Olongapo raid on 12 December, 1941

[matthew hainer]

Hello,
On 12 December, 1941 the Japanese launched yet another raid on Luzon. Before they were to arrive, seven PBY-4 of Patrol Wing 10 had gone out in search for a reported Japanese naval force which included an aircraft carrier (there was no such naval force). After several hours of fruitless searching, the seven flying boats landed at the Olongapo flying boat base, just as the Japanese raid commenced over Luzon. Lieutenant Masuzo Seto's 2nd Chutai, Tainan Kokutai had spotted the seven flying boats and followed them back to their base. After the PBYs had landed and began mooring, Seto led his Chutai down at treetop level and over the hills sneaking up on the American base. Within a few minutes, all seven PBYs were on fire and destroyed. Having read Dwight R. Messimer's book, "In the Hands of Fate: The story of Patrol Wing Ten 8 December 1941-11 May 1942", he makes no mention as to the plane serials of those that got destroyed. Does anyone have additional information concerning this question?

Thank you.

[Takao]

101-P-10, BuNo 1231
102-P-16, BuNo 1242
102-P-17, BuNo 1221
102-P-18, BuNo 1228
102-P-19, BuNo 1223
102-P-20, BuNo 1224
102-P-21, BuNo 1225