Hmmm... yes I suppose invasion must have come up as one option.
Just doing some rushed background remedial reading on this whole event. One source claims the Spitfires never arrived and were kept back for use in India.
If this booklet of Tojo's is singing the praises of his army air force's exploits, and the dates of 20 and 22 June 1943 are reliable, this would be after the arrival of the Spitfires that you mention above, CoodaShooda.
Another Japanese source on the net gives a detailed breakdown on the numbers and types of planes involved, lists the June 1943 attacks, and specifically mentions army aircraft and SE Asia J base names.
The booklet above was put out under a joint heading of Naval Air Command and Army Air Command, suggesting an attempt at harmony with possibly a background of intense pride and rivalry.
Last edited by jolihokistix; 5th May 2017 at 03:21.