The British Pacific and East Indies Fleets

Bombardment: At 10:00, TF57 had split; the bombardment force detached to take up position for the upcoming shoot. Conditions for bombardment appeared good, and it was hoped that artillery fire would effectively take out A.A. batteries around the airfields. The bombardment commenced at midday, EURYALUS and BLACK PRINCE carried out a simultaneous "air burst" shoot on the A.A. defence area of Nobara airfield. KING GEORGE V and HOWE bombarded Hirara airfield and the A.A. defence area to the north of the airfield, on completion of the "air burst" shoot, SWIFTSURE and GAMBIA bombarded Nobara airfield, and UGANDA Sukama air strip. Hellcats from 1844 acted as spotters for the bombardment by KING GEORGE V. The spotting sortie was not a success due to poor radio communication between the aircraft and the Battleship. Two Corsairs from 1842 were tasked with Bombardment spotting and aerial photography for the SWIFTSURE and GAMBIA shoot. The shoot was unsuccessful because the plan was changed from alternate salvos to simultaneous salvos, which made calling the fall of shot for Individual ships difficult.

Kamikaze attack: Meanwhile, at about 11:00, the Carrier group came under air attack. Three small groups of bogeys were detected to the westward, and were soon followed up by a fourth, in all 16 to 20 enemy aircraft, some acting as decoys. Fighters engaged one group working around to the south. Still, one Kamikaze group penetrated the carriers and was first detected at 11:31 when a ‘Zeke’ was seen diving from a great height onto FORMIDABLE. The Kamikaze crashed into the flight deck near the island, causing severe damage; casualties were eight killed and 47 wounded; 11 Corsairs and 10 Avengers were damaged beyond repair, both flight deck barriers were damaged, and the forward one was irreparable. The flight deck suffered a 2-foot square hole with an indentation measuring 10 feet square and 2 feet deep at the centre. Splinters from the armoured deck passed through the hangar deck, causing damage to various compartments. Four minutes later, another ‘Zeke’ was engaged by FORMIDABLE‘s 4.5-inch guns and temporarily disappeared in cloud. It soon reappeared, diving steeply at the ship. Extreme evasive manoeuvres were made as the plane approached. Close-range weapons heavily engaged it and set it on fire; it flattened out at the last moment, appeared to make a deck landing on the flight deck, only to continue over the side, taking the radar arrays of the port amidships gun director with it. The bomb appeared to explode shortly after the plane submerged.

Ait 11:42, INDOMITABLE was narrowly missed by another Zeke, which dived steeply on her. The carrier's close-range weapons and her escort QUALITY caused the aircraft to burst into flames, and it crashed into the sea about 10 yards off the starboard bow of the ship. No damage or casualties were sustained in either of the last two attacks. Her damage control and repair teams had her patched up enough to land on 13 of her Corsairs by 17:00.

The Fleet CAP aircraft were kept busy; early probes proved to be decoy moves. However, at 11:25, Corsairs engaged the third group of detected bogies, which turned out to be ‘Zekes’. Unfortunately, the Corsairs were only able to shoot down one before losing sight of the remaining three. At 11:15, enemy suicide attacks developed, and at 11:20, Sub-Lt. Reynolds in ('141/S') and his No.2, Sub-Lt. R. C. Kay, RNVR,of 894 Sqn on CAP duty, saw the fleet turn out of wind and open fire to port. They immediately went to investigate at 1,500 feet. They spotted an A6M2 ‘Zeke 32’ 2 miles away astern of the Fleet and 1,000 feet above them, and they climbed to the attack. The Zeke 32 jettisoned its bomb and turned in as the Seafires made their first runs. Sub-Lt. Reynolds scored several hits on his first attack, and the enemy took violent evasive action, diving to sea level and being pursued by Sub-Lt. Kay. The two Seafires then attacked together, both scoring more hits, and at 11:25, the ‘Zeke 32’ burst into flames and crashed into the sea.

At 12:50, a division of 3 Seafires from 894 Sqn led by Sub-Lt Miseldine was vectored onto a bogey, which they intercepted seven miles due East of the fleet at 1252. The enemy was recognised as a D3A ‘Val’ and was 1,000 feet below FX. 96216 CPO pilot W. Daniel, the flight Number 2 was in a good attacking position and dived on the enemy from dead astern, obtaining many hits. The ‘Val’ smoked slightly, went into a steep spiral to Port and jettisoned two bombs. As Sub-Lt Miseldine went in for the kill, two crew baled out of the ‘Val’ which he followed down until it crushed into the sea and burst into flames.

At 17:20, another raid was detected approaching the fleet from the West, and a flight of 3 pilots from 894 Sqn, led by Lt  A. S. Macleod, RNZNVR, were vectored to intercept. They encountered four A6M5 ‘Zeke 52’ aircraft at 17:25, which were 2.000 feet below them. Simultaneous attacks from astern were made by Lt Macleod in Seafire PR254, Sub-Lt D. T. Challick RNIN in ('131/S') and CPO Pilot I. B. Bird in NN363, destroying one each in a brief engagement in which no resistance or attempt to evade was made. CPO Bird spotted the fourth ‘Zeke’ flying much lower to the sea and gave chase, but it climbed and escaped into the clouds. By the end of the day, 24 Wing’s tally was five destroyed.

When the Fleet withdrew only two of the planned strikes had been carried out, the flying programme was abandoned after the Kamikaze attacks. TF57’s tally was 16 enemy aircraft destroyed; 14 by fighters, 2 shot down by gunfire, several small vessels around the islands-were damaged. TF57 losses totalled 15 aircraft, only 1 in combat, 14 were lost due to Kamikaze attack.

May 5th: When the Fleet returned to the Islands on May 5th. FORMIDABLE was still not fully operational after taking damage during the Kamikaze attack of the previous day and would not be providing any Avengers for the day’s strikes. She would, however, keep eight Corsairs on deck at readiness to bolster the Fleet CAP, should another attack develop. INDEFATIGABLE reported 19 Avengers, 12 Fireflies, and 33 Seafires (15 Seafire F.III and 18 Seafire L. III) serviceable and the first CAP aircraft were launched at 05:45 in position 23° 10’ N, 125° 29’ E, when 8 Seafires launched for the first of six CAP serials planned for the day. The now-usual round of runway cratering strikes was carried out.

Strike ABLE for Miyako Jima began taking off at 08:26 with INDOMITABLE launching 10 Avengers from 857 Squadron and eight Hellcats from 5 Wing as escort, led by INDOMITABLE’s Air Group Leader, Commander N. S. Luard RN.  At 08:43, 8 Fireflies from 1770 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE were launched to join the Strike group to attack targets at Hirara airfield. One Firefly went unserviceable on the deck, and no replacement was available; one Avenger returned to the fleet with engine trouble. The Fireflies were to attack A.A. positions, the Avengers to bomb the runway intersection. Three of the four A.A. positions were successfully hit by the Fireflies, but the Avengers only managed to put the NE-SW runway out of action. The previous day’s bombardment appeared to have been successful as the strike group reported that no flak at all was encountered over Miyako. After the strike was completed, 1770 squadron returned independently to base and began landing at 10:25. The Avengers landed at 11:09.

Strike BAKER for Ishigaki Shima began launching at 10:18 when 12 Avengers from 820 squadron INDEFATIGABLE took off; their takeoff time had been advanced to clear the flight dock for the imminent return of the Fireflies from Strike ABLE.  At 11:05, VICTORIOUS launched six Avengers from 849 squadron and two Corsairs piloted by VICTORIOUS’s Air Group Leader, Lieutenant Colonel R. C. Hay, RM and his no. 2. In addition, 8 Hellcats were launched from INDOMITABLE at 11:04 for the Islands TCAP and to provide fighter escort to the target area. After forming up, the Strike departed at 1:19; by this time, the Avengers of 820 Squadron had been orbiting for nearly an hour. Minutes after departure, one Avenger from 849 Squadron developed electrical problems and returned to base. Both Avenger squadrons had targets on Ishigaki airfield; 820 Squadron bombed 3 A.A. positions near the main runway and the east–west runway, 849 Squadron bombed dispersal areas.  All targets were hit, and the runway was cratered and unusable. All strike aircraft had landed by 14:00.

Strike CHARLIE for Miyako Jima began launching at 13:45 with VICTORUIUOS launching eight Avengers from 849 Squadron and 7 Corsairs from 47 Wing for the Islands TCAP and to provide fighter escort to the target area; three aircraft from 1834 Squadron, bound for Miyako CAP, acted as Close Cover, while four from 1836 Squadron, for Ishigaki CAP, acted as Middle Cover. Eight Avengers joined them from INDOMTABLE’s 857 Squadron to bomb the runways at Nobara and Hirara airfields.  849 Squadron was to bomb the runways at Hirara, and 857 Squadron those at Nobara. Heavy cloud cover made a standard attack impossible; the strike aircraft circled their targets and attacked in pairs when gaps opened in the cloud. All runways were left unserviceable. The strike began landing at 15:51. 

he Fleet withdrew at 19:05 and proceeded to replenishment area Cootie. The day was quieter than the previous day. Only one enemy aircraft was destroyed in combat, with three destroyed, and two probably destroyed, on the ground. TF57 lost 3 aircraft. Three Seafires from 887 squadron were damaged in deck crashes; two were beyond local repair and were later ditched, the third required a mainplane change.

Replenishment period 8, May 6 - 7: At 06:30 on May 6th TF57 met up with the LSG. US Task Group 52.1 covered Sakishima. During the day STRIKER transferred 15 replacement aircraft to the Fleet, and INDEFATIGABLE received 1 Avenger and 4 Seafires. A Seafire pilot who had baled out on May 4th rejoined the ship, being transferred from QUALITY, and one of the Firefly pilots wounded on May 3rd was evacuated for passage to a Hospital Ship at Leyte. STRIKER embarked 34 casualties from FORMIDABLE, injured by a Kamikaze attack on May 4th; the other replenishment carriers were tasked with casualty evacuation in the replenishment areas and STRIKER, as Flagship 30th Aircraft Carrier Squadron, had the largest medical staff aboard. She sallied for Leyte at 19:15 in company with KEMPENFELT, detached from TF57 with defects. At 18:45, the Fleet detached from the Tanker Group for the night. At 06:15 on May 7th, fuelling recommenced. Fuelling and exchange of stores, mail and correspondence was completed by 14:00, when the Fleet disengaged from the tankers and took departure for the operations area. During the replenishment period further repairs were made to FORMIDABLE’s bomb damage and she was fully operational when the Fleet left area Cootie.

Iceberg strike series 8, May 8 -9: At 05:15 on May 8th, TF57 relieved US Task Group 52.1 and prepared for a third day of strikes. INDEFATIGABLE reported 20 Avengers, 12 Fireflies, and 32 Seafires (16 Seafire F.III and 18 Seafire L. III) serviceable. A planned bombardment was cancelled when the weather deteriorated, but four bomber strikes were still planned; the fighters sent to operate TCAPs over Miyako and Ishigaki reported poor visibility, and all operations for the day were cancelled. INDEFATIGABLE launched a CAP of 8 Seafires at 09:10, but this was reduced to a CAP of 4 aircraft from 12:45, which was maintained until 19:05. The last flight to land on did so in abysmal weather and failing light, but there were no landing accidents during the day. News of Victory in Europe reached the Fleet.

May 9th: The weather had improved and four bomber strikes were planned for the day, two to each island. INDEFATIGABLE reported 20 Avengers, 12 Fireflies, and 32 Seafires (16 Seafire F.III and 18 Seafire L. III) serviceable. The first CAP aircraft were flown off at 05:45, INDEFATIGABLE launching 6 Seafire and maintained a CAP of this strength until 19:05.

Strike ABLE for Ishigaki Shima began launching at 08:26 with INDOMITABLE launching 11 Avengers from 857 Squadron and eight Hellcats from 5 Wing as escort, led by INDOMITABLE’s Air Group Leader, Commander N. S. Luard RN These were joined by 8 Avengers from 848 Squadron, FORMIDABLE tasked to attack on Ishigaki airfield.  The main runway at Ishigaki was still cratered and unusable, but the secondary east–west one was usable, and 848 Squadron bombed this while 857 Squadron bombed dispersed targets around the airfield. The Strike began landing at 10:57; all had landed by 11:50.

Strike BAKER for Miyako Shima began launching at 10:46. VICTORIOUS launched 12 Avengers from 849 Squadron and 8 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort led by VICTORIOUS’s Air Group Leader, Lieutenant Colonel R. C. Hay, RM and his no. 2. They were joined by 16 Avengers from 820 Squadron, INDEFATIGABLE. Lt. Cdr (A) F. L. Jones, DSC, RNVR, C.O. of 820 Squadron had to return to the ship immediately after take-off, when his aircraft’s undercarriage refused to retract; Lt. (A) C. A. G. Aldcroft, RMVR, took over as squadron leader.  Targets for 820 Squadron were administration buildings and camouflaged military installations northeast of Hirara airfield, 849 Squadron were to bomb the runway intersection. All targets were hit but results were poor. Aircraft from strike BAKER had completed landing by 13:30

Strike CHARLIE for Ishigaki Shima began launching just before the Avengers from Strike BAKER landed on. Eight RP armed Fireflies took off from INDEFATIGABLE at 13:40. Four minutes later INDOMITABLE began launching 8 Avengers from 857 Squadron and 8 Hellcats from 5 Wing as escort. Targets for both squadrons were at Miyara airfield. The Fireflies were to attack any aircraft on dispersal areas and gun positions seaward of Miyara runway, and the Avengers were to bomb the intersection of the primary and auxiliary runways on the same airfield.

The Fireflies found no aircraft on arrival over the target, so they attacked their alternative targets, including a suspected camouflaged M/T Park and two covered revetments with rockets. The Avenger bombing was less accurate than usual. Only about four bombs hit the target, but these together with previous unfilled craters were sufficient to render both runways unserviceable. The strike group encountered no Flak and began to land at 15:41.

Strike DOG to attack Nobara airfield on Miyako Shima began to take off at 15:46; VICTORIOUS launched 6 Avengers from 849 Squadron and 8 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort, they were joined by 12 Avengers from 820 Squadron, INDEFATIGABLE. Both squadrons were to attack the runways. 849 Squadron bombed the North/South runway, while 820 Squadron was to split into two flights, one bombing the North/South runway and the other the East/West one. One of INDEFATIGABLE’s Avengers was forced to abort on reaching the coast, the engine cut out for 2 minutes before restarting to run erratically. After jettisoning their bombs, the crew nursed it back to the Fleet, and the engine finally cut out as it crossed the rounddown to land at 17:40. Both runways were left unserviceable. Strike DOG aircraft began to land on from 18:20.

That afternoon the Kamikaze suicide planes struck the Fleet hard and caused significant damage; at 16:45 bogeys were detected very low 22 miles to the westward, coming in fast. Four Seafires from 894 squadron, Sub-Lt A. W. Bradley, RNVR ('153/S'), Sub-Lt F. Hockley, RNVR ('143/S’), Sub-Lt I. C. Taylor, RNVR (' 137/S') and Sub-Lt K. D. Gall, RNVR ('136/S'), intercepted at 15 miles, but allowed themselves to be decoyed away by one A6M ‘Zero’ which they shot down at 17:15. Meanwhile four other enemy planes evaded another patrol of Seafires, and after climbing to about 3,000 feet penetrated the Fleets defences. From 16:50 onwards, the Fleet was radically manoeuvred by emergency turns at 22 knots. VICTORIOUS came under attack first, and the enemy was hit by close-range weapons but crashed onto the flight deck near the forward lift. The resulting fire was quickly brought under control. Still, the bomb explosion holed the flight deck, put the accelerator out of action, rendered one 4.5 inch gun unserviceable, and damaged one lift hoisting motor.

At 16:57, a third Kamikaze made a pass at VICTORIOUS but then shifted target to the Battleship HOWE further ahead; the attacker was hit at a more reasonable range, and failed to find a target, passing over the Quarterdeck to crash in flames 100 yards beyond HOWE. At 17:05, a fourth Kamikaze approached FORMIDABLE and then INDOMITABLE, being engaged by both ships without apparent result. It then turned and dived into the after-deck park of FORMIDABLE. There was a large explosion, followed by a fire and a great deal of smoke. Her speed was reduced 15 knots to aid control of the fire, which was extinguished at 17:20. Six Corsairs and one Avenger were destroyed by fire on deck. The explosion blew out a flight deck rivet, allowing burning petrol to fall into the hangar, which then had to be sprayed. As a result, a further three Avengers and eight Corsairs were damaged. Eighteen aircraft were put out of action, four Avengers and 14 Corsairs, of which three Avengers and seven Corsairs were flyable duds. Casualties were fortunately light—one killed and a few injured.

FORMIDABLE reported being fit to land on aircraft at 17:55, and that during the engagement, she had definitely shot down one enemy by gunfire; however, she had only four bombers and 11 fighters serviceable. VICTORIOUS could operate aircraft at a reduced rate due to the damage to her forward lift. Vice-Admiral Rawlings decided to withdraw to fuel, sort out and make good the damage, and return to strike on the 12th/13th May; at 19:50 course was set for area Cootie. During the day, eight enemy aircraft were destroyed, two on the ground, three by suicide, two by gunfire and one by fighters; TF57 lost 11 aircraft, and a further eight were probably damaged beyond repair.

Replenishment period 9, May 10 - 11: At 06:10, May 10th TF57 met the LSG. Six Corsair flyable duds belonging to 1841 squadron were flown off to SPEAKER from FORMIDABLE and 7 replacements were issued. One replacement Seafire was issued to INDEFATIGABLE. Twenty casualties were embarked from FORMIDABLE and VICTORIOUS for passage to the Hospital Ship OXFORDSHIRE at Leyte. At 19:15, the Fleet disengaged from the Tanker Group for the night. Fuelling and storing continued on the 11th; in the afternoon, INDEFATIGABLE transferred 6 Avengers from 820 Sqn and their crews to FORMIDABLE to bolster her aircraft complement for the remaining strike days. On completion, the Fleet disengaged at 16:40 and departed for the operational area.

During this break from operations, a review of the suicide bomber tactics was undertaken; the enemy appeared to have abandoned his previous practice of a high approach in favour of a low one, thereby greatly shortening the warning time for the fleet and making interception by fighters much more difficult. To combat this, it was decided to implement several changes to the fleet’s formation; two radar pickets, each consisting of a 6-inch Cruiser and a destroyer, were to be stationed 12 miles to the north-west and south-west of the Fleet so as to increase the range of detection. Two fighters would be allocated to each picket, and at first contact with the enemy, other fighters would be sent to the threatened sector. Increase A.A. protection for the carriers whenever they are in the operation area by bringing the 5.25 in. cruisers from the screen and stationing them with the main body of the fleet. Also, to station a counter-Kamikaze destroyer astern of each carrier to afford more gun protection in what appeared to be the enemy's favourite position for attacking carriers.
 

The crowded flight deck full of aircraft ranged for take-off in order of their mission; six Seafires, engines running, will launch first to conduct local Combat Air Patrols. Next to launch are two Fireflies; they already have their wings spread and locked. Twelve Avengers occupy the rest of the deck; they, too, have their engines running. They will spread their wings hydraulically as they come forward to take off.

Iceberg strike series 9, May 12 - 13: On arrival at the flying off position at 23° 40’ N, 126°51’ E at 05:20, the radar pickets and four counter-Kamikaze destroyers took station one close astern of each carrier. INDEFATIGABLE reported 15 Avengers, 12 Fireflies, and 37 Seafires (18 Seafire F.III and 19 Seafire L. III) serviceable. Flying commenced at 05:40 with the launch of Fleet and island CAPS; 8 Seafire launched for the first of six CAP serials planned for the day, one went unserviceable and landed on INDOMITALE before returning to INDEFATIGABLE at 08:15. Five bomber strike were planned for the day, two to attack airfields on Ishigaki Shima and three to Miyako Shima, however, the second strike for Ishigaki Shima, Strike CHARLIE, was cancelled owing to weather conditions.

Strike ABLE for targets on Ishigaki Shima began taking off at 05:40. INDOMITABLE launched 11 Avengers from 857 Sqn, along with 8 Hellcats from 5 Wing led by Cdr N. S. Luard RN, the Air Group Leader, four of which were for Ishigaki island CAP. These were joined by 8 Avengers from 848 Sqn, FORMIDABLE. The target for 857 Sqn was the East-West runway at Ishigaki airfield, and 848 Sqn was the intersection of the runways at Miyara airfield. 857 Squadron's Avengers scored a large percentage of hits on target, but 848 Squadron's Avengers had a much smaller target on which they only scored a few hits, but sufficient to render the runways unserviceable.

While on passage back to base, 857 Squadron Avenge, call sign “Limbo 384” (serial number unknown) ditched successfully in a rough sea 80 miles west of the fleet, due to a lack of oil. Their position was passed to INDOMITABLE, and the Air-Sea Rescue submarine on H/F and VH/F. The Air Group Leader detailed two Hellcats to carry out the Air Sea Rescue procedure and stay with the dinghy. The returning Strike aircraft landed at 08:44.

Strike BAKERfor Miyako Shima launched at 08:05, and comprised of 12 Avengers from 820 Sqn INDEFATIGABLE and 10 Avengers from 849 Sqn and 7 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort and TCAP led by the Air Group Leader Lt. Col. R. C. Hay, RM from VICTORIOUS. [6]. At 08:40, only ten minutes after the Strike departed, the C.O. of 849 Squadron had to turn back with engine trouble. On reaching Miyako, 820 Squadron was to bomb the runways at Nobara airfield, while 849 Squadron was to bomb the runways at Hirara airfield. Bombing attacks were carried out simultaneously at 09:06. Several hits were observed at both airfields, leaving the runways unserviceable. While reforming at the rendezvous, Sub-Lt (A) B. J. Smith, RNVR of 849 Squadron, signalled the Strike Leader “returning to bare alone oil leak". Details of the course for the return flight were passed and received. He landed safely. One Avenger from 820 also had an emergency declared at the rendezvous. Sub-Lt (A) (A) P. F. H. Towle, RNVR, had a fire in the VHF generator of his Avenger. This was burning before he reached the target, during his attack and for some time afterwards. Being uncertain whether the fire was finally out, he requested an emergency landing upon returning to the fleet. He was accepted by the INDOMITABLE, landing at about 10:00. This aircraft was then returned to the INDEFATIGABLE at 1130. The rest of Strike BAKER landed at 10:10.

Meanwhile, INDEFATIGABLE had two Fireflies fired with long-range tanks launched at 08:50 to relieve the Hellcat providing CAP for the downed 857 Squadron Avenger crew from Strike ABLEs. At this time, both the duty ASR submarine and a ‘Dumbo’ ASR flying boat were approaching the area. Upon arriving at the given coordinates, there was no sign of the Hellcats or the dinghy, so a search was initiated. The two orbiting Hellcats had already left for base and landed on at 10:34. Relief Fireflies were launched at 11:25 but without long-range tanks; the original pair landed back on INDEFATIGABLE at 12:45. The new pair arrived on station and located the submarine. However, one aircraft developed engine trouble, and both were ordered to return to base, landing at 13:05.

Strike CHARLIE, cancelled owing to weather conditions.

Strike DOGor Miyako Shima launched at 13:50. This was a smaller Strike group comprising only 8 Avengers from 849 Sqn VICTORIOUS and 4 Fireflies from 1770 Sqn INDEFATIGABLE. The original planning called for eight Fireflies, but in light of the unplanned ASR flights, this was reduced to four. The Avengers were to attack a heavy A.A. position at Hirara airfield while the Fireflies had orders to strafe two radio stations on the island. Low cloud hampered the attacks. 1770 attacked in two sections: 2 aircraft launched rockets at the Hirara radio weather station, 16 of the 32 projectiles missed, and the others attacked the northern radio station. Again, the missiles were all near misses, causing some damage to the communications buildings. The Avengers scored several hits on the target gun position and administration buildings, but several bombs failed to explode. On the return flight, one of the Firefly Observers, Sub-Lt D. Sharrett RNVR, noted two flashes on the water some 5 miles off their port beam. When the pilot turned to close on the heliograph signal flashes, the downed crew fired off a very pistol. This was the second dinghy being searched for; the squadron senior observer, Lt. D. J. Wilkey, DSC, RNVR, reported their position to the fleet and the 4 Fireflies orbited the scene until relieved by a flight of Hellcats, when they returned to base and landed at 16:15. The Avengers landed on VICTORIOUS at 16:20. The Destroyer KEMPENFELT later picked up the airmen in this dinghy. . [4]

Just before the launch of Strike EASY, a pair of Fireflies equipped with long-range tanks were prepared for launch to provide CAP cover for the rescue submarine. The first left the deck at 15:43, but the second went unserviceable, and a spare had to be ranged. Strike EASY launched at 15:45, also for targets on Miyako Shima, 11 Avengers from 820 Sqn INDEFATIGABLE – the twelfth went unserviceable on the deck - and 8 Avengers from 848 Sqn and 4 Corsairs from 6 Wing as escort from FORMIDABLE. The second CAP Firefly launched at 15:55; the pair then escorted the USS BLUEFISH until the crew had been rescued, and they landed back at base at 19:15. [5]

Strike EASY launched at 15:45, also for targets on Miyako Shima, 11Avengers from 820 Sqn INDEFATIGABLE – a twelfth went unserviceable on the deck, where it was joined by 8 Avengers from 848 Sqn plus 4 Corsairs from 6 Wing as escort from FORMIDABLE. Targets for both squadrons were on Hirara airfield. 820 Sqn was tasked with bombing the runway intersection, while 848 Sqn attacked camouflaged buildings and gun positions. 820 Squadron claimed a minimum of 10 hits on the runway intersection before their view was obscured by dust and smoke from the bombs dropped by 848 Squadron, which was drifting over the site. All Strike aircraft had landed by 18:25.

At 19:30 the dusk CAP was landed on and the Fleet withdrew to the southward for the night. The airfields on both Miyako and Ishigaki islands were again suppressed and runways re-cratered, and A.A. emplacements and dispersal areas were strafed. No enemy aircraft were airborne in the vicinity of the Fleet or islands during the day. TF57 lost 5 aircraft, 2 in combat and 3 operationally; 3 enemy aircraft were probably damaged on the ground and a 200 ton coaster damaged.

May 13th. The fleet arrived at the flying off position at 24° 20’ N, 126° 55’ E at 05:20. the radar pickets and four counter-Kamikaze destroyers were deployed. Flying commenced at 05:40 Fleet and Islands CAPS were flown off, INDEFATIGABLE’s 24 Wing reported 32 serviceable aircraft - 15 Seafire F.III and 17 Seafire L. III with 21 pilots fit to fly. An outbreak of Gastroenteritis occurred in the wardroom on INDEFATIGABLE the previous afternoon and this was to significantly affect the ships capabilities for the upcoming strikes; 55 pilots and observers were out sick plus many of the ship’s Fighter Direction team. While all three squadrons had aircrew on the sick list 1770 could 50% of its pilots fit to fly but 12 serviceable aircraft.

The island CAP reported that Ishigaki runways were again serviceable, and a thin strip of Miyara runway had been repaired. At Miyako, one runway at Hirara and both at Nobara had been made possibly serviceable.

Strike ABLE cancelled.

Strike BAKER to attack airfields on Miyako Shima began launching at 08:0. This comprised 9 Avengers from 849 Squadron and 8 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort and island CAP from VICTORIOUS, plus 12 Avengers from 820 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE led by Lt (A) C. A. G. Aldcroft, RNVR. Upon reaching the island, the two squadrons received a briefing on a change of targets. Three Avengers from 820 Squadron joined forces with those of 849 Squadron to bomb the northeast/southwest runway at Hirara airfield; the standard of the bombing was poor; out of 48 bombs dropped, only four damaging hits were observed. Meanwhile, the rest of 820 Squadron attacked Nobara airfield, with six Avengers bombing the east/west runway and the remaining three bombing the north/south runway. Again, results were poor; out of 36 bombs, probably no more than one hit on each runway was scored.  849 began landing at 10:13, and the Avengers of 820 Squadron had landed by 10:22

Strike CHARLIE for targets on Ishigaki Shima began launching at 10:57. INDOMITABLE launched 8 Avengers from 857 Sqn and 8 Hellcats from 5 Wing, with 4 aircraft serving as escorts and 4 for island CAP. These were joined by 8 Avengers from 848 Sqn FORMIDABLE for targets on Ishigaki Shima. One aircraft from 857 Sqn returned to base soon after launch with an oil leak. 857 Sqn was to bomb a storage dump at Ishigaki airfield and a camouflaged dispersal at Miyara airfield, scoring several hits on target. 848 Sqn bombed targets in Hiraye Town, including Barracks and storehouses. No enemy aircraft were seen, and little A.A. fire was encountered. The Strike had landed by 14:13.

Strike DOG began taking off at 13:40; this Strike had targets on both Ishigaki Shima and Miyako Shima. VICTORIOUS launched 6 Avengers from 849 Squadron and 4 Corsairs from 1836 Squadron as escort; their targets were on Ishigaki Shima, while INDEFATIGABLE launched 6 Fireflies from 1770 Squadron at 13:40, for targets on Miyako Shima.

On reaching Miyako Shima, the Fireflies split their force to attack two radio stations, one at Nobara and one at Hirara. Two aircraft were assigned to attack the camouflaged station at Nobara; however, on making their attack, it was found that one of the pair had a jammed flap and was unable to fire rockets. His section-mate did fire, but all rockets missed by 25 yards. The other four Fireflies approached the Northam radio station at Hirara. They began their dive on the target at 14:30. One salvo of eight rockets scored hits or very near misses on the communications centre, but the effects of the attack could not be observed. Having formed up, they returned to the fleet and landed at 15:50. One Firefly, which had been unable to fire its rockets because its flaps were stuck, was forced to make a flapless landing. This was achieved safely, though four rockets detached themselves upon touchdown.

On reaching Ishigaki Shima, the Avengers attacked targets 84 and 85 at Ishigaki airfield at 14:52. The bombing was considered to be very accurate. Still, the destruction of the buildings at target 84 was not confirmed. After the bombing, the escort Corsairs carried out two strafing runs on various targets. The Avenger Force set course for the fleet at 16:02, landing back on VICTORIOUS at 17:06. This was achieved safely, though four rockets detached themselves upon touchdown.

Strike EASY began taking off at 15:40, with 8 Avengers from 848 Squadron and 4 Corsairs from 6 Wing as escort, from FORMIDABLE joining 11 Avengers from 820 Squadron on INDEFATIGABLE led by Lt (A) C. A. G. Aldcroft, RNVR; this was his fourth Strike in two days due the ongoing illness among INDEFATIGABLE’s aircrews, the same issue resulted in a twelfth aircraft being dropped from the Strike as its pilot had also fallen ill. Targets for both squadrons were on Miyako Shima, 848 Squadron were to attack Camouflaged dispersals near Hirara airfield, and 820 was to bomb the runway intersection at Nobara.  820 Squadron split into two flights. Six aircraft scored at least nine hits on the East/West runway, but the 5 Avengers, which attacked the North/South runway, failed to cause much damage. Most of the bombs fell on the servicing strip to the west. This target had consistently proven difficult to hit; the failure to hit this runway effectively was attributed to an Easterly wind of any strength across the airfield. 848 Squadron dropped thirty-two 500 lb bombs on the Camouflaged dispersals with moderate success. After returning to the Fleet, Strike EASY landed at 18:25. One Avenger from 848 Squadron called for an emergency landing and was received by INDOMITABLE at 18:55, and crashed on landing.

The dusk CAP was landed on at 19:20 when the Fleet withdrew to fuel in area Cootie. The airfields on both Miyako and Ishigaki islands were again suppressed, and their runways were re-cratered. No enemy aircraft were airborne near the Fleet or islands during the day. TF57 lost 1 Seafire operationally; No enemy aircraft were destroyed or damaged on the ground; 9 camouflaged barges and four small craft were damaged.

Replenishment period 10, May 14 - 15: At 06:30 on May 14th TF 57 met the LSG n area Cootie One. A second group comprising STRIKER (Replenishment), NIZAM and Tankers WAVE KING and WAVE MONARCH were delayed, but WAS on station by 10:00. The hospital, ship TJITJALENGKA arrived at the replenishment area later that afternoon prepared to accept any future casualties when the Fleet withdrew from operations. The replenishment carrier STRIKER transferred 14 replacement aircraft, including 3 Seafires for 24 Wing, and recovered 1 flyable dud. At 19:10 the Fleet disengaged from the Tanker Group for the night. During the second day of replenishment STRIKER issued a further 6 aircraft and received one flyable dud. At 17:05 the Fleet disengaged from the Tanker Group and departed for the operations area.
 

Iceberg strike series 10, May 16 - 17: The fleet arrived at the flying-off position at 23° 40’ N, 126° 51’ E, at 05:10. The radar pickets and four counter-Kamikaze destroyers were deployed. INDEFATIGABLE reported 15 Avengers, 12 Fireflies, and 39 Seafires (20 Seafire F.III and 19 Seafire L. III) serviceable. All squadrons were still operating with fewer pilots fit to fly; 1770 could only manage 8. Flying commenced at 05:40 when Fleet and Island CAPs were launched. The flying programme called for five bomber strikes, three to Miyako Jima and two to Ishigaki Jima.

Strike ABLE for Miyako Shima commenced launching at 05:47, and comprised 8 Avengers from 849 Squadron VICTORIOUS led, plus 8 Corsairs from 47 Wing, four as escort and 4 for island CAP, with Lieutenant Colonel R. C. Hay RM as the Air Group leader.  These were joined by 8 R/P armed Fireflies from 1770 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE.  The Avengers launched the first attack, splitting into two aircraft that bombed the runways at Hirara airfield, with 50% of their bombs hitting the runway intersection. The Fireflies attacked second, splitting into two flights, one firing their rockets at buildings at the northern radio station at Hirara and the other attacking a camouflaged Radio station at Nobara; all rockets missed at both targets. All 8 Fireflies had landed at 0755, the Avengers landed at 08:31.

