Crash in Siam
The painting below was used to
illustrate an article in the Airforce Association magazine, and is now owned by
H. Smith who was the pilot of theB-24 involved.
He has kindly allowed us to show it on our site.
It should be noted that subsequent research by Matt Poole has determined from the Japanese researcher, Hiroshi Ichimura, that
“Ten Ki43s of 64th Sentai encountered a B-24 and shot it down on 29th May 1945. It was the last air victory of 64th Sentai which match JAAF and Allied record. Sgt.Toshimi Ikezawa took part in the battle and the rudder of his Ki43 was hit.”
In addition, Matt mentioned:
“I thought the tail markings on the Oscars was of the 25th Sentai, which was not in Siam, only China. Hiroshi has confirmed this, and says it was the famed 64th Sentai (tail symbol of a diagonally downward-pointing arrow).”
Last updated March 18, 2004