APPENDICES
Cherdchay Chamtawat
Cherdchay Chamtawat is the source here of two documents recording numerous interviews with local Thais about the Mae La Luang crash.
As a Police Lt Colonel, he was stationed at Khun Yuam as Deputy Superintendent to the Chief of Amphoe Khun Yuam Police from 1995 to his retirement (sometime after 2004). He took it upon himself to record reminiscences of local Thai residents about events in Khun Yuam during World War II and to collect artifacts of the period from various sources. These formed the nucleus for what eventually became the Thai-Japan Friendship Memorial Hall in Khun Yuam. He was instrumental in getting interested Japanese to provide financial support for the project and made at least one trip to Japan in that effort. In the process, he became a close friend of Inoue Motoyoshi, an IJA veterinarian who had passed through Khun Yuam near the end of the war, and who hosted Cherdchay’s visit to Japan.1
1. Cherdchay Chantawan: Interview with Mr Som Tailom Prathrep (2008) in Thai language. Since the interview has not been formally published, the original Thai is included here for reference (two pages).2
2. Cherdchay Chantawan: Japanese military aircraft that crash landed in the village of Mae La Luang (based on numerous interviews). The original Japanese language webpages, メーラルアン村に不時着した日本軍機１ and メーラルアン村に不時着した日本軍機2, are shown below:
メーラルアン村に不時着した日本軍機１
メーラルアン小学校はクンユアムの日本軍部隊の休憩地だった。たとえばメーサリアンに行く時、またチェンマイに行く時やターク県などに行くときに度々使用された。日本軍部隊が来るという予定の日は、事前に連絡されて学校は休みとなった。昭和18年の6月～７月のことだった。この日の午後、メーラルアン小学校の生徒たちはいつものように教室で授業を受けていた。この時、飛行機の爆音が聞こえてきたが、それは益々大きな音となってきた。みんな窓から顔を出して空を見た。ビルマから飛行機がこちらに向かってくるぞと生徒たちは大騒ぎになった。先生は生徒たちに、急いで外に掘った穴に隠れるようにと声を上げて指導した。みんな夢中で逃げて隠れた。
少したって空を見上げた。同じ型の飛行機が三機並んで飛んでいた。真ん中の機体からは黒い煙が出ていた。この仲間を助けるように両脇にくっついたように飛んでいた。
音が出たり消えたりして、エンジンが故障したようだった。フォイパーファーは学校の近くの田んぼが広がる地域だが、ここに不時着しようとしていた。脇の二機がゆっくりと離れ、故障した飛行機はそのまま着陸した。地面がでこぼこだった為に機体はごろんごろんと転がった。何回か転がった後に小川の手前で止まった。村人と先生、生徒は我を先と走って見に行った。パイロットは前席と後席の二人いた。この時二機の飛行機は上空を旋回していた。一人パイロットが出てきて日本の国旗を村人たちに向かって振ってきた。助けてくださいといった感じだった。村人は怖がって、離れて見ているだけだった。パイロットは飛行機に戻り、今度はタイ国旗を振りはじめた。警察と村人はすぐにパイロットに駆け寄った。
パイロットの二人とも大きな怪我ではなかった。また言葉は全く通じなかった。パイロットは田んぼの休憩小屋の屋根の葉を取り、それを並べて地面に大きく字を書いた。上空の仲間に無事を知らせたようだった。二機はチェンマイ方面に飛び去って行った。その後、村人は二人をメーラルアンの診療所につれて行った。いま診療所はワットシーラーパー近くにある。
次の日の朝10時くらいだった。チェンマイ方面から日本軍機が飛んできて、二人の為に荷物をパラシュートで降ろした。その次の日、クンユアム郡警察官ジャン・チャオプラユーン署長と元弁護士のサヌーン・ガンタータン氏とメーホンソンの県議員がパイロットと共に現場に立ち会った。サヌーン氏はパイロットに英語で話しかけたが、この搭乗機の損傷は激しく、再び飛び立つ事は不可能だった。メーサリアンの日本軍基地から応援が来て、この機体から重要部品を取り外して持ち帰った。更に次の日、同じ部隊が来てエンジンを取り外し、機体を分解してメーサリアンの基地まで運んだ。これにはタイ人が雇われ協力した。メーサリアンまで７～８日かかった。メーサリアン基地まで運ばれた機体は丁重に処分された。兵士たちはこの機体に黙祷を捧げた。最後に火炎放射器で機体は火に包まれた。戦後、この残骸の部品やアルミニウムなどは村人が持ち去った。
KAWASAKI K-45 “屠竜”（DRAGON KILLER）
筆者は取材中にメーラルアンの警察官から、この機体の部品であるアルミニウムの板一つを譲り受けた。これは叩くととても良い音がしたので、クンユアム警察ではチャイム代わりに使用した。錆び一つ無いとても優れた材質だ。これを専門家に調べてもらったところ「FIRE WALL」だった。エンジンの熱を遮断するための部品だった。プロペラもこの時まであったが、今ではどこかに持ち去られてしまった。
この二人のパイロットはメーラルアン村に２ヶ月くらいいた。この２ヶ月の間に何度か飛んできて、降ろされたパラシュートの物資で生活していた。
ソンサン・タイロンパティー氏、今は７０歳の話。氏は当時小学生だった。この二人のパイロットと仲良くなった。パイロットはジャングルでの必需品や、薬、缶詰、服、食糧、お菓子、など持っていたが、お菓子などは子供たちに分けてくれた。そして一番大切なものは釣竿と餌だった。餌は疑似餌だった。これらを見て、日本人はこの戦争の為に大変な準備をしているなと村人は皆感心した。
この日本兵と村人の交流に何の問題もなかった。子供たちとは良く遊んだ。水泳を教え、魚の取り方を教えた。料理を作っては食べさせた。持っている薬は、村人や子供が病気になれば差し出した。日本語を教え、自らはタイ語を学んだ。パイロット二人は、村の人気者になった。
別れの日。パイロットは、自分たちの持っている物すべてを村人と子供に渡した。今でも何人もの村の老人はこのことを記憶している。この飛行機は土の下に沈んでしまい今は蔭も形もない、しかしこの日本軍機の不時着とそのパイロットとのひと時の交流は、村人の懐かしい思い出として残っている。
(原文タイ語日本語訳文責 武田浩一）
| この「メーラルアン村に不時着した日本軍機」は、POL LT COL CHIEDCHAI CHOMTAWAT 氏が長年の聞き取り調査等により纏め上げた労作であり実話です。 「屠竜」搭乗のこの二人をご存知の方は、ぜひ当ホームページ管理人までご一報ください。 |
Umemoto’s listing of Sentai 21 casualties in Burma Theatre.3 The aircraft that crashed at Mae La Luang is believed to have been a Ki-45; in Burma, that aircraft type was flown only by Sentai 21. Umemoto lists four crashes of Sentai 21 aircraft in the Burma Theatre. Three of the four involved the deaths of crews. But, the earliest involved no fatalities, and also uniquely describes the location of the crash as a river. The text narrative specifies a riverbank. (see copy of page in the narrative which follows this listing).
| 12 Apr 1943 | ||
| Sentai 21 | ||
| Ki-45 Kai-ko | ||
| Lt Yasushi Ushijima | ||
| Rangoon – shot | ||
| 159 Sqn B-24 counterattack | ||
河原 に不時着・負傷 |
Left engine hit; crash landed on river; injuries | |
| 25 Nov 1943 | ||
| Sentai 21 | ||
| Ki-45 Kai | ||
| Cpl Takanori | ||
| Rangoon | ||
(ジエ一ムズ•イングランド中尉） |
311th Fighter Bomber Group • P-51A (Lt James England) |
|
| Death (passenger unknown) | ||
| 27 Nov 1943 | ||
| Sentai 21 | ||
| Ki-45 Kai | ||
| Ensign Yamazaki | ||
| Rangoon | ||
(卜一マス• R •ウィルスン少尉） |
P-51A (Ensign R Wilson) | |
| Death (passenger unknown) | ||
| 15 Jan 1944 | ||
| Sentai 21 | ||
| Ki-45 Kai | ||
| Master Sgt Miura Shoun | ||
| Tavoy | ||
| Unknown | ||
| Killed in action | ||
Umemoto narrative (in Japanese) provides more detail on the Mae La Luang crash on pages 317 and 318:4
 |
 |
This translates roughly as:5
On the evening of 12 April, five Ki-45 heavy fighter aircraft under the command of Lieutenant Yasushi Ushijima, commander of Chutai 2 of Sentai 21 of the Rangoon Air Defense Squadron, patrolled at an altitude of 4,000 meters to protect a convoy as it entered the port of Rangoon. After sunset, two pilots with little experience in night-flying landed; the remaining aircraft continued patrol. Lieutenant Ushijima made an upward attack on an incoming B-24 which returned fire, hitting his Ki-45 in the left engine. He crash-landed on a riverbank, and was injured.
