WW2 German Planes in Japanese Service

Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bundesarchiv; Mike Freer; capi380; Gaijin; Roland Turner

[@davidallen8611]

When I was in high school my best friend’s grandfather was an engineer and he would tell us about how he went to Germany right after WW2 and the German fighter pilots would take him flying to explain techniques. He then went to Japan to do the same thing with the Japanese’ experimental technology.

[@madeanaccounttospillthebor9568]

I would ne extremely hesitant about being a pilot in Japan and using experimental technology.. Has a kind of legacy ya know?

[@tpl608]

And? You write as a click bait website.

[@noahboat580]

@@tpl608 describe how they write, i dont know what you mean

[@tpl608]

@@noahboat580 finish the story. Don't leave people hanging. Like click bait websites.not that difficult to grasp.

[@tpl608]

@@noahboat580 minimum. State which was better in his opinion

[@zanenobbs352]

Hi Mark, the crosses on the surrendering Japanese aircraft were actually green on a white background. At each airfield that was surrendering, at least one aircraft was painted all white with green crosses to show cooperation with the surrender, and all propellers were then removed from other aircraft to prevent any last-minute suicide attacks. Initially, during surrender negotiations, the Japanese delegation flew two all-white Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" aircraft with green crosses applied where the Hinomaru would have been placed to meet General MacArthur at Manila, Philippines on 19 August 1945. There are some great details of this mission and the white aircraft with green crosses in "The Rising Sun," by my late friend, John Toland.

[@tgapete01]

One of those white painted aircraft surrendered at the end of the war, a Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero now resides in the Auckland War Memorial museum in Auckland New Zealand.

[@jaredevildog6343]

He won't respond. He never does.

[@chrisVNZ]

@@tgapete01 I've often wondered why the Zero in the Auckland War Memorial Museum was painted white. Thanks for the info!

[@Roller_Ghoster]

Japanese Stukas, Japanese Tiger tanks. This channel expands my mind.

[@highjumpstudios2384]

Don't get too excited. The Japanese tiger tank never shot at anyone.

[@steffenrosmus9177]

@@highjumpstudios2384 that is not correct there were trial in late 1944 with some Sherman wrecks still manned with the dead crew.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

The Japanese didn't need the Stuka, the Aichi "Val" dive bomber was rugged, reliable, and good enough as it was.

[@klaus-peterborn1370]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 And was a construction of Ernst Heinkel.

[@highjumpstudios2384]

@@steffenrosmus9177 source?

[@milescoleman249]

Im a bit sketchy on the exact detail but my uncle ( long past now) Told me when I was a Kid ( 53 years ago) that he was a us army infantry man in new guinea. They came out of the jungle one day and discovered ME 109's on a landing strip. He said everyone was freaked out because they thought " on no! the Germans have gotten this far into the pacific and are helping the Japanese" I appreciate many will think this is made up B.S but he was one of the most stand up people I ever knew and not a liar. I was only 10 years old and didnt have the maturity to ask better questions. Ive always wondered about this so I watched this episode. Still not sure but he was pretty adamant about it and as a old iron worker he didnt tell lies or listen to those who did.

[@johan-erikjohannesson2796]

Guessing he saw Ki-61 Hien IJAAF planes. Said planes used inline engines rather than radial engines and therefore looked more like a German or Italian planes. The Japanese used licensed copies of the Daimler engines.

[@moomoo7706]

@@johan-erikjohannesson2796 This is most likely the case. The Ki-61 was originally mistaken for a German aircraft, and the Allied codenames for it reflects this. It was originally "Mike", but was later changed to "Tony" as it looked more like an Italian plane than a German one.

[@amadeusamwater]

Because Japan's conquests were spread over a large area of ocean, Japanese planes tended to need to be long range. German planes operated mostly over land, so may not have had the range Japan needed.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

The range of the Bf-109 was fine for the Luftwaffe's operational doctrine for it, as an interceptor and local air-supremacy fighter. Until it wasn't.

[@augustosolari7721]

Japan also licensed the DB 601 from Daimler. Their KI-61 looked very similar to a German or Italian fighter, being the only Japanese fighter produced with in-line engine.

