2RHPZ
08-24-2004, 06:11 PM
Raiding Saipan - Nighttime attacks by IJAAF bombers
(initally published in Maru, September 1968, under the topic of 10 secret missions of World War Two)
by Seino Chuichi (then Army Shoii in the 2nd Independent Chuutai) from Maru Extra (War history and travel, No. 31) to the November 2001 issue.
This account tells of the nighttime attacks on the B-29 airfields on Saipan in November 1944, carried out by obsolete IJAAF Type 97 heavy bombers flying through Iwo Jima.
Single B-29's had just made their first recconnaissance appearances over the capital. And within days, I had taken part in nighttime attacks on the B-29 base itself, the island of Saipan....
My unit was the 2nd Independent Chuutai, but probably it is easier to refer to it as the Shin-kai [new sea] unit. In memory to the many friends I lost in combat, as well as for the sake of their relatives, I would like as far as possible from my perspective to describe the events that took place so long ago now.
Rocked by the sound of aero engines, the home and birthplace of the Army's heavy bomber units was the Hamamatsu Army Air College, situated on the plateau in Shizuoka prefecture.
Since US forces had first landed on Saipaon on June 15, 1944, the fighting had turned for the worse, and we learnt with helpless sadness of the death of IJA General Saito, IJN Admiral Nagumo and the entire garrison under their command.
Following this, navy recceonnaissance planes succeeded in photographing the island, and we of the Hamamatsu instructor regiment were ordered to prepare for an attack. This was at the beginning of October.
Our unit was formed and was named the 2nd Independent Chuutai, or Shinkai unit [shin-kai bu-tai].
On the day of the units formation, the commanding officer addressed us with these sober words:On this day the 2nd Independent Chuutai has been newly formed as a tactical unit. Until now we have been an instruction unit, but from today we are a compat unit. If we don't win in training we cannot expect to win in combat operations. Mould yourselves into a unit and throw yourselves into uninterrupted intense and dedicated training, so that you will be ready at any moment to go into action. Your emphasis in training must be long-distance over-water flight at night! Our training began that same day. The commander of the maintenance crews, Fukumachi (Chuu-i), devoted himself to making sure that all the planes were airworthy. We had 5 planes on that first day, with which we practiced nighttime over-water flights around Hamamatsu.
Several days later we carried out long-distance navigation training return flights from Hamamatsu airbase to Hokkaido's Shiretoko peninsula by way of O-mae-zaki, Mi-taku-jima, and the Inu-bou and O-shika peninsula. We departed at dusk and flew during the night.
We divided our training time into pilot skill, navigation, communications, and gunnery, making every effort to use the time to the full.
As this was October, we did not have to gain much altitude for the interior of the aircraft to become cold. Course change after course change, Morigiwa (Shou-i) reported each arrival on target to the unit commander via the aircraft's comms systems, while I made out the last message as a telegram: all aircraft successfully arrived at the targets, now returning.
Completing our planned mission, we returned to hear the assessment of our unit commander.You all have precious little experience in the aircraft, so you must all make absolutely sure you get the most benefit out of this valuable time in the air. In order to do that, you must complete all preparations thoroughly on the ground, so that the instant the airplane leaves the ground you must devote your studies to what can only be done in the air. Make certain that you completely separate your ground duties from your duties in the air!
In this way we trained in nighttime over-water flight every single day, one day to the east, the next to the west, crossing Japan and reaching one after the other to Okinawa, Torijima (in the south, part of the Ogasawara Island group) and the Korean peinsula as our range became longer and the training reached new levels of severity and intensity.
We also trained in anti-searchlight evasice manouevres, since it was expected that attacks on an enemy base would be countered by searchlights and AA. The Hamamatsu AA unit trained with us, illuminating us at night, while we trained to escape from the menacing beam at extreme low level.
And so we thoroughly mastered over-water navigation, although at times we had to spend time with ground duties. When it was time for overhauls of the aircraft, we went into the barracks and thrashed out over and over our attack plans using maps.
We had already learned from sources that the enemy forces in the Marianas, and particularly Saipan, possessed excellent sensitive radar equipment. We planned to island-hop to Saipan all the while keeping under the effective radar coverage, maintaining a grueling wavetop flight profile. And so that is what we practiced to fly.
October passed quickly as we were kept busy. Morale climbed high among the crew and maintenance personnel, and our confidence and composure grew.
A satisfactory surprise attack
On November 1st came the orders to go into action, and the entire unit lined up outside the command post to hear the orders from the unit commander. Second in command Kimura (Chuu-i) organized the division of the 9 aircraft and their crews.
Then, the mean checked and rechecked every last detail on their planes.
When I asked Yuasa (Gun-sou), the unit commander's aircraft technician, whether the checks had all turned out all right, his reply was so full of earnest responsibility that I felt quite scolded for asking!
That evening there was a big party in our mess, and after that there was nothing but to wait for the next day's mission.
The morning of 2nd November dawned, and departure for the front-line base was set at 12h20. In the morning all the aircraft again underwent thorough checks. No fault was found with any of the planes, and finally all the men gathered in fron of the command post to hear the regiment cammander, Kawaue (shidan-chou), give his departure speech:This is going to be a very long distance over-water bombing mission. Form up with the unit commander and attain a successful result.
According to Horida (Dai-i)'s watch all planes started up their engines, and led by the unit commander took off, formed up, and after circling Hamamatsu airbase once in a large lazy circle headed off on a course for the front-line base of Iwo Jima [1200 km distant].
I remember seeing the airbase maintenance crews waving Hinomaru flags madly, probably to give us courage and spur us on in our mission.
That day's weather was superb, excellent weather for flying.