Strike BAKER began launching at 07:45 and consisted of 25 Avengers from three Carriers for targets on Ishigaki Shima; 10 Avengers from 857 Squadron (Strike leader) and 4 Hellcats from 5 Wing led by, Cdr N. S. Luard RN (Air Group Leader) as escort from INDOMITABLE. These were joined by 7 Avengers from 848 Squadron from FORMIDABLE, and 8 Avengers from 820 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE. 857 Sqn were ordered to bomb the east/west runway at Ishigaki airfield. 848 Sqn was to target the dispersal between Ohama village and the main runway. Both these targets were accurately bombed.  820 Squadron's target was the excavation site on the Western side of the northeast end of the main runway at Ishigaki. This was a suspected underground dispersal or storage area, a challenging target to hit, being an area some 300 by 30 yards. One Avenger was unable to release its bomb on the first run. The pilot, having seen neither flak bursts in the air nor gun flashes on the ground, climbed back to 6,000 feet and carried out a second run, releasing his bombs by jettison; shortly after the observer Sub- Lt (A) D. M. James, RNVR, had reported "bomb gone" at least two 15 M.M. shells hit the aircraft. He sustained a severe wound in one leg and thigh. The gunner, PO Airman B. Pearce, FAA/FX. 82193 administered first aid, applying a tourniquet and administering morphine, while the pilot headed for the fleet at low level to make an emergency landing at 10:15. Sadly, Sub-Lt James died of his wounds later that afternoon. A damage assessment of this target at the time of the attack was unclear. Photographic reconnaissance photographs later revealed that some hits were scored, but no fires were started in the area. The returning Strike began landing at 11:05.

Strike CHARLIE for Miyako Shima began taking off at 10:55: 820 Squadron launched Eight Avengers from INDEFATIGABLE, for their second strike of the day. They joined 8 Avengers from 849 Squadron, with 6 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort and island CAP with Lieutenant Colonel R. C. Hay RM as the Air Group leader. Both squadrons had been briefed to attack the runways at Nobara airfield; 849 Squadron the north/south runway, 820 Squadron the East/West runway and camouflaged shelters alongside it. When they reached the target area, Lt. Col. Hay assessed the targets and gave the order to proceed as briefed, using the new deliberate bombing procedure; each squadron was to attack in flights of four aircraft while being observed by the Air Group Leader, who acted like the spotter for bombardment shoots, relaying the results and amending target points as needed. 849 (No. 1) Squadron attacked first; the first flight began its dive at 12:02, followed by the second flight at 12:04. No accurate hits were observed. 820 (No.2) Squadron, which had been orbiting the South-eastern tip of the island, was then ordered in; at 12:15 No. 1 flight scored eight hits on the East/West runway, and 4 of the remaining bombs burst on the servicing strip. The Air Group Leader, having assessed this as probably rendering the strip inoperative, ordered the second flight to attack the Northern and central parts of the North/South runway. They did this at 12:19, scoring eight hits and possibly others. There was a total absence of flak. This very deliberate and controlled method of attack was a complete success, and Nobara airfield was left completely unserviceable. However, this method of attack required the bombers to remain over the target area for 20 minutes and was only possible because the flak positions had been neutralised. The Avengers landed at 13:35.

Strike DOG for targets on Ishigaki Shima began taking off at 13:25; 8 Avengers from 848 (Strike leader) and 5 Corsairs from 1842 Squadron as escort from FORMIDABLE, these were joined by 8 Avengers from 857 Squadron [6] from INDOMITABLE. Approaching the Island, the Strike Leader ordered 857 Squadron to act independently.

On reaching the target, 848 Squadron bombed the North-South runway at Miyara airfield. All bombs fell in the target area. 857 Squadron bombed camouflaged buildings in a wood west of Miyara airfield. Twenty-one good hits were obtained. While the Avengers made for the rendezvous point upon completion of their bombing, the Corsair escort detached to strafe two camouflaged aircraft at a point South of Ishigaki Airfield, near the coast. The approach run on to the target was made from East to West at 100 feet. The two heavily camouflaged targets, which appeared to be single-engined aircraft, were hit repeatedly, but did not burst into flames or explode. Two other pilots in the flight straffed three other camouflaged aircraft in this vicinity. Still, it was not possible to definitely establish whether any of these aircraft were operational or not. They re-joined the Strike group and escorted the Avengers back to the Fleet, landing at 16:10.

Strike EASY for targets on Miyako Jima began launching at 15:30; 8 Avengers from 849 Sqn VICTORIOUS (Strike Loader) plus four Corsairs from 1836 Squadron as escort on passage to assume Miyako TCAP. These were joined by 7 Avengers from 820 Sqn. The eighth went unserviceable in the range, and 8 Fireflies from 1770 Sqn INDEFATIGABLE. The Avengers of 820 Sqn were ordered to bomb camouflaged buildings and installations on the ridge to the northeast of Hirara airfield. 849 Sqn to bomb a camouflaged dispersal at Hirara. 1770 Sqn was reduced to 6 Fireflies on reaching the coast. One aircraft developed engine trouble and was ordered to return to base, escorted by its no.2. The remaining 6 were to separate into three flights to seek out targets of opportunity along the coastline, operating independently of the main strike. They attack a Barracks at Karamata, launching ramps and camouflaged vessels, believed to be suicide boats, 2 barges and a lugger near Shimozaki. In the Yerabu area, another 3 Luggers and a large motor boat were attacked. The strike aircraft began landing on from 17:45.

Meanwhile, 820 Squadron were attacking camouflaged buildings and installations in two numbered target areas on the ridge, northeast of Hirara Airfield. At 16:12, four Avengers attacked the installations numbered 45 and scored eight hits in the centre of the target area. Three minutes later, the other flight of 3 Avengers put all their bombs into the area of installations number 46. At both targets, the results on actual buildings or installations were not observed. 849 began attacking at 16:30, with four Avengers bombing the concealed dispersal, but only two sticks of bombs hit the target. The other four bombed the East/West runway at Nobara airfield, but only scored 8 hits on the target.  The Avenger Strike was completed by 16:50, and the bomber regrouped at the rendezvous point. They departed at 1655 and landed at 17:37.

Two of the returning Fireflies had deck crashes; Sub-Lt V. J. Redding RNVR in DT987 ('275/S') caught a wire, but the aircraft rose rather than sank to the deck, and the arrester wire held, causing it to land heavily. Sub-Lt G. E. Trollope RNVR in MB390 ('272/S') missed all the wires and entered the barrier; the aircraft stopped upended on its nose.

Iceberg strike series 12, May 24 - 25: The final two strike days had a modified strike plan. Given the absence of FORMIDABLE, it was planned to send in only four strikes each day, with the first to be flown off 2 hours later than usual to provide late-afternoon strikes. Poor weather again intervened; on reaching the flying off position at 23°40' N 126°52' E. INDEFATIGABLE reported repairs to Numbers 2 and 3 barriers were completed by dawn, and that 17 Avenger, 11 Firefly, and 38 Seafires (19 Seafire F.III and 19 Seafire L. III) were serviceable. Flying commenced at 09:00, when two sections of Seafires were launched from INDEFATIGABLE to reconnoitre the weather. They were followed at 90:25 by four Hellcats from INDOMITABLE to assess the weather over the islands. They reported the weather was improving slowly in the vicinity, and at 10:00, it was decided to send in only three strikes. Fleet CAPS began launching at 10:10. Eight Seafires, 4 F.III and 4 L. III launched for the first of the day’s planned Fleet CAP serials at 11:00.

Strike ABLE for Miyako Shima did not launch until 10:45. Eight Avengers from 857 Squadron, INDOMITABLE, led by the Strike Leader, Lt. Cdr (A) W: Stuart RNVR and eight Fireflies from 1770 Squadron, INDEFATIGABLE, led by Lieutenant (A) G. E. Pugh, RNVR, they were to act as escorts before striking their own at targets on Miyako.

The Strike took departure at 11:02. The Strike climbed through thick cloud, before the Force did one orbit over the cloud at 11:35, 10 miles south of Miyako, to allow one Flight to re-join. Miyako was reached at 11:40. The cloud was 9/10ths at 6,000 feet, with good visibility, and the wind was negligible. On reaching the South-eastern tip of the Island, the Fireflies detached and split into two flights. Four proceeded to attack camouflaged buildings and installations in a small wood a mile northeast of Hirara airfield, while three went for the radio station North of Yerabu town. Each flight contained one "clean" straffer. At Hirara, only two of the 24 rockets fired between 11:40 and 12:00 fell outside the target area. One hut was hit by R/P, and two others were seen to be badly damaged by cannon fire. An explosion was seen in the target area. Two barges were also hit. At Yepapu, one salvo missed the two small buildings of the radio station, which were not easily identified. Another salvo of eight Rockets burst between the buildings, which were also hit with Cannon. Strikes were also scored on a nearby gun pit.

857 Squadron attacked two targets between 11:42 and 11:53, splitting into pairs; six aircraft attacked Nobara airfield, scoring eight hits on the NE-SW runway and nine hits on the N-S runway. The remaining two aircraft dropped their two sticks on the E-W runway at Hirara, near the intersection, scoring eight hits, thus rendering both airfields unserviceable. The Force reformed at Yerabu Shima, and escorted by the Fireflies, they headed north to carry out an anti-clockwise low-level sweep around the coast of the island. A lighthouse at Ikema Jima, North of Miyako, was attacked with cannon fire, and debris flew off its top. On reaching the South-East tip of Miyako at 12:19, the Force set course for base. The Fleet was reached at 1259, and landing commenced at 13:15.

Strike BAKER for Ishigaki Shima began launching at 12:50. The strike was led by Lt. Cdr D. R. Foster RNVR, commanding officer 849 Squadron VICTORIOUS. Eight Avengers from 849 Squadron VICTORIOUS and 4 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort, led by the Air Group Leader, Lt. Col. R. C. Hay, RM, were joined by eight Avengers, armed with 1,600 Lb armour-piercing bombs, from 820 Squadron, INDEFATIGABLE, led by Lt (A) C. A. G. Aldcroft, RNVR. Once formed up, the Strike set course for Ishigaki at 13:02. Landfall was made at 1403. Cloud was 10/10 between 5,000 and 5,500 feet, with good visibility below and wind 10 15 knots from the North-East.

The Air Group Leader had gone ahead to view the targets and ordered our AVENGERS to synchronise their attack with that of a VICTORIOUS flight on ISHIGAKI runways. Lt. Col Hay ordered 4 Avengers from 849 (No.1 Squadron) to attack the E-W Runway at Ishigaki and the eight 820 (No. 2 Squadron) to attack the target for which they had been armed with 1600 lb. bombs; an underground storage area off the North-Eastern end of the main runway at Ishigaki airfield. The attack began at 14:04, but only two aircraft attacked the E W Runway, and all eight bombs were on target. By some error, four other Avengers from No.1 Squadron attacked the N-S Runway, also scoring eight hits.

Lieutenant Aldcroft led No. 2 Squadron in to attack as ordered, but was not satisfied with his first approach; the entrances to these structures were caves along the shore, an area some 700 feet by 100 feet. Informing the Air Group Leader, he led 820 Squadron round again. On account of the cloud base, final glides had to be begun lower than usual and amid more than usual A.A. fire was for encountered approaching the target, medium guns were firing from immediately Northeast of HIRAYE, from Northeast of the barracks on the outskirts of ISHIGAKI and from North and South of the main runway. The attack was finally launched at 14:10, with heights of release primarily at 2,500 feet. Three hits were observed on the target, and two at the cave entrances; the remaining three were unobserved. This target had been hit before on May 16th, when five hits were scored, and it had now been hit by eight 1600 1b. A.P. bombs, in total.