[@locutus155]

Remember that the Ki 100 was a Ki 61 airframe retrofitted with a Mitsubishi kensai radial engine when the factory building the Kawasaki Ha 40 inline was destroyed by a earthquake. Ironically the Ki 100 turned out to a superior aircraft and upgrades originally planned for the Ki 61 airframe were set up on the Ki 100 in series.

[@cozduntow9346]

Ki-10 would like a word, and not to nitpick but it’s a V no?

[@hitomarusensha]

People often attribute the Ki-61 to some kind of copy of European fighter design but the reason they looked European was because the lead designer, Takeo Doi, was trained by Dr. Richard Vought to be his successor in aircraft design. He spent a long time learning fighter design from a European and spent many years in Europe learning aircraft design so he made an aircraft that looked somewhat European. If you learned how to design a castle in Japan and then were asked to build a castle in Europe the result would look Japanese more than likely.

[@bitai683]

ki 32 didnt use a radial engine

[@Kman31ca]

@@hitomarusensha Yup, this is accurate.

[@nordicson2835]

It us a shame that things were destroyed without a thought to the historical value they hold. Another informative and enjoyable post , thank you.

[@groupb9420]

Maybe because at the time they weren't thinking 80 years down the road, everything built was relatively new for the time.

[@jesusramirezromo2037]

They basically destroyed everything that would worsen their punishment, and basically pretended to be a lesser evil than Germany

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Historic preservation wasn't really thought of at the time, people who lived through WW2 wanted to put the nightmare behind them as quickly as possible. I can't really blame them.

[@binaway]

There was so much produced and captured and not everything could be preserved. There was also a lot of rebuilding to be done which at the time was a lot more important.

[@adamconroy2146]

I had heard of these weapons being shipped to the Japanese before, but had no idea of how relatively prolific the relationship had become in regards to secret tech being exchanged. I often wonder how affected ww2 would have become if Radar was shared with the Japanese also. Thanks again Mark.

[@tomt373]

That and the atomic bomb, eh? 😄

[@JunkerWhoop]

@@tomt373 Well, the US did share it with Japan. Twice.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

The Japanese did have radar and it was certainly being used by 1944 when the B-29 raids started. However assuming it was copied from Germn radar it wouldn't have been as good as allied radar was. German technicians managed to recover and repair a radar set from a crashed British aircraft and were surprised at how good it was, much better than their own.

[@danbrown5736]

@@JunkerWhoop heh

[@braamvorster8249]

The Germans did not have an effective radar early in the war. The British did though

[@brafianblackfyre9220]

from the thumbnail, I thought it was a war thunder premium review

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

As a young man I was fortunate to know a German fighter pilot. He flew all of the planes including the first combat jet the Me-262. He liked the 109, but said that landing was dangerous due to the landing gear being very close. The Focke Wulf he said was more comfortable and fast, but there was nothing close to the 262 for him. We never discussed fire power as it was a delicate subject.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

That jibes with an interview I saw on the History Channel years back with a Luftwaffe veteran. He said that once off the ground the 109 was easy to fly but takeoffs and landings called for 100% of your attention, nothing less would do. If you kept your mind on your work you were fine.

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 He also told me that they lost 48 trainees to accidents out of 150 before the war and that they learned on biplanes from the first world war. They had to land square back then and because he was short (most fliers came from the cavalry in WW1) and the planes were for taller guys, he had to pull himself up in the cock pit to land his plane. The landing carriage had no pistons but a sort of chord he described like a heavy rubber band. He was a nice old guy and became an American citizen after flying his 262 to Greece to surrender to the British. He was sent to intercept, but had other ideas. 😏

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@TRHARTAmericanArtist Thanks for that! Those heavy rubber bands are pretty much the same as bungee tie-down chords you can find in hardware stores today. Builders of WW1 airplane replicas use bungees the in the same manner they were used 100 years ago.