Over the vast, endless expanse of open ocean we could rely solely on our compass to guide us safely on our journey, and Morigiwa (Shou-i)concentrated intensely on measuring by means of the occasional wavetops visible in the darkness.
Some four hours later we arrived at Iwo Jima.
The isolated islands in the middle of the Pacific were often beset by a sharp breeze, and there was no detectable temperature difference between Iwo Jima and Hamamatsu. After completing bomb loading, refueling, and so forth we rested before our departure, taking in the unique smell of sulfur on this rocky bastion.
I had told ym radioman to signal the others "You won't need your valuables when we go into battle", and asked Yamada (Sou-chou) to gather them all and leave tham on Iwo Jima. As these items would become the sole mementos should some of us not return, everyone became very sober.
Already the day was growing late. Our commander (bu-tai-chou) addressed us. Seeing as tomorrow the 3rd would be the Emperor's birthday, we would be celebrating with a surprise attack on the enemy. All members should be calm while carrying out their attack to maximum effect, and he warned us to be extremely careful on takeoff, since this was our first nightime takeoff fully loaded. Then we started up our engines and lined up on the takeoff line. [1200 km to Saipan]
Takeoff was at 20h00. Morigiwa and plane captain Tsuutani (Chuu-i) were animatedly discussing something over the voice pipes. Probably something about corrections for the cross-winds.
Our underwing droptanks had been released into the ocean. Our Type 97-II heavy bombers were at that time not capable of making a round-trip to Saipan, and so we used three underwing droptanks to force the range, and dropped them into the sea when empty.
After takeoff we initially kept an altitude of between 2000 and 2500 meters, but soon switched off our navigation lights (wing lights) and gradually decreased altitude.
With spray from the luke-warm Pacific flying over our windscreens, we skimmed low over the Mariana group islands of Urakasuu, Atsusonson, and Agurigan at extreme low altitude. The altimeter read 100 to 200 meters. This was to avoid detection by the enemy's search radar.
After making our course from Agurigan to Pagan island, I noticed white smoke being wafted along by the wind. I remembered this was a volcanic island group. Part of the same chain of volcanoes as Mt. Fuji, white smoke was naturally emitted.
A short while later, Morigawa signalled "Time to target five minutes" and the unit commander ordered "Attack formation". We went from flight formation to attack formation.
Way ahead of us, lights were visible along the edge of the ocean. That was Saipan, home of the B-29s. We felt the tension taughtening as we approached. Tsuutani turned the plane's nose, circling past the island.
Where was Asureeto airfield? We had become so familiar with it, it had even haunted my dreams. The faint lights of Garapan were visible in the distance. The unit commander indicated Asureeto to us.
Aircraft gleamed brightly, turning night into day, their light reflected off the wavetops making the ocean sparkle and dance. It was truly a beautiful view.
We turned in a large circle, forming up for the attack run. "Start the run-in" came the signal over the wireless. The third formation came in from the opposite side, while the third would follow the first, all at extreme low level for the attack. We streaked across the waves, pulling up over the island's hills sharply, feeling our bodies growing heavy as we maneouvred at full throttle.
Asureeto airfield was lit up as though it was broad daylight. The awesomely beautiful silver B-29s were packed densely tail to tail. They were in the middle of maintenance. Trucks with the lights on were visible driving up and down, drivers clutching the steering wheel tightly.
Morigiwa activated the bombing switch, and put the wireless receiver headphones on, while I climbed up into the macine gunner's position and opened fire. The bullets flew in steams as I fired at the B-29s. I could see the bullets striking the great silver machines. Ikeda (shou-i) and Kawamoto (go-chou) following us also opened fire from the gun cupolas.
Asureeto airfield had been caught by surprise, lights on and completely unawares. In the space of just a minute all our ammunition and bombs had been exhausted, and the unit commander twisted around in his seat to observe the results.
I made out a signal, "surprise attack successfully achieved", and sent it back to base. A welcome reply of "Acknowledged" came back from the anti-aircraft signal post, and after I reported this to the unit commander, he smiled and raised his hand.
Looking back on in the aftermath of the attack, we could see smoke rising in ugly plumes from Asureeto airfield, with several pillars of flame and the sounds of three explosions came to my ears.
We had succeeded admirably in our surprise attack, and the unit commander's aircraft had not incurred even one burst of flak due to our low level pass. Our plane was already on the return trip by then.
The engine was in good form, and the night slowly gave way to dawn. We reached the southern tip of the Iwo Jima island chain, and Morigiwa signalled to the others. Soon we were flying over Iwo Jima itself, and I sent a signal to that effect back to Hamamatsu. We landed, followed in short order by nos. 2 and 3 planes.
Already it was morning, and while the unit commander received the reports from Shihou and Machida's planes, he scanned the sky worriedly for some sign of the others, one hand on his sword the other grasping the binoculars, scanning the skies to the south without pause for any indication of our missing planes.
I went to our plane's signal compartment and tuned in to see if I could pick up any signals from the other planes. Even though they must by now have run out of fuel.... five of our planes were still missing.
The unit commander asked me,"Seino, any signals from the others?", but sadly there was nothing, so I answered,"No signal at all", and sent Yamamda (sou-chou) to enquire at the anti-aircraft signal post.
Thirty minutes passed, an hour, two hours, but no planes came home.The unit commander's worry deepened, it was now merely a desperate wait without hope, and he merely looked at his watch without bothering to scan the sky with binoculars.
Three hours passed, but the unit commander would not give up hope completely.
I had told the radiomen strictly before takeoff, "To disappear without trace is a poor reflection on you. Even though you are going to crash or make a forced landing, you must absolutely fulfill your responsibility to make that last signal". However, radio silence had been so strictly enforced that they had all vanished without a final signal, and as their representative I was forced to report thus to the unit commander.
