee

farpedo at keek em ehipe ia Oklneam Area

t pleaee mode torpedo etteek

em ereieer, transport

(oomflrmed kit em 1 oreleer)

1 felled to retara

if#h*r

lUI Bight fighter.

10

Attaak Okimeam airfield.

2 fire, etortod at Berth Airfield, k at At thlma Airfield

2 failed to retara

tore might fightere

10

fhajgwlli.ee, air orer

failed to aigkt enemy

aw

Xatoto1'"1

6

fatrel eeet cf ITeaaV

a*.

a #«iy

Attaak ehipe la

1 pleaa aade tcryado attack em^craiaer. 2 en katUeakip

1 failed to retara

22 July

mum fi#>wr pise***

f

sVsoonosl sssavao of vicinity of nalSatflO

■eaa

8*aplaae b set ears

Flylaf boat*

2

wee aed* forced leading ia OSfflLMA

amccessfml

team

23 MLr

1

found aaay ship* la aatoV WfJBI ta* of f enere forth

!^Tn^^4iTfl*1A*11114

flyiae boat

1

JUiooa* *fooo forced

Successful

t

tesroto^at Nti oontooast

of MMMism am

2 felled ta retara

pleaes

2

Discovered task force

m^m^mtmMmmMm

enable ta deteraine caaay situation

SIIBfJI flatter pl*a*>

3*

Intercepting (over falXX)

18 abet cava

6 failed to retara

mm mum* flatters

f

fear on far aaa at tack

task foreo

failed to tight eaeay

-

Wr* ■dgkt fl**.t*r*

3

Jely

talus' roconmil immi

1

••arch far task fores

Suable to do tend ee ceeaj situation

1 failed to retara

km night fighters

•

twilight oearch east c*V

attacked 1 eohmarlne

W ksSBWrs

1

searah for see etteok took foreo eoethoast of USU

fallad to sight eaeay

Land attack piaaa■

3

light search southeast

of xiaor

unable to dataradae ameer/ olteatlaa

attack planes

Mtaak oa chips la

lit 2 crelaars, 1 transport; twangs aa 1 craiaor aa-

1 felled to retara

*7 *ty

tlrftaldt mi"B?

5 ftrae startad

TJVOal carrier

Attack oa ships la

tarpate hits em 2 eraieere.

QkinaveAree

eralU^m

Lead attack plaaaa

light petrol of Ohtaeee

emetic to determine

mm

2S Jely

•taall Bight fighter.

search aed attack ooath eat eeat af IlltaV

ladled to eight eneay

taro eight fighters

f

Sere night fighters

D

^^<afaTOaaY°1Mra(i0a

failed ta eight eaear

ys?, 1.....

2

Searching aaat af 111 She

a a . a a

25 Jaly

land attack plane

X

Searchiag aoath of

Ohahle to detemlns eaear oituaiion

1 failed ta retara

SDlSBI night fightara

I

Tamed heck erne to

fan.

a a a

I

Attack Okiaava airfield.

3 flree atartad at Central Airfield; In Shine airfield act afire

fere aight fightara

i

anti-Btthaarine operation

failed to aight eaeenr

""^^

12

fantrellslng Ohlaaea Airfielde

Zero aight fightar.

Antl-aahaarine operation

5 Aegaat

X*ad attaak plane.

2

light aaarchiag

1 forced dovn

MIB aight fightara

•

Jail ectaajilaa operation 100 ailee vest of aoath

felled ta aight eneay

Sara aight fightara

i

6 hpiit

JS5 T

i

a a s a

6 August

52L*—*—~

2

Beconnaissance of CnUBAMA

Tailed to eight enemy

•VZan Bight fighters

•

■smreh for mam mttmmk tamk form* In ens term

ess s

Inro might fighters

•

7*»***

.....1.......

1

Hocorundeeenoe of 0121114

tnossndtd in photographic

lero might fighters

k

Antl-swhnarino operation

railed to sight enemy

M*I Sight fIghtOTB

•

Land Scssher s

7

Bight attack around

saw.

2 felled to retnrn

- iHionul

SBXai might fighters

•

Attack airfields at flerrmstift X

Weather had

7

Attack ships around OJOJAXA

Torpedo attacks on 1 converted senior, 1 trsns port ship, 1 ship undetermined type Bo smite unknown

1 felled to return

*.

Attack en ships nround nofnmm*

Besults unknovn

9 ******

ffJUK aigkt fighters

Attaak ea airfielda aoroaed

onim

1 large fire at le Salem airfield, 1 lire at Control Airfield

2 failed te retara

It aaguat

plaaaa

2

Local reeoeaaleaoaoo

rolled to eight earner ekip

attaak plaaaa

Attack oa ohipo at OXMA₯A

1 large transport kit kr torpedo

2 pleaee termed taak

11 Aagact

ammn—

Petrol ia lyuaku Area

failed to eight enemy

■WW* timmn

Beer (Thing aoutk of

sea a

far. BI4M fl#n

k

mmm}

12Au|ut

Attack oa okipa at onakaU

Peal tire hits oa tat tie ship, transport hp 2 pleaee

1 felled to retara

*

light aearch in JAP AH

Deahle to detereine enemy oltenUon

V

13 AmtpH

52.

*

Searching eaet of IDEBA

Turned hack keeaeee of ked aeetkar

■n alekt flatter*

s

Bern eearching ead attaak

failed to eight aeaer

Sere alekt fightere

1

lead etteek plaaaa

1

feat Is to detereine comer al teat lorn

mm

13 Am*"%

Attmck em ehipe at

omiii

Torpedo etteek em kettle, ehip. treeein.itt fire eejUemm aed water ooleee

1 felled te reterm

Ik mmm*

fe^mg

felled to eight enemy

I01W earner hemter.

fear eM eg and attack

e e e e

1

MUht^eemrch eouth

Unable to ea tenet me

etteek pleao.

Attack ship, at GKLkAWA

Bmealte mekmewm

15 Aw*

taerial eg ■ eat he met of aeeWI ftaBTO

felled to eight enemy

—

i( Ameeet

•

3

Patrol 200 mile, from ehere (BMaV)

e o o o

0

l

moi might fighter.

12

eweae

MmTm might fighter.

g

Lead attack plame.

light searching oemth

Omehle to determine enemy eltmatlom

2 felled te reterm

s^r.cow.«no.

h

Patrol 200 ad la. froa ahora (CTOay)

Palled to eight eztaay

—

17 Angaet

SWSM night fighter.

12

taarnlilag aad attack ISO aftlaa froa SX0SB7

tot «l«*»t fighter.

8

lilaiut

liXBT wml ..—a. plaae.

u

Patrol 200 alia, off

Palled to algkt eaaay

u

a

a a ■ a

a

lea area fnkle Mo 5

tg ere tl Baal Pate for tka 1 Air fleet in tka Okinawa Am Operation, (binding Ipecial Attack.)

sate

Plaaa frpa

Baker at* Hasten

aaaa aaa Inflict ad

Seeagss Xncnrrsd

t* Jkaanar

r Wheater

3 Petrel

felled te aigkt eneaq

r mm,

2* ekaaaar

r

3

•

17 •mmm

r "

3 "

*

XAaaaaValBdJ • m^m?%mf aaga«aat

plaaa sefs.

Jaener

r

3

Wmm

If Man*

r

3

•

■ s

30 Jeaaar

r

3

s

31 Jaeeer

r

v *

3 "

s

1 fakraa

orjr •

3 "

•

s '

2 fakraa

mw

3

s

7 f-Araa

*T

•

1 land lBBtiri

failad te retara.

• fakraa

3

•

1 lead keeker failed te retara.

9 felawr U

BML eOBI

2

Patrol

Palled to eieat end

w mmm

10 feVruary

2

•

Hone

1 lead teat or failed te return, 1 lead teener leet.

11 PeVraary

•

2

o

Palled to elffct onei

W 1 laad teeter

failed te retara.

1* f«n«7

3

e

acne

felled to^etora. aeda forced lendln*.

15 feereerr

3

a

failed to slant enei

w mmm

16 foerearr

1

3

0

•

17 foereorr b

1

•

IS Foerearr

•

l

•

15 I.Vror/

l

•

10 fotaoaij

•

1

0

*

*

22 feeroary

•

1

•

2k foaaOOJJ

1

*

*

• ■

1

0

•

•

26 Miwy

l

•

•

•

1? fehn

lory Lee* teeter

Petrol

felled to slgkt Mi

r ltee

If John

mrr *

1

e

e

1 Hero*

i e

1

e

0

e

tHere]

i oVUtT renoooole

x

Seerohing

end petrol;

ten oo orer LTeHUTM

plea*

e

3 Herci

I e

e

•

1 roe

eeojlioem

felled to n.

1 lead hoeher

i

1

Petrel

foiled te eight cone

r mm

1 toIOT reconnnie

1

fee ret It

end petrel;

0 -

fSB

receennlei

nvnee at 1IH0ATIH

1 lend honker

1

Petrol

felled te eight enei

V te*e

9 oha-el

1 IAXWH reooBne.il

leerchlng

eed petrol;

e

plene

1 110000101

lenoe orer 11*0*1*5

13 torei

k e

!

0

0

CM

k

1

w.

o

Itod

l

1

Petrol

felled te eight enei

or

9 Here]

I •

1

e

e

0

3 Hevei

B s

!

ieereking

eed petrel,

e

reeoennie

■cnee orer IIHOATHH

10 Marea

SAXO! recoanaiaoanoe

*mm

1

tooTohlcc; aad recoacaieeaaa

petrol;

i orer UBOaTXff

aaea

10 March

I^hoeW

1

Patrol

railed ho aleht oaaay

•

11 Marc*

c

1

0

12 Merck

•

1

•

-

12 March

plaaa

1

liorrtlmf, cam

p^treli

■ orer LIPOATES

16 March

1

Weill Area n

sconnaissance

•

19 Merck

•

1

•

21 Merck

1

22 March

•

1

LXNUTV reco

taaiooaace

•

2k March

•

1

Scot nil Be*

/

Dlecororod taak force

Code card leaioatiae; podtloc) at 1012 hoaro.

2k March

SeleT reeocaalseeaee -plaaci

2

Patrol

felled te olfht eneay

IS

«5 »M>rch

ggl8*? VfrnQ)

xiaatMCr pxeaee

k

c

BleeoTorod taak foroo ■■editlea of 2 air-croft carrier*, 2

creleere, 6 destroyers

forced loailea *t

aa» at 1U55 hours, place largely destroyed.

oae plaao.)

•

25 mrem

•

Lend Iwilwri

8TJISH oarrier mWMM

5

r 1

Attack taak farce at OKZI

aHA Voce

3 lead honk era loot. 1 891811 carrier tanker loot.

29 harca

SAIU1 rMomdimci

1

ten rial aa.

DiecoTored taak force at tWMtm (Si Code vord Indicating a poeltioa) at 1015 kaara.

29 aha-a*

•

1

Tracking tack feroea

a

2h Merck

ttkTJCO fighter plane

1

Patrol

Medina damage to 1 OTBOCO fighter.

2* Iterek

SAIUT, Mnonataaomca

1

Tracking tack forces

■a-

2f Marek

5AIT7I r*C0RMiitttti

3

Searching

•

26-27 Mare

a OXCO plaaa

1

Attack enemy ehipe

Dnaage unknown

•

2J Nftro*.

8BXO fighter plea e

1

Patrol

Home

0

27 aha-eh

SAIOT rii—i plaaa

» 1

Recoanoitaring taak fare* in Qkiaaoa Area

lot eighted

as tan Hi

•

l

e

e

•

28 March

GIXXO fla^Wr plaaa

1

Patrol

Hothing sighted

2ft Karch

typ« 1 land attack ploaoa

3

Sight attack on chips la Okinawa Area

1 cmleer hit cad exploded: 1 dcBtrerer attacked, reealte unknown.

1 lead attack plana forced down, hearily daaaged) 2 laad attack plaaee hit.

2S-29 Rare

B OKKO planea

6

Atta la t

tk ea traaspert gronp RAKA UflO

Uadeteraiaed

1 plana hoarllr deaeged, 1 plaae slightly daaaged.

a

ZB1I carriar attack plaaee

2

Unknown

loaegel BllflBMar

29 rfereh

fjrpc 1 laad attack plaaee

>

3

light attack on ships la Okinawa Area

1 carrier, daaage unknown; 1 cruiser sunk; 1 battleahip daaaged

Load attack plaaee

kit.

30 March

1

Ii

1

task force reaciaaleeaace la fhrlaawe Area

Bet sighted

Ike*

V

3

■Uh

Okin

t attack on ehipe la Bwa Area

Urn

t lead attack fiscal failed to

2 April

e

2

B

1 treasport sank, 1 ereieer oaak

2 lead attack pieces forced down, iveavtiy daaaged.

6 April

OBttO plaaee

5

Attack on Okiaawe airfielde

1 fire ot tenth air-fiald; 1 et hbrth airfield

1 gfJTJCO plaae failed to retara.

6 April

tBSAI plaaaa

3

Attack oa transport croup

2 BBAI carrier attaak plaaaa

failed te retara.

7 April

fSXLAI plsaaaa

Attaak oa akipa

-* •

kea^tker *" **

mm

7 April

aaTaXO plaaaa

3

Attaak oa ODIAkA

Bo plaaaa

l^plnno ellehtlr

f April f April

laaafla ilaaai

a

Unknown

1 plaaa failad to

aaaTXO plaaaa

3

a

■aaa

retara.

11 April

a

3

a

Unknown

e

If April

*

Attack oa inraaloa foroo

1 nodiaa traaoport aat afire? 1 sunk

e

12 April

Soap keeker

1

a

1 anall transport kit

a

12 April

Attack oa OniAkA

0.

Attacked north airfield; 1 landinc ahip

■aaplaaa forced down, hearily laaoail.

It April

>

Attack oa OniAkA airfielda

2 firce atarted at XASPXA; loath airfield kecked, reeulte

-

13 April

1—pl«a< boater

Attaak aa iareatea force

Beeoaad 1 email

■aaa

13 April

-

1

Attack oa fktaaiia airfielda

mmm

seaplane failad to

13 April

ffJBKO plaaaa

3

Attack oa OKISAW A

a

mm

13 April

taSSAV earrler attaak plaaaa

3

Attack oa ahip 0 at OallAVA

Made terpede attack oa 1 katUeeelp, 2 deitroy era, reeelte

1 CbbbTAb* aarrier attack plane failed to retarn.

15 April

type 1 lead attaak plaaaa

3

ngkt attack oa Okinawa airfield

All koake kit field hat ao erploelems or firee aeem

mm

16 April

light fightere

3

Attack oa ehipe at ODkAWA

Turaed hack dee te had weather

a

17 April

taYZAl aarrier attack

k

0 '

1 craieer kit ky torpedo

0

XT April

OTXO alekt fighter

1

Attack aa fkieewe airfield

1 fire at South airfield

e

If April

t (fJTi ale)

Attack oa ehipe

feeltire dame*, to 1 hattieahip, 1 oral cor

e

15 April

type 1 laad etteek plaaaa

2 2

Attack aa Okieoee airfielda a

Only tka 2 lead etteek pleaee aede attacks no damages inflicted

2 type 1 lead attack planoo failed te retara.

19 April

Sooplono honker

1

Attack ca Israel en ferce

10 daaagea inflicted

loae

19 AprU

1

Attaak aa ships

1 large destroyer poaitlrely sunk

a

20 April

type 96 la&d attaak pleaee

3 t

Attack aa Okinawa airfielda

*

a

2 typo 96 land attack pleaee, 1 lead keeker felled te retara.

ftppa 1 land attaak plaaaa

3

a

a-

20 April

ami pi—

k

Attack aa CaUlAWA

a

2 taVZAl earner etteek pleaee failed te retara.

20 April

8BX0 plaaaa

t

a

1 fire started

■aaa

20 April

2

a

1 large transport

s

21 April

TJOEUl aarrlar attaak plaaaa

a

lone

B

a April

type 1 laad attack plaaaa

2

light at tack oa Oki news airfielda

Inflicted groat losses oa eneey

1 lead attaak plaaa farced deea and hearlly tsasgii,

29 April

WISH aarrlar heater

1

Conf iminf enany looses

tone

1 SOISB carrier heater loot.

April

3

Attack oa OniAkA

Unknown

aaaa

27 %ril

fecpleaa 1

3

At tack ea 01

KPABA t eea

r ai aaaa ea 1

lone

28 April

Laad tea**

k

Attack ea ta

mmmm »«.

s-

**pe 1 1-

A attaak plaaaa

6

a

a

a

28 April

«>»• 9* U plaaaa

ad attack

2

Attack ea Ok

iaaem airfielda

1 trpi attest

te rei

.96 lead

1 plena felled

28 April

Zere flatter pleaee

10

Attaak ea ta

ak ferae Unka©

1 ten plene

1 flatter

felled te

-

r H 1 ™ ■

reten

at attack pleaee

13

Attack ea Ok

iaeaa airfield ferae tad «

d keek dae te eatker

—

38 8kf/

fppe 1 1M

l

a

a

a

31 mm

free 1 Is-

a attack pleaee

f

a

a

1 mmm

land at tec

k plana

1

a

•

a

-

U Jane

type 1 lae

a etteek place a

ll

At tec* aa Ok

iaeaa airfielda Uakae

1 lam plaaa

1 attack^

1 lead etteek

plane felled te

8 June 9

frpe 1 lea

a attack plaaaa

3

c a

tad «

*

I

SENAGA SHIM4

OKINAWA. AREA NAVAL OPiftATIONS (Translation)

general headquarters

far east command military intelligence section, general stajt misg/fe

Date Rood misg/FE:

Translation Requested by: Military History Ssotlon

1 Fab '52

Description of Contents: Full translation of Monograph

No 141 INary), Okinawa Area Naral Operations.

Monograph No 141 (Nary)

"Okinawa Araa Naral Operations" Supplement Statistios on Naral Air Strength

Prepared by Seoond Demobilization Bureau August 1949

The statistics oontained in this suri*lementary volume art based on the reeulte of restudying the various ae-neote of the naval air battles oondnoted throughout the period after Okinawa Area Operations, and are More aoeurate and authoritative than those now oontained in the "Okinawa Area Naval Operations." For this reason, this volume will supersede the following four original statistical records contained in the "Okinawa Area Naval Operations.**:

Chart 1. The Strength employed in the

"Kikuaul" Operations Chart 2. The Strength Employed in the

Okinawa Area Operations, and

Inamy and Friendly Losses Chart 3* The Strength of Special Attack

Planes employed in the Okinawa

Area Operations Chart 4. The Activities of the "Ten" Air

Attaok Force in the Okinawa Area

Operations

In addition, some of the figures oited in "Operations Reoord of the Fifth Air Fleet" will be replaoed by those eited in this supplement when they are found to be disorapant with the latter.

00JKBR8

Preface

Grand Btatiatioal Chart Shearing Strength of Aircraft Employed, end Enemy and Friendly Losses Counted Throughout tha Fariod of tha Okinawa Araa Operations

a. Strength of Aircraft Employed, and Losses

b. Strength of Attaok Planes Employed, and Losses O. Enemy Losses

Btatiatioal Chart Showing Strength of Airoraft Enmioyed

and Friendly and Enemy Losses Counted in laoh Phase

of tha Okinawa Araa Operations 1(

a. Statistioal Chart for laoh Phase of Operations l

b. Statistioal Chart for laoh Phase of tha "Kikusui" Operation 1

Chart Showing tha Strength of Speoial Attaok Planes Employed in tha Okinawa Araa Operations L

a. Those of tha "Tan" Air Attaok Foroa(Third, Fifth and Tanth Air Fleets ocabined)

b. Those of tha First Air Fleet Chart Showing tha Strength of Airoraft other than O-nooial Attaok Planes Employed in tha Okinawa Area Operations

a. Those of tha Ten" Air Attaok Foroo (Third, Fifth and Tenth Air Floats oombined)

b. Those of tha First Air Float

Page

mi'

7 /

8 /

9>

1. Prefaoe

a. Booeuoe tha more accurate rcoords regarding tha ■ml air strength employed la tha Okinawa araa operations wars scatterod and loot at tha tiao of tha war'a aad, tha rariouo records in tha oustody of this offlea (TV tho Liquidation Division of tho Second Demobilization Bureau) are In no way thorough or complete. Those raoordo and tho memories of tho survivors of these operations wore Processed and compiled into tho present roluae, which for the) present lo hollered to he tha moot authoritative.

b. The figures rolatiro to special attaok planes glToa In this reoord wore based on tho Hot of heroes honoured with Public ennounoement of their glorious death in tho special attaok by tho CinC of tho Combined Fleet and to are Judged to bo fairly aoourato. Tho figures concerning, special attaok Piano losses in Particular are aoourato.