[@r2gelfand]

I was just about ready to ask if the Germans ever tested any Japanese aircraft and you took the words right out of my mouth!😁

[@SailingStarCatcher]

Another outstanding piece of historical work. Thanks Doc

[@MPGunther1]

All of your information is always very interesting. Thank you Dr. Felton

[@craigtanner6916]

Fascinating as always! These stories are the rest of the fabric of ww2, to which many would be unknown if not for your incredible research and telling them in an objective style which is beyond commendable. I always look forward to seeing your latest fascinating story from “ between the main threads “ of ww2 history. Thank you for all your extraordinary hard work bringing these videos to us. A treasure for sure!

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

They aren't the rest of the fabric, but they are definitely more of the fabric.

[@mattgeorge90]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@russellavenson8557]

Another amazing video keep up the great work!

[@randyminnick5031]

Well done! Another excellent video, sir! Thank you!

[@LuisVillanuevaCubero]

Amazing content as always!

[@NunyaBizznaz]

You cover subjects that I have never seen before, and that is impressive because I have followed WWII history for decades. Well done Mark Felton!

[@carlosfaliveni2442]

Siempre se aprenden cosas nuevas e interesantes con Mark Felton.

[@RenerDeCastro]

War Thunder actually featured several of these Japanese German planes as Premium vehicles in the Japanese Tech Tree.

[@gergoszabo7168]

Why the hell everytime when WW2 vehicles is the topic every war thunder peasant banzai it Bruh wt is such a shitty game below average p2w game

[@wesleysayud419]

Eg. Fw-190, Bf 109, etc.

[@kalui96]

The A7He1 is pretty cool

[@EncrypticMethods]

HE-100D -1 was one of my favorite low tier f2p planes.. despite the small caliber mgs. It can close the distance incredibly fast and 1,500 rounds can pepper the shit out of any plane.

[@EncrypticMethods]

I also find it fascinating that Japan actually had several he-100s in their air force.

[@matthewmcmacken6716]

I did find this very interesting. Danke', Dr. Felton. Oh, and I look forward to reading the book you mentioned you wrote. Cheers.

[@chrisstonestreet5296]

Best videos on WW2. Dr Felton's videos are interesting and always engaging.

[@babuzzard6470]

You never disappoint Mark, thanks so much👍.

[@marioborkowski5894]

Again, this is awesome little nugget of history.Thank You Mark.

[@damien5748]

Said it MANY times before and will say it AGAIN....the so called "History Channell" on tv can learn a LOT from Dr Felton.👍👍👍

[@jfh9219]

Loved this!!

[@danielgreen3715]

Your Videos are a must see Mr Felton Thankyou for All the Arcane facts you come out with

[@aaronlopez492]

Dr. Felton, you are correct this was rather surprising to me. I never knew that there were so many 109s and 190s. Thank you much.

[@12what34the]

If I'm not mistaken, the Bf/Me 109 (all variants) is the most produced aircraft of all time, 30k made or so I think

[@russwoodward8251]

Extremely interesting and unique history. Thank you Dr. Felton.

[@kiowafourty964]

Thank you, Mark Felton, for all your work in making these awesome videos. I have yet to find one that doesn't make me excited to watch. Thank you!

[@robertchubb5602]

As always....GREAT and SUPERB content......as expected.

[@foxtayle683]

It's nuts that the Japanese didn't mass produce the FW 190. They had a rare gem there.

[@muhammadnursyahmi9440]

Japan never had the industrial capability of US, nor Germany. It was even smaller than Italy in term of industrial capabilities during WW2.

[@hitomarusensha]

The reason they didn't was because they felt they had good fighters as well which they did. In the research documents of the staff that reviewed German fighters they found the offer of a production license interesting but had very little interest as their fighters were comparable or fit their need better. I have a video from an expert on the subject of the zero and alot of myths around Japanese aircraft "inferiority" that explains it in more detail if interested.

[@PassportToPimlico]

I think that by the time they got the FW190, they were considering their own improved fighters and the delay in setting up production of a new foreign plane was too long..

[@jumpinjehoshaphat9075]

@@hitomarusensha post the video, provide a link?

[@iota515]

@@hitomarusensha The video states that the evaluators of FW190 found it better in many regards to their contemporary japanese fighters.