After the attack on Ishigaki airfield by six instead of four aircraft, the Air Group Leader had only two Avengers left with which to attack the South end of Miyara Airfield, which was partly serviceable. Unfortunately, only one out of the eight bombs dropped struck the edge of the runway. Having reformed at the R/V point, the Force set course for base at 14:17. The Avengers landed at 1615.

Strike CHARLIE began launching at 15:15 for targets on Miyako Shima Eight Avengers from 820 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE had been ordered, but two went unserviceable in the range; the remaining six, led by Lt. Cdr (A) F. L. Jones, DSC, RNVR, took off and joined up with 6 Avengers from INDOMTABLE’s 857 Squadron led by Lt. Cdr (A) W: Stuart RNVR (Strike Leader) and 4 Hellcats from 5 Wing led by the Air Group Leader, Cdr N. S. Luard RN as escort. The Strike crews had been briefed on two series of primary and secondary targets for Miyako and alternates for Ishigaki. On takeoff, INDOMTABLE displayed a last-minute board from the flight bridge instructing Lt. Cdr Stuart and Commander Luard to go to Miyako. As soon as the Strike were airborne, the following instructions were passed by radio: "Attack second series of targets". The Strike Leader acknowledged, Commander Luard’s Hellcat was already airborne before the last-minute board was displayed, so he asked for the order to be repeated, and when this had been passed to him twice from the ship, he acknowledged it. The Strike departed at 15:36, and the course was set for Miyako.

At 4,500 feet, 40 miles out from Miyako, thick clouds were encountered, and the Strike Leader took the Force on instruments through 4,000 feet to break through the cloud at 8,500 feet. During this climb, the Air Group leader lost contact with the Strike. On clearing the cloud, he could not locate any land, and initially, he could not locate the Avenger force. On crossing the Miyako coast at 16:14, the southern portion of the island, including Nobara and Sukama airfields and Junk Bay, were plainly visible. Hirara airfield, however, was just distinguishable. At this point, the Strike Leader reported that he could see his target. In reply, he was instructed to "send three aircraft to bomb the line of sheds and three aircraft to bomb the town." The orders puzzled both Lt. Cdr. Stuart and Lt. Cdr Jones. The Strike Leader reported that he could not make out the message, even after it had been repeated twice, so he detailed three aircraft from 857 Squadron to bomb the town of Hirara and took the other three down to bomb sheds in the amphibious base North of Hirara Jetty. This was the only visible line of sheds. There were suicide boat bases on each island, though as targets, they had different numbers. 857 Squadron had been briefed for Miyako targets: primary, Hirara runways; secondary, the suicide boat base 5000 yards South of the northern tip of the island. And Ishigaki targets were: primary, the East-West runway at Ishigaki airfield; secondary, a line of sheds in the suicide boat base South of Miyara; and the towns of Miyara and Shiraho. The attack resulted in 12 bombs dropped on Hirara Town, and four bombs in Nishibara Village. The results were unobserved.

Meanwhile, Lt. Cdr Jones led 820 Squadron to the nearest target for which he had been briefed, suitable for the 16001b. A.P. bombs carried. This was the suicide base on the western coast of the northern peninsula of Miyako. The attack was made at 16:10 through a 10/10 cloud layer at 5,500 feet, and most aircraft had to make a radical adjustment to their lines of attack on emerging from the cloud. Two aircraft overshot their targets and had to make a second run. One of these attacked an alternative target at O Saka. His bomb missed in the sea, and one of the bombs aimed at the suicide base missed inland. No other results were observed on the primary target; however, some of the bombs likely fell into the sea.

It transpired that just as Lt. Cdr Stuart had bombed his ordered targets, he heard the Air Group Leader talking to INDOMTABLE’s Aircraft Direction Room, which informed him that he was over Miyako. Apparently, he did not realise this when he ordered Ishigaki secondary targets. The late target selection passed via the radio appears to have been the cause of the confusion; Commander Luard took this to mean the secondary targets on Ishigaki, not Miyako. On realising his error, he dove through the clouds and found that this was so, but it was too late to observe the hits scored by the Avengers. The Force re-formed at Yerabu Shima, and departed at 16:43. The Fleet was reached at 17:32.

There was no enemy air activity in the vicinity, and the last CAP landed at 19:07, and radar pickets were recalled. The Fleet withdrew to the south for the night at 19:40. TF57  suffered no losses.

May 25th, the final day of ICEBERG operations: INDEFATIGABLE reported that 15 Avenger, 11 Firefly, and 35 Seafire (16 Seafire F.III and 19 Seafire L. III) were serviceable upon reaching the flying off position at 23°40' N 126°52' E. Weather conditions had improved, and flying commenced at 06:00 when 8 Seafires, 4 F.III and 4 L. III launched for the first of the day's planned radar picket CAP serials.

Strike ABLE for Miyako Shima began launching at 06:00. Eight Avengers from 857 Squadron, INDOMITABLE, led by the Strike Leader, Lt. Cdr (A) W: Stuart RNVR and eight Fireflies from 1770Squadron, INDEFATIGABLE, led by led by Major V. B. G. Cheesman, RM, they formed the sole escort for the Strike before striking their own at targets on Miyako. The Strike set course for Miyako at 06:16, climbing through cloud shortly after leaving the Fleet. The course was plotted using Radar, and the island was reached at 07:10. Weather conditions were not ideal. The cloud was 10/10 at 6,000 feet, with about 7/10 below at 5,000 feet and finally 1/10 at 500 feet.

The main target for both squadrons was Hirara airfield; shortly before reaching the south-east tip of the island, the Fireflies detached from the Avengers went on ahead, splitting into two flights. Only six sets of rocket rails remained serviceable, so each flight contained a "clean" straffing aircraft. Primary targets were the Administrative Building at Hirara airfield and an area of scattered camouflaged buildings on the ridge north of the airfield. This weather resulted in some delay before the final runs could be made on these targets. Twenty rockets were aimed at Hirara Administrative Buildings, but clouds prevented any observation of results, though cannon hits were seen on a subsequent straffing attack. Except for one salvo, the R/Ps were fired in a ripple, and rocket-equipped aircraft attacked in 20-degree dives, while the two strafing aircraft took care of the known flak in their respective target areas.

Similarly, twenty-four R/P were fired at camouflaged buildings north of the airfield, of which eight were seen to strike amongst the huts with no observed effects. Several runs followed this up with 20mm cannon fire. Four rockets were aimed at a second small group of camouflaged installations north-east of the airfield and burst in their area, causing an explosion. A staffing attack by two aircraft resulted in a small building in this area being left burning. One pilot was only able to launch four rockets at his primary target, and clouds prevented him from making another run; he spent his remaining rockets on attacking a secondary target. On their way out from the attack, the Fireflies scored cannon strikes on barges at O Saki and the Military Headquarters at Kunnaka on Yerbau Shima. A column of smoke came up from the latter target. Flak opposition was weak.

The dense cloud cover also hindered the Avengers, which had to complete an orbit over the target to get into an attacking position. The attack commenced at 07:15, but the targets were challenging to see through very small gaps in the thick cloud cover; aircraft went down singly, and in pairs whenever the opportunity presented itself. The results were difficult to observe through the clouds. At Hirara, 12 hits were scored, rendering both the NE-SW and N-S runways unserviceable. One pilot attacked a partially visible runway, and upon breaking through the cloud, he saw it was actually the North-South runway of Nobara Airfield. As he was in a good position, he dropped his bombs on that runway, scoring three hits. The force regrouped at different rendezvous point above the cloud and South of the target, to avoid length climbs through the cloud to reach the normal location for regrouping before departing to return to base. The Fireflies landed at 08:50.

Strike BAKER began taking off at 08:45 for targets on Ishigaki Shima. Eight Avengers from 820 Squadron, led by Lt. Cdr (A) F. L. Jones, DSC, RNVR, took off to form up with eight Avengers from 8849 Squadron VICTORIOUS led by Lt. Cdr D. R. Foster RNVR, the Strike leader, and 4 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort, with Lieutenant Colonel R. Hay, RM, as the Air Group leader. The strike departed at 09:00, arriving off the north-eastern tip of the island at 10:05. When they reached the target area, Lt. Col. Hay assessed the targets and discovered that at Ishigaki, the Et-W runway had been repaired overnight, and it appeared that the N-S runway was also usable. The weather had lifted slightly, allowing bombing from a maximum ceiling of 4,000 feet. He ordered the Avengers to split forces between Ishigaki and Miyara airfields. Four aircraft from each squadron joined for wing one; the others formed wing two.

The attack began at 10:20. The 4 Avengers of the leading flight of 820 Squadron attacked the southern portion of the main runway at Miyara, and the second flight of 4 took the main runway at Ishigaki. The 4 Avengers of the leading flight of 8849 Squadron bombed the E-W runway at Miyara and the second flight of 4 the N-S runway at Ishigaki. The strike met with light and inaccurate fire from medium flak. One 820 Squadron pilot attacking Ishigaki found that his bombs had not come off and went round again. The bombing by both squadrons was good. At Miyara, eight hits were scored on the southern portion of the North-South runway, the target ordered, while six more were seen on the northern half, with eight hits on the E-W runway. At Ishigaki, eight bombs exploded on the East-West runway, and of the remaining bombs, two fell on the servicing strip immediately to the south, while 11 – 12 hits were observed on the N-S runway. Before leaving, Lt. Col. Hay straffed several military buildings, as well as the town of Hiraye. The Avengers departed from the rendezvous point at 10:34, setting course for base. As they approached the fleet, they passed Strike Charlie outward bound, finally landing at 12:10.

Strike CHARLIE launched at 11:15 with orders to strike at targets on Ishigaki Shima if possible, if not at Miyako Shima. Eight Avengers from 820 Squadron, led by Lt (A) S.G. Woodroffe, RNZNVR, joined up with seven Avengers from 857 Squadron. Lt. P. S. Morris RNVR, senior pilot of 857 Squadron, was the Strike Leader. Escort was provided by 4 Hellcats from 5 Wing INDOMTABLE, led by Lt. (A) P. D. C. Street RNVR. The Strike force departed at 11:31for Ishigaki Shima; however, weather conditions did not improve. At 12:02, the Strike Leader led the Force in a dive from 5,000 feet to sea level to pass under a front in heavy rain. After proceeding on the original course for some time without improvement, he decided to attack the secondary target, Miyako Jima. He altered course accordingly at 12:15. The strike continued flying at sea level until about 10 miles from Miyako, when the Strike broke into a clear patch, and commenced to climb. Over this island, the cloud base was at 9,000 feet.

No.2 (820) squadron was ordered to attack targets 1, 3, 4 and 5, the suicide bases on the island; 4 aircraft bombed the one immediately north of Hirara town, two aircraft to the northern base on the west coast of the Miyako peninsula, and two to the large base at O Saki. At 12:35, eleven 500-1b. Bombs burst in the area of the suicide boat base on the west coast of the peninsula; no results were observed. Two sticks hit the quays in the base immediately north of Hirara town, another stick probably hit the associated buildings, while a fourth near-missed them. Bombs burst across the river mouth in the barge base at 0 Saki.