The fearful power of the US weaponry on Saipan
The war situation was becoming more critical day by day, and so without even the smallest pause to collect our breaths we were ordered anew to prepare for a second attack on Saipan. After that initial intensive training, and the attack, only three planes (including Shihou and Machida) remained, but we formed a unit and prepared to launch a second attack.
As we already had experience by now, the overwater flight presented no particular problems, and we could launch an attack without the extreme nervousness of the first raid.
The attack took place in the night of November 6th, and we took off with approximately the same attack plan as before. It was a pleasant trip to the forward base; on Honshuu there had been an air raid the night before, and Iwo Jima and its environs seemed still and calm that evening.
After landing, we armed and fueled the planes, and then took off, heading for the Marianas.
How were things with Kanemitsu, whose plane had to make a forced landing on Pagan island? We waggled our wings as we passed over the island, then proceeded at extreme lowel level before disbanding our formation near Saipan and the unit commander gave the order to attack. Asureeto airfield was in broad daylight, just as previously, and we skimmed over the planes lining the runway, hitting a B-29 in its revetment.
Shihou and Machida dropped bombs on their selected targets and we deterined that around 20 of the huge bombers had been completely destroyed. Morigiwa reported "All bombs gone" to the unit commander, and I signalled "attack successful" over the wireless. I could also witness the attack by Shihou and Machida.
Asureeto airfield had not enforced any lighting controls on this occasion either, so we were greeted by the same gleaming view as before. After all bombs had been dropped, and strafing completed we headed rapidly for home.
Unlike the first time however, this time we faced a heavy barrage of anti-aircraft fire, and sustained quite a bit of damage, but all three of us managed to form up after the raid for the flight home.
We were quite amazed by the construction of Asureeto airfield, it was just something beyond our imaginations. On either side of the packed runway were well-built revetments, like a shogi board, each holding a massive B-29.
Outside the revetments many smaller aircraft were lined up, and the construction was complete, unlike anything you might find at our airbases.
While it only emerged later, at Saipan the 21st Strategic Bombing Wing was forward deployed. The unit was build around a core of veterans who had had experience operating from China and India.
The runway of Asureeto airfield stretched some 2500 meters, and including Guam there were some 200 B-29s based there. The crew of each comprised 12 men, so that there were at least 2000 crewmen stationed there.
Adding maintenance and logistics staff, we can imagine that there must be an incredible number of people based there.Losing 10 planes on a mission to Hondo meant the loss of some 120 crew members.
The lights in Garapan were also on, but they could not compare to the brightness of the airbase. Also, in the bay there were an untold number and variety of enemy warships anchored, but because of the darkness we could not make out the numbers. We could only note that in many cases black smoke was emitting from the funnels.
After repeated sending of "Attack successful, all aircraft safe", we received the reply of "Acknowledged" from the anti-aircraft signal post. But at that time we were already quite a long distance from Saipan on our way back.
At dawn we made it back to Iwo Jima. We refueled, checked the aircraft, and while we were busy Yuasa noted that the unit commander's plane had taken hits through the wing hinomaru and the tailplane.
But there was no damage to fuel system or handling controls. Shihou and Machida also had taken a number of hits, but had managed to return safely. We took off from Iwo Jima and flew back to Hamamatsu to report at the battle command post.
In this way the second attack ended successfully, we received our next orders and retired to our respective posts.
The third attack is ordered
On the next day we were informed that until the next mission was ordered we should continue our training.
Although we all had two long-distance overwater missions behind us, we could not relax and had to sharpen our skills even further. We could not keep attacking the enemy with the same tactics!
And so in training we gave time to training new recruits and air cadet students, officer cadets, as well as continuing our long-distance night flying and navigation, and bombing. The Ta type bomb was also trained for, and so we spent tiring days filled with training.
The Ta type bomb was a special bomb that was used on the ultra low level bombing missions to Saipan. One bomb weighed 50 kg, and inside it were 75 bomblets each with their own fuse. After the mother bomb had hit the ground, the bomblets would scatter out and explode, so there was not blast danger even at low level.
The ground crews worked hard, not knowing when the next mission would be ordered.
November was coming to a close, and the weather worsened, making a mission unlikely. On the 26th, the long-awaited 3rd mission was finally ordered.
According to schedule, we departed Hamamatsu for Iwo Jima. The weather was poor, with much cloud cover and we encountered some rain along the way. Without further event we arrived at Iwo Jima.
Preparations, refuling and bombing up completed, we sat in the grass alongside the runway waiting for our orders to go.
This mission was the first for Shihou's navigator, Shintou (shou-i), and he was quite nervous.
Slowly the sun set and dusk approached. We all wore tightly bound white hachimaki around our heads for this attack. The hachimaki carried the inscriptuon "Certain victor!" but supreme commander Sugiyama, and served to invigorate us. The battle damage to our planes had been repaired, and it was about time to go. We gathered in front of the unit commander's plane. The commander of the Shin-kai butai addressed us very simply:
"This is the perfect occasion, with great weather and timing. I believe we can mount a successful attack. Each of you pull your weight and take on your responsibilities. After my plane has started you will all follow me. That is all."
We took off in short order and afer circling once over Iwo Jima headed off into the starlit night.
The only things we could see were the stars and the sea. Although we had been through this experience now so many times, the success or failure of an overwater bombing mission depending on the reaching or not of the target. And since our target was like a speck of dust in the vast ocean, there was more than the usual fear and tension.
And that was not the only worry. With barely enough fuel on board for the return trip, any missing of the target would result in failure to return to Iwo Jima, and the flight really would become life-threatening in a most final sense.