[@peterkirgan2921]

hi dr mark peter here from Australia love your channel ! please keep it up & take care doctor !!!

[@wsg909]

Thanks for your great work Mark. A story I’d be very interested in is what really happened with the Canadian built Avro Arrow interceptor jet if you would consider that.

[@gravychipplease]

Outstanding information (as usual)

[@RattyFlyer]

I'm finally subscribing to all the channels I love. Keep up the good work. Subscribed today and hit the Bell. Don't tell the history guy but I like your videos better. :)

[@ronaldwatson1951]

Very informative and interesting info. Great video

[@devonwhetenhale8828]

I'm blown away by the pics and vids you have! So cool! 😎Thnks Mark!

[@lappin6482]

great video as always....looking forward to purchasing your book "the fujita plan"

[@basichistory]

Fascinating video, well done.

[@scottroberts7875]

Thank you Professor Felton. Incredible and absolutely fascinating. Brilliant as always ATVB2U Scott Somerset

[@georgestemple3310]

Another excellent video thank you

[@daystatesniper01]

Superb as per usual good Sir.

[@carthy29]

Brilliant yet again, came across a good story recently about the free french air squadron using spitfires who fought on the russian side on the eastern front as a french unit , they did well during battle of kursk

[@MDzmitry]

If you're talking about "Normandie-Nieman", they never flew Spitfires. They flew Yak fighters instead. And there were no other Free French squadrons on the Eastern front.

[@patrickf2671]

I found it incredibly interesting Dr Felton.....As always...Thank You.

[@Anlushac11]

The Nakajima Kikka was based on notes, drawings, and descriptions of the Me-262. Later, Japan got more detailed info on the Me-262 and were able to design a more closely related aircraft, the Nakajima Ki-201 Karyu.

[@_qaz_]

Kikka and Karyuu were developed at approximately the same time. There was no better data, as no submarines arrived after that point. Kikka was just an indigenous aircraft, while Karyuu was based on Me 262A.

[@dutybod1]

Just to point out Mark that it`s not an ME109 but a BF109 messerschmitt. Thanks for all you do for history buffs.

[@Sturminfantrist]

Yes its a Bf 108 or Bf109 , Bf110 for Bayrische Flugzeugwerke but Me210/410 or Me262 is correct . another mistake is the He112B-ohhh , its not an Ohh its a Zero/0, its allways a number behind the Dash - not a letter, aircraft with zero/0 are called the Nullserie (zeroseries) in german in german aircraftproduction, hes a historian he should know such things Same joke like calling the Spit MKV a SpitMK Vee or SpitMKIX a Mk ay ex

[@davidlondon9002]

Enjoyed! Good one!

[@paulmurphy42]

Keep 'em coming Mark!

[@mattblom3990]

I appreciate this video as well as Dr. Felton's first book (which I will be purchasing). While not nearly as extensive in quantity as the Allies, there was substantial sharing of technology between the Axis and the Japanese shipped back rare metals and substances to Germany as well.

[@Bullitt3401]

There was a good documentary on the history channel in the early 2000s. I think it was called Secret Japanese Aircraft Of WWII. I still have it recorded on VHS. It's worth checking out if you can find it.

[@michaelsnyder3871]

Actually, the Luftwaffe was very interested in the Ki.46 recon aircraft. The Ki.46-III in particular was fast at high altitudes that reduced Allied intercepts despite radar warnings. They were given access to the aircraft in Japan and the plans of the aircraft and were prepared to pay for a license but were finally turned down by the IJAAF in late 1944.

[@richardcharay7788]

Enjoyed, thanks!

[@PhilipReeder]

Good video Mark!

[@jagapatto]

I live right next to Tachikawa. This area has always been a center of Japanese aviation. I live under the flight path of Yokata Air Base--a joint USAF and JSDF installation. I love this history.

[@jasonmussett2129]

Excellent video👍

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks Mark ! That was all new to me.

[@salvagedb2470]

Great Dr Felton , My favourite twin Engined the Dinah its Perfection ..Great Vid as always.

[@pittbullking87]

Wow, how interesting! I knew there was some trade between the two but I did not know how much. I didn't know there was a U-boat base in Panang, Malaya either.