No.1 (857) Squadron attacked the runways at Nobara airfield in two flights; the Strike Leader’s flight bombed the East-West runway and No.2 Flight the North-South runway. The attack began at 12:47. Both runways were left unserviceable, but precise damage was difficult to gauge due to cloud coverage. After the bombers' attack, the escort dived down and straffed some buildings South of Nalcasoni and camouflaged barges at 0 Saki. The two squadrons and their escort rendezvoused west of the island, and the strike departed for base at 13:05. All aircraft had landed on by 14:55.

Strike DOG for Miyako Shima began launching at 14:00 when eight Fireflies, led by Lt (A) G. E. Pugh, RNVR, took off to escort 7 Avengers from 849 Squadron VICTORIOUS, led by Lt (A) R. E. Swain RNVR, the Strike Leader. The Strike formed up and took departure at 14:14. The cost of Miyako was reached at 15:04, and the Fireflies now detached and went ahead of the Avengers. 1770 Squadron had been given primary targets near Hirara airfield, with suicide boat bases on the west coast of the island as bad weather targets. Only five sets of rocket rails remained serviceable, and these were carried with the object of attacking their primary targets.

As the cloud covered the whole centre of the island, Lt Pugh ordered both divisions to attack the alternate targets, the suicide-boat bases. The cloud cover on the coast was 7-8/10ths between 800 and 3,000 feet, forcing the Fireflies to employ low, slow, and shallow attacks. The attack began at 15:10; the target consisted of two groups of buildings, which were attacked with 40 rockets and 20mm cannon fire. At least eight R/Ps hit each group of buildings, of which two or more were seen to suffer damage. Only eight rockets were seen to burst outside the area of these buildings, but many cannon strikes were observed. Two Fireflies took damage during this attack, although no flak or machine guns were seen firing from the ground. Two aircraft attacked a pair of luggers and four smaller craft south of Hirara with cannon fire. All were left smoking.

The Avengers made landfall at 15:04 but were unable to identify their allotted targets. The Island was overcast, with a 9/10th to 10/10th cloud at 7,000 feet and a base of 300 feet. They maintained an altitude of 6,500 feet and circled around the island, but could find no decent openings. At 15:26, the strike leader detailed pilots to choose individual targets. Barracks and aircraft in revetments were bombed, but no accurate results could be observed because of the weather. The two squadrons rendezvoused west of the island, and the strike departed for base through bad weather at 15:38. All aircraft had landed on by 16:38.

There was no enemy air activity in the vicinity all day. All aircraft were flown on by 19:10, and the Fleet withdrew. At the end of the last day of strikes, TF57 had achieved 26 hits observed on Nobara runways, which were left unserviceable and 14 hits were made on Hirara runways. The Amphibious Tank Bases, a barracks, and barges at O Saki were attacked. A fire was started at Sukama-town, and the suicide boat base was attacked by rockets. At Ishigaki, eight bomb hits were made on each of the main Ishigaki and Miyara airfield runways. TF 57 had lost 1 aircraft.

Vice-Admiral Rawlings, Commander TF 57, in KING GEORGE V screened by TROUBRIDGE, TENACIOUS and TERMAGENT detached at 22:00 and set course for Guam. The remainder .of the Fleet, under the command of Rear Admiral Vian, Commander AC 1, set course for area Cootie to top off ships with fuel as necessary for them to reach Manus.

During the period March 26th to May 25th the BPF flew 5,335 sorties 1,800 of them by INDEFATIGABLE’s aircraft. The Seafires of 24 Wing shot down 7 enemy aircraft during ICEBERG phase 1 and 6 during phase 2. From May 12th, Iceberg strike series 9, Seafires from 24 Wing were tasked with providing CAP over the radar picket cruisers deployed to the northeast and southwest screen the fleet; eight Seafires were launched for this duty. 4 L.III & 4 F.III – the L.IIIs split into 2 sections and remained over the Cruisers while the F.IIIIs patrolled the area between the two cruisers. This CAP was maintained from deployment of the pickets till dusk, 8 Seafires launching every two hours, typically 56 sorties in 7 serials.
 

Replenishment period 13: On May 26th TF 57 met with the LSG to top off with fuel, only the Tanker Group was present in area Cootie for this period, all the replenishment carriers having been withdrawn to Manus. On completion of fuelling &F 57 set course for Manus.

Withdrawal to Australia for significant replenishment in June 1945 and redesignated Task Force 377

On May 27th the British Pacific Fleet came under the control of Admiral William Halsey's United States Third Fleet and was redesignated Task Force 37 (TF37) in readiness for their next round of operations against the Japanese mainland planned for July..

INDEFATIGABLE was no longer the only BPF Carrier to operate an air group equipped with Seafires; IMPLACABLE had arrived at Manus on May 29th from Sydney carrying 801 and 880 Seafire Squadrons, the 30th Naval Fighter Wing, along with 828 Avenger squadron and 1771 Firefly squadron. She was to take part in strikes against targets in the Turk Islands during June and would change how the Seafire was utilised by the fleet by the time INDEFATIGABLE and the rest of the Fleet returned to the operational area. TF37 arrived at Manus the next day and departed for Sydney on May 31st.

On reaching the New South Wales coast on June 5th, the Carriers disembarked their squadrons to Naval Air Stations in the area to regroup and re-equip as necessary while the ships of the BPF took on stores and underwent repairs. All of INDEFATIGABLE’s squadrons were flown ashore to RNAS Schofields Sadly, Sub-Lt J. C. Taylor, RNVR (894 Sqn) was killed shortly after taking off to fly ashore, suffering engine problems. He requested an emergency landing, but could not be received before his engine failed, and his aircraft, NN183, ditched. He was not recovered.

While ashore, a major shakeup of squadron organisation was undertaken. On June 30th, the existing ‘Wing system’ was discontinued; the Admiralty had adopted the US system of Carrier Air Groups, where all squadrons permanently allocated to a carrier formed a single Carrier Air Group (CAG). INDEFATIGABLE was allocated No. 7 CAG under the leadership of Lt. Cdr N. G. Hallett DSC & Bar RN. Initially, the Air Group was to retain the ship’s original squadrons; however, some of the 1770 squadron’s older pilots and observers who had been on the ship since the squadron first embarked in July the previous year were beginning to show signs of the strain of prolonged operations. Many of the Firefly crews had taken part in operations off Norway in July, August, and September 1944, as well as in all subsequent operations since leaving England. Therefore, the decision was taken to stand down 1770from front-line duties, and their place was filled by the newly arrived No. 1772 squadron, which had been training in Australia since late March. This squadron had been earmarked to form part of the 11th CAG for HMS INDOMITABLE with Nos. 1839 and 1844 Hellcat and No.857 Avenger squadrons. Another factor in reliving 1770 was the arrival of IMPACIBLE on station in May carrying 801 and 880 Seafire, 828 Avenger and 1771 Firefly squadrons (8 CAG). This, combined with 1772 joining INDEFATIGABLE’s 7 CAG, meant that 1770 was to regroup ashore.

Task Force 37 operations against the Japanese mainland: July - August 1945

The main body of the BPF and the ships of the Fleet Train sailed from Sydney on June 28th to return to Manus. INDEFATIGABLE was experiencing mechanical issues and was unable to sail; she required another week in the dockyard's hands before she was ready. Her Air Group embarked on July 7th, and she sailed in company with Destroyers WAKEFUL and WRANGLER to join TF 37. She arrived at Manus on July 12th and, after taking on fuel, sailed the following day.

The Seafire finally unleashed: The addition of the US 89 gallon drop tank, seen attached to the centreline hard point between the undercarriage legs, gave the fighter the increased range and endurance needed to conduct strike missions over enemy territory. AWM 019032

INDEFATIGABLE joined TF37on July 20th, during the first full replenishment period after their first round of strikes against mainland Japan. By this time, the Seafire had been upgraded with the fitting of a US 89-gallon drop tank, designed for the American P-40 Warhawk and sourced and tested by IMPLACABLES’ 30 Wing (now part of 8 CAG). With these enhancements, the Seafire had an extended range of 200 nautical miles and a patrol endurance on station of over three hours, allowing its employment in the BPF to be extended beyond just CAP sorties. The aerodynamics of the US drop tanks actually improved the fighter’s deck approach and landing characteristics. The first use of the Seafire in a non-CAP role came on July 17th when 16 Seafires of 801 Sqn, IMPALACIBLE, launched for a RAMROD mission over mainland Japan, to strike at airfields at Mobara, Naruto, and Hasuda, in the Tokyo area. Although they crossed the coast, becoming the first Seafires to fly over Japan, the mission was aborted due to adverse weather conditions upon arrival over the target area.

Replenishment period 15, July 20 - 23: On the morning of July 20th TF 37 rendezvoused with the LSG and a Tanker Group. Also present was the Fleet Carrier INDEFATIGABLE (7th CAG, 820 Avenger, 1772 Firefly, 894 & 894 Seafire). Refuelling commenced at 05:45 and ARBITER issued replacement aircraft; replenishment load was typically a mix of 24 aircraft 9 Seafires, 7 Avengers, 6 Corsairs, 1 Hellcat and 1 Firefly, - Corsair losses were higher than projected so extra Corsairs were carried. Four Corsairs were issued to FORMIDABLE, 3 for 1841 and 1 for 1842 squadron.

It was discovered that the tankers were 2,400 tons of fuel oil short to fuel all the vessels of TF 37, so a request was made to the US TF 38 for assistance in fuelling some of the larger vessels. It was agreed that 3 cruisers, ACHILLES. GAMBIA and UGANDA would detach and rendezvous with US Task Group 30.8, the US Logistic Support Group. Fuelling ceased at last light, and the Force withdrew.

On July 21st, fuelling commenced again at 04:30 and and continued throughout the day. Having completed issuing replacement airframes and transferring as many as possible to STRIKER, ARBITER was detached for Manus to embark more aircraft and for conversion into an auxiliary oiler.

At 19:00, the three tankers were detached to return to Eniwetok Atoll to reload. Because the operational area was now so far north, Leyte was no longer being used as the forward staging area; the replenishment carriers now had to return to Manus (2,300 miles south) for reloads, and the tankers to the Marshal Islands, 1,700 miles to the southeast of the replenishment area. During the 22nd and 23rd, smaller vessels were topped up by the Battleship KING GEORGE V, FORMIDABLE, and IMPLACABLE, while the US Task Groups also continued fuelling.

Mainland Japan strike series 2, July 24 - 25:

The CAP and first three Ramrod strikes were launched at 04:45 in position 31° 51’ N 133° 11’ E. Strike 1A comprised of 11 Corsairs from FORMIDABLE to attack airfields at Kurashiki, Okayama and Takamatsu; Strike 1B was launched from IMPLACABLE and comprised of 12 Seafires to attack airfields at Takamatsu and Tokushima; Strike 1C comprised of 12 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS for attacks on the airfield at Takamatsu and Suta.

July 24th 1945 strikes on Shikoku Island, this is Tokushima airfield. © IWM A 29963 .

Strike 2 was launched at 05:45 to attack the airfield at Tokushima and was the first time that Avenger aircraft were in action. This was a combined force of 19 Avengers from FORMIDABLE & IMPLACABLE, 10 Seafires, 8 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs. Strike 2C was a Ramrod of 8 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS to attack targets at Kurashiki, Fukuyama airfield and Suta. Strike 2D was a Ramrod of 12 Seafires launched by INDEFATIGABLE to attack targets at Takamatsu and Kanonji. This was the first time Seafires from 894 and 895 squadrons had conducted a strike mission since operations with the Home
 

Strike 3 was a second combined strike led by VICTORIOUS’ Air Group Leader, launched at 08:45 this time against shipping off the coast of Shikoku, and included a Japanese escort carrier SHIMANE MARU. It comprised 10 Avengers and 4 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS and 10 Avengers and 8 Fireflies, plus 8 Seafires as escort from INDEFATIGABLE. Bad weather over the target area caused the force to become split up, and only 6 Avengers and 2 Corsairs attacked the Japanese carrier, five from 849 Sqn and 1 from 829 Sqn; 2 hits and two near misses were recorded; this was the only time Fleet Air Arm aircraft carried out strikes against a carrier. Strike 3A was an 8 Corsair Ramrod launched from FORMIDABLE, and Strike 3B was a 12 Seafire Ramrod launched from IMPLACABLE.

July 24th 1945 the Japanese escort carrier SHIMANE MARU, under attack by aircraft from TF 37. © IWM A2 9959

At 11:45, Strike 4 was launched, a third combined strike led by FORMIDABLE’s Air Group Leader, comprising 16 Avengers from FORMIDABLE & VICTORIOUS, 16 Seafires, 8 Fireflies from INDEFATIGABLE and 4 Corsairs to attack targets on Takamatsu airfield. Also launched at this time was Strike 4c, an anti-shipping sweep in the Inland Sea by 12 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS.

The final launches of the day were for Strike 5 commencing at 14:45, a combined strike by 8 Avengers, 8 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs on shipping in the Inland Sea, plus 5A - 12 Corsairs from FORMIDABLE also for an anti-shipping sweep in the Inland Sea, Strike 5B, a 7 Seafire force from IMPLACABLE attack on shipping at Suta, and 5D from INDEFATIGABLE, a force of 12 Avengers and 8 Corsairs to make a second attack on the SHIMANE MARU. All strikes had landed on by 17:45. The dusk CAP landed on ay 19:45. TF 37 did not withdraw from the operational area as it usually did between strikes; instead, it steamed slowly towards the flying off position for the start of operations on the 25th.

During the day, the carriers had flown 417 sorties and destroyed 15 aircraft, and probably 2 more, on the ground, three hangars at Takamatsu, one freighter, a small tanker and numerous Luggers and Junks. They damaged at least 31 aircraft on the ground, an aircraft factory, a train factory and a shipyard, scored multiple hits on the SHIMANE MARU, breaking its back, several destroyers, junks and other craftTF 37 losses were 9 aircraft; 8 operationally, 1 deck crash.

INDEFATIGABLE’s Seafires were in action in the ground attack role for the first time on this date, 12 Seafires launching for a Ramrod mission attack targets at Takamatsu and Kanonji. In this role they carried 2 x 250 lb bombs: one under each wing plus the new drop tanks were still a work in progress however, two aircraft experience difficulties with the ‘jury rigged’ attachment points; two 894 Sqn aircraft were affected; Sub-Lt J. Birtle, RNVR had problems with his tank soon after take-off and returned to the ship to find no deck available and was ordered to ditch alongside. Lt D. T. Challick, RNethN had his long range tank fall off while strafing an airfield on Shokuku, he too had to ditch on the return leg but was picked up safely by HMAS QUIBERON. A third Seafire was written off when Sub-Lt G. T. Murphy, RNVR (894 Sqn) could not lower his undercarriage and made a belly landing.

On the 25th the first launch was at 04:30 in position 32° 15’ N 136° 16 E. The first Strike was in 3 sections, 1A comprised 8 Corsairs from FORMIDABLE each carrying two 500 lb bombs for a shipping reconnaissance in the Inland Sea, Strike 1B was 12 Seafires from IMPLACABLE for a shipping reconnaissance in east Shikoku, and Strike 1C was 12 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS but this was aborted due to bad weather on making landfall.

Strike 2 was launched at 05:30, this comprised of a combined strike by 18 Avengers, 11 Seafires, 8 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs. Together with 2C, 8 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS and 2D, 12 Seafires from INDEFATIGABLE; all three were aborted due to bad weather on making landfall.

The first Strike of the day to arrive on target was Strike 3, a combined force of 20 Avengers led by 848 squadron FORMIDABLE, 8 Seafires. 7 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs to attack shipping in the Inland Sea. Strike 3A was to be an 8 Corsair armed shipping reconnaissance flight from FORMIDABLE, only 4 aircraft were launched. 3B was a 12 Seafire strike at targets at Suta and Tajima.

The fourth Strike, a combined force of 20 Avengers launched at 11:30, IMPLACABLE launched 1`0 Avengers, 6 Fireflies and 12 Seafires as escort and was joined by another 10 Avengers and 4 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS for Tokushima airfield. Despite low cloud several hangars were damaged and the Seafires strafed shipping sinking one tug; one Avenger from 828 Squadron was shot down. Strike 4C was a 12 Corsair anti-shipping strike launched from VICTORIOUS. The weather again began to deteriorate over the target areas and Strike 5, 5A & 5B were cancelled – 5 would have been a combined force lead by 848 from FORMIDABLE, 5A, a Corsair strike from FORMIDABLE, and 5B a Seafire strike from IMPLACABLE. All strikes had landed on by 14:00 and the fleet set course for the refuelling area.

At dusk a group of Japanese Navy B7A ‘Grace’ torpedo bombers attempted to attack the fleet. They were intercepted by Hellcats of 1844 squadron, the duck CAP from FORMIDABLE; between 19:10 and 19:30 three of them were destroyed and another damaged before the remainder broke away. During the day TF 37 had flown 417 sorties, 155 of them on strikes. They destroyed 2 aircraft and damaged 6 on the ground, several small cargo vessels and junks, luggers and small craft were sunk. Buildings, hangars, a factory, a wireless station and a lighthouse were damaged or destroyed. One large and three medium freighter transports and 13 coasters, including one small oiler and 2 corvettes were damaged. No British aircraft were lost in combat, enemy losses were 3. The force withdrew to the replenishment area overnight.

A serious deck crash occurred on INFEFATIGABLE when Sub-Lt Gall (894 Sqn) came in too high & fast with windscreen oiled up against DCLOs wave-off; the aircraft entered No.2 barrier and collide with the island causing the tail to swing to port and the cables of the barrier to slide up the fuselage striking the pilot on the head, he died from his injuries the following day.

Flight deck party pushing a damaged Firefly DV124 ('274/S') of 1772 Squadron along the deck after the pilot, Sub-Lt C. D. Maclaren, RNVR, had made an emergency landing. IWM (A 30304)

Replenishment period 16, July 26 – 27: Having rendezvoused with the LSG TF 37 began oiling at 09:00. Fuelling continued through the day and replacement aircraft and pilots were transferred to the carriers. The cruisers ACHILLES and NEWFOUNDLAND were detached to fuel from US TU 30.10.1. The fleet disengaged at 18:50 for the night.

Fuelling resumed at 05:15 on the 27th. STRIKER transferred her remaining 3 replacement aircraft to SPEAKER and dethatched for Guam on route to Manus. On completion of fuelling the tankers CEDARDALE and EASEDALE consolidated their reserves into CARELIA before detaching for Manus escorted by LAUNCESTON, WHYALLA. WAVE EMPEROR detached for Eniwetok to reload with PLYM and PARRET as escort. TF 37 and TF 38 set course overnight for the next morning’s flying off positrons.

Mainland Japan strike series 2, July 28 - 30: The CAP and first three Ramrod strikes were launched at 04:45 in position 31° 56’ N 135° 11’ E. Strike 1A comprised of 12 Corsairs from FORMIDABLE to attack shipping in the Inland Sea; Strike 1B was launched from IMPLACABLE and comprised of 12 Seafires to attack shipping in Kii Suido; Strike 1C comprised of 12 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS to attack shipping in the Inland Sea.

Strike 2 launched at 05:45 this comprised of three parts; a combined strike of 20 Avengers, 12 Seafires, 8 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs to attack Harima shipyard, Strike 2C launched from VICTORIOUS, an 8 Corsair strike for Akashi airfield, and 2D, 8 Seafires from INDEFATIGABLE for Sato and Minato airfields. The second strike returned at 08:45 and once landed on Strike 3 was launched; a combined source of 19 Avengers, 8 Seafires, 8 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs for Hadu shipyard, Strike 3A was 8 Corsairs launched from FORMIDABLE for shipping strikes and Fukuyama airfield, and Strike 3B was 10 Seafires form IMPLACABLE for Sato and Minato airfields.

Strike 4 launched at 11:45 and was a combine force of 20 Avengers, 12 Seafires, 8 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs for Harima shipyard and anti-shipping sweep. Strike 4C comprised of 12 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS for targets at Sato and Fuge. The fifth and final strike of the day launched at 14:45; a combined force of 20 Avengers, 12 Seafires, 8 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs for anti-shipping and targets at Fuge, Strike 5A had the same art gets and comprised of 12 Corsairs from FORMIDABLE, 5C was 8 Fireflies from IMPLACABLE for targets in the Minato area.

During the days strikes TF 37 launched 399 aircraft; 260 on offensive operations, 135 on defensive operations and 4 photo recon flights. 6 enemy aircraft were destroyed and 14 damaged on the ground. 3 small cargo vessels plus several small ships and junks sunk, with 3 other merchant ships possibly sunk. TF 37 loses were 9 aircraft. One Seafire from 7 CAG was damaged in a deck crash, Sub-Lt I. A. Marriott of 894 Sqn in NN507 (an 894 Sqn machine) had its port undercarriage brake off on landing.

On the 29th there was no planned air operations, elements of TF 37 joined with US TF 38 for bombardment of shore targets. A Seafire from 894 Sqn was written off when Sub-Lt Gambles bounced on landing, hit the island then No.3 barrier where the aircraft, NF642, disintegrated, the pilot was OK.

On the morning of the 30th the CAP and first three Ramrod strikes were launched at 04:45 in position 31° 56’ N 135° 11’ E. The day’s flying programme was the same as for the 28th, only targets were changed. Strike 1A comprised of 10 Corsairs from FORMIDABLE to attack shipping in the Inland Sea; Strike 1B was launched from IMPLACABLE and comprised of 12 Seafires to attack shipping but returned to the ship when cloud prevented then form locating the target; Strike 1C comprised of 8 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS to attack shipping in Kumano harbour.

Strike 2 launched at 05:45 this comprised of three parts; a combined strike of 18 Avengers, 8 Seafires. 7 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs, bad weather obscured the target area and all bombs were dropped by radar. Strike 2C launched from VICTORIOUS, an 8 Corsair strike for Akashi airfield, and 2D, 8 Seafires from INDEFATIGABLE for anti-shipping in Nagoya Bay.

Strike 3 was launched at 08:45; a combined source of 19 Avengers, 4 Seafires, 8 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs for anti-shipping at Maizuru, Strike 3A was 8 Corsairs launched from FORMIDABLE also for shipping strikes at Maizuru, and Strike 3B was 8 Seafires form IMPLACABLE for Akihabara airfield. Strike 4 launched at 11:45 and was a combine force of 18 Avengers, 12 Seafires, 7 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs for Yokkaichi and Kuwana harbours. Strike 1C comprised of 8 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS for targets at Maizuru and Akashi airfields. The fifth and final strike of the day launched at 14:45; this was a smaller combined force of 16 Corsairs 8 Seafires, 6 Fireflies and for anti-shipping strike and Ramrod in the Maizuru area. On completion of landing on the dusk CAP the force set course for the replenishment area.