Our unit charged on towards Saipan. Just as I was thinking that the island should appear soon, the shape of an island appeared before us. Our eyes could take in the white line of surf. We lowered our altitude even further. The following paragraphs are taken from notes in Morigiwa's diary, telling of the third raid on Saipan.
More fireballs rise to heaven
We arrived at last, once again, at Saipan, our destination, so long cherished even in our dreams, a black shape arising out of the darkness. Our altitude was 2000 meters, the thunder of our engines grew louder. On the west a tiny sliver of moon glowed in a redidsh black hue, imbuing the sky with an eerie warmth. And the shape of the island grew larger and larger before us.
Throttles fully open, speed 360 km/h, and we lowered our altitude. Apart from three or four lights all was in darkness, the enemy had enforced blackout. We passed over Mappi peninsula, where so many of our countrymen had jumped to thier deaths.
We turned to the left, and the signal came, "Prepare got bombing run!".
Turning over the eastern end of the island, we came in following the commander and Tsuutani on our approach to Asureeto airfield. To our right two or three low hills could be made out. We were succeeding in our surprise attack. Inadvertently screaming into the intercom, radioman Seino (shoui-i) then sent off a wireless message to that effect, "We have managed to achieve surprise". Then, "All planes attack!". These messages were received at our distant base.
The enemy probably also had detected the engine noises from our planes by now. We skimmed across the sea surface at 15 meters altitude. Our planese raced towards Asureeto airfield. Passing diagonally near Chaccha airfield on our right, I saw three three black objects below us. We had probably been sighted by those submarines or destroyers. And then I saw it. Countless lights, boundary lights, runway lights, guidance lights turned Asureeto airfield into day.
I glanced briefly at Donie district on our left. A starshell or a signal flare lit up the sky. Having signalled the airfield to our presence, various lights began to go out. "Open bombay doors!" came a calm voice over the intercom. I could see the commander smiling in satisfaction. As Yuasai has so expertly kept the aircraft in good condition, a single push of the button and the doors slid open with a solid thunk. "Bomb doors open, preparing for bombing" I told Tsuutani in a purposely measured tone. He acknoledged immeidately, with a glad expression.
We were over the east end of Asureeto airfield, with the revetments for vehicles passed below us. My eyes went to the next set of revetments, my right hand inadvertently pressing onto the wireless key.
I felt the responsibility of my right hand, having come this far south into the Pacific for a reason, and each press must be full of meaning.
Looking at the bright runway directly ahead of us, I felt a strange calmness settling over me. There was time to delay the bomb dropping by a second, and to look once more at the instruments.
Underneath us, huge four-engined planes lay side by side, as though sleeping. I was so happy that everything had worked out so well. Nevertheless, I asked for the plane to be manouevred just a little to the left. Tsuutani acknowledged, and we flew directly above the enemy planes' wings.
"Bombs away!", and without delay I released the bombs, which fell on top of the B-29s, carriyn all our peaple's wrath and determination. I noticed that I was clutching the wireless button tightly.
We sped away skimming the ground, over the B-29s lit up in the light of the pale moon, and I do not remember seeing anything other than just B-29s.
Cars working through the night were visible by their lights. Now they were weaving to and fro. Seino, up in the nose wielding the mchine gun, yelled "Got him!".
I glanced to the left. There too B-29s were laid out tail to tail. Our own target was still below us, and I found that I was automatically pressing and releasing the radio key to coincide with the gaps in the bombers. It would not do to waste even a single bomb.
I only released bombs when there wwas a target underneath, One hit would surely destroy a plane. Our plane traced a path along the southern side of the long runway. Behind us the barely dropped bombs exploded and we felt the vibrations.
Along a little sideroad I made out many figures, and with a thought of "you bastards!" I released the remainder of the bombs on them. After all were released the tension subsided, and my ears were filled with the sound of bomb bursts, and machine gun fire, and felt elated.
Ikeda and Kawamoto too were no doubt going about the business of destorying as many as possible of the hated B-29s.
I had also dropped a wreath, to commemorate the loss of all the soldiers who had died in the defence of Saipan. Hopefully it would help them to sleep more peacefully....
Looking back I could see three columns of flame raising, our last view of the base.
The unit commander called me over and divide a mikan [japanese orange] for me and Seino. I remebered the hot tea from the previous raid. But the mikan was even more delicious, and I was filled with gratitude for the unit commander's heart.
During this time the aircraft sped on at ultra low level and full speed. Releasing our bombs right over the B-29s and with a light aircraft and a light heart, we headed for home.
Above was an account from Morigiwa's diary of the attack, written after the return home.
And so our planes cleared Anatahan island and climbed to altitude before heading to Iwo Jima. A crowd of maintenance crews waving hinomaru flags greeted us. Without pausing for breath we refueled and headed on to Hamamatsu.
On the way we encountered rain at several points, and thick clouds were also a hindrance. But all planes landed safely.
In front of the battle control station Kawaue (shidan-chou) and Kusakari (butai-chou) came out to greet us along with crowds of other personell. After the butaichou had raised and lowered his sword, we emerged smiling from our planes.
We lined up to attention, the Shin-kai butai-chou advanced and delivered his battel report in calm voice, to which Kawaue replied simply, "Congratulations on your success". In those words was hidden all the feelings of the entire unit.
Thus ended the attacks of the Shin-kai butai on Asureeto airfield on the island of Saipan, the first on 3rd November, the second o the 7th, and finally the third. At the time this was considered an impossible feat for bomber aircraft of the IJAAF.
Apart from the necessity for droptanks to just make the round trip flight to Saipan, their were also serious doubts about the engines. And as for navigation, this presented us with huge problems, and it was only because both chief navigator Morigiwa (shou-i) and Naitou (shou-i) had taken Navy courses on overwater navigation and made it their expertise that we could do it successfully.