• o. As to the airoraft other than tho special attaok plenea, tho figures regarding tho number of Planes employod ere Balloted to be generally oorroot, hat foil reliance cannot bo plaoed upon tho figurea referring to tho losses. To obtain tho exact number of tho planea destroyed or loot, it lo neoeoeary to oearoh out thoroughly the numerous records concerning tho killed ia ootloa as in tho case of tho special attaok plaaaa, hat under tho present eiroum-otanooo this lo very difficult ia that it requires tremendous tiao aad offort.

d. From tho outset, tho Japanese Harp failed to take sufficient aomao of confirming tho exact number of enemy warahiao and airereft loot la ootloa. Therefore, there lo ao hope now of obtaining aoro aoourato figures regarding them by any means ef investigation.

•• Tht rtatlatiofl contained in this volume inolode data concerning tha operations of tha entire naral air strength that Participated in the Okinawa Area Operations (flret, Third, fifth and Tenth Air fleete), and the Army* 7th and 98th Air Regiments, which had been made organic elements of the Naval Air force.

f. following are the types of Japanese aircraft employed in the Okinawa Area Naval Operations: Tyne-O carrier-borne fighter (ZfJOE) Raidon fighter (JACK) Suieei oarrier-borne dive-bomber (JUDY) Tenzan oarrier-borne attaok Plane (JILL) Land-based light bomber (GINQA)(FRANCES) Land-baaed medium bomber (BETTY) All Types of reoonnaissanoo seaplane Shiragiku utility trainer Night fighter Shldon fighter (OEOROE) Fighter equipped with bombs Typo-96 oarrier-borne dire-bomber Typo-99 oarrier-borne dire-bomber (TAL) Tyne-97 oarrier-borne attaok plane (KATE) Army heary bombers

Saiun land-baaed reoonnaissanoo plane (MTRT) Intermediate trainer OKA (BAKA bomb) Flying boat

Typo-100 HO. reoonnaissanoo plane (DINAH) Seaplane bomber (PAUL) NOTE: The figuree with oroeeee are estimates not baaed on rooorde (the aotual figures are thought to be a little higher than the eetimates).

2. Grand Statistical Chart Showing the Strength of Aircraft Employed and friendly and Enemy Losses Counted Throughout the Pariod of Okinawa Area Operations (14 Feb - 19 Aug 45).

« *

_ - r .......--sJr .....

a. Strength of Aircraft employed, end Losses

Mission

Number of Planes Used

(Sorties)

Number of Losses

Ratio of Losses

Patrol, reconnaissance, search

1,105

99

9.0

Air control, elr oover

1,880

109

5.8

Attaok

Special attaok

1,896

989

52.2

Ordinary attaok

2,1*8

231

10.8

9 m

Othere

62

16

25*8

Total

7,091

1,444

20.4

NOTE: (1) The smecial attack here includes the suicide attack against enemy surface craft,

one-way raids by shooting on enemy bases, and the attacks by land-based medium-bombers

carrying the Oka ^lanes (TO BAZA bomb), all of which ware carried out by aeleoted members of the special attack units, Accordingly, all other suicide attacks against enemy Teasels carried oat ocoasioi.ally by those other than members of the special attack units do not fall under this category of attack.

(2) Direct escort of suicide r.lanes conducted by fighters Piloted by members of the special attack units falls under the category of special attaok, while those oonduetad by fighters Piloted by thoaa other than members of the sr»ecial attaok units fall under tha category of air cover.

(3) Tha strafing of enemy airfielda conducted by fighters Piloted by those other than members of special attack units fall under tha category of ordinary attaok.

(4) Missions under the category of others include radar deception, mine laying, liaison fight, guiding of air unite and rescue of rtilots which made foroad landings.

b. Strength of Airoraft BmPloyed in Attache, and Loaaea

Attack Objective

Type of Attaok

Number of Planes Deed (Sorties)

■umber of Loeees

Ratio of Loaaea <*>

Task force

Special

1,164

534

45.9

Ordinary

645

69

10.7

Surface craft around OKINAWA

Sneoial

722

453

62.7

Ordinary

857

103

12.0

Bases and others

Special

10

2

20.0

Ordinary

646

59

9.1

Total

4,044

1,220

30.2

HOTS: (l)n Surface craft around OKIHaWA hare means various tynes of enemy surface craft ia tha ricinity of OKIHAWA whose r>rinci*al tasks ware deemed to ba transporting, escorting and carrying swmlies for landing forces.

(2) Tha special attaok against enemy bases means tha strafing of enemy airfields by members of special attaok unita.

(3) Other objectires mean targets not designated beforehand, as in tha aaaa of search-attack missions.

• • In •my Losses

(1) Surface craft

Taak Foroo

ftarfaoo craft

Total

Attaok Objective

around 0X2HAWA -

-

Soak

Heevlly damaged

(burned)

Torpedo or

bomb hits

Sunk

aaevily damaged

(burned)

Torpedo or

bomb alto

Sunk

Heavily damaged

(burned)

Torpedo

or

bomb hits

j Regular airoraft | carrier (CT)

5

9

3

5

12

Escort airoraft carrier (CTE)

1

1

2

2

2

Battleship

3

3

8

3

7

11

^ 4

10

A

Cruiaer

9

7

13

6

7

22

6

14

Destroyer

1

1

6

8

9

1

6

Transort

7

5

6

7

5

6

Small craft

2

2

Tassels type unidentified

3

9

6

9

17

9

9

Total

e jl " in

27

14

16

48

23

31

75

37

47

(2) Aircraft

Shot deem

Damaged

Barn ad

Total

Attack on Taak foreo

28 or more

28 or more

Attaok on OKTHAWA

171 (2) or more

12 or more

1 or more

184(2) or aoro

Interception

5 or more

5 or mora

Others

2

2

Total

206 (2) or more

12 or was%y

1 or more

219 (2) or more

(3) Others

(a) Airfields turned st 84 or more ^laoes.

(b) Hogs fires started st mors then 11 nines*, (o) numerous miliars of flamee and big explosions observed.

1

1

6

8

9

1

6

Tran start

7

5

6

7

5

6

Small craft

2.

2

Taaaala tyaa unidentified

e

3

9

6

9

17

9

9

Total

27

H

16

48

23

31

75

37

47

(2) Airoraft

Shot doaa

Damaged

Burned

Total

Attaok on Taak force

28 or aoro

28 or aoro

Attack on OKINAWA

171 (2) or aoro

12 or aoro

1 or aoro

184(2) or aoro

Interception

5 or aoro

5 or aoro

Others

2

2

Total

206 (2) or aoro

12 or aoro

1 or aoro

219 (2) or aoro

(3) Others

(a) Airfiolda burned at 84 or aoro places.

(b) Huge firoo started at more thaa 11 places, (o) Numerous pillars of flaaaa and big exploaiona observed.

HOT*: (1) Estimates of enemy losses were based on observation by survivors of air crew vartioipate* in attaok and also froa land, interception of eneay radio communication.

(2) While the enemy loeeee oited above do not include thoee whloh were not confirmed by eurrirore, on tho other hand a oonelderable number of thaa are thought to be repetitions as the same losses are reported by a number of eyo-wltneaaea. many of the eaeay loaaea sustained during night action are eepeeially uncertain.

(3) Generally speaking, tha Japanese navy could not take sufficient steps to check eaeay losses accurately. Therefore, the certeinty of the ebove-oited eaeay loeeee le believed to be unreliable.

Doe Mo 71148

3. Statistical Chart Showing tho Strength of Aircraft Employed and Friendly and Enemy Losses Counted for Enoh Phase of the Okinawa Area Operationa

__l_

Period

Number of Plana* Employed (Sortlas)

Special

Attaok

78 fighters; 76 bombers; 71 Olnge lend-light bombers; 18 land-based mad bombers; 16 Oka suicide planes

259

i

Un to tho day before start of Tango Operations (14 Fob ~ 5 Mar)

7 fightere; 3 bombers; 38 etteek planes;

136 reoonnaissanoe "lanes; 184 Oinga land-light boabare;

4 flight fightere; 57 land-based aed boabors;

59 Army heary bombers; 32 flying boata

779

Ordinary Mission

520

-

i

From tho beginning of "Tango" Operations to tho end of "Kikusui" Operation Ho.5 (26 Mar — 4 May)

Special Attaok

- --.

546 fightere equipped with bombs; 89 fighters; 36 Oka suicide lianas; 36 land-based mod bombers; 254 bombers; 119 attaok "lanes; 65 Oinga land-light boaters; 2 seaplane bombers; 30 reoonnaissanoe eee^lanes; 30 "lanes type unknown

1207

Ordinary Mission

155 reoonnaissanoe •"lanes; 1202 fighters;

57 Army fightere; 262 night fightere; 128 attaok "lanes;

30"bombers; 171 Oinga land-light bombers;

205 Army hssyy bombers; 25 flying boats;

25 flying boate; 219 land-based nsd bombers;

2529

3736

63 sea"lens boabors; 4 reoonnaissanoe seaplanes;

8 Oinga land-baesd bombers or land-based aed bombers

Special Attaok

32. bombers; 29 Oinga land-light bombsrs; "

22 land-baasd mad"bombers; 22 Oka suicide planee;

112 fighters equipped with bombs; 16 sttaok "lanes;

368

From tho day following and of Kikusui Operation

15 fighters; 93 Shiragiku trsiners; 27 reoonnaissanoe seaplanes

No 5 to tho and of Kikusui Operation iro 10 (5 May — 22..^)

Ordinary Mission

124 reoonnaissanoe "lanes; 249 night fightere;

145 Army heayy boabare; 114 Olnge land-light bombers;

167 lend-based mad bombers; 16 flylog boata;

61 attaok "lanes; 106 seaplane bombers; 567 fightere;

20 bombers; 18 reconnaissance sea"lanes;

22 Oinga land-light bombers or land-based mod boabere

1609

1977

1

1-- i * i ■ *

From tho day f olioring and of Kikusui 0^»ration No 10 to 19 August

(23 Jun — 19 Aug) i

SpooIoI Attaok

11 bombers: 5 fighters equipped with bombsj

18 reconnaissanoe seaplanes; 14 Shiragiku trainers;

14 Intermediate trainers

62

Ordinary ■l«»ion

16 reoonnaissanoe sea"lanss; 60 reconnaissanoe Pleaee; 49 ettaok pianos; 273 night fightere;

17 Asaplans bombers; 49 land-baaed mod bombers;

537

599

10 flying boots; 38 fightere; 22 Oinga land-light bombers; 3 bombers

Total

1--1»- -1

7091

for Kaon Phase ef Operations (First, Third, Fifth, Tenth Air Flssts Oombla

Lossss

Results

Lost: 13 fighters; 36 bombers; 49 Oinga land-based bombers; 17 land-baasd aad bombers; 15 Oka suicide Planes; and 1 Oinga land-based bomber (crashed)

131

Sunk: 3 eircrlft carriers; 2 battleehipe; 1 cruiser; 1 destroyer; 1 battleehlTt or destroyer

Lost: 2 fighters; 5 attack planes; 11 reoonnaiseance plaaee; 12 Oinga lead-based bombers, 6 land-baasd aad bombers; 11 Army heevy bombers; 6 flying boats.

Foroed down) 1 Oinga land-based bomber; 1 land-based med

bomber; 1 reoonnaissanoe Plane Foroed down end heavily damaged: 1 flying boat; 1 night

fighter

Hearily daaaged: 3 Army heavy bombers Moderately daaaged,

A Army heavy bombers Crashed: 1 land-based aad bomber

66

197

Damaged: 3 elroraft oarrlers

Burhed: 2 alroraft oarrlere; 1 unidentified surfaoe oraft Torpedo Hit: 2 battleshl"B Renderd inaotive: 2 submarines

Lost: 274 fighters e quired with bombs; 12 fight ere

31 Oka suidlde planee; 23 land-based med bombers; 150 bombers 85 attaek Planes; 39 Oinga land-light bombers; 22 reoonnaissanoe seaplanes.

Foroed down: 1 bomber; 1 fighter; 1 fighter equipped

with bombs Crashed: 1 bomber

640

Blown up sad sunk: 2 battleships

8unk« 1 J1*0**** oerrierj 2 elroraft carriers(escort); 6 battleships; 19 eruieere; 2 destroyers; 5 unidentified surfaoe ereft;

4 or more transports; 6 battleehipe or cruisers; 1 small surface erefte; 1 small aircraft carrier

Damaged end buraed: 2 Urge alroraft oarrlers; 3 battleshipsj

5 eruleSrs; 2 unidentified surface craft; 1 battleshl- or cruiser; 4 transports; l small elroraft oarrier '

Torpedoed: 1 eiroreft carrier(escort); 1 battleship 4 oruleeraj

2 destroyers; 1 battleship or cruiser; 1 large vessel Bombed: 3 bettleshipsj 2 eruieere}-1 destroyer Bombed or torpedo hit: 3 battleehipe; 2 orulsers; 1 destroyer Moderately daaaged: 1 vessel type unknown Hear alee: 1 medium transport Large fire: over seven "laces

Alrflelde: IA "laoee burned; burned; 1 flying boat: 1 billet tent 2 columns of flame observed

Shot down: 163 alroraft

Lost: 15 reoonnaissanoe planee; 58 fighters; 26 night fighters; 9 attaok -"lanes; 2 bombers; 21 Oinga land-light bombers; 8 Army heavy bombers; 5 flying boete; 31 land-based aed bombers; 1 seaplane bomber; 1 reoonnaissanoe seaplane; 6 aero fighters or Army fighters; 17 land-based aed boabere or Army heavy boabere.

Heavily daaaged: 2 reoonnaissanoe planes; 1 night fighter;

4 land-based med bombers;

1 seaplane bomber Slightly daaaged: 2 night fighters; 1 attack "lanes Hit by eoeay fire: 5 land-based med boabere Foroed downs 1 reconnaissance seaplane Moderately damaged: 1 night fighter

218

857

Daaaged: 12 aircraft

Lost: 19 bombers; 9 Oinga land-light bombers; 10 land-based aed bombers; 10 Oka suicide -"lanes; 62 fighters squirmed with

89

Blown up and sunk: 1 unidentified surfaoe ereft

Sunk: 3 unidentified surfaoe ereftj 5 deetrovers; 2 orulsers;

3 tranaporta: 1 light cruiser; 1 destroyer or cruiser;

1 bettleehip(?) * Huge fire: 1 alroraft oarrier; 1 large surfaoe ereft Burned: 4 unidentified surfaoe craft; 1 eruieer Torpedo hit: 2 orulsers; 1 unidentified eurface craft;

1 elreraft oarrier(escort); 1 battleship 2 transports;

1 large surfaoe ereft Hear miss: 2 destroyers

Airfield: 53 Plaoee burned. Huge fire: 3 Plaoee. Bxplosion: 2 "laoes. Snot dean: 43(2) aircraft.

bombs; 16 ettaok "lane"; 11 reoonnaiesanoe seaplanes Crashed: 1 Oinga lend-light bomber

Lost: 9 reoonnaissanoe "lanes; 15 night fighters; 5 Army heevy bombers; 4 Ologa land-light bombers: 12 land-baaed med bombers; 2 flying boete; 12 etteek planes; 18 seaplane bombers; 38 fighters; 1 reoonnaissanoe seaplane. Foroed down: 2 reconnaissance "lanes; 2 land-based med bombers; 1 flying boat; 1 attaek "lanes; 1 sea"lane bomber; 1 fighter,

124

313

1 reoonnai

saenoe seaplane

Damaged: 3 aircraft oarrlers; 1 destroyer

Lost: 7 boabere; 2 fightere equipped with bombs 6 Shlraglku trelnere; 7 intermediate trainers

29

:—-1-

Lost: 7 reeon 7 night fig 7 laad-beae 6 flghtefR Foreed down Crashed: l

--4

naleeanoe sea"lanes; 4 reoonnaissanoe Planee; titers; 7 atteok -"lanes; 3 sea"lane bombers; aad bombers; 3 Oinga lend-light bombere;

47

76

Burned:' r^Sj^.** 1 * d.stroysr

torpedo hitjioruleerai 2 transports; 1 large transport Alrflelde: 12:A? mora humai

2 land-based aed bombers land-based aad bomber

'i

Huge fire: 1

,"»laoe

1? It

L__

1444

1

Period

Strength Osnloysd

14 Feb 2

5 Mar

Special attaok

5 Oinga land-light bombers; 1 bomber

6

55

Ordinary Mission

25 Oinga land-light bombers; 20 reoonnaissanoe "lanes; 4 night fighters

49

—

- -

8"eolal attaok

105 fighters squirmsd with bombs; 79 fighters;

41 bombs; 8 Oinga land-light bombs; 2 attaok "lanes;

265

26 Mar — 4

**f i

30 vlanes tyr>e unknown

414

Ordinary Mission

36 night fighters; 7 reoonnaissanoe "lanes;

33 land-based asd bombers; 27 attaok "lanas;

14 seaplane bombers; 4 reoonnaissanoe seaplanes;

7 Oinga land-light bombers; 1 bomber; 10 fighters;

8 Oinga land-light bombers or land-base med bombers

149

5 May — 22

Jun

Special attaok

16 bombers; 39 fighters squired with bombs; 5 fighters; 5 attaok boabsrs

75

117

Ordinary

20 med land-based attaok bombers;

42

Mission

22 asd land-based attaok bombers, or land-based bombers

9 Aug

Special attaok

14 intermediate trainer

14

14

23 Jun — 1

Ordinary Mission

-

0

S

Total

600

Losses

Besults

Lost: 3 Oinga land-light bombers; 1 bomber

4

Unknown

Lost: 1 Oinga land-light bomber; 1 reoonnaissanoe *lane Foroed down: 1 Oinga land-light bomber Heavily damaged: 1 night fighter

4

8

Unknown

Loot: 17 fighters equipped with bombs; 10 fightere; 11 bombers; 2 attaok -"lanes; 3 Oinga land-light bombers Crashsd: 1 bomber

Foroed dawn: 1 fightsr squirmed with bombs; 1 fighter; 1 bombers

47

dunk: 1 small airoreft carrier

Damaged: 1 Large airoraft carrier; 1 small aircraft oarrier; root unknown

Lost: 1 night fighter; 7 land-based mod'bombers; 6 attaok Planes; 1 reoonnaissanoe seaplane; 1 Olngs lead-light bomber; 1 bomber; 1 fighter Foroed dawn or forosd down end heavily daaegedt "

4 land-based mod bombers; 1 reoonnaissanoe seaplane Heavily damaged: 1 night fighter; Moderately damaged: 1 night fighter Slightly damaged: 2 night fightere; 1 attaok planee Hit by seamy fire: 5 land-based aed bombers r

33

80

Sunk: 2 cruisers; 1 destroyer; 1 transport; 1 dodium transport;

1 amall transport :"1 small surf see craft Damaged: 2 battleships; 1 oruiser; 1 Large transport;

1 aaa 11 transport Burhad: 1 medium transport; Bear miss: 1 dedium transport Torpedo hit: 1 oruiser; Bomb br torpedo hit: 1 oruissr

Airfield burned; Fire et 3 plaoes

Lost: 15 bombers; 6 fightere equipped with bombs; 1 fighter; 5 attaok "lanes

28

29

Damaged: 3 airoraft carriera; 1 destroyer

Lost: 1 Land-based med bomber

1

Unknown

Lost: 7 intermediate trainers

7

7

Sunk: 3 unidentified surface oraft

0

124

b. Statistical Chart For laoh rhaso of Kikusul Operation {First Third Fifth sad Tenth

Operation to

Data

Ho of Plants Imploysd (Sorties)

Vital

Special attaok

85 fightere squired with boabe; 4 fighters;

71 boabore; 45 attaok planee; 4 Olnge land-light boabore

209

1

6 Apt

-**

Ordinary Miasioa

9 reobnneiseanos planes; 19 night fightere; 24 fightere;

4 seaplane bombers; 4 land-based msd bombers;

3 attaok planes ^

253

S"aolal attaok

9 Oka suicide planes; 9*land-based mod bombers";*

25*attaok planes; 29 boabore; 26 fightere equipped with

bombs; 6 fighters

104

2

12 Apt

Ordinary Mission

25 night fighters; 5 reoonnaissanoe planes; 106 fightere;

1" Oinga land-light bombers; 16 Army heavy bombers;

18 land-based mad bombers; 1 flying boot;

3 reoonnaissanoe seaplanes; 7 seaplane bombers

196

3

16 Apt

Special attaok

V

6 Oka euioide Planes; 6 land-based mod bombers; 20 attaok planes";* 5 fighters; 73 fighters equipped with bombs; 15 boabors; 20 Oinga land-light bombers

145

Ordinary Mission

8 reconnaissance planes; 19 night fightere; 164 fightere; 6 attaok planee; 20 Oinga land-light boabore; 25 Army heevy bombers; 1 flying boot; 3 land-based mod bombers

246

-

4

28 A^r

Special attaok

4 Oka auiolde planes; 4 land-baaed mod; 17 etteok planes; 28 bombers; 11 fighter equipped with bombs; 2 seaplane bombers; 3 fightere

69

Ordinary Mission

7 reconnslssanoe planes; 18 night fightere; 35 fightere; 6 etteok "lanes; 10 Olnge lend-light bombers; 6 Army heevy bombers; 12 land-based aed bombers

94

5

4 May

Special

atteok

7 Oka euioide planes; 7 land-based aed bombers;

41 fighters equipped with boabe; 11 bombers;

10 etteok planes; 5 fightere; 28 reconnaissanoe seaplane

109

-V— », 1

Ordinary Mission

4 reoonnaissanoe planes; 8 night fightere; 83 fightere; 45 Army fightere; 6 atteok planee; 6 Oinga land-light bombers 7 Armjrheavy bombers; 12 land-based aed bombers; 14 seaplane bombers

185

6

11 May

Special attaok

4 Oka euioide planes; 4 land-based aed*boabore; 7 Oinga land-light boabors; 10 etteek planes; 37 fighters equipped with bombs; 2 reconnaissanoe seaplanes

64

--

Ordinary Mission

5 reconnaissance planes; 65 fightere; 4 land-based mod bombers

74

Ihim

I

Total

Besults

68 fighters squired with bombs; 55 bombers; 37 attaok planee; 3 Oinga land-light bombers

163

(Besults comfirmed from laad) "

Blown up and sunk: 2 battleships; 3 oruissrs; 6 destroyers;

5 transports; 3 minesweepers5 12 unidentified surfaos craft;

3 large surface craft; 2 small surfeoo oraft Damagsd: (heavily damaged and burned) 3 battleships; 6 oruissrs;

3 destroyers^ 6 transports; 2 alneeweeeero; 2 small vaaeela;

9 vessels type unknown Burned: 3 eurfsos oraft; Shot down: 7 Helloets or Corsairs

1 reconnaissance "lane; 2 night fightere; 2 fightere; 1 seaplane bomber (heavily damaged); 2 attaok "lanes

8

-

Blown up and sunk:" 2 battleships Sunk: 1 battleship Best unknown

9 Oka suicide "lace; 5 land-based men bombers;""

19 attaok planee| 20 bombers; 17 fightere equi""ed with boabe

70

6 night fightere; 22 fightere; 1 Army heavy bomber; 1 land-based aed bombers; 1 flying boat; 1 reoonnaissanoe sea"lan* (heavily daaaged)

32

Sunk: 1 eeeort carrier; 2 bettleohlee or oruissrs; 2 oruissrs;

2 unidentified surface craft; 1 medium transport;

1 small transport Damagsd(heavily damaged end burned): 1 small surface oraft;

1 battleship; 1 medium transport Bomb or toreedb hit: 2 battleships

Airfields: 4 Plaoss burned; Shot down: 43 airoraft

5 Oka euioide planes; 4 land-based aed bomber; 15 etteek planee ;6 50 fightere equipped with boabe; 4 bombers; 12 Oinga land-light bombers

90

Bunk, oonflrmed: 1 battleship Bsst unknown

3 reoonnaissanoe "lanes; 1 night fighter; 20 fightere;

Sunk: 1 bettleohlp or oruiser; 1 unidentified surface oraft Airfields: 7 Places burned Shot down: 50 aircraft

2 Oinga land-light bombers; 1 land-based aed bombers

27

4 Oka euioide "lanes; 6 attaok planes; 21 boabare; 2 fighters equivmed with boabe

30

Sunk, confirmed: 1 heavy oruiser Best unknown

5 fightere; 2 night fighters; 1 Army heavy boaber; 2 lend-based aed boabore

-------- ------*- - -

10

airfields: 4 pleoes burned; 1 flying boot end 1 billet tent burned .Shot down: 3 Corsairs

6 0*ke euioide "lines; 5 land-baaed aed boabore;

21 fightere equipped with boabe; 2 boabore; 6 attaok planee;

2 fightere; 20 reoonnaissanoe ssaplanes

62

Suns.. 1 battleship; 1 oruiser; 1 small airoraft carrier Damaged: 1 large airoraft oarrier; 1 small airoraft oarrier Beet unknown

2 night fightere; 6 Army fightere;

14

Sunk: 1 battlsship; 1 oruiser

6 land-based mod bombers

Shot down: 36 aircraft Damaged: 1 airoraft

3 Oka suioide "lanes; } land-based aed'boabore;

6 Oinga land-light bombers; 10 attack planes;

27 fighters squirmed with boabe; 2 reoonnaissanoe seaplanes

51

Unknown |

2 reoonnaissanoe "lanes; 7 fightere;

Ordinary Mission

7 reoonnaissanoe nlanss; 18 night fightsrs; 35 fighters; 6 attaok -nlanaa; 10 Oinga land-light bombers; 6 Army hoary bombers; 12 land-based mad bombers

94

5

♦ May

S"80l*l

attaok

7 Oka 41 fi 10 at

suioide "lanes; 7 land-based aed bombers; ghters equi""ed with boabe; 11 boabore; took "lanes; 5 fightere; 28 reconnaissanoe ssaplane

109

Ordinary Mission

4 reoonnaissanoe "lanes; 8 night fighters; 83 fightsrs;

45 Army fightsrs; 6 attaok "lanes; 6 Oinga land-light bonbari

7 Army"heavy boabors; 12 land-based mod boabore;

185

[

14 seaplane boabors

6

11 May

Special attaok

4 Oka suicide "lanes; 4 land-based aed'boabore; 7 Oinga land-light bombers; 10 etteok planee; 37 fightere equipped"with boabe; 2 reconnaissanoe seaplanes

64

Ordinary Mission

5 reconnaissanoe "lanes; 65 fighters; 4 land-based aed boabors

74

1

7

24—25 May

Special attaok

12 Oka suioide "lanes; 12 land-baaed aed boabore;

22 Oinga land-light bombsrs; 10 boabore;

40 Shiragiku trainers; 2'reoonnaissanoe seaplanes

98

Ordinary Mission

8 reoonnaissanoe Planes; 119 fightere; 32 night fightere; 10 etteok "lanes; 13 Olnge lend-light boabore; 26 land-based aed bombers; 9 Army heavy boabors; 16 seaplane bombers; l reoonnaissanoe eeoplone; 2 flying boete

236

t

27—28 May

S"Soial attaok

31 Shiragiku trainers; 15 reoonnaissanoe aeeeleneo

46

Ordinary Mission

3 reoonnelssenoe Planes; 85 fighters; 36 night fightere;

8 etteok plenee; 9 Oinga land-light bombers;

11 Army heavy bombers; 13 land-based mod'boabore;

7 eeoPlane bombers; 2 reoonnaissanoe seaplanes;

1 flying boot

175

»

3 -7 Jun

8*00ial attaok

7 fightere equlweed with bombe; 2 fightere; 6 bombers;

r

15

Ordinary Mission

17 reconnaissance "lanes; 67 fightere; 13 night fightere; 8 Oinga land-light bombers; 15 land-based mod bombers; 12 Army heavy bombers; 20 seaplane bombers; 6 reoonnaissanoe seaplanes; 1 flying boot

159

10

/

21—22 Jun

-

snooial

i attaok

6 Oka euioide planee; 6 land-based aed boabors;

25 fightere equipped with bombs; 6 fighters'}

17 Shiragiku trainers; 8 reoonnaissanoe sea"lanes

68

5 reoonnaissanoe Planes; 116 fightere; 19 night fightere; 5 etteek "lanes; 13 Army heavy boabors; 4 Oinga land-light bombers; 11 land-based aed bombers; 16 seeplene boabore

Ordinary Mission

189

5 fighters; 2 night fightsrs; 1 Army hoary bomber; 2 land-based med bombers

_ *_

10

Airfields: 4 "laoes burned; 1 flying boot end 1 billet tent burned .Shot down' 3 Corsairs

6 Oka suioide "lanes; 5 land-based med boabors;

21 fightsrs squirmed with boabs; 2 boabors; 6 attaok "lanes;

2 fighters; 20 reconnaissanoe sea"lanes

62

Buna;. 1 battleehi"; 1 oruiser; 1 small airoraft oarrier Damaged: 1 large airoraft oarrier; 1 small airoraft oarrier Beet unknown

2 night fightere; 6 Army fightere; 6 land-based aed boabors

14

Sunk: 1 battleehi"; 1 cruiser Shot down: 36 aircraft Damaged: 1 aircraft

3 Oka euioide "lanes; 3 land-based med bombers;

6 Oinga land-light bombers; 10 attaok "lanes;

27 fightere equipped with bombs; 2 reoonnaissanoe seerOenee

51

Unknown

2 reoonnalaeenee --lanes; 7 fightere; 1 land-baaed med'bomber

10

.. ——-—.------— • - •

3 Oka aulelde "lanes; 3 land-based aed boabore;

3 Oinga land-light boabore: 1 bombers; 17 Shiragiku trainers;

1 Olnge land-light bomber (oreehed)

32

Unknown

1 reoonnaissanoe "lane; 1 fighter; 2 night fightere;

4 etteek "lanes; 1 land-based aed bomber; 4 sea"lane bombers

13

Sunk: 1 oruiser; 1 transport

Bomb or torpedo hit: 1 oruiser; 1 transport

8hot down: 1 airoraft

Airfields: 6 "laoes burned (IBJ2MA)

19 Shiragiku trainers; 2 reoonnaissanoe sea"lanes

21

8unk: 3 oruiser;"1 esoort oarrier; 1 large trans-tort; 1 medium trans"ort

4 fightere; 1 attaok "lane; 2 Oinga lend-light bombers;

5 see"lene bombers; 1 reoonnaissanoe seaplane

13

Sunk: 1 transport; 1 oruiser or destroyer; 1 destroyer Airfields: 3 "laoes burned Shot down: 4 aircraft

2 fightere equi""

sd with bombs; 3 bombers

5

Unknown

8 fighters: 3 land-based med bombers; 4 see"lane bombers; 1 fighter (foroed down); 1 eee"lene bomber (foroed down); 1 flying boat (foroed down)

18

Sunk: 2 destroyers Bear alee: 2 destroyer

Shot down: 5 aircraft

4 Oka euioide planee; 4 land-beeed aed boabore;

7 fighters squi""ed with boabe; 8 Shlregiku treinere;

5 reoonnaissanoe ssa"lanss

28

Unknown

1 reoonnaissanoe

2 atteok "lanes; 1 land-based med

"lane; 13 fightsrs; 4 night fightere;

1 Army heavy bomber; 4 land-based med bombers;

bomber foroed down

- AS

26

Sunk: 1 unidentified surf see oraft

Airfields: Burned

Burned: 1 cruiser

Shot down: 14(2) aircraft

5 fighters; 2 night fighters; 1 Amy heavy bomber; 2 land-baaed nod bonbsra

_ *_

10

Airfields: 4 "laoes burned; 1 flying boot end 1 billet tent burned .Shot down' 3 Corsairs

6 Oka suioide "lanes; 5 land-based aed bombers;

21 fightere squirmed with bombs; 2 bombers; 6 etteok "lanes;

2 fightere; 20 reconnaissanoe ase"lanes

62

Buna;. 1 battleehi"; 1 oruiser; 1 small airoraft oarrier Damaged: 1 large airoraft oarrier; 1 small airoraft oarrier Beet unknown

2 night fightere; 6 Army fightere; 6 land-based aed boabors

14

Sunk: 1 battleehi"; 1 cruiser Shot down: 36 aircraft Damaged: 1 aircraft

3 Oka euioide "lanes; 3 land-based med bombers;

6 Oinga land-light bombers; 10 attaok "lanes;

27 fightere squirmed with boabe; 2 reoonnaissanoe seertleneB

51

Unknown

2 reoonnaissano* --lanes; 7 fightere; 1 land-baaed mod'bomber

10

.. ——-—.------— • - •

3 Oka suioide "lanes; 3 land-based med bombers;

3 Oinga land-light bombers: 1 bombers; 17 Shiragiku trainers;

1 Olnge land-light bomber (orashed)

32

Unknown

1 reoonnaissanoe "lane; 1 fighter; 2 night fightere;

4 etteek "lanes; 1 land-based nod bomber; A sea"lane bombers

13

Sunk: 1 oruiser; 1 transport

Bomb or torpedo hit: 1 oruiser; 1 transport

8hot down: 1 airoraft

Airfields: 6 "laoes burned (IBJIMA)

19 Shiragiku trainers; 2 reoonnaissanoe sea"lanes

21

8unk: 3 oruiser;"1 esoort oarrier; 1 large transport; 1 medium trans"ort

4 fightere; 1 attaok "lane; 2 Olnge lend-light bombers;

5 see"lene bombers; 1 reoonnaissanoe seaplane

13

Sunk: 1 transport; 1 oruiser or destroyer; 1 destroyer Airfields: 3 "laoes burned Shot down: 4 aircraft

2 fightere equi""

sd with bombs; 3 bombers

5

Unknown

8 fighters: 3 land-based med bombers; 4 see"lane bombers; 1 fighter (forced down); 1 eee"lene bomber (foroed down); 1 flying boat (foroed down)

18

Sunk: 2 destroyers Bear alee: 2 destroyer

Shot down: 5 aircraft

4 Oka euioide "lanee; 4 land-beeed aed boabore;

7 fighters squi"->ed with boabe; 8 Shlregiku treinere;

5 reoonnaissanoe ssa"lanss

28

Unknown

reoonnaissanoe

2 atteok "lanes; 1 land-based med

"lane; 13 fightere; 4 night fightere;

1 Army heavy bomber; 4 land-based med bombers;

bomber foroed down

- AS

26

Sunk: 1 unidentified surf see oraft

Airfields: Burned

Burned: 1 cruiser

Shot down: 14(2) aircraft

(Supplement) Statistical Chart for Baoh Phase of Kikusui Operations

Operation "Cumber

Date

Kind of Atteok

Airoraft employed

1

6 Artr

Special

3 boaborsj 4 Oinga land-light bombers;

4 fightere

11

Ordinary

5 night fightsrs; 3 attaok planes

8

-

Special

6 fightsrs equipped with bombs; 6 fighters

12

2

12 Apt

Ordinary

3 see"lane boabors; 3 reconnaissance seaplanes; 3 night fightsrs

9

3

16 Apr

Speoial

3 fighters equipped with bombs; 5 boabors; 5 fightsrs

13

Ordinary

3 night fighters

3

4

28 A*r

Special

6 boabors; 11 fightsrs equipped with boabs; 3 fightsrs

20

Ordinary

4 Oinga land-light bombers; 8 land-based aad boabors; 10 fightsrs

22

5

4 May

"i 1 aa — aa

Special

11 bombers; 21 fightsrs equipped with boabs; 5 fightere

37

Ordinary

Ion*

6

11 May

Mono

7

24-25 May

Hon*

6

27 - 28 May

Mono

9

3-7

Tun

Special

7 fighters equipped with boabs; 2 figfa

tore

9

mj uu

Ordinary

4 land-based mod boabore

4

| 21 - 22 Jim

Special

17 fightere equipped with boabe; 6 fightere

23

Ordinary

Mono _

Losses

-=-i-1

Results

3 bombers; 3 Ginga land-light bombers 6

Unknown

knight fighter; 2 attaok pleaee

3

* i - • *

0

Hone

1 reoonnaissanoe seaplane (foroed down end heavily deaaged)

1

Sunk: 1 medium transport; 1 small transport; 1 small surf see oraft

Burned: 1 medium transport; Airfields: 2 Pleaee burned

1 bomber

1

Unknown

Hone - , .

1 bomber; 2 fighters with boabe

3

Unknown

1 land-based aed bomber; 1 fighter

2

Unknown

2 boabore: 6 fightere equipped with boabs; 2 fighters; 1 bomber (foroed down)

11

Sunk: 1 small airoraft oarrier

Damaged: 1 large aircraft oarrier; 1 small airoraft oarrier

Hone

Hone ^ **■

Hone

Hone 1

Hone

Hone

Hone

2 fighters squirmed with boabs

2

--

Unknown

1 land-based aed haber

1

Unknown

Hone

0

Hone

Hone

Hone

4. Chart Showing the Strength of Special Attaok Planee Employed in the Okinawa Area Oneratione

a. Those of "Ton" Air Attaok Foroo 'Third Fifth aad Tenth Air Fleets Combined)

pat*

Type of Plana

Mo

Sortied

fen

Returned or Deemed

Unable to Make Attaek

Mo Deemed

to Have Made

Attaok

Attaok Objective or Missing

Results

Remarke

Take-off Base

—

2 Mar

Oinga land-light bcaber

12

11

1 missing

0

Dean search-attack against enemy task

foree south of KYUSHU

Ho enemy sighted

11 Mar

Oinga land-light bomber

24

12

12

Enemy taak foree anchored at ULXTHX

More than 2 enemy aircraft carriers heavily

is-sfc.

18 Mar

Solsal carrier-borne dive-bomber

27

8

19

Unknown

K0rnK i

KOKUBU Ho 2

Tyrte-o earrier-borno fighter

13

10

3

Enemy taak foree operating In waters woutheaet

Of KYUSHU

(Trne-o fighters far

KOKUBU Ho 1

Oiaga land-light bomber

8*

0*

8

direct escort)

TSUTKI KAHOYA OITA

19 Mar

Sulsel carrier-borne dive-bomber

24

10

14

Enemy taak foree operat-

KOKUBU HO 1

Typ*-0 carrier-borne T iahtmr

10

10

0

ing in waters southeast

frypa-^^rigBTeTBf ror

A < «aA| mm f*n^f ^

unknown

Aiauaaj

Wo 1

Oinga land-light bomber

• 5

0

5

airtub lluurvi

IZUMI KAHOYA

20 Mar

Soleel carrier-borne dive-bomber

18

11 .

7.