Sentai 21 reported one B-24 shot down that same day, with two more B-24s shot down on the following day, the 13th. The incoming aircraft are believed to have belonged to the Royal Air Force’s 159 Squadron, which at the time specialized in night air raids and was the only Liberator-equipped unit at the time.6 However, there is no record of 159 Squadron losing aircraft during this period. Brigadier Toshio Mizuki, who commanded Chutai 2 at the time [during Ushijima’s absence?], recalled that for about five months from 09 March to 05 August 1943, Chutai 2 did not shoot down a single aircraft.7
Burma Theatre in April 1943 showing Allied bases and Allied targets in Burma8
Allied air units with activities over Burma in 19439
|
Unit
|
Sub-Unit
|
Location
|
Coordinates
|
| RAF | 159 Squadron | RAF Salbani | N22°36.74 E87°17.88 |
| USAAF | 10th Air Force Bombardment Squadrons | ||
| 7th Bomb Group [Heavy (B-24s)] | |||
| 9th | Pandaveswar | N23°38.50 E87°20.60 | |
| 436th | Bishnupur | N22°59.36 E87°17.98 | |
| 492nd | Bishnupur | N22°59.36 E87°17.98 | |
| 493rd | Pandaveswar | N23°38.50 E87°20.60 | |
| 341st Bomb Group [Medium (B-25s)] | |||
| 22nd | Chakulia | N22°27.90 E86°42.28 | |
| 490th | Aandal | N23°37.27 E87°14.60 | |
| 491st | Chakulia | N22°27.90 E86°42.28 | |
Extract from USAAF CHRONO showing Allied targets in Burma Theatre during the period April 01 to 15 1943 (with emphasis mine).10
THURSDAY, 1 APRIL 1943
CBI – INDIA-BURMA THEATER (10AF): CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 16 B-25s bomb the Maymyo railroad sheds. Eight others hit the railroad yards at Ywatsung [in Mandalay area].
CBI – THEATER OF OPERATIONS – CHINA (14AF): In China, a Japanese force of 9 fighters is intercepted in the Lingling area by P-40s. We claim 7 fighters shot down; we lose [one] P-40.
FRIDAY, 2 APRIL 1943
CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s hit the Thazi railroad junction [near Meiktila].
A detachment of the 25FS, 51FG with P-40s which has been operating from Sadiya, India since Nov 42 transfers to Jorhat, India.
SATURDAY, 3 APRIL 1943
CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 17 B-25s, operating in 2 forces, bomb the Myitnge bridge [in Mandalay area], scoring hits on both approaches.
SUNDAY, 4 APRIL 1943
CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 8 B-25s hit the Maymyo engine sheds. Nine others bomb the Pyawbwe railroad yards. Seven B-24s heavily damage the Thilawa oil refinery.
MONDAY, 5 APRIL 1943
CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 17 B-25s bomb railroad targets at Mandalay; 2 others hit Ngamya [in Mandalay area]. Three B-24s bomb the Prome railroad yards; 5 hit the Mahlwagon yards and roundhouse [in Rangoon area]. 12 P-40s and a B-25 support ground forces in N Burma.
CBI – THEATER OF OPERATIONS – CHINA (14AF): In Burma, P-40s on armored reconnaissance strafe 15 horse-drawn wagons at Wanling.
TUESDAY, 6 APRIL 1943
CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 6 B-24s attack Pazundaung bridge, damaging the S approach.
WEDNESDAY, 7 APRIL 1943
CBI – INDIA-BURMA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 2 B-25s temporarily knock out a bridge on the Ye-u railroad branch, crossing the Mu River between Ywataung and Monywa. Eighteen B-25s, in 2 forces, bomb the Ywataung Marshalling Yard [in Mandalay area]. P-40s support ground forces N of Shingbwiyang. Six B-24s bomb Japanese HQ at Toungoo.
THURSDAY, 8 APRIL 1943
CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb Meiktila Airfield; 6 B-24s attack the airfield at Heho; and Ft Bayard Airfield is strafed by 9 P-40s. Enemy stores at Ningam are hit by 4 P-40s and a B-25.
MONDAY, 12 APRIL 1943
CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s hit the airfield at Magwe. P-40s bomb and strafe the ammunition and supply dump at Walawbum.
CBI – THEATER OF OPERATIONS – CHINA (14AF): In Burma, P-40s strafe more than 20 vehicles 25 mi (40 km) E of Loiwing.
TUESDAY, 13 APRIL 1943
CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 9 B-25s bomb the Myitnge bridge without inflicting further damage to the structure. Nine others hit Monywa Airfield. Six P-40s knock out a bridge at Shaduzup.
WEDNESDAY, 14 APRIL 1943
CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, P-40s dropping 1,000 pound (454 kg) bombs, hit airfields at Myitkyina and Manywet, rendering the runways at both unusable.
CBI – THEATER OF OPERATIONS – CHINA (14AF): In China, P-40s strafe pack horses S of Tengchung, barracks and warehouses in Lungling, and cattle and trucks N of Lungling.
