After the arrival of reinforcements, the Japanese began a general offensive at Shanghai on 8th September. On the same day Yankou was captured.
Elements of the IJAAF were moved to Wangbin Airfield, Shanghai, Ki-10’s arrived on September 18th.
The 13th Kokutai were moved to Kunda Airfield, Shanghai on 9th September.
On the 15th of September the Kaga dispatched six A2N’s, Six A5M’s, eighteen D1A1’s and eighteen Yokosuka B4Y1’s to Kunda airfield to serve in support of land operations. Starting on the 19th of September aerial attacks on Nanking started.
September 19th Nanking:
Captain Abe Hioshi with his rear CPO Abe Tsuyashi and Lt Domoto Tsuyashi (Abe’s brother) and his rear CPO Chisu Ryu, were heading for Nanking in 2 Aichi D1A1 dive bombers. They were on the look-out for 2 Army Ki-10 fighters which were their cover for this operation. They had had no luck so far, when PO1c Chisu Ryu tapped his pilot Tsuyashi on the shoulder and pointed off to the left. Tsuyashi indicated to his Captain that the 2 aircraft approaching were probably the escort as Hioshi nodded his head in agreement.
Lt Tan Won was leading Lt Wu Ting-Chun on his first combat mission. Won was flying his Hawk IIIc, whilst Chun was flying an aging Fiat Cr32. Reports were coming in that a large formation of Japanese bombers were heading for Nanking. Chinese aircraft had been scrambled but were scattered all over the area.
Chun could see 2 blips in the distance, Won was trying to get his attention and get him to understand that these were enemy aircraft!
Won headed directly towards the bombers as he lost sight of Chun. Chun was thinking hard as to how to attack the enemy planes and mistimed his approach.
Captain Hioshi realised these were enemy aircraft and banked to meet the Hawk of Won head on. Tsuyashi banked towards the Hawk following his leader.
Tsuyashi banked left and followed the hapless Chun, whilst Hioshi took on Won.
Hioshi and Won wondered at the damage caused as they flashed past and CPO Tsuyashi (his rear) fired a long burst into the Hawk as it passed. (Both planes took explosion damage but used their luck point to cancel them out).
Lt Tsuyashi engaged Chun in the Cr32. Won flipped the Hawk round and fired off a long range burst at the D1A1 bomber. He caused substantial damage (can’t get rid of a second explosion chit....luck ran out so takes ˝ total HP as damage).
Won kept pressing his advantage and the damage was mounting up on the Japanese bomber. Won pressed his luck a little too far as CPO Tsuyashi let rip from close range. Won looked at his left shoulder as blood seeped through his flight jacket.
Again and again Won kept firing away.....but eventually it was the Hawk that gave up the chase. Won bailed out cursing the Japanese plane.
Hioshi gave a thumbs up to his rear as he closed in on the target. He could see his wingman approaching too.
Bombs away. Hioshi turned the D1A1 for home as his wingman closed in to drop his bombs on the bridge.
As Hioshi turned he was amazed to see the Cr32 firing away from long range. As they closed the Chinese pilots bullets started shredding fuselage!
Hioshi finally knew the game was up. Signalled his rear and flipped the bomber over as they bailed out.
Lt Tsuyashi saw his Captains plane go down as his adversary climbed....
Tsuyashi knew he had missed as the Cr32 dropped onto his tail. The Chinese pilot emboldened by his first kill was after claiming a second!
Tsuyashi dived down as the tenacious Chinese pilot caused more damage.
Again and again the Cr32 swooped in to attack and exchanged shots with CPO Ryu the rear gunner.
Lt Wu Ting-Chun eventually turned away as his stricken Cr32 was down for and bailed out over friendly territory.
Lt Tsuyashi Made it back to the airfield and reported the loss of Captain Hioshi over enemy territory.
Butchers Bill:
D1A1 209:
Captain Hioshi: SD/ET/EXP
Captured by a Chinese patrol.
CPO Tsuyashi: SD/ET/EXP/1 kill
Captured by a Chinese patrol.
D1A1 208:
Lt Tsuyashi: RTB:12 Dam
CPO Chisu Ryu: RTB/1 kill
Target destroyed.
Lt Tan Won Hawk IIIc: SD/FT/1WND/15 dam
Bailed out. Wound keeps him out of action for 3 missions.
Lt Wu Ting-Chun Fiat Cr32: SD/FT/16 dam/1 kill
Bailed out. Lands ok. Ready and fit for action.
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