Knemy task foree operating in waters southeast

of KYUSHU

1 aireraft

oarrier

sunk,

3 airereft

carrier

damaged

KOKUBU

Ho 1 KOKUBU

HO 2

Oinga land-light bomber

2

0

2

Knemy task foree operating in waters east of

KYUSHU

Unknown

KAHOYA OITA

21 Mar

Land-baeed medium bomber

18

1*

17*

Knemy taak foree with 6 aircraft carriers at 360 naut.m. 160° of KANOYA

{Type-0 fighters for direct esoort)

Unknown

KAHOYA

Oka suicide "lane

16

^ 1

r

15

Tjme-0 oarrier borne fighter

55

45*

10

m

Oinga lead-light

1 Enemy task foree operat-

IZUMI

1

-1

-

i

f

1 Mar

Land-based madlum bomber

18

1*

17*

"Enemy taak foroo with 6 aircraft carriers at 360 naut.m. 160° of KAMOTA

(Type-0 fighters far direct esoort)

Unknown

KAWOTA

Oka suicide "Lane

16

1

15

T-me-O oarrier borne fighter

55

45*

10

*

_

Oinga lend-light bomber

15

3

12

Enemy took foroo operating in waters aoutheest Of KTDSBU

IZUMI KAWOTA

MZTAZAKZ

24 Mar

Sulsel carrier-borne dive-bomber

4

3

1

Enemy teak foroo near OKIMAWA

Unknown

KOHOKU

25 Mar

Sulsei carrier-borne dive-bomber

2

1

1

Enemy taak foroo near OKIMAWA

Unknown

Alert issued for

T%ngo

Operation

26 Mar

\ >

Tango Operation oommenced

L

Sol sol oarrier- . borne dive-bomber

„*

- m*

or

or

S

Enemy task foroo near

Unknown

Oinga land-light bomber

7*

2*

OKIHAWA

MITAZAKI

5

2

Sulaei carrier-borne dlvs-bomber

4

2

2

Tnsmy task foroo south Of TAWEOASHIMA

Unknown

KOKUBU Me 1

-

1 A"r

Land-based msdium bomber

3

1

returned

2

Ensmy siroraft oarrier end bettlsships around

Unknown

KAWOTA

Ska suicide "lane

3

0

OKIHAWA

m

2 At*

Fightor eqol""ed with bomb

30

26

teeny taak foroo eeet

of HAH8EI Islands (TV Ryukyu Islands)

Unknown

m

Oinga land-light bomber

Enemy taak foroo aouthwest Of KTTJSHTJ

1*

o*

1

Unknown

MITAZAKI

3 A"T

Tighter equlrmed with bomb

24

16

Enemy took foroo seat Of OKIHAWA

Unknown

KAMOTA KOKUBU MO 1

Sulsel carrier-borne dive-bomber

21

15

KOKUBU Me 1

Oinga land-light

•

5

Enemy task foroo south of OKIHAWA

-

MITAZAKI

bomber

o

1

1

Tighter oqui""ed with bomb

«5*

17*

68

Knomy took forces eeet and south-east of HAHSKI Islands

Unknown

i

KAMOTA KOKUBU He 1

Sulsei carrier-borne dive-bomber

22

8

14

HOKUM He 1

S A"r

Tenzan carrier-borne attack plans

15

5

10

Enemy surfaoe foroo around OKIHAWA

Kikusui 0"ere-tloa Hoi

m-ssssmea

Hkaal

Type-97 oerrier-borne attack

1

» mmt

Fighter equipped with bomb

»5*

17*

68

Enemy taak fcross seat and south-east of NANSKI Islands

Unknown

Kikusui Onera-tioa Nol

KANOTA KOKUBU BO 1

Soleel carrier-borne dive-bomber

22

8

14

KOKUBU No 1

Tenzan carrier-borne attaok -■lane

15

5

10

Enemy surface foroo around OKINAWA

KUSHIBA

Type-97 oarrier-borno etteok

30

3

27

"lane

Type-99 carrier-borne dive-bomber

46

8

38

Enemy convoys around OKINAWA

KOKUBU No 2

7 Apt

Fighter* equipped

with bomb

30

21

9

Enemy task foroo east of NANSEI Islands

KANOTA

Suiael carrier-borne dive-bomber

12

0

12

Unknown

KOKUBU Bo 1

Oinga land-light bomber

12

3

9

Enemy surface craft weet of OKINAWA

MITAZAKZ

11 AT

Fighter equipped with bomb

5ff

30

20

Enemy task forces

Unknown

KANOTA KOKUBU No 1

Snisei carrier-borne dive-bomber;

9

4

5

south and east of NANSKI Islands

KOKUBU NO 1

Oinga land-light bomber

5

0

5

Enemy taak foroo south of EEKAIOASHIMA

MTTAZAXX

1

2 battle-ahlvte

Oka suicide plan*

9

0

9

blown up a *unk,l battleship

KABOTA

2 Ar-r

Enemy aircraft oarrier

sunk

Kikusui

Land-baaed medium

bomber

9*

4*

5

and battleship* around OKINAWA

Unknown

operetion

Bo 2

i

•

Type-97 carrier-borne etteok plane

25*

6*

19

KUSHIBA

Tjme-99 carrier-borne dire-bomber

29

9

20

Enemy convoys around OKINAWA

K0KU|U2

KOKUBU . Bo 1

Fighter equipped with bomb

Enemy task foroo eeet of NANSKI Islands

KANOTA

20

3

17

Oka suicide plane

7

0

7

0

14 AT

Land-baaed mediam bomber

7

0

7

Knaay «aak foro« tast Of OKINAWA

Unknown

t>

Fighter equipped with bomb

29

1

28

m

Oka suicide plane

6

1

5

1 battle-■hlp* sunk; oonfirmed

KANOTA

Land-baaed medium Bomber

6

2

4

Enemy surfao* oraft around OKINAWA

- «

Tyne-97 carrier-borne etteok plan*

10

2

8

KUSHIBA

Land-baBad media.

7

0

7

Of OKINAWA * 1

Fighter equl""ed with bomb

29

1

28

Oka suicide "Lane

6

1

5

Bnemy eerfaee oraft

1 battleships eiink; confirmed

KAWOTA

Land-based medium

c

i

14 A**

bomber

o

2

4

around OKIMAWA

Kikusui oeere-tion Mo 3

Tyr>e-97 oarrlar-borno attaok plane

10

2

8

KUSHXRA

Tenzan cerrier-borne etteok "lane

10

3

7

•

Fighter squlrmad with bomb

20

10

10

KAWOTA

j

Carrier-borne dive-bomber

10

7

3

*

16 Apr

^^^^ Mo 1

Oinga land-light bomber

20

8

12

Enemy taak foroo south Of KIJLAlOAjSHDtA

MTTAZAKZ IZUMI

Fighter equipped with bomb

50

10

40

KAWOTA

""Si

1

7 At*

8nisei carrier-borne dire-bomber

15

6

9

Enemy taak foroo south or southeast of

ntAIOASHDIA

Unknown

KOKUBU

Me 1

Fighter equipped with bomb

30

21

9

•

Oinga land-light bomber

4

3

1

IZUMI

Fighter equipped

on

19

•

Snoay took foroo southeast of AUAMI08HIUA (Many foroed to tarn back da* to bad

1 unidentified enemy aurfaoe eroFt burned* Fj-ponse of

KOKUBU

22 A-r

vritn noma

zo

X

Me 1

SulBel carrier-

15

borne dive-bomber

x

oix warn bubblea observed

|

3 Apt

Oka suloids "lone

4

3

1

Kb amy aarfaoe oraft around OKIHAWA

1 large oruiser sunk; confirmed

Kikusui

KAWOTA

Land-based medium bomber

4

4

0

•

•

Type-97 oerrrer-

borne attack "lane

10

4

6

Unknown

operetion Me 4

KUSHIBA

Type-99 carrier-borne dIte-bomber

22

2

20

•

28 lie

KOKUBU ^

Tenzan carrier-borne attack plan*

7

7

0

KUSKIRA

Seaplane bomber

2

2

0

1BUB811

29 Apt

Fighter equi""ed with bomb

33

5

28

ln*my task foroo eeet or southeeet of naMBBZ Zsleade

Uixkciiovxi

KAWOTA

Reebnnoissanoe seaplane

2

0

2

knemy surfacs oraft around OKIMAWA

Tenzan carrier-borne attaokplane

7

0

KrJSBIRA

Seaplane bomber

2

2

0

IBUSUKI

2!

• Aw

Fighter equipped with bomb

33

5

28

Mammy tesk foroo eeet or sootheeat of HAMSKX Islands

Unknown

KAMOTA

Enemy surface oraft around OKIMAWA

AVOOllllU oPOOOB

seaplane

2

0

2

IBUSUKI

Oka aaieldo Plane

7

1

6

Enemy sorfaeo oraft anoSared at OKIMAWA

1 battleship and 1 oruiser sunk

Kikusui operation

Wn 1

KAMOTA

-

4 May

Land-based medlam bomber

7

2

5

Unknown

•

Fighter equipped with bomb

20

5

15

*

Reconnaissance _ seaplane 20

8

20

mo j

4 May

IBUSUKI

Type-97 earrier-borne attack plane

10

4

6

KUSHIBA

ll May

Oka suioide

'4

*--1

7.

plane

Kaemy serfeee oraft around OKIHAWA

HJ

Kikusui operation Mo 6

U May

«n*»eWC«tn>

Land-based medium

bomber

4

1

3

ft

Oinga lend-light bomber

7

1

6

MITAZAKI

Tenzan oarrier-borne etteok plan*

10

0

10

KU8HIBA

Fighter equipped with bomb

37

10

27

KAWOTA

Reobnnaissoneo seoplono

2

0

2

IBUSUKI

12 May

•

Typ*-97 carrier-borne atteok plane

1

0

1

Kaemy surface oraft around OKINAWA

Unknown

KUSHIBA

14 May

Fightor equipped with bomb

28

6

22

Kaemy teak foroo east

Of T AWEOASKDAA

Unknown

KAMOTA

24 May

-

I

Shiragiku trainer

20

12

8

Kaemy surf so* oraft around OKIMAWA

Unknown

Kikusui Operation

«

Reconnaissanoe seaplane

Oinga land-light

2"

0*

18

2

Mo 7

24 *• 25 May

-To" *-__*

IBUSUKI ii TV* 7 irr

25 May

bomber

Type-99 cerrier-borne dive-bomber

22 10

1 missing

9

3 1

Kaemy sarfaoe oraft around OKIHAWA

Unknown

ELkuaul Operation Me 7

24 aad

25 May

(Many for sod to torn back dee to bad

weet her)

a nana*i MUJO

AUAUBTJ

Mo 2 1

Shiragiku trainer

20

9^

11

KUSHIBA KAMOTA

Oka suicide plane

12

9

3

KAMOTA

Land-booed medium bomber

12

9

3

mm

12

Enemy aarfaee oraft

Klkuaul Operation

•

25

May

Shiragiku trainer

20

9

11

■H—j auriaoe oral* around OKXRAWA

Unknown

25 May

(Many foroed to turn back doe to bed

weather)

KUSHXBA J KAMOTA

Oka auiclde plana

12

9

3

KAROTA

Land-baaed medium bomber

12

9

3

•

' .V*

20

12

Bnemy surfaoe oraft

TW,,\.....man

KUcoaul Operation Mo 8

m

27 May

Shiragiku trainer

8

around OaXMAWA

PHIHWIU

27 end 28 May

28 May

Shiragiku trainer

11

4

7

Rnemy aurfaoe oraft around OKINAWA

Unknown

KDSBXRA

Reoonnaisaanee sea-lane

15

13

2

IBUSUH

29 May

Shiragiku trainer

5

1

4

100097 aurfaoe oraft around OKINAWA

Unknown

KTJSBXRA

f

' Ty^e-99 craaier-borne dire-bomber

6

3

3

Rnemy aurfaoe oraft around OKINAWA

Unknown

Klkusui Operation Mo 9

Froa 3 to 7 May

kokubu Ho 2

21 Job

Shiragiku trainer

11

6

5

Enemy aurfaoe craft around OKINAWA

Unknown

Kikusul Operation Mo 10

21 and 22 Jun

KAMOTA

Beeonnai aaanoo Bea^lana

8

3

5

IBUBUKI

2;

|

I Jun

Oka suloide plane

6

2

4

Rnemy aurfaoe oraft around OKINAWA

Unknown

Kikusul Operation Mo 10

21 end

KAMOTA

Land-based medium bomber

6

2

4

•

with bomb

8

1

7

22 Jan

m

Shiragiku trainer

6*

3*

3

KTJSBXRA a

25 yon

Raobnnaiasanoe seaplane

11

8

3

Rnemy aurfaoe oraft around Okinawa

Unknown

XMOBOEX

26 Jan

Raobnnalaaanoo ■ seaplane

A

3

1

Enemy aurfaoe oraft around ORXMAMA

Unknown

Shiragiku trainer

14

8

6

KUBBXRA KAROTA

27 Jon

Raobnnaiasanoe seaplane

1

0

1

Rneoy surfaoe oraft around OKINAWA

Unknown

KONTTA

28 Jun

Reoonnaissanoe seaplane

1*

0*

-—1—,

Rnemy aurfaoe craft around OKINAWA

Unknown

KDHXTA

3 Jul

Reoonnaissanoe seaplane

1"

0*

1

Rnemy surfaoe oraft around OKINAWA

Unknown

•

11 Ana

Fighter equipped with bomb

5

3

2

Enemy aurfaoe oraft around OKINAWA

Unknown

K2XAIOA-8BXMA

15 Aug

Dire-bomber

11

4

7

Enemy surfaoe oraft around ORXMAMA

Unknown

No pubillo announcement

beoaaoe of pent eur-rreader attaok

OITA

Total:

1.536

634

902

b. Planes of First Air Float only

-1

Date

Type of Plaao

Mo Sortled

Mo Returned or Deemed

Tjnabl. to

Attaok

Ho Psasnfl to Have Made Atteok

Attaok Objective or Missing

Results

Remarks

Take-off Base

25 Mar

Oinga land-light boabor

5

2

3

Enemy teak foroo operating in waters south of OKINAWA

(Suiaei boaber for observation)

Unknown

i

TAICHU

Sulsei carrier-borne dive-bomber

1

0

1

s

Fightor equipped with bomb

6

3

3

Enemy taak foroo operating in waters south of

ISHIOAKI (I)

1 AW

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

14

13

1

MXYAKO I.

(Type-0 fighters for olreot escort)

a

Sulsei carrier-borne dive-bomber

4

3

1

Enemy taak foroe operating in waters seat of

ISHIOAKI I.

SdlMCHlKU

Oinga land-light bomber

2

2

0

TAINAN

2 Ato-

Fightor equipped with bomb

7

6

1

Enemy taak foroo in OKINAWA area (Type-0 fighters for direct escort)

Unknown

ISHIOAKI

(I)

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

2

2

0

0

Sulsei carrier-borne dive-bomber

4

2

1 missing

1

a

SHINCHIKD

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter.

10

7

3

Enemy taak foroo operating in waters south of

SmWCRTHJ

tatwaw

3 Anr

OKIHAWA

(Tyne-0 fighter for direct escort)

Unknown

Taj, mmm

Fighter equipped with bomb

3

3

0

ISHIOAKI (I)

Oinga land-light boab

2

2

0

TAINAN

Fighter equipped with boab

Enemy taak foroe south Of OKINAWA

(Type-0 fightere for direct esoort)

ISHIOAKI (I)

4 Apt

\

6

6

0

Unknown

Type-0 oarrlor-borno fighter

6

5

1

»

5 Anr

Fightsr equipped with boab

4

3

1

Enemy taak foroo south of MITAKD I. (Typo-0 fightere for direct escort)

Unknown

ISHIOAKI

(I)

Type-0 carrier-

1

1 foroed •down

borne fighter

3

1

n

6 Apt

Sulsei carrier-borne dive-bomber

3

0

3

Enemy took foroe In the vicinity of ISHIOAKI I.

Unknown

SHINCHlKU

Oinga land-light boaber

4

1

3

Enemy eurfeoe crafts around OKINAWA (Type-0 fighters for direct esoort)

TAINAN

Typs-0 oarrier-borne fighter.

4

4

0

•

9 Apr

Fightor equipped with boab

1

1

0

Enemy took foroe eeet of HITAKO I. (Type-0 fighter for direot esoort)

Hone

ISHIOAKI

(I)

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter.

1

1

0

Fighter equipped

6

6

0

Enemy task foroe south

6 Apt

Oinga Una-light bomber

l

3

around OXIHAWA (Typa-0 fighters for direct eeeort)

Type-0 oerrier-borne fighter.

4

4

0

•

9 At>p

Fighter equipped with bomb

1

l

0

Enemy taak foree east of HXTAKD Z. (Type-0 fighter for direct eeeort)

Hone

I8HI0AKI

(I)

Tyne-0 carrier-borne fighter^

1

i

0

12 Apt

Fighter equiwed with bomb

6

6

0

gnesjy task foree south of TOMAOUMT I. (Type-0 fighter for direet escort)

Hone

it

Ty^e-O oerrier-borne fighter

6

6

0

Fighter equipped with bomb

18

17

1

Enemy taak forces opereting In waters wouth of TOHAOOMI X. and"east of FORMOSA (Type-0 fighters for

Unknown

TAICH0 ISHIOAXI

(I).

13 A^r

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

12

11

1

*

Suisei carrier-born* diT*-bo*b«x-

6

6

0

direet escort)

Hone

SBXHCHIKfl

14 Apt

Fighter equipped with bomb

6

5

1

Enemy surfaoe ereft around OEXHAWA (Type-0 fighters for direet eeeort)

Unknown

I8HI0AEI

Typ*-0 carrier-borne fighter

2

1

1

16 At

Fighter equipped with bomb

3

3

0

Enemy taak foroe east of FORMOSA

Hone

Suisei carrier-borne dive-bomber

5

4

1

Enemy taak foroe south Of ISHIOAXI I. (Type-0 fighters for direet eeeort)

Unknown

SHUCBHUJ

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

5

5

0

17 AT

Fighter equipped with bomb

7

5

Enemy taak foree eaet of FORMOSA

Unknown

ISHIOAEI (I)

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

2

2

0

(Type-0 fighters for direot eeeort)

> ■

18 Apt

Fighter equipped with bomb

A

1 foroed down

0

Enemy task foree east of FORMOSA (Type-0 fighters for direot eeeort)

Hone

Type-0 carrier-borne flghter_

2

2

0

*

25 Apt

Fighter equipped with bomb

2x

2*

0

Enemy taak foree south of MXTAEO I.

(Type-0 fighters for direet escort)

Hone

m

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

2*

2*

0

m

Suisei carrier-

6

5

1

SHINO HIRE

28 Apt

Dorao axve-oomoer

Enemy teak foree south

Fighter equipped with bomb

11

9

2

of MIYAEO I.

(Typa-0 flghtere for direet esoort)

Unknown

QXRAH ISRTAABXa

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

3

3

0

•

30 Anr

rlana type unknown

30*

30*

0

Enemy taak foroa

»ea.

3 May

Type-99 oarrier-borne dive-bomber

2"

0*

2

Enemy surface oraft around OEXHAWA

Unknown

SHIHCHIEU

Type-97 carrier-borne attaek plana

Tanzan Aarrllr-

i*

0*

*

1

*

bona fighter

■■MHMHMBJMjMIJMjMJ

30 A"r

rlane type unknown

30"

30*

0

Enemy teak foroo

Mono

Ty"e-99 oarrler-borno divs-bomber

2*

0*

2

SHINCHTKU

3 May

Ty^e-97 eerrler-borne attaak "lane

1*

(f

1

Enemy surface oraft around OKIHAWA

Unknown

Tenzan carrier-

1*

0*

1 ■

•

borne attaok "lane

Ty"e-99 oerrier-borne dive-bomber

1*

0*

1

Enemy taak foroe south

of MITAKO I.

