Footage of Iconic Mitsubishi G4M “Betty” Bombing Raids in WWII

The Mitsubishi G4M, often called the “Betty,” stands out as one of Japan’s most recognized aircraft of World War II, alongside the A6M Zero. Developed by the Mitsubishi Aircraft Company for Japan’s naval forces, the G4M played a major role in Japan’s aerial strategies across the Pacific. Designed for long-range bombing and speed, it required several trade-offs in durability, making it fast but fragile. The lack of armor and protected fuel tanks left the G4M vulnerable, causing it to often catch fire when hit. Despite this flaw, the bomber became a key part of Japan’s long-range bombing efforts and reconnaissance during the early war years.

The Role of the G4M in Early Japanese Air Dominance

The G4M’s first test flight was on October 23, 1939. It was initially set aside when a proposed variant with greater armament was prioritized. However, that variant was ultimately abandoned, and attention returned to the G4M, which officially entered service in 1941. As Japan pursued rapid expansion across the Pacific, the G4M fit well into its strategy, providing an effective means of projecting air power over long distances. The aircraft’s speed and impressive range gave it a leading role in numerous operations that stretched the limits of Japan’s air capabilities.

The G4M made its combat debut with significant early successes, capitalizing on its range and bomb load. One of its first major operations came in December 1941 with the attack on Clark Air Base in the Philippines, coinciding with Japan’s broader assault following the attack on Pearl Harbor. This mission highlighted the G4M’s capability to strike deep into enemy territory, a quality Japan relied on during the early stages of its campaigns in the Pacific.

In one of its most consequential actions, the G4M was used to sink the British battleship HMS Prince of Wales and the battlecruiser HMS Repulse off the coast of Malaya in December 1941. Armed with torpedoes, the G4Ms proved that land-based bombers could impact naval engagements, contributing to Japan’s early dominance at sea. The attack on these British ships marked a turning point in naval warfare, showcasing how vulnerable even major warships could be to land-based bombers.

The Evolution and Final Missions of the G4M

As the conflict wore on, the G4M took on additional roles beyond bombing. Its extended range made it suitable for reconnaissance, troop transport, and later as a launch platform for the Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka, a rocket-propelled kamikaze craft. However, the G4M’s vulnerabilities were put on display in April 1943, during one of its most historically remembered missions: transporting Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who was a leading figure behind the attack on Pearl Harbor. The G4M carrying Yamamoto was intercepted and shot down by American P-38 Lightnings over Bougainville, a carefully planned mission based on intercepted Japanese communication. This incident underscored both the G4M’s strategic importance and its significant weaknesses.

As the war shifted, the G4M adapted to new, often desperate uses, including nighttime bombing missions and kamikaze attacks as Japan faced rising losses. A new model, the G4M2, was introduced with slight improvements in engines and armament, but it couldn’t fully address the fundamental issues in its design. Increasingly, Japanese pilots flying the G4M faced overwhelming Allied air superiority, making missions hazardous, especially in daylight when Allied aircraft dominated the skies.

In a final, symbolic chapter, the G4M was chosen for Japan’s surrender mission in 1945. Two G4Ms, named Bataan 1 and Bataan 2, were specially marked with white paint and green crosses for the journey to Manila, carrying Japanese delegates to negotiate Japan’s surrender to the Allies. This mission highlighted the G4M’s lasting presence, from its earliest campaigns to Japan’s formal surrender, marking its place in the history of the Pacific War.

Watch the footage below: