Japanese Forces

203rd Naval Air Group A6M2 'Zeros'

The 203rd Kokutai (Naval Air Group) was equipped with mostly older A6M2 'Zero' fighters throughout WW2. The A6M2 was a prized variant in spite of newer models, as it was manufactured to a higher (pre-war) standard. The 203rd was stationed in the Kuriles and Northern Hokkaido until 1944 - when it went to the Philippines. Nevertheless, a contingent of the 203rd's 'Zero' resisted Soviet forces invading the Kuriles in August 1945. Note the very unusual all-black "night fighter." - Ron Cole