Unknown

a

Suisei carrier-

4

3

1

borne dive-bombor

(Type-0 fighter for direot esoort)

4 May

Fighter e qui wed

21

15

6,

1 small aircraft carrier

ISHIOAKI ISHIOAKI

with bomb

ill

Ty"e-0 carrier-borne fighter

5

3

2

ISHIOAKI (I)

Ty"e-96 carrier-borne dive-bomber

6

5

Enemy taak foroe south

TAITO

1 foroed down

0

of SAKISHDIA Ie.

Hone

Type-99 carrier-borne dive-bomber

2*

(f

2

Enemy eurfeee oraft

GTHAN

Suisei carrier-borne dive-bomber

1*

0*

1

around OKIHAWA

Unknown

SHINCH2KD

9 May

Ty>e-96 carrier-

2X

0*

2

01 RAH

borne dive-bomber

Fightor oquiTiTtod wi|a bomb

7

3

4

Enemy took foroe south of MITAKO I.

3 aircraft carriers and 1

Ty-e-0 carrier-borne fighter

3

2

1

(Type-0 fightere for direot escort)

deetroyor damaged

•

Type-96 carrier-borne dive-bomber

6*

0*

6

Enemy surface oraft in the vicinity of KERAUAla

•

13 May

Unknown

Tyne-97 carrier-tor n* attaok "lane

1*

0"

1

Enemy eurfeoe oraft around OKINAWA

SHINCHHU

1 1 1 Type-97 carrier-borne attaok "lane

2*

<f

2

Enemy surface oraft around OKIHAWA

SHINCHTKU

Ty"e-99 carrier-borne dive-bomber

2

1

1

Unknown

OIRAW

15 May

Ty"«-96 carrier-borne dive-bomber

2*

c

2

Enemy task foroe in the violnity of KSRAMA Is.

•

Fighter equi""ed with bomb

2

2

0

Enemy taak foroe west of OKINAWA

Ty>e-0 oarrier-

2

2

0

(Type-0 fighters for direot escort)

None

borne fighter

17 May

Tye-96 carrier-borne dive-bomber

1*

0*

1

Enemy took foroe ia the violnity of KSRAMA la.

Unknown

-

18 May

Fighter equipped with bomb

6

6

0

Enemy task foroe south of MTTAKO I. (Type-0 fightere for direot escort)

Hone

Ty"e-0 carrier-borne fighter

2

2

0

M

29 May

Tyna-97 carrler-borno attaok "lane

2*

0*

2

Enemy surfeoe oraft around OKIHAWA

Unknown

SHINCHTKU

Fightor equipped

7

5

2

Enemy taak foroe southeast of MITAKO I.

ISHIOAKI

IV.

ISHIOAKI

9 May

Sulsei carrier-borne dlve-boabsr

1*

0*

1

around OKINAWA

Unknown

-

SHINCHTKU

Tyne-96 oarrier-borne dive-beaber

2*

oK

2

OIRAH

Fighter equipped with boab

7

3

4

Enemy took foroe south of MITAKO I. (Type-0 fighters for direot esoort)

3 airoraft carriers and 1 destroyer damaged

n

Tynw-0 oaxrier-borne fighter

3

2

1

•

Typo-96 oerrier-

6*

0*

6

Enemy surface oraft in the violnity of KERAMATa.

m

13 May

borne dive-bomber

Unknown

Type-97 carrier-Is prne attaok "lane

l"

o*

1

Enemy surface oraft around OKIMAWA

SHIHCHTEU

Type-97 carrier-borne attaok plana

2*

<r

2

Enemy surface oraft

SHINCHTKU

Typo-99 carrier-borne dive-bomber

2

i

1

around OKINAWA

Unknown

GIRAN

Type-96 carrier-borne dive-bomber

Enemy task foroo in the violnity of

15 May

2*

0"

2

«

KKBAMA Is.

Fighter equipped with bomb

2

2

0

Enemy tesk foroe west

of OKINAWA

(Type-0 fighters for

Wone

Type-0 carrier-borne fightor

2

2

0

direot esoort)

H

17 May

Type-96 carrier-borne dive-bomber

I*

0*

1

Enemy task foroe in the violnity of KKBAMA le.

Unknown

w

18 May

Fighter equipped with bomb

6

6

0

Enemy took foroe south of MITAKO I. (Type-0 fightere for direot escort)

Mono

n

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

2

2

0

Type-97 carrier-

Enemy surface craft

29 May

borne attaok plane

2*

0*

2

around OKIMAWA

Unknown

SHINCHTKU

7 Jun

Fightor equipped with bomb

7

5

2

Enemy task foroo southeast of MITAKO I.

(Type-0 fightere for direot escort)

Unknown

ISHIOAKI

(I)

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter.

2

2

0

a

Fighter equipped

Enemy taak foroe south-

OIRAH

21 Jon

with bomb

11

11

0

east of MITAKO I.

(Type-0 fightere for direot esoort)

Mono

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

4

4

0

Fighter ©quipped with bomb

ISHIOAKI

(I)

22 yon

6

6

0

Enemy taak foroo east of MITAKO I. (Tyne-0 fighter for direet esoort)

T*ype-0 carrier-borne fighter

2

. 2 .

0

Mono

»

t Jul

Intermediate trainer

6

Enemy surface oraft around OKIMAWA

3 uni-

(TM MO

airfield

given)

7

7

dentified surface

oraft sunk

T Jul

Intermediate trainer

8

(TM Total:)

360

279

81

-/7-

5. Chart Showing the Strength of Airoraft other than Speoial Attaok Pianos Employed In tho Okinawa Aroa Operations

a. Those of -Ten" air Attaok Foroe (Third, fifth end Tenth Air fleets Combined)

Date

Type of Plene

Ho of Planes

Mission

Results

Losses

14 Feb

Oinga land-light boaber

6

Patrol

Mono

Mono

Salon land-based reconnaissance plane

2

•

a

15 Feb

Salon land-based reconnaissance plane

4

a

•

Oinga lend-light boaber

U

a

1 enemy aircraft, deeaed large, sighted at(TH Position in Cods)

e

Land-based medium bomber

2

Might patrol

Mono

•

Flying boat

2

16 Fab

Oinga lend-light boaber

7

Patrol

•

a

Solon land-based reconnaissanoe plane

5

•

4 enemy aircraft, deemed fighters, sighted at 260 neat, n. 120 Of TOISAJQ

a

Land-based medium bomber

4

Might patrol

Mono

1 loot

Flying boot

2

a

•

■OB.

17 Feb

Oinga land-light boaber

8

Patrol

a

1 missing

Salon land-bessd reconnaissance plane

6

•

2 enemy patrol boata sighted ot 60 seat. a. 240° of TORISHTMA

Mono

Land-baaed medium bomber

3

Might patrol

Mono

Flying boot

3

a

•

•

Oinga land-light bomber

8

Patrol

Ensmy tesk foroe sighted st 200 neat. m. 120° of CHICHIJTMA

1 missing

Saiun land-based reconnaissance plane

6

•

Small enemy airoraft sighted at---(TV Position ia Code)

Hone

18 Feb

Oinga land-light boaber

8

a

•

Salon land-based reoonnaissanoe plane

2

Tracking

•

a<t

Land-based medium boaber

4

Might traeklng

Hone

a

Flying boot

2

Might patrol

Mono

a

Olnge land-light boaber

8

Patrol

3 enemy task forces sighted

•

Land-baaed medium Domoer

4

aigno ireccing

mono

Flying boat

2

Might "atrol

Mono

■ n

19 Feb

Oinga land-light bomber

8

Patrol

3 enemy task forces sighted in' IWOJTMA

•

Salon land-baaed reconnaissanoe plana

2

•

Mono

a

Flying boat

2

Might "atrol

*>

20 Feb

Oinga land-light boaber

8

Petrol

2 enemy task foroe sighted

1 missing

Salon land-baaed reconnaissance plaao

6

-

Mono

Mono

21 Feb

Oinga land-light bomber

8

i

-

22 Feb

Olnge lend-light boaber

6

•

Salon land-based Reconnaissance "lane

2

-

•

23 Feb

Oinga land light boaber

5

•

Enemy submarine sighted surfacing at —(TM Position in sode)

•

Saiun land-based reoonnaiaaanoe plane

2

-

Mono

-

24 Feb

Oinga lend-light boaber

5

•

•

•

25 Feb

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane

2

•

a

•

26 Feb

Saiun land-baaed reconnaissanoe "lane

5

•

Enemy taak foroe eighted ot 300 naut. m. 180° of OM.E7.fcrT

-

Land-baaed medium boaber

3

Might "atrol

Mono

•

Saiun land-baaed reconnaissanoe "lane

4

Seereh for enemy task foroe

•

•

Oinga land light boaber

5

Patrol

1 enemy submarine sighted

flUbmeVl*jM flAT

m

27 Feb

OU14MO* 51*15

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe plane

2

•

Mono

-

28 peb

Saiun land-boaed

VAAAHUbI aamnf\a alalia

7

Seereh for enemy task foroe

4 enemy destroyers,course northeast 8"eed 18 knots, eighted 40 naut. a. south of OH MAW A; 4 enemy aircraft sighted also

Mono

in...... . ■ ' ■;—■

reconnaissance "lane

1 Mar

Oinga land light boaber

4

Patrol

None

Flying boot

2

Might patrol

•

Land-based medium boaber

4

*

1 enemy destroyer steering course 40° sighted et 200 naut. m. 30° of SATA MIS AO Pursued by enemy fighters

1 missing

2 Mar

Lend-based medium boaber

1

a

Mono

None

___jss_jsssssssssssss|

Land-baaed mad.I urn bomber

1 enemy daatroyer atpertng oourae 40° sighted et 200 naut. m. 30° of SATA MX8AKI Pursued by enemy fightere

2 Mar

Land-baaed medium bomber

1

•

Mono

Mono

Dawn attaok

2 lost

Army heavy bomber

10

a

3 Mar

Oinga land light bomber

5

Patrol

Unknown

3 missing

Salon land-base reconnaissance plane

5

Mono

None

4 Mar

Oinga lend light bomber

5

a

a

Solan land-baaed reconnaissance "lane

2

a

a

5 Mar

6 Mar

Land-based medium bomber

4

Might "atrol

Mono

Mono

Flying boat

2

a

*

•

7 Mar

Oinga laad light bomber

9

Might "atrol

Mooe

—

Salon land-baaed reoonnalaaance plane

2

Petrol

»

6 Mar

Oinga land light boaber

5

•

*

9 Mar

10 Mar

Land-based medium boaber

4

Advanced patrol

1 submarine neutralized

Mono

Flying boat

1

Weather reconnaissance

•

Flying boot

4

Guiding of etteok unit

•

Land-based medium bomber

1

Weather

reeanneieeenee

-

Land-based medium bomber

4

Advanced petrol

1 submarine neutralised

-

Weather reeonnaiesanoe

11 Mar

Flying boot

1

•

Guiding of attaok unit

1 missing* 1

Flying boot

3

forced down and heavily damaged

12 Mar

13 Mar

14 Mar

15 Mar

16 Mar

15 Mar

16 Mar

17 Mar

Land-baaed modi urn bomber

4

Might patrol

Large enemy surface foroe deteoted by radar

Flying boat

2

1 missing

Land-baaed modiam bomber

6

Might tracking

Knamy taak foroe tracked and attaok unit guided there to

1 missing; 1 foroed down

Oinga land light bomber

14

Attaok by the fIret wove

1 destroyer, and another destroyer or battleship sunk

3 missing

Army hoary bomber

14

1 aircraft oarrier sunk

3 missing

Oinga lend light bomber

10

Attaok by the

Unknown

18 Mar

Army heavy bomber

11

second wave

2 battleships and 1 oruiser sank

2 suicides

Tenzan carrier-based attaok plana

6

Unknown

5 missing

Solon land-baaed reconnaissance "lane

5

Dawn search

Knamy task foroe eighted

1 missing

Salon land-baaed reconnaissance plane

1

Reconnaissanoe for enemy taak foroe

1 forced down

Salon land-based reconnaissanoe piano

5

Tracking of enemy taak foroe

Mono

Land-baaed medium bomber

6

Might seereh

2 missing

Flying boat

5

•

3 missing

Oinga land light bomber

8

Might attack

Unknown

Unknown

Army heavy bomber

6

•

1 unidentified surface craft burned

•

Army heavy bomber

9

•

1 airoraft oarrier sunk

2 missing

Land-baaed medium bomber

3

Might tracking

2 missing

19 Mar

Plying boot

T

1 missing

Salon land-based reconnaissance plane

10

Search, tracking, guiding

4 groups of enemy task foroe sighted

3 missing

20 Mar

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe plane

9

a

3 groups of enemy took foroe sighted

3 missing

Oinga land light bomber

6

Might torpedoing of enemy took foroe

2 missing

Army heavy bomber

9

2 missing

Tenzan barrier-borne atteok plane

8

20 Mar

TWIU oarrnr-uurua

attaok "lana

S

•

Tyna-0 oarrlar-borna fighter

7

Direot esoort for ruanas attacking enemy task foroe

2 missing

•

Land-baaed medium bomber

4

Might search

Mono

Flying boet

1

»

Saiun land-baaed reoonnaissanoe "lane

4

Down searoh

Enemy taak foroe eighted

a

21 Mar

Salon land-baaed reconnaissance "Lane

2

Cooperation BAZA bombing

Diving of 2 BAXA boabs against en eneay oruiser confirmed

ta

Tenzan barrier-borne etteek "lane

Down aearoa-attaok

Unknown

10

Unknown

22 Mar

23 Mar

Carrier-borne dive-bomber

3

Seereh-ettaek

Nona

Saiun land-baeed reconnaissance "lane

4

Searoh

Enemy took foroe eighted

2 missing

24 Mar

Tenzan Carrier-borne atteok "lane

7

Attaok around OKIHAWA

Unknown

Unknown

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "Lane

5

Search south Of OKINAWA

a

1 alaeing

25 Mar

Salon land-baeed reconnaissance "lane

5

Search around OKINAWA

2 groups of enemy task foroe sighted

Unknown,

2 Corned book

Tenzan barrier-borne etteek "lane

5

Might torpedoing

2 battleships hit 7 (TM sic)

Unknown

Solon land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

searoh for enemy teak fores BOOT OKINAWA

Unknown

2 cruisers and others hit (3 cruisers sunk} "TN sic)

Tenzan carrier-borne attaok

Army heavy bomber

17

Might attaok on enemy tesk foroe (Around

OKINAWA)

Olnge land light bomber

12

1 heavy oruiser, 1 destroysr and 1 battleship hit; 1 battleehi" damaged

^j'"" e* qj^j^jl j|

suicide divee; 17 Army heavy bombers and

Tenzan Carrier-borne etteok "lane

7

1 battleship and 1 cruiser hit; 1 battleship —Column of flams observed

Oinga land light boabore

heevy^omber?7 turned book

5

Reconnaissance over KKBAMA and OKIMAWA

26 Mar

Saiun land-baaed reoonnaiaeanoe "lane

1

rhotographlc reoonnaissanoe

Unknown

Lend-beeed modiam bomber

3

Might searoh

1 missing

Flying boat

near OKIMAWA

Large eneay surface foroo deteeted by radar

1 sal mMA n D

t-

i—-g—i

•a. -"-A- avsexiiai,

Oinga land light bomber

7

Attaok around

OBfT Mi a MM a

1 oruiser and 1 battleship hit

(800 kg bombs)

5 missing

Suisei carrier-borne dive-bomber

10

OKINAWA

1 battleehi" — column of flame observed

27 Mar

Land-based medium bomber

4

Might traoking

Unknown

2 missing

Saiun land-baaed reoonnaissanoe "lane

3

Search along Byukyu Ialande

Enemy took force with 2 eiroroft carriers eighted

Bone

-

Tenzan oarrier-borne attaok piano

27 Mar

Land-baaed medium boaber

4

Might traoking

unknown

2 missing

Salon land-baaed reoonnaissanoe "lane

3

Seereh along Ryukyu Islands

Enemy teak foroe with 2 aircraft carriers eighted

Mono

29 Mar

Saiun land-baaed reconnaissance "lane .

1

Traoking of enemy] taak force south of TAHMGASRTMA

Enemy took foroe with 1 airoraft oarrier sighted

•

Land-based medium boaber

4

Might "atrol SZ of KTWSHU

Enemy foroe detected by radar

2 missing

Flying boat

2

a

a

Hone

Oinga land light boaber

12

Might etteok on enemy task

foroe

Mono

30 Mar

Army heavy boaber

15

1 aircraft oarrier sunk

1 missing

Saiun land-booed reoonnaissanoe "lane

3

Photographic reoonnsl seanee aroond OKIHAWA

Successful

Hone

31 Mar

Oinga lend light boaber

8

Attaok on enemy taak force around OKIHAWA

A few successes attained

Army heavy bomber

12

Tenzan barrier-borne attaok "lane

6

Fighter

6

Land-based medium bomber

8

Atteok oo eneay transport ouuwuy near OKIHAWA

1 cruiser aad 1 transport sunk; 1 oruiser set afire

3 missing

Saiun land-baesd reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

Seereh for enemy took foroe

Mo enemy eighted

Hone

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

1

Reconnaissance around OKIHAWA

1 missing

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane

3

Atteok on enemy surface craft around OKINAWA

Unknown

1 missing;

2 heavily damaged

Tye-lOO Hq reoonnaiaeanoe "lane

8e

1 A"r

1

Search for enemy taak

foroe

Kaemy taak foroe eighted 50 naut. a. south-east of OKINAWA

Mono

1 turned book

Saiun land-based reconnaissanoe "lane

2

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane

1

Enemy taak foroe sighted 50 naut. m. south of AMAMIOSHTMA

Mono

Saiun land-baaed reoonnaiaeanoe "lane

4

Attack on enemy surface

craft around OKIMAWA

Unknown

ta

Enemy foroe with 1 aircraft

Land-based medium bomber

4

Might "atrol

oarrier and 1 battleehi" detected by radar

n

Flying boat

2

Eneay foroe deteoted by radar

a

Oinga land light bomber

«

Attaok on eneay taak foroe 7 naut a. 210° of OKAIOASHTMA

Mo enemy sighted

Mono

-

Army heavy bomber

13

Tenzan barrier-borne attaok "lane

8

Oinga land light bomber

8

Attaok on enemy teak force 7 naut. a. 210° of KIKAIGASHTMA

Mo enemy eighted

Mono

Army heavy bomber

13

Tenzan barrier-borne attaok "lane

8

Ginga land light bomber

6

Atteok on enemy took foroe

a

2 missing

Suisei carrier-borne dive-bomber

Seereh- etteok for enemy took foroe

2 Apt

7

1 lost

Saiun land-baaed reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

Search for enemy took foroe

8 aircraft carriers eighted 40 naut. m. 180 of HAHA

1 missing

Tjme-100 Hq reoonnaissanoe "lane

1

Saiun land-baaed reoonneiesanee "lane

2

*

4 aircraft carriers eighted 20 naut. m> 135° of HAHA

Atteok on

OKIHAWA

anchorage

1 battleehi", 2 cruisers, and another battleship or cruiser sunk; 1 cruiser damaged

Land-baaed medium bomber

18

2 missing

Saiun land-baaed reconnaissance "lane

6

Bight search for enemy task foroe

Ho enemy eighted

Mono

3 Apt

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane Vi

4

Searoh end

traoking of enemy taak

force

3 groups of enemy task foroe sighted

a

Ty-e-100 Ho reoonnaiaeanoe "lane

1

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

32

Battle for the control of air orer OKIHAWA area

11 enemy alrcrefts damaged; 7 damaged

2 loot; 6 mleelng

Shlden fighter

8

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

20

Hoving patrol

Ho enemy contacted

Mono

-

Army heavy bomber

9

Attaok around OKINAWA

1 cruiser or battleehi". 1 aea"lane tender; 1 cruiser. 1 destroyer sunk; 1 unidentified surfaoe craft deaaged

