Ki-45 in Burma 1944

[greybeard]

I'm looking for Ki-45 belonging to a squadron (Sentai) based in (or operating over) Burma during 1944.

I found this:

[Source: www.cbi-history.com/part_xvi_b.html]

labeled as: Kawasaki Ki.45 KAI of the 21st Sentai's 1st Company (white markings) in Burma 1944.

which seems fitting perfectly, but, according to "Japanese Army Air Force Fighter Units and their Aces 1931-1945", by Hata, Izawa and Shores, the 21st Sentai WAS NOT in Burma during 1944, but in Sumatra.

I would ask if anyone has evidence of presence of the "Toryu" in Burma during 1944.

Thank you

 

[Greyman]

The 21st Sentai was in Mingaladon (also a detachment at Tavoy), Burma from March 1943 to January 1944.

I don't know when they moved out but it seems they were still in Burma on the 15th.

 

[Shinpachi]

IJA the 21st Flight Squadon History

In Hanoi
organized on October 20, 1942.
From December 4, 1942 to April, 1943,
given mission of air defense of Palembang.

In Malaya and Burma
From April 1943 to January, 1944,
given mission of air defense of Rangoon and Japanese fleet.
On February 28, 1944,
reinforced based on the Army Order Ko-120th.
From November, 1944 to January, 1945,
given mission of air defense of Palembang

In Amurang, Celebes Island
In January, 1945,
joined attack on the airfield in Morotai Island.

In Palembang
From January to July, 1945
given mission of air defense of Palembang.

In Taoyuan, Taiwan
From July, 1945
given mission of air defense of Taiwan.
ended the war in Sumatra on September 2, 1945

Source: Japan Center for Asian Historical Records
Ref. code : C12122419400 (page 48)

 

[greybeard]

Thanks Greyman and Shinpachi. Do you have news of any Ki-45 equipped Sentai, other than the 21st, operating in Burma during the first half of 1944 (ie during the dry season, before the monsoons)?

 

[Shinpachi]

All of the rest would be IJA the 89th Independent Flight Squadron but this was a reconnaissance unit.
Organized in Hăilín, China on July 29, 1941.

In Saigon
From December, 1941 to April, 1942

In Toungoo, Burma
From April, 1942 to March, 1944

In Rangoon, Burma
From March, 1944 to the end of war.

 

[greybeard]

... 89th Independent Flight Squadron but this was a reconnaissance unit.

Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu!

If I don't ask too much, do you know what variant of Ki-45 was it flying during 1944?

 

[Shinpachi]

Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu!
If I don't ask too much, do you know what variant of Ki-45 was it flying during 1944?

That was Ki-45-kai c (丙 hei) or d (丁 tei). Model d was known as the bomber killer with a couple of 20mm cannons fixed upward in the cockpit.

Model d for the 21st flight squadron.

Source: 陸軍飛行戦隊一覧データベース

 

[greybeard]

Fantastic! Thanks again!