THURSDAY, 15 APRIL 1943
CBI – BURMA-INDIA THEATER (10AF): In Burma, 10 B-25s bomb the Mandalay Marshaling Yard; 9 more bomb the marshaling yard at Ywataung [in Mandalay area]. Eight B-24s hit the Thilawa oil refinery while 7 others hit Prome.
Contemporary map of area around Mae La Luang: excerpt from map titled “Estimated Operational Capabilities of Japanese Airfields Nov 1943”, attachment to Airfield Report No 16 (Chief Intelligence Officer, HQ Southeast Asia Air Command, Nov 1943).11
Royal Thai Air Force Records
No information has been found relating to the event at Ban Mae La Luang. This is possible because it did not involve RTAF personnel or aircraft. On the other hand, Mae Hong Son personnel did visit the site and provide translations between Thais and Japanese (via the intermediary of the English language), so it would be reasonable to assume that provincial officials had notified the RTAF.
General notes.
Sentai 21 Chutai 2 = 戦隊21中隊2
Daniel Ford describes a sentai as divided into three companies, or chutai (An Introduction to the Japanese Army Air Force). So Lt Ushijima was commander of Sentai 21 Chutai 2.
Language cross-references:
Kawasaki Ki-45 Kai Type 2 double-seat fighter “Kiryu” =
川崎 キ45改 二式複座戦闘機 「屠龍」
Ki-45 = キ45改丙
Type 2 double-seat fighter = 二式複座戦闘機
Type 2 double battle = 二式複戦
Type 2 twin battle = 二式双戦
Kiryu (Toryu) Dragonslayer = 屠龍
| Published on Internet | ||
| Major revisions; refs added | ||
| Converted to WordPress by Ally Taylor | ||
| Updated, author major errors & typos corrected | ||
Last Updated on 17 December 2025
- Photo source: frame from untitled video from Japanese TV dated 11 Dec 2007; my ref: \02500 Tango\_Crash sites N TH for Tango\DETAIL SHEETS\J430700 Mae La Luang\Backgnd\Cherdchay.jpg. Sources for background on Cherdchay Chamtawat: 1. Khun Yuam booklet (Thai version) per Jack Eisner email of 2258 02 Sep 2008 with translation by class project (ทหารญี่ปุ่น ไนความทรงจ่าบอง ชาวบุนยวม ในสมัย สงครามโลกครั้งที่2 โดย พันตำรวจโท เชิดชาย ชมธวัช Khun Yuam Memories of Japanese Soldiers in WW2 by Cherdchay Chomtawat ) 2. Discussions between Cherdchay and author.[↩]
- From: Pol Lt Col Cherdchay Chomtawat, IJA soldiers traveling thru Khun Yuam (15 interviews) [not formally published]; ibid. My refs: \02500 Tango\_Crash sites N TH for Tango\DETAIL SHEETS\J430700 Mae La Luang\Backgnd\09 person p1a.jpg & p2a.jpg[↩]
- Umemoto, ibid, each casualty as referenced. Narratives: 12 Apr 1943: 317-318 25 Nov 1943: U1.406-411 27 Nov 1943: U1.414-421 15 Jan 1944: U2.75[↩]
- Umemoto, ibid, Vol 1, p 317 & 318.[↩]
- Per Google Translate; smoothed by author.[↩]
- 159 Squadron was the only RAF unit flying B-24s at that time; however, the USAAF 10th Air Force was also equipped with B-24s: squadrons included 9th, 436th, 492nd, and 493. As noted elsewhere, the USAAF Chronology lists no B-24 action on 12 or 13 Apr 1943. See Extract from USAAF Chrono.[↩]
- This was confirmed by a review of Umemoto’s listings for the period.[↩]
- Map extracted from Google Maps; annotated by author using Microsoft Publisher. Small red ‘burst’ symbols on map represent areas hit by Allied bombers in central Burma in the first half of April 1943. A chronology of USAAF attacks for that period is included as an appendix for information below. The larger red symbol is as labeled, Mae La Luang, where Ushijima crash landed. My ref: \02500 Tango\_Crash sites N TH for Tango\DETAIL SHEETS\J430700 Mae La Luang\Maps\TARGETS BURMA 1943aPT.jpg[↩]
- 159 Squadron is designated by Umemoto. USAAF assignments are from Shores, ibid, pp 387, 389. Coordinates sources:
Salbani Air Field
Pandaveswar Airfield
Bishnupur (Piardoba Airfield)
Chakulia Airport
Andal Aerotropolis[↩] - Carter, Kit & Robert Mueller, eds, ibid, unpaginated[↩]
- map: USAF Archive Reel A8055 p 0235; my ref: \02500 Tango\_Crash sites N TH for Tango\DETAIL SHEETS\J430700 Mae La Luang\Maps\Map AF Rpt 16 A8055 p 235.jpg[↩]