[@Danekim_]

Can’t wait until dr Felton drops the Hess series videos 🎉❤

[@paulpowell4871]

Always a Pleasure hanging with Mark.....

[@eltenda]

Great video! 👍

[@dwinegardner8251]

Yes, very interesting. Thank you Dr. Felton.

[@andysvehiclehistorychannel]

An amazing video Mark

[@albdamned577]

Lol I love that the Germans names the trainer plane “young man”

[@TBagr]

Holy cow! Dr. Felton with another avalanche of knowledge.

[@McRocket]

I did find it very interesting. Thank you. ☮

[@SEANSMART30]

This reminded me of a Japanese comic series called Luftwaffe 1946, which was published in English but quite hard to find now, which was set in an alternative World War 2 where the most modern German weapons had reached Imperial Japan and joined making the war drag on.

[@SuperTimebandit]

They used a Black Focke Wulf Ta if i remind me correctly

[@ghjjfrs7211]

Nice avatar. Did you ever watch The Hidden Fortress?

[@djzrobzombie2813]

Mark Felton productions....promote that lord and lady landlord scam ... Also that Fake kamikoto knifes made in Japan ( they where not made in Japan ) 😂😂😂9

[@1957bat]

Suprising how many of us Blokes at work are fans of Mark's excellent documentaries.

[@johnaldred6864]

Great video .... 👍

[@Redmi-qt5ml]

Hi Mark, your videos never ceases to amaze me with the amount of interesting content and detailed information. This is off-topic but I am very intrigue when you mentioned that the Germans had a U-boat base in Penang, Malaya towards the end of this video. I was born in Penang in the late 50s and lived there for the past 40+ years. As a young boy, I was told and made aware of the attrocities commited by the Japanese forces but have never heard of a U-boat base on the island. Truly fascinating!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

It never seems to be mentioned, but all those millions of people still living under Japanese tyranny on the Asia mainland (and as you mention in places like Malaya) in August of 1945 was another factor in Harry Truman's decision to use the atomic bomb. Those Japanese occupiers would have resisted indefinately unless told to stand down and surrender by their government. If the Japanese had been pushed back completely to the home islands (as many people think they were) it would have been another matter.

[@FirebombFritzz]

Hey I heard of a German ship stationed in your area named the Thor, it sunk alot of ships but then a German ammunition ship blew up next to it and the Germans in the ship were blown away into the water or burnt

[@REM1956]

Excellent, as usual.

[@somethingelse4878]

Very interesting Mark, thank you

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Mark.

[@briankorn6988]

Interesting video!

[@HirooKoslov]

The He-100 is actually a pretty cool aircraft, it had an unusual cooling system, where it would use the wings as radiators. Though this meant it was a poor fit for combat, as the first hit to the wings would likely result in a coolant leak.

[@kidpagronprimsank05]

Almost entire plane to be precise.

[@0Turbox]

Other planes used the wings for fuel tanks and stored ammo for their wing mounted guns. No plane would look good getting hit by incendiary rounds at these places.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you Mark!!!

[@slick4401]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@bobcosmic]

Another gem from Dr Felton !

[@Spitfiresammons]

I’m impressed of history of German aircraft’s in IJAF but I did hear USA flew captured soviet aircraft during the Cold War. Great history Dr Felton.

[@grahamepigney8565]

Most combatant countries fly their enemies aircraft when they can, for R&D and also for simple combat inteligence, The Brits, Germans, US all did in WWII. The US did, when they could, during the Cold War.

[@oldegrunt]

constant stream of communist pilots from various countries fled their country plus what the Israelis captured sold/traded gave the US/West plenty to study and then use as USAF OPFOR aircraft in the National Training Centers

[@oldegrunt]

@@JarrodFrates No idea on numbers but the various posts stateside had considerable numbers of Sov Bloc aircraft that people that worked w/them said were defectors birds. That was in the late 70s/early 80s before we got friendly w/either Indonesia or Egypt for such transactions. I do bow to your statement on defectors aircraft being returned as I have no knowledge of that. However it was also public knowledge (and inservice) we got lots of equipment of all kinds from Israel.