(initally published in Maru, September 1968, under the topic of 10 secret missions of World War Two)
by Seino Chuichi (then Army Shoii in the 2nd Independent Chuutai) from Maru Extra (War history and travel, No. 31) to the November 2001 issue.
This account tells of the nighttime attacks on the B-29 airfields on Saipan in November 1944, carried out by obsolete IJAAF Type 97 heavy bombers flying through Iwo Jima.
Single B-29's had just made their first recconnaissance appearances over the capital. And within days, I had taken part in nighttime attacks on the B-29 base itself, the island of Saipan....
My unit was the 2nd Independent Chuutai, but probably it is easier to refer to it as the Shin-kai [new sea] unit. In memory to the many friends I lost in combat, as well as for the sake of their relatives, I would like as far as possible from my perspective to describe the events that took place so long ago now.
Rocked by the sound of aero engines, the home and birthplace of the Army's heavy bomber units was the Hamamatsu Army Air College, situated on the plateau in Shizuoka prefecture.
Since US forces had first landed on Saipaon on June 15, 1944, the fighting had turned for the worse, and we learnt with helpless sadness of the death of IJA General Saito, IJN Admiral Nagumo and the entire garrison under their command.
Following this, navy recceonnaissance planes succeeded in photographing the island, and we of the Hamamatsu instructor regiment were ordered to prepare for an attack. This was at the beginning of October.
Our unit was formed and was named the 2nd Independent Chuutai, or Shinkai unit [shin-kai bu-tai].
On the day of the units formation, the commanding officer addressed us with these sober words:On this day the 2nd Independent Chuutai has been newly formed as a tactical unit. Until now we have been an instruction unit, but from today we are a compat unit. If we don't win in training we cannot expect to win in combat operations. Mould yourselves into a unit and throw yourselves into uninterrupted intense and dedicated training, so that you will be ready at any moment to go into action. Your emphasis in training must be long-distance over-water flight at night! Our training began that same day. The commander of the maintenance crews, Fukumachi (Chuu-i), devoted himself to making sure that all the planes were airworthy. We had 5 planes on that first day, with which we practiced nighttime over-water flights around Hamamatsu.
Several days later we carried out long-distance navigation training return flights from Hamamatsu airbase to Hokkaido's Shiretoko peninsula by way of O-mae-zaki, Mi-taku-jima, and the Inu-bou and O-shika peninsula. We departed at dusk and flew during the night.
We divided our training time into pilot skill, navigation, communications, and gunnery, making every effort to use the time to the full.
As this was October, we did not have to gain much altitude for the interior of the aircraft to become cold. Course change after course change, Morigiwa (Shou-i) reported each arrival on target to the unit commander via the aircraft's comms systems, while I made out the last message as a telegram: all aircraft successfully arrived at the targets, now returning.
Completing our planned mission, we returned to hear the assessment of our unit commander.You all have precious little experience in the aircraft, so you must all make absolutely sure you get the most benefit out of this valuable time in the air. In order to do that, you must complete all preparations thoroughly on the ground, so that the instant the airplane leaves the ground you must devote your studies to what can only be done in the air. Make certain that you completely separate your ground duties from your duties in the air!
In this way we trained in nighttime over-water flight every single day, one day to the east, the next to the west, crossing Japan and reaching one after the other to Okinawa, Torijima (in the south, part of the Ogasawara Island group) and the Korean peinsula as our range became longer and the training reached new levels of severity and intensity.
We also trained in anti-searchlight evasice manouevres, since it was expected that attacks on an enemy base would be countered by searchlights and AA. The Hamamatsu AA unit trained with us, illuminating us at night, while we trained to escape from the menacing beam at extreme low level.
And so we thoroughly mastered over-water navigation, although at times we had to spend time with ground duties. When it was time for overhauls of the aircraft, we went into the barracks and thrashed out over and over our attack plans using maps.
We had already learned from sources that the enemy forces in the Marianas, and particularly Saipan, possessed excellent sensitive radar equipment. We planned to island-hop to Saipan all the while keeping under the effective radar coverage, maintaining a grueling wavetop flight profile. And so that is what we practiced to fly.
October passed quickly as we were kept busy. Morale climbed high among the crew and maintenance personnel, and our confidence and composure grew.
A satisfactory surprise attack
On November 1st came the orders to go into action, and the entire unit lined up outside the command post to hear the orders from the unit commander. Second in command Kimura (Chuu-i) organized the division of the 9 aircraft and their crews.
Then, the mean checked and rechecked every last detail on their planes.
When I asked Yuasa (Gun-sou), the unit commander's aircraft technician, whether the checks had all turned out all right, his reply was so full of earnest responsibility that I felt quite scolded for asking!
That evening there was a big party in our mess, and after that there was nothing but to wait for the next day's mission.
The morning of 2nd November dawned, and departure for the front-line base was set at 12h20. In the morning all the aircraft again underwent thorough checks. No fault was found with any of the planes, and finally all the men gathered in fron of the command post to hear the regiment cammander, Kawaue (shidan-chou), give his departure speech:This is going to be a very long distance over-water bombing mission. Form up with the unit commander and attain a successful result.
According to Horida (Dai-i)'s watch all planes started up their engines, and led by the unit commander took off, formed up, and after circling Hamamatsu airbase once in a large lazy circle headed off on a course for the front-line base of Iwo Jima [1200 km distant].
I remember seeing the airbase maintenance crews waving Hinomaru flags madly, probably to give us courage and spur us on in our mission.
That day's weather was superb, excellent weather for flying.
Over the vast, endless expanse of open ocean we could rely solely on our compass to guide us safely on our journey, and Morigiwa (Shou-i)concentrated intensely on measuring by means of the occasional wavetops visible in the darkness.