2 missing, 2 turned book

4 A"r

Seaplane bomber

3

Attaok on surface oraft around OKINAWA

Unknown

Unknown

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane

2

Searoh and traoking of enemy task

force

4 airoreft carriers sighted 70 naut. m. 210 of KfAKA

Hone

Ty-"e-100 Hq reconnaissance "lane

1

I \J UOUV* ALL* CAV vl lUUiA

Type-0 night fighter

4

Dawn search-for enemy task foroe

Ho enemy sighted

Hone

Suisei night fighter

8

Seaplane bomber

4

Attaok on surface crafts around OKDOTA

Hone

a

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

4

Search, and

traoking of enemy task force: "hoto-grephie reoonnaiaeanoe

anchorages

Photographic reconnaissance

successful; enemy took forces

eighted, 230 naut. m. 70° and 110 nafit.m. llfio of HAHA

a

Suisei carrier-borne dive-bomber

12

Attaok on enemy taak foroe

Saiun land-based rfloonnaiBsanoe "lane

4

foroo: "hoto-gra"hio re-oonnaiaaanoo of KKRAMA and OKIHAWA anehoragee

suooeeeful; enemy task forcss eighted 230 naut. m. 70° and 110 nafit.m. 1100 of HAHA

Suisei carrier-borne dive-bomber

12

Attaok on enemy taak force

Land-based medium bomber

3

Minelaylng off OKIHAWA Worth Airfield

All deemed successful

1 missing

Land-based medium bomber

3

5 AW

Tenzan carrier-borne

attaok "Lane

6

Attack on surface crafts aroond OKIHAWA

None

Mono

Army heavy bomber

13

Ginga land light bomber

8

*

a

a

Seaplane bomber

3

it

Weather unfavorable, turned book

a

Land-based medium bomber

2

Night "atrol

Large enemy foroe detected by radar Just sooth of SHTKOKU; traoking and guided attaok unit guided thereto

m

Flying boat

1

Saiun land-baaed reconnaissance "lane

2

Searoh

2 enemy taak foroo eighted BOOth Of AMAMIOSHTAtA

Ty^e-100 Hq reconnaissance "lane

1

1 missing

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe "lene

2

Tracking of enemy task foroe aad observation of results

Twilight tracking

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane

2

Ty-e-100 Hq reconnaissanoe "lane

2

Radar deception

6 Apt

Suisei night fighter

Bombing and strafing,of transports k landing "oints near OKINAWA airfield

Direot rooket hits on 3 cruisers; 1 transport set afire

Ty"e-0 night fighter

6

1 missing

Tyne-0 oarrier-borne fighter

104

Battle for control of skies over OKINAWA

7 Hellcats and oorsalrs downed

2 lost end missing

Shidon fighter

110

Battle for the control of.air oyer the vicinity of AMAMI OSHTMA

Sea"lane bomber

4

Attaok on surface oraft around OKIMAWA

1 unidentified surface craft moderately damaged

1 heavily damaged

Medium land-based attaok bomber

4

Might "atrol

Mo enemy sighted

None

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane

2

Searoh for enemy task

foroe

3 eneay took foreeo eighted

1 missing

Tyne-100 Hq reconnaissance "lane

1

Salon land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

Tracking of enemy taak foroe

2 lost

7 Apt

oaxun xanQ-DBBiu reoonnaissance "lane

2

enemy task foroe

2 loat

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

16

Direet eeeort for sulolde boat unit

Tjme-0 oarrier-borne fighter

78

Battle for

21 tornad beok

on

—

Land-based medium bomber

3

Bight petrol

- .

Flying boat

1

a

Suisei night fighter

8

Search-attack for enemy

Mo enemy sighted

Mono;

4 turned back

o A"r

Salon land-based reconnaissance "lane

1

Seeroh

Weather unfavorable,turned back

Mono

rAghtnabtar

3

ef

e

—fat 1 r-----

a

Type-100 m

1

temehUg

1 fldas&en

lype-o emlsa beaee flatter

to

let

lie for

air

f^figbtw

15

t

af raealta

foree,

—

Oisaa laad light heater

17

11 AftV

light a1 ■e

«a --■ ■ *------ Vda> d«a ^—— ■Ht >

Sale? Saas"'

•

Tal far

Army heavy bomber

14

2 mltm lit u aWMr imponj

raaaaS

aelam Imal baeel smesseataesaaa plaae

t

tra

ImAemUg

m

*yae^js^

1

nee

«U

ia

land-based mediom boater

f

MB

frr

Lead-baaed medlorn bomber

4

Mlg ore eee

OKI

ht search r waters

Mo enemy contacted

1 missing

Flying boat

2—»_*

c or RAMA

Type-0 night fighter

8

m

*iS

o?U

ind

nrth Alr-

tion

2 "laces eet afire end heavily burned'

3 missing

Suisei night fighter

14

enemy

htere

3 missing

Seiun land-based reconnaissance plane

2

Seeroh over watere southeast of OKINAWA

Xnoay foroe with elroraft carrier sighted 60 naut al of 70R0V I.

Tyna-100 Hq reconnaissance plane

1

Ty"O-0 night fighter

8

neutralization of enemy

, fightere_

2 "laces eet afire end heavily burned'

3 missing

snisei night fighter

14

3 missing

Saiun land-based reconnaiaaance "lane

2

Searoh orer waters southeast of OKINAWA

Enemy foroe with aircraft oarrier sighted 6o naut. al of TORON I.

Ty"e-100 Hq reoonnaiaeanoe "lone

1

Tjme-0 carrier-borne

fighter

72

Heutoelizetlon of air orer OKINAWA

26 or more enemy aircraft deemed

14 missing

Shiden fighter

34

Heutoelization of air orer AMAnTOSHTMA area

About 20 enemy airoraft downed

8 missing

12 a"r

Salon land-baeeH reconnaissance "lane

2

seereh ror enemy task foroe

3 grou"s of enemy task foroe sighted

Ginga land light bomber

15

Night atteok on enemy

1 esoort carrier, 2 bottleehi"e or cruisers. and 2 other unidentified aurfeee crafts sunk; 1 battleehi" hit

Army hoary bomber

16

task foroe

1 missing

Land-based medium bomber

14

Atteok

around OKINAVA

2 cruisers sunk; 1 battleehi" est aflaae and burned; 1 battleehi" hit

1 missing

Flying boet

1

Searoh orer wotora to the east of OKIHAWA

1 missing

Land-based medium bomber

4

Seaplane bomber

4

Night attaok along RTUKTU Islands

Ho eneay eighted

Hone

13 at*

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

Searoh eeet of RTUKTU Islands

Enemy took foroe eighted

1 loot

Ty*e-0 carrier-borne night fighter

8

Destruction of eneay night fighters

1 foroed down or missing

Tenzan carrier-borne attaok "lane

8

Search for enemy teak foroe in the vicinity of TANEGASHMA

Ho eneay eighted

Land-baeed medium bombsz

6

Salon land-baeed reconnaissance "lane

2

Reconnaissanoe orer

OKIHAWA anchorage

-

1 missing

Ty"O-100 Hq reconnaissance "lane

1

Suisei night fighter

2

Feint"action for s"ecial

attaok unit

2 missing

14 Apr

Ty"S-0 carrier-borne fighter

Shiden fighter

125

Battle for

air control

large air battle orer KIXAIOASHTMA

Saiun land-baaed reconnaissanoe "lone

1

Searoh

Amy beery bomber

11

Attaok oa

?oroi l'SS^naut. rn.SK of AHAWIOSHIMA

1 battleehi" aad another unidentified eurfeee oraft sunk

Ginga land light bomber

7

1 large airoraft carrier burned

1 mleelng

14 Apr

Ty"e-0 carrier-borne fighter

Shiden fighter

125

Battle for

air eontrol

Largs air battle over

KIKAI0A8HTMA

Saiun lend-baeed reoonnaiaaanoe "lane

1

Search

Army beery boaber

11

Atteok oa

?cro? iSo^naut. a. SI of

1 battleehi" and another unidentified surface oraft sunk

Oinga lend light boaber

7

AMAWIOSHXMA

1 largo aircraft carrier burned

1 missing

Shiden fighter

1

Searoh east of KTJLAIOASBJMA

Land-baeed medium boaber

4

Fatrol east of RTUKTU Islands

Bo enemy eighted

Hone

Plying boat

1

Sulsei night fightor

4

Down seereh

Bone

•

Solon land-baaed

2

rhotographic reconnaissenoa

15 A"r

reconnaissance "lane

or OKIHAWA anchorage end airfields

Land-baaed medium bomber

U

Attaok on. OKIHAWA airfields k enemy surface oraft

Medium-sized trans"orts near IEJTMA bombed

Hone

Seaplane bomber

3

Land-based medium bomber

6

Search east of RTUKTU Islands

1 miseing

Plying bost

1

Oinga land light bomber

12

Attaok on enemy taak for

foroo 70 naut. al of T0KUN08HIMA

Army hoary bomber

13

Tye-0 night fighter

4

Damn strafing

and bombing of OKIHAWA Worth and Central Airfield; early morning eir oeourity

1 hit(50kg bomb) on each runway

of North and Central Airfields; big fires started at 7 "laoes

1 missing

Suisei night fighter

12

Saiun land-based reoonnaisssnos "lane

4

Search orer waters SK of

AMAHTOSHIMA

3 grou"s of enemy task fores sighted

Shiden fighter

32

Neutralization of eir between

KIKAIOASBTMA k AMAMTOSHTMA

20 enemy aircraft downed

9 missing

16 A"r

Ty-e-O oarrier-borne fightor

52

Neutralization of air over

OKINAWA

22 enemy aircraft downed

7 missing

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

4

Obaervetion of results and searoh

3 missing

Ty-e-0 carrier-borne

fighter

76

Direot escort for s"sbiel etteok "lanes

4 enemy airoraft downed 4 enemy airoraft downed

4 missing

Shiden fighter

4

Ginga land light bomber

8

Night attaok

Ginga land light bomber

8

Night attaok on enemy taak foroe BE of OKAIOASHZMA

1 unidentified Surface crafts and 1 battleahi" or cruiser sunk

2 missing

Army heavy bomber

12

Tenzan barrier-borne attaok "lane

6-

Land-baeed medium bomber

3

Bight search saat of

KZUK.ZU Islanda

1 missing

Plying boat

1

Tyne-0 night fighter

3

Dawn searoh-attaok for enemy taak

Ho enemy aircraft oarrier sighted

Hons

Sulsei night fighter

12

foroe

Saiun land-baaed

3

-

17 A"r

reoonnaissanoe "lane

Searoh end traoking

3 grou"s of enemy surface foroe eighted

Tyr>e-100 Hq reconnaissanoe "lane

1

Tyne-0 carrier-borne fighter

62

Neutralization of air orer enemy took foroe

1 missing

Shiden fighter

34

Land-based medium bomber

3

Night searoh east of BTUKTO Islanda

1 missing

Plying host

1

Saiun land-baaed reoonnaissanoe "lane

Searoh and "hotogra"hlc reoonnaissanoe Of OKINAWA anoborage and airfields

18 At

3

Ho enemy oonteoted

Hone

Ty»e-100 Hq reoonnaissanoe "lane

1

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

Search

-

Ty"e-100 Hq reconnaissance "lane

1

19 A"r

Land-baaed medium bomber

3

Night search over waters eeet of Rtuktu Islanda

Hone

Plying boat

1

Plying boat

1

Rssoue of "ilota foreed down on AMAHTOSHIMA

20 A"r

Suisei night fightor

12

Down search

attaok

Ho enemy eighted

1 missing

Saiun land-baeed reconnaissance "lane

3

Dawn search

Hone

Ty"e-100 Hq reoonnaissanoe "Laos

1

e

m

a

Land-baaed medium bomber

4

Night "atrol salt of KiuR.ru Islands

Plying boat

1

1 8ea"lane bomber

A

Searoh^attaok

»A ■ ■mmm

___

20 Ar>T

Saiun lsnd-baeed reconnaissance "lane

3

Dawn search

*

Wone

Tyr-100 Hq reconnaissance "lane

1

Land-based medium bomber

4

Night patrol east of RTUKTU Islands

Flying boat

1

Seaplane bomber

4

Searoh attaok along HYOKYO

Ho enemy sighted

Hone

Islands

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "Ian*

2

Photographic reoonnaissanoe

Ty^e-100 Hq

1

reconnaissance plane

Land-based medium bomber

3

Night eearoh SI of KYUSHU

Ho enemy contacted

1 missing

21 At

Flying boat

1

Ginga land light bomber

12

Attaok on enemy taak foroe aouth Of AMAMIOSHTMA

No enemy sighted

1 Army heavy bomber lost

Army heavy bomber

12

Tenzan barrier-borne attack "lane

8

Suisei night fighter

8

Search ettaok

2 missing

Type-0 night fighter

4

for enemy task foroe

tL enemy surrace roroes sighted

Saiun land-based

2

Searoh for eneay taak foroe

_

reoonnaissanoe "lane

-

Neutralization of air orer enemy taak

foroe

22 Apr

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

60

11 enemy airoraft downed

Hone

L:id-based medium bomber

3

Night searoh SI of KYUSHU

None

Flying boat

2

23 At

Saiun land-based reconnaissanoe "lane

2

Searoh and traoking of enemy taak foroe

No enemy sighted

Hone

Type-100 Hq reoonnaissanoe plane

1

Day seereh;

24 At

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe plane

2

reconnaissance orer

OKIHAWA area

Weather unfavorable, reconnaissanoe inadequate

-

Type-0 night fighter

4

Search-attack for enemy task foroe

Inamy aircraft oarrier sighted

Suisei night fighter

4

1 missing

-

Saiun laad-baoaa

2

Searohfor

25 At

reoonnaissanoe plane

enemy tnk force: reoonnaissanoe over OKIHAWA anchorage

1 oruiser end soma escort carriers sighted

Tyne-100 Hq reconnaissance plane

1

1

25 At

reconnaissance "lane

foroe: re-oonnaieeenoe over OKINAWA anchorage

1 cruiser end some escort oarrlere sighted

Ty"e-100 Hq reoonnaiaeanoe "lane

1

Saiun land-based

1

Weather re-

oonnalssenee

Weather over waters to the eeet

reoonnaiaeanoe "lane

over waters to tho eeet

unfavorable

26 At

Weether foul ell day

-

Type-0 night fighter

6

Searoh-attack

Ho enemy contacted

for eneay taak foroe

-

Suisei night fighter

6

Salon land-based rnnnnnnl niunflA "Alan a

2

Searoh,and "hotogre"hie reconnaissance over OKIHAWA

1 ouuiiuniDocujuo ' inu 0

Seaplane bomber

4

Attaok on surface oraft

Unknown

1 missing

27 At

around OKIHAWA

Land-baeed medium bomber

6

*

Torpedo hitl on 1 cruiser, 1 large transport ,fc 1 esoort oarrier

Army hoary bomber

5

Neutralization Df air by strafing and bombing enemy airfielda

4 "laoee aet afire

1 zero night fighter mlas-ing

Tenzan barrier-borne attaok "lane

4

Tyne-0 night fighter

8

Sulsei night fighter

20

Land-baaed medium bomber

4

Night "atrol east of

OKINAWA

Ho eneay oontaoted

Hone:

1 turned book

Flying boat

1

Wight "atrol eaat of

A craft, "oaaible submarine,

None

RTUKTU Islands

deteeted by radar

Salon land-baeed reoonnaissanoe "lane

3

Searoh over waters south of RTUKTU Islanda

4 airoraft oarrlere eighted 100 naut a 1 of OKIHAWA

Hone

Tyne-100 Hq reconnaissanoe "lane

2

Radar deception

Reconnaissance for enemy task foroe

Solon land-baeed reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

-

Tyne-0 carrier-borne fightor

25

Battle for eir control

3 oorsalra downed

4 missing

28 At

Ty-ee-0 night fighter

f

Attack on

Central airfield set ofire et

1 missing

Sulsel night fighter

12

OKINAWA airfields

4 places. 1 flying boot oad 1 billet teat burned down

1 missing

-

Oinga land light bomber

6

Bight attack on surfaoe orafta around OKIHAWA

1

Army hoary boaber

6

1 missing

Tenzan carrier-borne attack "lane

6

Land-based medium boaber

Wight patrol over waters

4

Flying boat

1

air to oaeo"e air raid (at TRUE)

2 eneay fighters downed

1 loet

2 May

Saiun land-baaed reconnaissance "lane

2

Seereh along

KIUB.IU

Islands

Ho enemy sighted

Hone

Ginga land-light bomber

6

Night attaok on surface

1 cruiser sunk; several big firea started

Army heavy boaber

11

oraft around OKINAWA

Several trans"orts sunk

Tenzan barrier-borne ottook "lane

4

Atteok on

OKINAWA

airfields

Land-based medium bomber

6

>

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane

3

Searoh and reoonnaissanoe over OKINAWA

Ho enemy sighted; bot "hoto-gra"hio reoonnaissanoe successful

Type-0 carrier-borne fighter

50

Interception

3 May

Raiden fighter

20

of B-298

1 downed

Suisei night fighter

6

Right attaok on OKINAWA airfielda

Land-based medium bomber

6

Attaok on surface craft

1 oruiser and 1 unidentified surface croft sunk, 2 oolumns Of flame sighted. Also 4 trans -"orte seen torpedoed and set afire

-

Ginga land light bomber

6

Army heavy bomber ■

8

anchored at OKIHAWA

Tenzan carrier-borne attaok "lane

20

-

Land-baeed medium bomber

4

Night "atrol east of RTUKTU Islands

Hone

Few moderately of sightly damaged

Flying boat

1

Night seeroh over waters southeast of KYUSHU

1 missing

4 May

Suisei night fighter

8

Atteok on

OKIHAWA

airfielda

2 missing

Land-baeed medium bomber

9

Attaok on* su""ly denote in OKINAWA

See"lene bomber

4

Saiun land-baeed reconnaissance "lane

3

pawn searoh; rader dece"tion

Tyne-100 Hq reconnaissance "lane

1

Shiden fighter

35

Heutralization of air over OKAIGASHTMA

13 enemy airoraft downed 1 deaagod

6 fightere missing

Army fighter

15

Ginga land light bomber

6

Attaok on surfs oe crafts around OKINAWA

1 battleshi" and 1 oruiser sunk

6 missing

Army heavy bomber

7

a

Weather unfavorable, turned book

Mono

Tenzan barrier-borne

Oinga land light bomber

6

Attack on surfs ce crafts around OKIhaw A

1 battleship and 1 cruiser sunk

6 missing

Army heavy bomber

7

B

Weather unfavorable, turned back

Bone

4 May

Tenzan carrier-borne attack "lane

6

Hone

*

Seaplane bomber

7

Attack on

OKIHAWA

alrflelde

a

Type-0 carrier-borne

48

fighter

Neutralization of air over OKINAWA anchorage

23 enemy aircraft downed

Army fighter

30

Seaplane bomber

3

Atteek on

OKINAWA

airfields

Land-based medium bomber

3

Patrol over waters east of RYUKYU Islands

Hone

1 turned book

5 May

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane

3

Search ana reoonnaissanoe over Okinawa

Suisei nlghl

t fighter

6

Attack on

OKINAWA

alrflelde

1 battleship and 7 alroraft oarrlers sighted 40 nautical miles south-west of DAITOJIMA

2 turned baek

Army' heavy bomber

7

Bight atteek on surface craft around

OKINAWA

1 unidentified surface craft sunk

Oinga land .

