Seeking information on the first lost "P-51 Tokyo Raider": 1LT Robert G. Anderson 531FS

[Equinoxe 1978]

Good afternoon. (excuse me in advance for my poor English, as it is not my native language)

For months, I have investigated the bombing carried out on April 7, 1945, against the engine plant of the Nakajima industrial complex at Musashino, Tokyo.

This mission was the first mission of B-29s escorted with P-51s from Iwo Jima.

The mission could be treated as a success, 50% of the plant was destroyed with a cost on target of only 3 bombers and 1 Mustang, while only the P-51s claimed 21 kills.

I have done a lot of research on the 3 B-29s lost that day over Japan, even meeting relatives of some of the crew members lost in action that day.

But now I have started looking into the P-51 lost over Japan that day (another P-51 was also lost, its pilot jumping into the sea, but soon being recovered by a destroyer) and the information has been quite limited. Apparently the P-51 pilot lost over Japan that day was "1LT Robert G. Anderson" of the 531st FS 21 FG who appears to be 1LT Robert Gilbert Anderson, currently buried in the
Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, his P-51 suddenly fell out of formation after launching its auxiliary tanks and crashed in the Inashiki District, North East of Tokyo.

*The information I am looking for is any extra information about 1LT Robert G. Anderson and his P-51

I do not know the number that his aircraft had (be it production number or identifier on the side of the fuselage) and I have not found any photo or information about Mr.Anderson person.

-I would be very grateful for any form of collaboration in this search for information, pay attention to his responses.
Greetings from Chile, South America.


PDT: I attach some photos related to the topic, including a photo of the remains of Lt Anderson's fighter

 

[SaparotRob]

Hi Equinoxe 1978, welcome to the Forum. That is a great project. I'm sure someone here can help you out.

 

[MIflyer]

It just so happens that I picked up a book this week entitled "The Last Fighter Pilot" written by Don Brown with Capt Jerry Yellin that is about the experiences of some pilots in WWII, including escorting B-29's on missions to Japan by P-51's based on Iwo Jima. The book has a chapter on the mission of 7 April 1945 and describes the events of that day, including the loss of Lt Anderson. The book is not expensive and if you can't find one I think we can get you a copy.

 

[Snautzer01]

Fold3.com might have some info

 

[Shinpachi]

I only found this unknown photo.

Source: 偕行(Kaikou 1990-08)

 

[mjfur]

I have searched high and low, but can't find a single reference to this P-51 being lost on April 7, 1945. Can't find an MACR or Accident Report. Can't find his name, nothing.
Tried searching Joe Baughers site by serial numbers, nothing pops up.

Searched various sites using April 7, Apr. 7, 7Apr, Tokyo Raider, 531, 531st, 531FS, 531 FS.
I used the B-29 loss MACR's 14231-14232 and searched each MACR 20 numbers up & down, nothing.

 

[Barrett]

It just so happens that I picked up a book this week entitled "The Last Fighter Pilot" written by Don Brown with Capt Jerry Yellin that is about the experiences of some pilots in WWII, including escorting B-29's on missions to Japan by P-51's based on Iwo Jima. The book has a chapter on the mission of 7 April 1945 and describes the events of that day, including the loss of Lt Anderson. The book is not expensive and if you can't find one I think we can get you a copy.

View attachment 741235

I've not looked at the book since its publication but IIRC Mr. Yellin assumed that his unit's last mission on August 14 was THE last mission of the war. Definitely not so. About 700 B-29s launched on the evening of August 14 and most landed after dawn the 15th.
Meanwhile, USN and Royal Navy carrier pilots engaged Japanese aircraft from dawn to mid-afternoon on the 15th.

 

[MIflyer]

About 700 B-29s launched on the evening of August 14 and most landed after dawn the 15th.

Yes, that raid on the oil refineries that proved crucial to disrupting the coup attempt.

"Shoot them down in a friendly manner."

And that last Kamikaze strike, launched after the surrender announcement and including the IJN Admiral who had think up the idea, flew off and disappeared.