Some four hours later we arrived at Iwo Jima.
The isolated islands in the middle of the Pacific were often beset by a sharp breeze, and there was no detectable temperature difference between Iwo Jima and Hamamatsu. After completing bomb loading, refueling, and so forth we rested before our departure, taking in the unique smell of sulfur on this rocky bastion.
I had told ym radioman to signal the others "You won't need your valuables when we go into battle", and asked Yamada (Sou-chou) to gather them all and leave tham on Iwo Jima. As these items would become the sole mementos should some of us not return, everyone became very sober.
Already the day was growing late. Our commander (bu-tai-chou) addressed us. Seeing as tomorrow the 3rd would be the Emperor's birthday, we would be celebrating with a surprise attack on the enemy. All members should be calm while carrying out their attack to maximum effect, and he warned us to be extremely careful on takeoff, since this was our first nightime takeoff fully loaded. Then we started up our engines and lined up on the takeoff line. [1200 km to Saipan]
Takeoff was at 20h00. Morigiwa and plane captain Tsuutani (Chuu-i) were animatedly discussing something over the voice pipes. Probably something about corrections for the cross-winds.
Our underwing droptanks had been released into the ocean. Our Type 97-II heavy bombers were at that time not capable of making a round-trip to Saipan, and so we used three underwing droptanks to force the range, and dropped them into the sea when empty.
After takeoff we initially kept an altitude of between 2000 and 2500 meters, but soon switched off our navigation lights (wing lights) and gradually decreased altitude.
With spray from the luke-warm Pacific flying over our windscreens, we skimmed low over the Mariana group islands of Urakasuu, Atsusonson, and Agurigan at extreme low altitude. The altimeter read 100 to 200 meters. This was to avoid detection by the enemy's search radar.
After making our course from Agurigan to Pagan island, I noticed white smoke being wafted along by the wind. I remembered this was a volcanic island group. Part of the same chain of volcanoes as Mt. Fuji, white smoke was naturally emitted.
A short while later, Morigawa signalled "Time to target five minutes" and the unit commander ordered "Attack formation". We went from flight formation to attack formation.
Way ahead of us, lights were visible along the edge of the ocean. That was Saipan, home of the B-29s. We felt the tension taughtening as we approached. Tsuutani turned the plane's nose, circling past the island.
Where was Asureeto airfield? We had become so familiar with it, it had even haunted my dreams. The faint lights of Garapan were visible in the distance. The unit commander indicated Asureeto to us.
Aircraft gleamed brightly, turning night into day, their light reflected off the wavetops making the ocean sparkle and dance. It was truly a beautiful view.
We turned in a large circle, forming up for the attack run. "Start the run-in" came the signal over the wireless. The third formation came in from the opposite side, while the third would follow the first, all at extreme low level for the attack. We streaked across the waves, pulling up over the island's hills sharply, feeling our bodies growing heavy as we maneouvred at full throttle.
Asureeto airfield was lit up as though it was broad daylight. The awesomely beautiful silver B-29s were packed densely tail to tail. They were in the middle of maintenance. Trucks with the lights on were visible driving up and down, drivers clutching the steering wheel tightly.
Morigiwa activated the bombing switch, and put the wireless receiver headphones on, while I climbed up into the macine gunner's position and opened fire. The bullets flew in steams as I fired at the B-29s. I could see the bullets striking the great silver machines. Ikeda (shou-i) and Kawamoto (go-chou) following us also opened fire from the gun cupolas.
Asureeto airfield had been caught by surprise, lights on and completely unawares. In the space of just a minute all our ammunition and bombs had been exhausted, and the unit commander twisted around in his seat to observe the results.
I made out a signal, "surprise attack successfully achieved", and sent it back to base. A welcome reply of "Acknowledged" came back from the anti-aircraft signal post, and after I reported this to the unit commander, he smiled and raised his hand.
Looking back on in the aftermath of the attack, we could see smoke rising in ugly plumes from Asureeto airfield, with several pillars of flame and the sounds of three explosions came to my ears.
We had succeeded admirably in our surprise attack, and the unit commander's aircraft had not incurred even one burst of flak due to our low level pass. Our plane was already on the return trip by then.
The engine was in good form, and the night slowly gave way to dawn. We reached the southern tip of the Iwo Jima island chain, and Morigiwa signalled to the others. Soon we were flying over Iwo Jima itself, and I sent a signal to that effect back to Hamamatsu. We landed, followed in short order by nos. 2 and 3 planes.
Already it was morning, and while the unit commander received the reports from Shihou and Machida's planes, he scanned the sky worriedly for some sign of the others, one hand on his sword the other grasping the binoculars, scanning the skies to the south without pause for any indication of our missing planes.
I went to our plane's signal compartment and tuned in to see if I could pick up any signals from the other planes. Even though they must by now have run out of fuel.... five of our planes were still missing.
The unit commander asked me,"Seino, any signals from the others?", but sadly there was nothing, so I answered,"No signal at all", and sent Yamamda (sou-chou) to enquire at the anti-aircraft signal post.
Thirty minutes passed, an hour, two hours, but no planes came home.The unit commander's worry deepened, it was now merely a desperate wait without hope, and he merely looked at his watch without bothering to scan the sky with binoculars.
Three hours passed, but the unit commander would not give up hope completely.
I had told the radiomen strictly before takeoff, "To disappear without trace is a poor reflection on you. Even though you are going to crash or make a forced landing, you must absolutely fulfill your responsibility to make that last signal". However, radio silence had been so strictly enforced that they had all vanished without a final signal, and as their representative I was forced to report thus to the unit commander.