[@djzrobzombie2813]

Mark Felton productions....promote that lord and lady landlord scam ... Also that Fake kamikoto knifes made in Japan ( they where not made in Japan ) 😂😂😂9

[@MiKeMiDNiTe-77]

Wow great episode

[@chrisrouser8452]

Thanks!

[@samshepperrd]

Astounding detail.

[@matthewlok3020]

The zero is a navy aircraft and had nothing to do with the army as the Japanese army and navy were at odds at best then. The army had the Ki-43 Hayabusa which had similar capabilities with the Zero

[@muhammadnursyahmi9440]

That's the biggest understatement i have ever read in this comment section.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Not really a necessary comment there Matthew.

[@derekowens1817]

@@WALTERBROADDUS if the Japanese Army elected not to adopt a short ranged German aircraft because they had access to the A6M2 then, clearly it is a necessary comment, the A6M2 being used by the Navy, not the Army. Mr Felton's comment in this respect is clearly erroneous, just like the "black surrender crosses", which were actually green. D

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@derekowens1817 Mr Felton and the rest of the world already knows the Imperial Army did not use the a6m. And if the biggest takeaway of a 15 minute video is a paint color? You're really reaching for something to comment on.

[@derekowens1817]

@@WALTERBROADDUS triggered muchly, are we? Clearly Mr Felton has made a mistake associating the A6M2 with the Japanese Army, as it was a Navy fighter, the Army had no interest in it, and never used it in any way, shape or form. He's made an error, simple as. Matthew's earlier comment clearly more necessary than your dross, simple as. D

[@aurorajones8481]

5:19 It looks like a flying car. How the side windows look and sit with the rear window dropping just as it would in a sedan. Its neat.

[@jehoiakimelidoronila5450]

About the Japanese kikka ("orange blossom"), there's another design that closely resembles the swallow (262) and that is the ki-201 karyu ("fire dragon") fighter-bomber, also built by Nakajima for the army air force that predated the kikka, which is a fast attack bomber for the navy Air service I say design because plans to build it fell through & the orange blossom instead became the 1st Japanese jet

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Thank you

[@obiemichaels9675]

Thanks Mark and to answer your question yes I found it very interesting

[@chamberpot969]

Fascinating.

[@MCMilitaryForce]

The intro music never gets old

[@willyboyw.5771]

I just bought your "Ghost Riders" book Mark, looking forward to reading it.

[@josephnardone1250]

Very interesting and to me a previously unknown bit of history.

[@roscoewhite3793]

It's 0044 AEST here, and a Mark Felton video appears just as I'm about to log off... ah, sleep can wait!

[@jacobb17]

Just want to say that I love your videos.

[@thomaslundy5123]

1) The crosses of the Japanese surrender markings were specified to be green, not black-I believe that most were, in fact, green. 2) Some sources state that the example of the FW 190's engine mount helped the engineers at Kawasaki re-engine the Ki 61 to create the excellent Ki 100.

[@aaronfrizzel3821]

I'm loving the new font

[@roscoewhite3793]

Fascist Italy also supplied Japan. 82 Fiat BR-20 Cicogna medium bombers were purchased in 1937 as a stopgap after development of the Mitsubishi Ki-21 bomber had been delayed. They were phased out at the end of 1939.

[@montydendron1]

First class narration.

[@_samuel.20]

Very minor point but the statement that Japanese aircraft were ordered by allies to carry black crosses at the wars end is not quite true. In the brief period after the surrender on the 15th August 1945 but before the signing on the 2nd September, japanese aircraft still in use were ordered to be whitewashed and painted with green crosses, to show that the aircraft were not carrying out belligerent actions and in order not to confuse them with any other nation, as the green cross marking was deliberately chosen to be as different to any air force insignia serving in Asia at the time. The aircraft were mostly used for medical evacuation, transport and liason for local commanders to negotiate surrender terms. Fantastic video as always though, thank you Dr Felton!

[@tpl608]

Love you stuff, Dr. Felton. With that spirit, this video went on too long.