Light bomber

6

2 unidentified surface craft sunk

Bombing of

Land-based i

tedium bomber

4

OKINAWA North and central

airfielde-

Unknown

Hone

Land-based i

nedium bomber

3

Air transportation of

anKatI t mm. mU a r> r4

Air transportation successful

supplies and provisions to OKAIOASHLMA

6 May

Buieel night fighter

6

Attack on

OKIHAWA

airfields

16 "laces burned, end 2 big firea started at North Airfield; Central Airfield burned et 2 "laces

Saiun land-based reoonneissemee plane

2

Reconnaissance of route for Tan operation

Oinga land light bomber

8

Bight atteok on enemy surface craft

Army heavy bomber

17

2 unidentifield surface craft sunk

1 missing

Land-beeed i

nedium bomber

6

Salon land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

Search along HTUKTTJ

Mo enemy sighted

2 turned beok None

Tjr*»«-ioo ma* reoonnaiseanoe plana

Hamaaama

None

7 May

Suisei night fighter

8

Searoh-atteok for enemy task foroe

Ho enemy sighted

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe plane

2

Reeonnalesanee overOKINAWA anehoragee and airfields

Ho enemy"task foroe sighted but photographic reconnaissance successful

Type-lOO Hq reoonnaissanoe plane

1

dins of

■iyr»"j.uu"~«HT reoonnaissanoe "lane

1

Hone

7 May

Suiaai night fighter

8

Searoh-attaok for enemy teak foroe

Ho enemy eighted

Salon land-baaed raoonnaiaaanoa "lane

2

Reoonna i saanoo overOEZHAMA anohorages and Airfields

Ho enemy"task foroe eighted but "hotogra"hic reconnaissanoe successful

w

Tye-100 Hq reoonnaissanoe "lane

1

Flying boat

2

Guiding of attaok unit and weather reconnaissance

m

Land-based

medium bomber

4

Clearing tho why for Ten"

operation

6

•

1 missing

uinga iana xigut comcer

Hight attaok aa OKIHAWA

Army hsary bomber

12

Tenzan barrier-borne attaok "lane

4

8 May

Saiun land-based reconnaissanoe "lane

2

search

Ginga land-

light bomber

6

Wight attaok on surface oraft around OKIHAWA

Army heavy bomber

6

Flying boat

1

Air transportation between TAKDMA and UTAURA

1 missing

Suisei night fighter

8

Search-attaok for enemy

Ho enemy eighted

taak foroe

Suiaei night fighter

2

Searoh-attaok for enemy cur-face oraft along HTOTxTJ Islands

*

Ty-e-0 night fighter

2

9 May

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

1

Reoonnaissanoe over airfielda end anohorages in OKINAWA area

Photographic reconnaissanoe successful

Ginga land light boaber

6

Hight attaok on surface oraft around OKIHAWA

Hugs fire started on 1 oireraft oarrier

Army heavy boabera

12

Tenzan barrier-borne

attaok "lane

4

Land-baaed medium bomber

6

Atteolt on OKIHAWA

airfielda

Unknown

1 missing

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

Searoh

2 groups of enemy taak foroe eighted

1 missing

Ty"e-100 Hq reoonnaissanoe "lane

1

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane

2

Traoking of enemy taak foroo

1 turned book

Sulsei night fighter

10

Hight raid on OKIHAWA airfields

2-"twoea burned

Land-based medium bomber

6

Attaott on OKIHAWA

airfielda

Unknown

1 missing

Saiun land-based reconnaissanoe "lane

2

Searoh

2 grou"8 of enemy teak foroe eighted

1 missing

Ty"e-100 Hq reoonnaissanoe "lane

1

Saiun land-based reconnaissanoe "lane

2

Tracking of enemy taak foroe

1 turned book

Sulsei night fighter

10

Might raid on OKIHAWA airfielda

2 "laoes burned

-

10 May

suisei nignt ngnxer

3

Interoe"tion of enemy aircraft

1 enemy airoraft downed

Tyr.e-0

night fightar

3

Land-based

medium bomber

4

Searoh orer waters to the

Large enemy foroe deteoted

1 missing

southeast

by ra dar

Land-based medium bomber

14

Worth Airfield set efire et

9 "Laoes

1 eee"lane boaber missing

Sea"lane bo

ruber

6

-Bald ea —■-----1

OKIMAWA Islands

Suisei night fighter

10

Oinga land

light bomber

6

Might attaok on surface crafts around OKINAWA

Hone

Army heavy bomber

6

11 May

Saiun land-based reconnaissance "lane

3

Searoh end traoking

2 loot

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

Radar deoe"tion

Ty"O-0 carrier-borne fighter

65

Bottle for eir control orer

OKINAWA anchorage

7 loot

land-baaed medium bomber

4

Wight seeroh eeet of

OKINAWA

Mo enemy contaoted

1 missing

Suisei night fighter

10

Dawn

search-attack

1 missing

Ty"e-0 night fighter Saiun land—mamaM

2

12 May

*■ »■ a o wmmw%i

reconnaissance "lane

Suisei carrier-borne dire bomber

7

Atteok on enemy surface

foroe around TAKARASDfA

Ho enemy eighted(TAKARAJIMA should be KTJWKJTMA)

a.—.—^_—~_--

Attemnt to establish oonteot with MINATOOAWA in OKIHAWA

Sea"lane boi

nber

Unsuccessful

2 turned book

Suieei night fighter

12

Down

search-attack

1 missing

Saiun land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

5

Searoh

Salon land-roe onnalssai

based

tee "lane

2

Seeroh

2 missing

reoonnaissanoe "lane

13 May

Salon land-based reoonnaissanoe "lane

2

Seereh

2 missing

Shiden fighter

2

Seereh

Sea"lane boaber

3

Attempt to establish contact with OKINAWA

Unseoosssful

1 missing

Flying boat

2

Patrol east of RTUKTU Ielande

Koemy foroe deteoted by radar

1 missing

Land-baeed

aed1urn bomber

>

1 missing

Ginga land light boaber

15

Attaok on enemy took foroe

Unknown

1 missing

Soleel oarrler-borne dive-bomber

13

14 May

Type-0 oarrler-borne fighter

26

Saiun land-rsoonnaissa

based

ice "lane

7

Searoh

4 turned book, 2 foroed down

Army heavy boaber

12

Might etteek on enemy teak foroe eeet of

TOISAKI (KYUSHU)

Knemy*task force ter"edo attacked by 6 "lanee. Damages unknown

1 missing

Oinga land light boaber

5

Suisei night fighter

«

Searoh atteok

Mo enemy eighted

2 missing

Ty~e-o nignt Tighter

Tyne-0 carrier-borne fighter

54

Heutralisati on of air over

fire. to*

4 enemy airoraft downed,

1 escort oarrier observed burning

4 lost

Shiden fighter

1

Observation of combat results

"-■ fni ,n ii

Searoh esmfa sff

Wne^slgeem.

13 May

11 1 11111 •*•*•

KfMMMi

•

laaUeeci sad

dea heeler

Waawt atsasfc ea

rfffWfl ■ l maTI * —

Mekeawa

**mu aimeies Attamt So

---

• WW

•atabllaa eeataet

^MrtMe^sa" VifafSiUti ^bTmmmmI HHaCftt

14 May

ereaal ^eTWft^^ •

eraft verwasesTesm^t^^

*

mwebAag of

OKtHtwa airfields

\

•

Liu... if tmtm

t

■aMeeeaake.

,---—

sawsat OKINAWA

^§_aaa*d aaaa boaber

1 awalamr aaakf reet imbapma

Msas

Arm, h~Tr

Miami 0OM«Ba

17 May

Teatee —111 IMP.

terpete etteek aa

atttlosBlp ami aaall waraadp

t ■- •

.tta«k plam*

barpcaeeA* aster ceXeommo aaeowad

e. MmeuaWbt-eaf

Im^mLm,

Wm—wMm 44 rtAmXM mmwrnwrnt at 1 nlaa*

Laai-kaaoa aadtam boater

*

iiimu marts airfield

mm m umiu wmnrnwrn ■» a pimmm

■a bbahv antaatai

1 fened aom.

Taai aotUa

■wn ox

■v OTRSa ow»ww^»»

Balma 1—1 teed

*

Ml J.i.M f

aiiiMj rMifMiii ,,.1,7-,

TyjB-108 Mo»

ro •svaBlesuo* plaaa

Olnaa lead llmM bomber

6

Mtabt attack aa S^arrana

aaTIalaa^^ ■TiiiMil*"5

-

areemt OPmWA—

a

' iiin ■ ll^i- lit ii tajpaHj

1 wn4 aaMrlwaar

18 May

Asm, hear, boater

casssec ambmewa

a auawimBj|

•55S,r"l,,i,

8

•

An* tewy beater.

t

Attaak oa carmur* airfielia

ImUetes

Laad-b^a^-bo^

t

Tlyiaa-be-t

2

ft>"a^aa.itT,1.

t

eeareberer

TypwlOOMQ,

of CBTJBTA

Me eaeay etahted

raaoaaalaaaBa* plaaa

t

MssboM eiar

t teaalmr afssaft eemmre oat

tW^400Mq

100 aaat. m. 109* aa? onMtXA

1 lea*

■ ■ naaal «■■■■ pine

1

Tonsan Hill blM

Attack aa

M May

attack plaaa

aarfaaa ereft eraaat flaTMAMA

1 Hah* eraiaer mm*

Maaealai

*

Miabt patrol

Me maaay etabbat

—

Mtabt .forte

riylai beat

aear miton soeBw

WO taMM^t sti|£ltM*fl

Hobo

•aet of KT09H0

21 May

aataa laa Uwl

•

aoseea

WO OJmAitV efl^JleWl

■Hi

Typa-lOOPJq ^ ^

1

3 pleaee tevpateat battleeblpa.

I t> May

Baapl— beabar

—

sassmoe erarv aveemt obtjuju

aalaa 1m< >aail

3

fmoaeneear

Ty pa-10O jjq

MtUUD lalaaB

3 araapa of ememy te* fore. .i«hte«

ami over CKDmiA

MMay

Shiee. flatter

»

Attack aa ear-

Saapl bwnlai

10

fee* araft

1 transport emt 1 eaoteajor eeafc

ecemmt CM9UMA

» May

5

1 lists sjis mm

3

tear* oaar

»Bkflr

Tm-XOO-rj

1

aatera at af RTOXTO Xalaad

•ad ooor ograa

3 groapa off onaay teak for— sighted

a

mm ■■■■*»■

10

Atteok — snr-faaa araft

1 tranopsrt aat 1 lists* ig soak

•S

arauad CKXHAWA

Type-0 rtght fighter

atteaTfar*aaaay teak fcraa

•o aaaay sighted

Solao! Bight fighter

10

Shidea fig* tar

t

feTea—c/'tra—-

Bo oaaar sighted

____ i__,

*

alt^C^A

3 groops of oaaar tesk for— alghtet

l

Tallight tract

Bo aaaay sighted

log Off eneay teak for—

•

laate-aT«r «uuu Xalaada

2 aaaay taak force sighted

-

t

»gt _a*arah RT^O^aaAa

•--—

-

ISIS

10

Atteok — ■r-aroaad C*XHASA

1 IsissgMl saaki 1 oral—r kit

11 mar Uai light liurtu

«

nn ah ■mat

Wo im ■ ! ilifciil mr Mat

MM

Aray new*, b«br

•

ao •naay BigiiMii ay *•

I^-ba-d bc^

18

Atteok —

IkJTMA airfield tarsal at 4 plans

— ■ a>__i *. « . a . ■*» —

g.

OXUUIA airflalda

Oinga laad light ooabar

0

7

Attaak areas*

OtTJUHh

1 ewieer soak

Sataal night fighter

10

2aisslag

Typa-0 night fighter

Saiaa laai te—d

3

aateaa"te^tea*"r

gpa^aj4^^0hai—fl

1 ad—lag

25»07

Shiden fiahter

34

OwtrallaaUen of

Typa-0 oarriar-bor— fighter

81

teoteali—tioa off air oaar OKTJtt* A

1 aaaay aireraft staajst

Typa-0 aight fighter

4

Air patrol

a.«a>a*M

—

r ^

1

Attempt te

ZXmmT^

——a

—

—ate ill i air orar

■JtAw

of

i «-r .ir«~ft

—

am eji a* aetaeXUajlil H

—1

—

»

m^tia^a.

ffr|,|m - -

eiratae'erafti

1

areas* OXXBUi

asiMt at** fiatter

»

No a aaaa alattat

Typa-0 n±*%» fl«kfc»r

**

tTMnr

33

amain Xi

oime lui ii#fc»liiiiii

«

1 alert*

11

attack flam*

■UMatl

T

Bodan night fichtar

21

Attack om

Uaava^a^-W^

airfialda

■igbt pmtrol

---

-

Flylag boat

**£ml......t—y?M.

t

lmtaabaj

na am

/

Daam aaaa

Solari gjjtf; ffjgbfjj

aranv xi

Tyaa-o nlstt flatter

*

a» aaaar

—

2tM«T

Oinaa las* li«at boaaar

Attack areas*

caxmiA

1 aiaaiat

SBtaeaT*""

»

Attaak mill oxzaarA

Xataabaj

SbldTKbbar

at

eaa?2!

r

—™

--

*na-o nilaa bail flatter

57

—

SB***-

Ola* teal llaM Vaatar

3

Atbaafe^aaont

1 alaalaa

TaaiaRtaNlaa

%

Attaek areaai CKZXAVA

1 aaseiaf

•>

Saldaa flatter

28

a£?SS

if

-

Type-0 earrler-acraa flatter

57

™°

riyiatboat

l

■8»*i

—

raw

3

saarta east af

4

31*57

1

l

sea heater

1

■a aaaay alahtad

1 Jem

yaaaa

"liai 1 af 1 r'

fa

fill

aaat af

MIIIMlllHill plaaa

X

imncro

a* eaeagr alahtad

fjrpe-o

«4aM flatter

1

imBvlaEai

aalaal night fightar

8

***** *"?£fiu>

a* aaaar aahtat

all taraai tack

are?

Saiaalaai^aaal

t

tee^.1«tte.

2 Jam

Taaaaa »MrWai-»aM attack plaaa

5

t atiataa< l^tta^aaa

t

VCafttMs? 11*1"* VaVa\VL# * tnVMaa tadt

Shioen filter

SB

takfl

13 ..a, -irarft ^

nyiaahoat

1

right eearsh ■ of

aaaay algataa

•ala.la.8^8

t

attar.

VTfai

2 groape of eaaar taak foree right**

reooonelaaanee

saearea

ana

Bkltea fightare

1

eee&

to tat

Jteae

Typa-0 carrler-torac fighter

H

gate

5 aaaaw alraraf t done*

aaaatV"1

aalaalaai hiil^

1

Seaplaa. Wr

It

atteae

a.

t

r mm

. * ■

Ma Wel«*tel

[aeV~

^ypa^BP,^^ ^_

1

-„.....,„

esatnar aatkaaaatla

2=—

mmmmmrn*

4 **a

1

m .

Salea luUtaiN

1

Xalaml araa

la.tar aataTaaaala

Sal a mm.

Sulat ami riaikillt/ g»a*

iaM""

5 J"

-MSmaflmM

*

a,|l|r^^i"^^^,,

-ee>^Ma%tei

mmmVmmm

0L__| 1 ^ ll j * * - -i

Reght ■aaaak mm

saw

■Saa

■V*

tmrmmjmmm

eaekOSBeB

Laod-baead -di. Vater

3

V#>Jj^h4aT USaTe> VQIilll v *V*laMl tfteSet

tjis-*

attar, aoataaaat

mites ifiiinali t__u taak

reeoaaaiaaanea aaaplam

af TOTSAXX

4 Jem

Salaal M«M flf&tar

1

7taraod taak

attaak*far^axiaar

Taiaad task Saa ta tai waathar.

lypa-0 idaM flatter

5

taak fcraa

ggtas ..T^i. iT^aass^

4 term- teak

4

Saarta

-sa^slfkaas

4 tar^taak

BaM attaak aa

—slrsr tamtam

3

«issVatf

Hoa-ayaiahtel

«TF»-lSt«|

1 mm lift BSitBB tamtav

1

2 •Mm.™* aWafTll^OB f QAPCaSfl OBaV 3 flSVaCS^HV

1-fts-ftsj

■dsMjjSisl

79m

fljlSg teat

l

1 favesa earn*

■ mhsTiii ■ "jl-n-

<

1 j****^ sasJtt^^

laaealme. 3 tea* taak

—-

aaa^attaa ta flilMlsalSl

TaaJ taaafl —-1-r 1 1

Saaaaaafal

Taaaan aarrlar-teraa

x mruiaar »orpaaaaai aamage aaaaava

1 i__| aaat

attaak plaaa

Olnaa land light tiiaSn

4

Htaakaaaav. faea armft

t eraiaara tarpaaaal, lamajaa aafcaaaa

f tarsal taak

a^m\f mmmmWJT \m\%m\9m9

1 aarahlp, ■■■eialj' battleahlp. aaafe

--------- - -

a

•

—.....——,

portetloB to trnBMWEfBA

~rSmmm _-----'-

* ■emewsr^

Laad-baaed Bsdlem boater

*

fmemageM

T|„ , mHim mnm

ler^ter^

attaak plan*

Attaak aa sor-faee araft

A Tuiaaa ssem

Oinga land light heater

1

.tarwitwh

Aray haary beater

1 aarehip. poaaihly battleehi p. aaafc

lt.rae.bwfc

Land-baaed aadlom boater

»

Attaak am anfJDTA airfialda

Oaatral Airfield heraed at t plaaaa

Suieei aigkt fighter

5

XS7XSA airfield beraei at a plane

mm

Typa-o mght fighter

*

Sai ah attaefc along RTOTTU Ialaaia

mass. Atsjaalliat

aaiaa land-baaed^^

1 battlaahip aad 2 eraiaara sighted at lTJTjtti 3 taaaspsrts * 3 ■bIsbsb sighted la WAtlOTeaTf may, 13 traaa-perte a aaay smalem lissspwts aighted at mXWmXk

1 tarasd hack

8 Jam

aaitm leal Hill

t

Posset swILml

Ho aaemy sighted

mm. nan.

Oinga laad light beater

J

1 large 01 nil est affile 1 large reaael torpadsai

Aray beery boater

Bight attaak ea aarfaca araft aroond OCTAir A

attaak fSat*"*™11*

Oakassa

S^pU-b-ter

•

3

I^-ha-d^-hc-bn.

3

mm sg*ji

am gggtAtag"*

FlyiBg beet

1

• 4,

— ii—

PiMee eeettej

3

tete.Vra,

5

Attaefc off

OBtooe,

J saaslag

Salaal aigkt figttar

18

Attaak am ■erth alrfialg

1 big) oral Balaam esmleei aad 4 plaaaa has sad at ICTBU airfield

3 ■Aeeteg

Typa-0 aigkt fighter Saiaa laad-haaag

teemewslAftei

Balaa laad-haaad

raaoBaaiaaaaaa plaaa

1

..•aaw-ghte.

Army haary haater

Attaefc em aairaH oraft aroaml

Vnkaema

1 tarasd haek

I aad haeel Wilms In an

Air tranaporta-

IlllllfUl

aaaa

Type-ioohq,

*

PMiTiJln \i plane

1

teaaaw -Agktei

Ar*y beary beater

Attaak mm Bajfail

oraft around

I.tetaaadaBaU-taater

*

Air trauapurtt-tiea af aappllea to rrr»r^—T**

iJJJJji"

*-

BalaalBai h—l

1

s-rte .earth..*

- ■ ii oUbtii

x '

reeonaaiaBBnee plaaa)

Attaak oa

lial tetel nedlaa beater

3

Oakaem

lO Jam

■Mt-i hi—> irajaaai

tktetenr

ab —BBBBte

'iU|V

ex WaanafltB WatVeT

Type-0 alBtt flatter

eeleel night fighter

*

Type-0 .—plaae

4

foloo 1—1 larrt

t

tear- eeet of

Bo aaaay eoateeted

■ ■■aa—laeaiM pleoo

wueto iaiaads

11 Job

Olaga late light heater

Bight attaak

Weather oefaaarahle. anal book

A teraad teek

aroaaa CDBM*

Teaaaa aarrlar baaed

a)

attaak plana

• te

Bight attack on

15*-

(Til pi— boater

Atteok BBoa mm XXTZtU area

Paaa

■EatS™""*

I

- *

Trpe^J^ _

X

L^aa-d-tei-b-ter

11

Berth airfield baraad (Attack aada by A plaaaa)

Sl Job

s^^rutt^

•

1 Bdealat. a teraad teek

Typa-0 night flatter

t

1 plaaaa atteetei HJTMA airfield j eat off a bow fire

1 BaMlBC

«leea immi light boater

Aray taaay bete**

T

alabt attaak

1 adaeiac. 1 teraad teek

" ■ -

attaak plaaa

»—

g

mmmnm*

Bight flat

^^^^

mmm bbbbbb

1 MlHi WUaV------- "

a 9mm

ojOTwirfi«ia. te the eeet

ateOWl

«—u.