The fearful power of the US weaponry on Saipan
The war situation was becoming more critical day by day, and so without even the smallest pause to collect our breaths we were ordered anew to prepare for a second attack on Saipan. After that initial intensive training, and the attack, only three planes (including Shihou and Machida) remained, but we formed a unit and prepared to launch a second attack.
As we already had experience by now, the overwater flight presented no particular problems, and we could launch an attack without the extreme nervousness of the first raid.
The attack took place in the night of November 6th, and we took off with approximately the same attack plan as before. It was a pleasant trip to the forward base; on Honshuu there had been an air raid the night before, and Iwo Jima and its environs seemed still and calm that evening.
After landing, we armed and fueled the planes, and then took off, heading for the Marianas.
How were things with Kanemitsu, whose plane had to make a forced landing on Pagan island? We waggled our wings as we passed over the island, then proceeded at extreme lowel level before disbanding our formation near Saipan and the unit commander gave the order to attack. Asureeto airfield was in broad daylight, just as previously, and we skimmed over the planes lining the runway, hitting a B-29 in its revetment.
Shihou and Machida dropped bombs on their selected targets and we deterined that around 20 of the huge bombers had been completely destroyed. Morigiwa reported "All bombs gone" to the unit commander, and I signalled "attack successful" over the wireless. I could also witness the attack by Shihou and Machida.
Asureeto airfield had not enforced any lighting controls on this occasion either, so we were greeted by the same gleaming view as before. After all bombs had been dropped, and strafing completed we headed rapidly for home.
Unlike the first time however, this time we faced a heavy barrage of anti-aircraft fire, and sustained quite a bit of damage, but all three of us managed to form up after the raid for the flight home.
We were quite amazed by the construction of Asureeto airfield, it was just something beyond our imaginations. On either side of the packed runway were well-built revetments, like a shogi board, each holding a massive B-29.
Outside the revetments many smaller aircraft were lined up, and the construction was complete, unlike anything you might find at our airbases.
While it only emerged later, at Saipan the 21st Strategic Bombing Wing was forward deployed. The unit was build around a core of veterans who had had experience operating from China and India.
The runway of Asureeto airfield stretched some 2500 meters, and including Guam there were some 200 B-29s based there. The crew of each comprised 12 men, so that there were at least 2000 crewmen stationed there.
Adding maintenance and logistics staff, we can imagine that there must be an incredible number of people based there.Losing 10 planes on a mission to Hondo meant the loss of some 120 crew members.
The lights in Garapan were also on, but they could not compare to the brightness of the airbase. Also, in the bay there were an untold number and variety of enemy warships anchored, but because of the darkness we could not make out the numbers. We could only note that in many cases black smoke was emitting from the funnels.
After repeated sending of "Attack successful, all aircraft safe", we received the reply of "Acknowledged" from the anti-aircraft signal post. But at that time we were already quite a long distance from Saipan on our way back.
At dawn we made it back to Iwo Jima. We refueled, checked the aircraft, and while we were busy Yuasa noted that the unit commander's plane had taken hits through the wing hinomaru and the tailplane.
But there was no damage to fuel system or handling controls. Shihou and Machida also had taken a number of hits, but had managed to return safely. We took off from Iwo Jima and flew back to Hamamatsu to report at the battle command post.
In this way the second attack ended successfully, we received our next orders and retired to our respective posts.
The third attack is ordered
On the next day we were informed that until the next mission was ordered we should continue our training.
Although we all had two long-distance overwater missions behind us, we could not relax and had to sharpen our skills even further. We could not keep attacking the enemy with the same tactics!
And so in training we gave time to training new recruits and air cadet students, officer cadets, as well as continuing our long-distance night flying and navigation, and bombing. The Ta type bomb was also trained for, and so we spent tiring days filled with training.
The Ta type bomb was a special bomb that was used on the ultra low level bombing missions to Saipan. One bomb weighed 50 kg, and inside it were 75 bomblets each with their own fuse. After the mother bomb had hit the ground, the bomblets would scatter out and explode, so there was not blast danger even at low level.
The ground crews worked hard, not knowing when the next mission would be ordered.
November was coming to a close, and the weather worsened, making a mission unlikely. On the 26th, the long-awaited 3rd mission was finally ordered.
According to schedule, we departed Hamamatsu for Iwo Jima. The weather was poor, with much cloud cover and we encountered some rain along the way. Without further event we arrived at Iwo Jima.
Preparations, refuling and bombing up completed, we sat in the grass alongside the runway waiting for our orders to go.
This mission was the first for Shihou's navigator, Shintou (shou-i), and he was quite nervous.
Slowly the sun set and dusk approached. We all wore tightly bound white hachimaki around our heads for this attack. The hachimaki carried the inscriptuon "Certain victor!" but supreme commander Sugiyama, and served to invigorate us. The battle damage to our planes had been repaired, and it was about time to go. We gathered in front of the unit commander's plane. The commander of the Shin-kai butai addressed us very simply:
"This is the perfect occasion, with great weather and timing. I believe we can mount a successful attack. Each of you pull your weight and take on your responsibilities. After my plane has started you will all follow me. That is all."
We took off in short order and afer circling once over Iwo Jima headed off into the starlit night.
The only things we could see were the stars and the sea. Although we had been through this experience now so many times, the success or failure of an overwater bombing mission depending on the reaching or not of the target. And since our target was like a speck of dust in the vast ocean, there was more than the usual fear and tension.
And that was not the only worry. With barely enough fuel on board for the return trip, any missing of the target would result in failure to return to Iwo Jima, and the flight really would become life-threatening in a most final sense.
