Johnson Field, Japan 1946 ...

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7830

These images are of Johnson Field at Irumugawa, Japan just after the war during the occupation of Japan in 1946, interesting collection of aircraft. The 35th Fighter Group was ordered to Irumugawa, Japan for occupational duty in late 1945 until early 1950. Original source SDASM archives, C.M Daniels Collection

B-25, I believe I've seen this image posted here before with details.

F-5's

35th Fighter Group P-51's

L-5's

35th Fighter Group P-51's in the foreground, P-38's in the rear

35th Fighter Group P-51's and F-6's

Gen Wolfe's B-17 landing for base inspection

Gen Wolfe's B-17 taxiing for base inspection

P-51D "The flying yorkshireman"

This last photo was included in the set but not sure if it's the same base and same time. Caption states 'Johnson AFB formerly Irumagawa 1946'

tom d. friedman · **Posted:** Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:18 pm

just think of the airpower we had after WWII!!...... IT CAN'T BE FATHOMED!!

Adam Kline · **Posted:** Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:40 pm

Thanks for posting really enjoyed it.

gary1954 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:46 pm

Awesome MARK, you da Man Man :supz:

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7830

More outstanding photos of post-war Japan ...

gary1954 · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 12:23 pm

Awesome

Rob Mears · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 4:20 pm

There was at least one F4U-4 in that bunch as well. Notice the rare F4U nose art! Not sure which F4U squadrons were based at Atsugi post-war.

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7830

Many more to add here. Rob not sure the exact units other than Marine F4U's, wish there were additional info with the set other than 'Johnson Field activity 1946'

Rob Mears · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 6:42 pm

I hadn't noticed the rare F4U-1C in the background until I had a second look.

The Inspector · **Posted:** Wed May 01, 2013 9:25 pm

The photo noses on the P-38's look to be some sort of field applied kit as they are very different from the Factory F-5 photo noses.

Those are the clearest shots I've seen of the Nakajima ki-115 'TSURIGI' (Sabre) also a very early one as the droppable gear has no shock absorbing and that configuration was found as 'unacceptable'. A quick build KAMAKAZI type that could tote an 800# bomb.

F6FFan · **Joined:** Thu May 02, 2013 9:32 am **Posts:** 36

Really awesome photos Mark. Long time lurker here, have admired the photos you have posted. I don't suppose you could find some from the U.S.S Hornet in the '44 time period could you please? My great uncle was the commander of Air Group Two during that time period. Many thanks!

F6FFan

akdhc2pilot · **Posted:** Thu May 02, 2013 9:44 am

Re: The two identifiable Stinson L-5E's are...

44-17853 (possibly 852) with striped rudder belonged to 157th Liaison Squadron (Commando) based at Komaki Airfield, Nagoya.

44-17858 / "Sandy" on nose and VBC on fin belonged to HQ Squadron, 5th Bomber Command (VBC) at Irumgawa. Wrecked at Meiji May '46.

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7830

Additional images from the series, first three state Guam 1946, the rest are at or around Johnson Field 1946. Good stuff.

B-29's and P-80's

Chris Brame · **Posted:** Thu May 02, 2013 5:27 pm

Somebody has to ask... What do the "VBC" letters mean?
Mark, thanks for posting these. Hope you can find more - anything from Itami, Itazuke or Bofu when my dad was there, would be appreciated, especially if you find any shots of Shirley (the F-6D in my sig below).

akdhc2pilot · **Posted:** Thu May 02, 2013 5:33 pm

I posted that earlier - VBC means 5th Bomber Command. (V = 5)

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Johnson Field, Japan 1946 ...

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