acific Ghosts - A6M2 Zero BII-124
BII-124 served aboard the Japanese carrier Hiryu and took part in the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. It was later to play a part in the first attack on Darwin which took place on February 19, 1942. Piloted by Hajime Toyoshima, the aircraft was shot down by ground fire and crashed on Melville Island. Toyoshima survived and was taken prisoner, later to die during the Cowra POW breakout in August 1944. The aircraft was the first Zero to be captured by the Allies and the first enemy aircraft to be shot down over Australian soil. It is now displayed at the Australian Aviation Heritage Museum in Darwin. Repaint of the stock A6M2 by Daniel Leahy.
by Daniel Leahy
BII-124 served aboard the Japanese carrier Hiryu and took part in the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. It was later to play a part in the first attack on Darwin which took place on February 19, 1942. Piloted by Hajime Toyoshima, the aircraft was shot down by ground fire and crashed on Melville Island. Toyoshima survived and was taken prisoner, later to die during the Cowra POW breakout in August 1944. The aircraft was the first Zero to be captured by the Allies and the first enemy aircraft to be shot down over Australian soil. It is now displayed at the Australian Aviation Heritage Museum in Darwin. Repaint of the stock A6M2 by Daniel Leahy.
by Daniel Leahy
