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Japanese, British fighter planes meet for first time since World War Two

23 Comments
By Teppei Kasai and Tim Kelly

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23 Comments
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There was relatively minimal direct contact between the RAF and the Japanese air force in WWII. The exception being the Battle of Imphal, but again the RAF would mainly have been flying sorties to support infantry, rather than an all-out air contact with the Japanese air force.

When the Japanese were at the height of their power in Burma, Malaysia etc the RAF would not have been able to conduct a successful air battle with the Japanese. And vice versa, when the Japanese were losing the war their air force did not take on the RAF in the skies.

With the US battle groups in large numbers at the end of the war the RAF did not need to get up in the sky, and the US Air Force did not meet much at that stage.

Those posters who did not believe that the RAF battled the Japanese air force in the skies during WWII are kind of correct, with very minimal action.

And the British would automatically go to the aid of the USA if war broke out with the Chinese. What on earth makes anyone think otherwise?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The Japanese invaded Southeast Asia where the British had colonies and other assets.

Moral hierarchy nailed on the head.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

SenseNotSoCommonOct. 24, 2016 - 07:17AM JST Because the UK is onboard if China starts a war involving the United States. How bizarre a presumption on so many levels.

It's only bizarre if you don't follow the news regarding the South China Sea. Or in denial.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Because the UK is onboard if China starts a war involving the United States.

How bizarre a presumption on so many levels.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Peter Qinghai: Did British planes face off against Japanese planes in WWII?

The Japanese invaded Southeast Asia where the British had colonies and other assets.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South-East_Asian_theatre_of_World_War_II#Air_war_in_South_East_Asia

Air war in South East Asia

RAF Far East Air Force

RAF Third Tactical Air Force

Bombing of South-East Asia (1944–45)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

GoodlucktoyouOct. 23, 2016 - 09:20AM JST Why Brits from the other side of the world are training with Japanese. Does this mean Abe is planning to send our self denfense force to fight some wars that involve U.K.?

Because the UK is onboard if China starts a war involving the United States. Which will involve Japan. And Australia.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Hategobo

@clamenzo @Asakaze Uk 5962 miles US 6321 miles, so either your atlas is broken or its a fiendish Google hoax for Halloween

Well I am blowed, I would never have thought that was the case!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Hategobo By using Google maps, or any map, the Western US is by far physically closer to Japan than the UK.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@clamenzo @Asakaze Uk 5962 miles US 6321 miles, so either your atlas is broken or its a fiendish Google hoax for Halloween

3 ( +3 / -0 )

UkK is closer to Japan than USA

Hategobo - Really? My atlas must be broke.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"Did British planes face off against Japanese planes in WWII?"

The clue's in the headline Peter Qinghai.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I bar tend at the e-club in Misawa on base, and last night there was a British invasion of a different kind. 170 of the most polite men and women from the UK all piled in, at once, ordering food, separately, and drinks and had me literally running in circles for 9 hours. I don't think I have ever worked so hard in my life, and had no idea they were coming.

Their accents are so unique, their pride is humble and I was impressed as they said 'Cheers' and Thank-you and stood in lines patiently to get their orders in. Expecting a normal night at the club turned out to the be one of the best nights meeting new people and making new friends.

Misawa Air Base is a city within a city which we call JAPANAMERICA as we work and share our lives together on common ground. Our Japanese hosts are gracious and accommodating. I wondered why the sky was so busy and loud as I live literally about 3000ft away from the runway and my walls were rattling all day, now I know why. I am very proud of our talented pilots collectively and welcome the screaming in the skies knowing I am protected and safe.

I hope the next two weeks serving the British visitors in my small way makes their stay here a pleasant experience.

Sharing our knowledge and technology I feel is a good step in the right direction which is proof positive with our relationship with Japan here in the north. I am looking forward to the outcome of their visit. It's Sunday late afternoon and I hear the engines firing up, so going to grab my camera and head to the runway.

With that being said, "WELCOME TO MISAWA UK" our air base at the end of the universe!

9 ( +9 / -0 )

The RAF also saw action in the Burma campaign against the Zeros, and also dropping supplies to the infantry.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

@Hategobo

UkK is closer to Japan than USA

How come? USA is on the other side of the Pacific, UK is in a different ocean (Atlantic).

@Peter Qinghai

Did British planes face off against Japanese planes in WWII?

Yes, for example battle of Singapor, or the Japanese carrier attack on Ceylon. Later in the war British carriers were a part of the US fleet in the Pacific.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Did British planes face off against Japanese planes in WWII?

Somehow I don't think so, but I'm no expert.

Answer to question 1 - yes.

Answer to question 2 - correct.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Headline is a bit misleading..I thought it was a WW2 aircraft display or something. F15s are from the USA of course, and F2 is hardly a match for a Typhoon...

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Did British planes face off against Japanese planes in WWII?

Somehow I don't think so, but I'm no expert.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

@Goodlucktoyou UkK is closer to Japan than USA

2 ( +3 / -1 )

A steep learning curve for all sides, I'd say. May cool heads prevail.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Why Brits from the other side of the world are training with Japanese. Does this mean Abe is planning to send our self denfense force to fight some wars that involve U.K.?

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

The RAF have been in action for the last 70 years. Japanese nothing, except for the odd UFO or a cheeky Russian fly by.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I hate to say it, but I believe the Typhoons will out-perform the Japanese fighters. But, it's still a good exercise for learning.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Good to see them working together.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

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