Our unit charged on towards Saipan. Just as I was thinking that the island should appear soon, the shape of an island appeared before us. Our eyes could take in the white line of surf. We lowered our altitude even further. The following paragraphs are taken from notes in Morigiwa's diary, telling of the third raid on Saipan.
More fireballs rise to heaven
We arrived at last, once again, at Saipan, our destination, so long cherished even in our dreams, a black shape arising out of the darkness. Our altitude was 2000 meters, the thunder of our engines grew louder. On the west a tiny sliver of moon glowed in a redidsh black hue, imbuing the sky with an eerie warmth. And the shape of the island grew larger and larger before us.
Throttles fully open, speed 360 km/h, and we lowered our altitude. Apart from three or four lights all was in darkness, the enemy had enforced blackout. We passed over Mappi peninsula, where so many of our countrymen had jumped to thier deaths.
We turned to the left, and the signal came, "Prepare got bombing run!".
Turning over the eastern end of the island, we came in following the commander and Tsuutani on our approach to Asureeto airfield. To our right two or three low hills could be made out. We were succeeding in our surprise attack. Inadvertently screaming into the intercom, radioman Seino (shoui-i) then sent off a wireless message to that effect, "We have managed to achieve surprise". Then, "All planes attack!". These messages were received at our distant base.
The enemy probably also had detected the engine noises from our planes by now. We skimmed across the sea surface at 15 meters altitude. Our planese raced towards Asureeto airfield. Passing diagonally near Chaccha airfield on our right, I saw three three black objects below us. We had probably been sighted by those submarines or destroyers. And then I saw it. Countless lights, boundary lights, runway lights, guidance lights turned Asureeto airfield into day.
I glanced briefly at Donie district on our left. A starshell or a signal flare lit up the sky. Having signalled the airfield to our presence, various lights began to go out. "Open bombay doors!" came a calm voice over the intercom. I could see the commander smiling in satisfaction. As Yuasai has so expertly kept the aircraft in good condition, a single push of the button and the doors slid open with a solid thunk. "Bomb doors open, preparing for bombing" I told Tsuutani in a purposely measured tone. He acknoledged immeidately, with a glad expression.
We were over the east end of Asureeto airfield, with the revetments for vehicles passed below us. My eyes went to the next set of revetments, my right hand inadvertently pressing onto the wireless key.
I felt the responsibility of my right hand, having come this far south into the Pacific for a reason, and each press must be full of meaning.
Looking at the bright runway directly ahead of us, I felt a strange calmness settling over me. There was time to delay the bomb dropping by a second, and to look once more at the instruments.
Underneath us, huge four-engined planes lay side by side, as though sleeping. I was so happy that everything had worked out so well. Nevertheless, I asked for the plane to be manouevred just a little to the left. Tsuutani acknowledged, and we flew directly above the enemy planes' wings.
"Bombs away!", and without delay I released the bombs, which fell on top of the B-29s, carriyn all our peaple's wrath and determination. I noticed that I was clutching the wireless button tightly.
We sped away skimming the ground, over the B-29s lit up in the light of the pale moon, and I do not remember seeing anything other than just B-29s.
Cars working through the night were visible by their lights. Now they were weaving to and fro. Seino, up in the nose wielding the mchine gun, yelled "Got him!".
I glanced to the left. There too B-29s were laid out tail to tail. Our own target was still below us, and I found that I was automatically pressing and releasing the radio key to coincide with the gaps in the bombers. It would not do to waste even a single bomb.
I only released bombs when there wwas a target underneath, One hit would surely destroy a plane. Our plane traced a path along the southern side of the long runway. Behind us the barely dropped bombs exploded and we felt the vibrations.
Along a little sideroad I made out many figures, and with a thought of "you bastards!" I released the remainder of the bombs on them. After all were released the tension subsided, and my ears were filled with the sound of bomb bursts, and machine gun fire, and felt elated.
Ikeda and Kawamoto too were no doubt going about the business of destorying as many as possible of the hated B-29s.
I had also dropped a wreath, to commemorate the loss of all the soldiers who had died in the defence of Saipan. Hopefully it would help them to sleep more peacefully....
Looking back I could see three columns of flame raising, our last view of the base.
The unit commander called me over and divide a mikan [japanese orange] for me and Seino. I remebered the hot tea from the previous raid. But the mikan was even more delicious, and I was filled with gratitude for the unit commander's heart.
During this time the aircraft sped on at ultra low level and full speed. Releasing our bombs right over the B-29s and with a light aircraft and a light heart, we headed for home.
Above was an account from Morigiwa's diary of the attack, written after the return home.
And so our planes cleared Anatahan island and climbed to altitude before heading to Iwo Jima. A crowd of maintenance crews waving hinomaru flags greeted us. Without pausing for breath we refueled and headed on to Hamamatsu.
On the way we encountered rain at several points, and thick clouds were also a hindrance. But all planes landed safely.
In front of the battle control station Kawaue (shidan-chou) and Kusakari (butai-chou) came out to greet us along with crowds of other personell. After the butaichou had raised and lowered his sword, we emerged smiling from our planes.
We lined up to attention, the Shin-kai butai-chou advanced and delivered his battel report in calm voice, to which Kawaue replied simply, "Congratulations on your success". In those words was hidden all the feelings of the entire unit.
Thus ended the attacks of the Shin-kai butai on Asureeto airfield on the island of Saipan, the first on 3rd November, the second o the 7th, and finally the third. At the time this was considered an impossible feat for bomber aircraft of the IJAAF.
Apart from the necessity for droptanks to just make the round trip flight to Saipan, their were also serious doubts about the engines. And as for navigation, this presented us with huge problems, and it was only because both chief navigator Morigiwa (shou-i) and Naitou (shou-i) had taken Navy courses on overwater navigation and made it their expertise that we could do it successfully.