«

1

X

•

a"

»—,

***** ******

a* *g*Jh-^-_ AO«*te*gBOoao «fJVSk*Mt

Trpe-0 •wrlMWarn. fighter

M

M*r otduia

«"——«•-

eatv;

tttaak aa

OKZwRii

t

ejaae

Attaak

aa

t _|_ )__

*

m+

rntnm

eeereeo.

------,-m-i.rT j- ii .1 1

%10-la.*

1

OTXelaau

trmrn^ mtm fl#>>i

air on

iaatioa of

Bo oaaar alghteJ

—

3

sag.-

**teah aa aarfaea

T-aaOMtea^ BO^BBtahB

m _af*_aaa»^a- —

25

■now

nyia beat

a

V

a

********

Salael night fighter

•

Atte*..

XtJIHA airfield taraaa at 1 elaee aat

SftSla

Worth Airfield at 2 all Oil

Land-baeea .Mlm boater

Iter*. K

26 To.

Ty,e-0 night fighter

J

tattle far air latflAlTaT

aeion lste-teaa*

t

•gar OKIHAWA

•

Attaok mmmT

oSbai*

27 Jo.

Attaak^aroate

»*■

1

a

Ite-Aa.

---

—. ,—. 1 - l"i i i limn 1 *tmwm*mnm. 19 ur'«.------1

1

•

MMiii»I

leaatreyer.^

e

laAaaftag

»*-

■atom !■■

»

SfaaT*

f%a^extern Iteggte.

2 3ml

»

Twilight eeareh

CJBmTa^ago 4^traaeparte alghtot

1 BleeiBg, 1 tarsed haak

attoek planee

»

"Uht etteek

etetee.

laWsj^

i

Wtetmwatfa^

auieei night fighter

4

Attack oa KJXma airfield

2 plaoee bnrned

tateatejl 4 tarsed baek

3 J-1

Type-0 night fighter

3

flaahia1lBa«1aa af eir eaar '

to aaaay axghtafl

-

Suiael Bight fighter

*

auaom mm

* XBl

Salem lamt haael

*

•ear octaia area

—

Iaad-baaeg Bedlam boaber

J

Right patrol eeet af htuetu

iBlBBdB

-—-

-

Flying boat

*

5*1

Type-0 Bight fighter

*

Hight aoareh. attaok along

Ho enemy eighted

-

Sol eel night fighter

»

7*ei

land ammti aaatoal haatar

3

aaat

Ho aaaay sighted

—

lying bet

»_

light aoareh over 0HXA1A area

Ml

c

tmiam la— baaal

4

Oeaerel aoareh

»...... i 'I ■■ ■

10 Jul

reoenaaiaeenee plame

I^-laeedateiaabe^

3

Hldhtaearteo-r

Ho aaaay ■■»■■! 11

nyiag beet

aatara aaat aat WBtteaet of

Und-aaead aatlaB heater

S

11 Jnl

Flying heat

mm

15 9ml

14 Ml

JJJJJJ yXema"1

TmaaeaejgBak 2ota~* over OKIMAWA aree

Oaly 1 plaaa attached, 1 hattlaetlp hit far eartala

17 aa

Saiaei sight fighter

\\\\

Fbategraphle reesaaaiaeemae

It Ml 17 Xml

Salop leal feel

Sal—lis! till

oTnm'eimelAs

aLp^eTnam^ 9 <11""

1IM

Bhamallaatloo ef eir ever

TjT*»-0 m*ht fighter

J«un carrier- one

Torpaaoattaoh eo ssatf% areaaA

1 aleelag

**

Sales! night filter

1*

attaek oe CBnBtt alrflelde

SoBea^elrriey ^' *"*

10

fhertrelioatiee ef

gusoanoa

If Ml

Trp«-o sight flatter

1

MM eaet ef

reconmlaeanee seaplane

n. mi

ettack fU*

Attaek ameaejsy aroeaToKCawA

Croieer torpedoed by 1 plane; Battleehij eat troasfao%talsaasil by S fie saei 1 eraleer oat afire

Isfss*.

22 31

Shldea fighter

«

- , -

-pi- —

Island area

Plying beat

*

Bases* of folate ssaSoBiffi"

—

23 Ml

Solan land-baaod

Urge eeaftar ef eaeay eeeoela sighted la BBXOBBBBf Bar, off Berth ft Cevtral Airfield., ead off XOROXD

TXirina boat

Sare—afel

-

--■- *

H Ml

Sale* laac-caeed

*

5S soaVirt

taaarta,

Saiun land—based reeonmieeaaee alas*

" ™«—

Uoo-haooi

light eeareh

•oath of SaTXOXO

Shiden fighter

51

Intereeption(0b Seek! Air Boee)

It eaeay aircraft •eases'

eadeelag

Sttieei night fighter

S*sXTfA«41 tteafllc f P4T

*» eaaey sighted

BBBB

Type-0 sight fighter

-*~

•

for^eaeap'ear^

Taaeeaag. 1 heroes beet

Ma

Seeroh for eaaar

1 ataaSat

tmek force

25 Ml

*

Twilight eeareh attest far essay tack feree

leab-riae.tb.eh

•

•eataeaat e?*

1 forest geeai

Type-0 ai** fighter

Twilight eaareh Bttaak far aaaay

Oinga ImS light beaker

aearot-ottaet far

mS aaat of I1SH0(TS m Bra.)

So aaaay alghtad

1 faavte hn,

•"fteeaat af (DBD)m pea.

26 ML

■tiisk SssV"

MrtewMavTr

1 BSasiBfl

27 ML

saiaei night flatter

AiMO* aa OUluri airfielda

Flrae eeoead at $ plaaaa

*

•

2jaaiBBaa aaB^lJr«gBart hit by

iMo^aaSaTtW^ '

aaaaaVJaaaSaU-.-^ ever tttaffi

aaaa hbbiii

Soleei Bight flatter

•

28 Jul

Type-0 night fighter

Tyya-0 night flatter

IH ■rteailaa Btetea aoath af

*—*•«•*•

^^■■nTplBM

Seereh east af

So eaoBr eighted

2* Ml

I^h^MSiaat^

aa^ar*SrJBBB

a«r«M

Soleel night flatter

watareJo^Sje

leather oafBTorahle, toned haak

—

8aleel aigkt flgktar

•

Attaak ea OKTJUHA airfielda

Ooaarel Airfield hat aad at 3 plaaaoi HJOS airfield haraad

3* Ml

Type-0 sight fighter

AstlaabBarlBB aetioa

Mt eaeay sighted

1 —a

Soleei aigkt fighter

SaatraliBatioa of air over CKZSAWA

Typa-0 aigkt fighter

k

AatiaahBarlBe

aetioa

1 forced Aaaa

Land-baaed aagjaa iiaaii

Sight aaaroh

Saiaai aigkt flgktar

•

Saw-

BBBtieal allea off weetera eaaet af OMtkoca

No eaaay alghtad

k

Typa-0 Bight flatter

k

Sajaa leal haaif, miMliaai -plaaa)

x

altera to*the aaat

Sa aaaay alghtad

itag

Saiaa laad-teaed raeonaalaaanoe plana

2

wmrmmvT*

Saiaai aigkt fighter

•

Seereh attaok far aoaay taat forea

Type-0 aigkt fighter

<

tha Mat

7 *»S

Salaa leal-haaai III I III III plana

ovar^wSiA0*

................

Typa-0 aiatt fighter

h

aaaaaMeaaa aim aaaa4t^aaaBi

ac?iofa\ sb wura

Tyya-0 Bight fighter

1

mSssm*''"'*'1'""'

Type-0 eight fighter

»

aatiaa^'aatera ta tea aaa*

—

Saiaai nigh* fighter

*

Oinga land light boaber

Slgbt^atUak

taaaataj

• Ami

Saiaai night fighter

•

Atteok aa caOHAWA alrflolSa

Weather oafa matte

laaaaasf

Oiaga laad light heater

*

atteok aa aaaay aroaat OCXHAWA

1 oaaart aarrlar. 1 traaeport. aad

1 alaalBg

■ttek ptaat"" *"B"

*

a

•Ma-

Saiaai night fighter

»

Atteok aa ckxhawa airfielda

SUVA alrflald tearily teraad at plaeo, Caatral Alrflald teraad at 1 plaaa alao

lt) lag

Salaa land-baaed

aaaroh orer

ornuwA

So oaaar oarfaeo araft Bighted

attaok pam*"*****

Attea^eaaBaar arooad OXXHAWA

1 largo trmaait hit by torpado

'«—•>-

ik

11 tag

Sain 1Baa-heaed

Patrol ever tha aatera arooad

inns

No oaaar aightad

Saiaai night fighter

RTOrro Slaada*

Ho aaaay oighted

Typa-0 night fighter

1

It tag

Laafl-baaad aadloa till If

»

mght aaaroh o«ar XABaW Saa

t plaaaa far aortala

13 AM

Salaa late-ha aad attaak boater

weather Beffa matte, teraad haak

Saiaai aigkt fighter

•

Dawn eeareh-

Typa-0 night fighter

attaak

atteak plaaa Salaa land-teead

Atteak oa mmrtmm*

Oanlw-te»Ba tiro boater

tearoh attaak

"■^■■■>^»

»

Ttuhr TBnnr

JJjMkea^BrfBBa

II Aag

arooad CKTSAwA a«ht aaaroh orer JAPAS Sea

y plaaaa far eartola

1 *—*

13 *m

Beareh aaat of

Waathar aBfaaorabla. toned baafc

Salsai night fighter

•

atteak'

So aaaaar aighted

Trpo-0 sight fightor

•

«--^«-te-W

*

woSsa*

—

Taaaaa Barrier-born.

Atteak oa Barfaaa

Sattloahip aad trssgfi tarpedoefl, firs aad Bator ill— 1I1111H

atteok piano

*

eraft^aroaad

1 tarwd'teol

Salon land-baeed

*

—*

So onear sighted

UAa,

Oarites-tetaa diva hoater

tearoh attaak

S. anaar/ sighted

Land-based aodioa boater

Might seas ah

m aav u-Uaq

eoath of KTBBHJ

atteak S—i"* -

Atteak as aorfaa* ereft oaaaaa

IttSSM

15 *M

Salem ) sad te—1

xtteaaa30

te^-shtod

te-

SaU» loll hiaal

3

Mral eaar

roeomaiaaanee piano

up te SMwat!" a. off tho aaaat

So oaaar alghtod

SB*

16 am

Shiden fighter

1

Saiaai sight fighter

It

Typa-o ateht fightor

•

mmamm-mmaam 1

k

hlshta^ _

So oaaar eoateotad

aaiuB laad-baaee

Patrol orer

----

17 *M

SBiBOi Bight fighter

is

8mroh atteak

trn-o slsbt fiahter

•

It teg

8.1OB lBBd.tea-d

-^S^m

m j . sightei

raeoBsniaaanee plaa.

as 100 aaat.au

aaSSStaadiM bb to 100 naut. a. off tea aaaat af

jbbjbj

19 am

Salon land-baaod^^

4

So anaay sighted

b. Those mt first Air Fleet

Date

Type af Flaae

K

has*-

Urn.

u tea

01 nam land light hoahar

J

Fetrel

—

1 aisslng 1 reread Aaaa

15 Feb

Ho oaaar sighted

16 Feb

3

•

•

•

17 Feb

•

•

•

•

18 Feb

•

»

•

•

•

. -mi

19 Fee

1

20 Feb

•

•

•

•

22 Feb

•

•

•

•

24 Feb

•

• ■

•

25 rob

•

•

•

•

24 lob

•

•

•

'«b#v4P»»-i 28 Feb

•

1

•

•

mmmmm

1 Max

*

1

2 Mar

Saina land-baeed

1

Searoh .^patrol, and

•

3 Mar

i

1

a

1 Missing

Oinga laad light leaser

4bbr

1

Patrol

Be oaaar sighted

saas

a

Saiun land-baaed

__ j , - - , - - - •»--—

Searoh. petrol, aad

a

j*f) 0 ODBsu SbTB&OS DXelaew

reeonnalaoanoo IWT liaaiia

5 Mar

Oinga land light boaber

Petrel

So anew sighted

a

•

Salaa laad-haaad^^^

1

Seereh. patrol, and raeonaaioaanoo seer LTJKMTFS

•

6 Mar

a

1

•

a

8 Mar

a

•

a

•

Salaa^ leaa-teaed^^

Seereh. patrol, and roeonaaleaaneo eaor XJMaaTJBJ

•

Olaaa last light beater

Vetrel

Ms enaar sighted

•

•

Salon land-based

i

Searoh. patrol, at reeonaalaaanoo orer lIMMf

•

6 Mar

•

a

•

8Mb*

•

a

•

•

•

MM

Ms eaaar sighted

•

•

a

•

•

•

Search.^patrol, aad

•

10 Bar

•

•

•

•

Olaae lead light bcaber

Patrol

Ho eaear alghtad

e

11 Mar

•

a

a

It Mar

•

a

a

•

•

1

1

ll

Searoh^patrol. aad t

'J^fthjaji'

16 Bar

-ii in m aver

1

»«tH» area

If Mar

•

•

21 Bar

•*

a

•

22 Her

•

i

IS ■»■■».,,■,. C^LfigMTSg

2»Mbr

•

i

S~rah

•

•

,

Patrol

at

k eaaar el ah tag

25 Mar

Oakko night fighter

k

a

fereis^* eighted

1 rtent aaaa at fJSIS.

8aion la^ tisil

Hi

0

•

re nasal sssnsi plane

1

Seereh

.8*5 hrs)

Paaa

•

a

>

TraakUg of eneap task faros

a

26 Mar

Oakko night fighter

Petrel

1 Billiatal? ABBBged

•

ajdaajaad tesad^

j

TraetAag jf aojesy

—

• •

3

•mm

•

atteak ea eaaar sarfaeo

Saaa Vv

a

•

a

e

2tMar

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»

htrsl

l^tolyka^

•

rooo^

1

Isafcfa^

■~

•

a

J

Akenrsk

a

[■■■ ■ ■ omasa- .

X

Attaok aa aaaay aorta aa

okaa-a

•

a

Patrol

e

Saioa laaj Unit

»

Ma aaaay sighted

a

28 Mar

>

a

a

• <,

•

Oakko night fighter

1

Batrel

a

a

a

Land-baaed Bedlam boaber

Might attaefc aa enoap aarfaaa oraft arooad

1 erolaar hit a blewn apt 1 lissisjn hit kst

1 foroed down S keenly deaaged, 2 hit by AA

20/29

Oakko night fighter

«

Attaak oa oaany tiamauuit conroy la KSRAMA Ialanda

1 hearily daaaged, 1 slightly demmgad

TeaaaB oarrlor-baaed atka ok plane

a

1 alightly damaged

2»*er

Tana baaed medium bomber

light attaak aa eaaar aasfaii araft aiuuat COTAWA

1 airoraft oarrier hit bat 1 erolaar anak,' 1 battle-

3 bit by aaaay AA fire

ship hit aad sastssjit

30 Mar

Salon iBBl-haoad

1

Sak"for^arooidr W OKXPJBfA

—

31 Mar

»

MUMjattoet^oe^eniaB' CM3MAWA

—

2 missing

•

t

a

1 transport and 1 ssaiaoi blown op aad sank

2 foroed down and heerily daaaged

•Apr

Oakko night fighter

>

Attaok oa 0A7JUIA

— —* —_ -

1 adaalng

a

ritaak iSfla

am ■woMtm tana aaaay scwMyVt »

Mataaoa

2 alaaing

Tessa a oarrlor-basad

Atteok sa enemy surface

Waethar onfaTorable.

7 Apr

attaok plaao

3

araft

■sat

a

Oakko aigkt fighter

t

Mo aneay aircraft alghtad

1 olightly daaaged

8 apr

attaek plana

a

ladalag

•

Oekko aigkt fighter

•

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mm

11 Apr

a

3

a

■kkaema

a

XI Apr

S~plaea bo-aa.

>

•

a

a

1

a

Is-Utsc^ —

a

•

T#P«-0

1

lorth Airfield raided 1

lf__.__^

F

•

•

•

a

1

akartk Alrflold ralflad,

1 foroed dooa aad

•

•

«

1 tending oraft sank

hoarlly dBaaaed

m

2 plaaaa termed a* IMA,

opojor

o*kto «Lp>« natter

Bowtt Alrflalfl koated.

ate*

13***

Atteok oa aaaar transport

1 -all troaapart

e

1

aaarar

•tetania

•

Atteak oa onajUA

-.

1 aftSBlac

alrflolAa

•

a

—i—

1 tettlaablp a 2 daata—*ra

•

Jlteafc *jmm\m """"

5

ararf

T-,I1-T- -T ______r

■ley^Uai In of onpaiA.

a^ar^^^g^ tat'^ao^oaploaloaa

16 Apr

Atteak oa aaaaa- aorfaoa

Weather aafaroratla

■Lin* flatter

oraft arooad OamaA

teraod teak

e

17 *W

^mmrr»*~~

a

lar^att

a

aateaat aa obxca

aoott airfield karate

a

Oekko alakt flat* Mr

BlrflBldB

at 1 aaaa*

e

IB mm

QUO- lend llAO* • 1

(hater aaa ai ^

Attaak oa anaar aarfaao

!u*k^>irrfg

a

Si ate;

oraft

f raf Y-r— —*1rr Mo

lllflBlte mDmA

Only 2 plaaa. dropped

2 alaaing

•

t

19 *»

Atteok oa oaaar

iranaporte

nana

•

1

a^koa«aw«»rfao.

e

Olaaa teal light boater

3

20 Apr

W \.r1 ■til- Tmatrp

t

Atteak aa carom ilrflaldo

■at

•

•

m*? pty^ *****

Atteok oa OSZBXVA

a

> aaaatal

•

Oekko nigh* fightea-

*

a

1 plaao tea—A

—

•

tea. beater

•

1 large tranapert

a

plane

daateeped

21 Apr

atteak plaaa"r*U***

»

•

—

a

•

Baraal

t

7*»

■ha.

mm

•

•

•

20 Apr

Map* lanS light baaaar

j

tlrfSlda **I*IB4

1 QAnga land light

Mil i ill iiifin

•

•

attack plana)

»

Attack aa OUBttA

•

•

(UVW. ttmmmt fl.AbBP

c

•

*

•

•

a Apr

cihact pfcLac"^1^"

a

—

•

frv.-t.i-r--.-nTw

*

Heavy 11—an Icnictci

25 AP»

2* Apr

Obaerectlea at radta

--

1 Xaat

3

•

■ r

mm

IfhiClaaM- haaV,

4

Oakaaca

1 , |f|J

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a

airflalS

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■cataas •* ora«*

leather aafaitacjolc.

—

Till lif-| aatlaai boaeer

alrflalea

taraat hack

•

•

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c

-

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e

1 Joa

•

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c

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leather caB^acccjataa,

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