During the days strikes TF 37 launched 346 aircraft; 212 on offensive operations, 130 on defensive operations and 4 photo recon flights. 6 enemy aircraft were destroyed and 6 damaged on the ground. 2 luggers sunk, with 1 destroyer, 1 large transport, small freighter, 2 coasters, 2 luggers and 3 barges possibly sunk. TF 37 loses were 6 aircraftand four pilots. One Seafire from 7 CAG was lost and its pilot killed; Sub-Lt J. D. Alexander RNZNVR of 894 Sqn in NN599 was hit by flak at Toba, north of Nagdya Bay, Japan and crashed.

Replenishment period 17, July 31 – August 2: TF 37 met with the LSG in approximate position 28°4’ N 139°00’ E, and oiling began at 10:00. Fuelling continued through the day and replacement aircraft and pilots were transferred to the carriers. TF 37 disengaged at 18:50 for the night and changed course to the south to avoid the tail of a typhoon due to pass to their north.

Fuelling resumed at 05:20 on August 1st in approximate position 27° 15’ N 138° 00’ E. Oiling was hampered by a heavy swell and the typhoon still threatened the ships of TF 37 and TF 38; the US commander ordered a further move south at the end of the day’s replenishment, to rendezvous in area ‘HURRICANE’ at position 25° N, 137° E. On the morning of August 2nd storing and ammunitioning continued, oiling was now down to two tankers, OLNA and Wave KING, CARELIA and WAVE GOVERNOR had to depart in order to reload and be back on station for a later replenishment period. The LSG and the Tanker Group detached at 16:50 to proceed to the next replenishment area at 34° 20’ N, 147° E. During this replenishment CHASER issued 3 Corsairs, 2 of them to 2 CAG in FORMIDABLE and 1 to I CAG in VICTORIOUS.  
 

Mainland Japan strike series 3, delayed: Weather conditions delayed the next round of strikes; initially planned for the 5th then delayed to the 8th. Both fleets were ordered to remain in area ‘HURRICANE’ but when it became clear that the 8th was to be the earliest strike day another replenishment day would be needed on August 6th. Flying training was conducted by the Fleet Carriers in the forenoon on the 5th.
 

Replenishment period 18, August 6 - 7: The new replenishment area was to be at position 33° 36’ N, 147° E, not were previously organised so the Tanker Group and LSG were redirected to the new rendezvous. TF 37 met with the LSG at 09:00 and replenishment commenced at 10:00. Unbeknown to the men of TF 37 the first atomic bomb had been dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima at 08:15, at this time the ships of the BPF were 770 miles west of the explosion. ARBITER issued 10 Seafire, 6 Corsairs, 1 Avenger and 1 Firefly; she received 3 'flyable duds', 1 Avenger and 2 Seafires. CHASER issued 1 Seafire.

On the 7th ARBITER and CHASER operated as auxiliary Oilers fuelling vessel of TF 37. All oiling was completed by 11:30. The Fleet set course for the flying off position.

Mainland Japan strike series 3, August 8 - 10: On reaching the flying -off position at 04:45 in position 40°00’ N 144°30’ E the weather closed in and the first strike and CAP launch was postponed. The situation did not improve, the planned target areas were shrouded in fog so all flying for the day was cancelled.

On the morning of August 9th TF 37 arrived at position 37°43’ N, 144° 51’ E. the first Strike and CAP launched at 04:10. Strike 1A comprised of 12 Corsairs from FORMIDABLE to attack targets at Shiogama; Strike 1B was launched from IMPLACABLE and comprised of 10 Seafires to attack targets at Matsushima; Strike 1C comprised of 10 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS to attack coastal shipping off North Honshu.

Strike 2 launched at 05:10 this comprised of three parts; a combined strike of 20 Avengers, 10 Seafires, and 8 Fireflies, to attack targets at Matsushima. Strike 2C launched from VICTORIOUS, 11 Corsairs to attack coastal shipping off North Honshu, and 2D, 9 Seafires from INDEFATIGABLE for Kesennuma, Kakuda and Hachinohe airfield. Strike 3 was launched at 06:10; a combined source of 20 Avengers, 12 Seafires, and 8 Fireflies for targets at Matsushima, Strike 3A was 8 Corsairs launched from FORMIDABLE also for shipping strikes at Onagawa Wan, and Strike 3B was 11 Seafires form IMPLACABLE to attack coastal shipping off North Honshu.

Strike 4 launched at 11:10 this was a combined force of 19 Avengers, 12 Seafires, 6 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs for strikes at shipping and Kesennuma port. Strike 1C comprised of 16 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS for targets at Koriyama airfields the fifth and final strike of the day launched at 14:45; this comprised of a combined force of 21 Avengers, 9 Seafires, 7 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs for anti-shipping strike; 5A was a 11 Coarser Ramrod against shipping at Onagawa Wan and Koriyama airfield; 5B was a 7 Seafire Ramrod against Matsushima airfield and shipping launched from IMPLACABLE. At 12:02 a second atomic bomb had been dropped on the Japanese city of Nagasaki, at this time the TF 37 were approximately 880 miles to the north east of Nagasaki.

During the days strikes TF 37 launched 407 aircraft; 263 on offensive operations, 140 on defensive operations and 4 photo recon flights. 44 enemy aircraft were destroyed and 17 probable, 22 damaged on the ground. 2 locomotives and associated freight cars destroyed, 2 luggers sunk, with destroyer, 1 large transport, small freighter, 2 Destroyers, 1 old Destroyer 1 submarine chaser, freighter, 2 coasters, 4 Junks and 2 launches sunk. 2 destroyer escorts and 1 torpedo boat probably sunk. TF 37 loses were 10 aircraft and 5 aircrew in combat. On completion of landing on the dusk CAP the force withdrew. Two Seafires from IMPLACABLE ditched but their pilots were rescued.

August 10th was planned as the final day of strikes before TF 37 was to withdraw to Australia for another maintenance and replenishment period. The first Strike and CAP launched at 04:10 at position 37°43’ N, 144° 51’ E.; the day’s flying programme was a repeat of that of the previous day. Strike 1A comprised of 10 Corsairs from FORMIDABLE to attack targets at Matsushima and Masuda airfields; Strike 1B was launched from IMPLACABLE and comprised of 12 Seafires to attack targets at Msuda airfield; Strike 1C comprised of 12 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS to attack Koriyama airfield. Strike 2 launched at 05:10 this comprised of three parts; a combined strike of 20 Avengers, 10 Seafires, 4 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs, to attack targets at Matsushima and shipping at Onagawa Wan. Strike 2C launched from VICTORIOUS, 8 Corsairs to attack coastal shipping at Onagawa Wan, and 2D, 8 Seafires from INDEFATIGABLE for targets in the Msuda area.

Strike 3 was launched at 96:10; a combined source of 20 Avengers, 7 Seafires, and 8 Fireflies for targets at Koriyama airfield a, Strike 3A was 8 Corsairs launched from FORMIDABLE also for Matsushima, and Strike 3B was 9 Seafires form IMPLACABLE to attack Koriyama airfield. Strike 4 launched at 11:10, a combined force of 10 Avengers, 11 Seafires, 6 Fireflies and 4 Corsairs for strikes at Koriyama airfield; Strike 1C comprised of 6 Corsairs from VICTORIOUS for targets at Koriyama airfields. The fifth and final strike of the day launched at 14:45; this comprised of a combined force of 20 Avengers, 9 Seafires, 7 Fireflies and 2 Corsairs for anti-shipping strike at Okkaichi and Onagawa Wan; 5A was an 8 Corsair Ramrod against shipping at Komachi; 5B was a 4 Seafire shipping sweep launched from IMPLACABLE.

The last strikes landed on at 18:00 and on completion of landing on the dusk CAP the force set course for the replenishment area. During the days strikes TF 37 launched 372 aircraft; 233 on offensive operations, 156 on defensive operations and 3 photo recon flights. One enemy aircraft is recorded as shot down in combat, a B7A ‘Grace’ while 16 enemy aircraft were destroyed and 1 probable and 31 damaged on the ground. 2 locomotives and associated freight cars destroyed, 3 freighter transports, 2 coasters, 8 small craft sunk. 1 freighter and 2 luggers probably sunk. 2 Destroyers, 2 Destroyer escorts, 1 merchantman, 6 coasters and 4 luggers damaged. TF 37 loses were 6 aircraft and 4 pilots.
 

Replenishment period 19, August 11: TF 37 met with the Tanker Group in approximate position 37° 55’ N 144° 44’ E, and oiling began at 04:40. This was a one day replenishment employing five Tankers and was the last replenishment at sea of the British Pacific Fleet during war-time operations; there were no replenishment carriers present as planning had this as a refuelling only period on completion of this phase of operations when the fleet was to withdraw to Australia.
 

Task Force 37 dissolved: A reduced force redesignated Task Group 38.5

On August 9th, Russia declared war on Japan, and the focus of the US Third Fleet Commander altered to support Russian attacks: orders were to attack targets in northern Honshu and Hokkaido, the north Island of Japan, on August 10th, replenish on the 11th and conduct two more strike days on the 12th & 13th. This extension to the programme was problematic for the BPF, which was scheduled to withdraw to Australia after the strike on August 10th.
 

The LSG and Tanker Groups had already begun executing the plans set out to prepare for the upcoming Operation OLYMPIC, the Invasion of Japan, so that no Tanker support would be available. The US Logistic Group would not be able to contribute oil as it had done previously, so the BPF would not be able to continue offensive operations as TF 37. Vice-Admiral Sir Bernard Rawlings, 2 IC, BPF proposed a solution, a token force of 1 Battleship, 1 Fleet Carrier, 2 Cruisers and attendant Destroyers was to remain in the operational area for strikes against Japan with the US Third Fleet; this comprised of KING GEORGE V, INDEFATIGABLE, (7th CAG, 820 Avenger, 1772 Firefly, 894 & 894 Seafire) GAMBIA, NEWFOUNDLAND, TROUBRIDGE, TERMAGANT, TENACIOUS, TEAZER, TERPSICHORE, BARFLEUR, NAPIER, NIZAM, WAKEFUL, and WRANGLER.
 

At 12:00 on August 12th Task Force 37 was dissolved and the bulk of the BPF set course for Manus, and then on to Sydney; the remaining Force were now attached to US Task Force 38 and designated as Task Group 38.5. VICTORIOUS, in company with FORMIDABLE and IMPLACABLE and their escorts were on passage when the Japanese surrender was announced on the 15th, they arrived at Manus on August 18th to refuel, sailing again on the 19th.

Mainland Japan strike series 3, August 13: Task Group 38.5 formed the northerly group of the Third Fleet and operated under the direct orders of Admiral McCain; the fleet arrived at the flying off position at approximately 35°30’ N 143°-26’ E, and flying operations began at 04:oo. INDEFATIGABLE launched Seafires for CAP duties before launching aircraft for the first strike of the day at 08:45 for airfields and air installations in the Tokyo area, and as far north as the Sendai area.. A second strike was launched at 13:15 but was aborted on reaching the coast due to the targets being obscured by poor weather. All aircraft had landed on by 18:15 and the Fleet withdrew at 18:30 for the US replenishment area in position 31°45; N, 144°.
 

Aircraft from 7 CAG sank 4 Luggers and damaged building, rolling stock and locomotives during the only successful strike of the day. They lost 1 aircraft; while landing on in an unidentified Seafire Lt M. L. deC Stratton, RNVR was killed when the long range tank broke free of its mounts and prevented the arrestor hook from engaging a wire, the aircraft entered the barrier and burst into flames.

Replenishment period 20, August 14: Task Group 38.5 was refuelled by the US Oiling Group. Fuelling was completed by 17:00 and TG 38.5 and other units of TF 38 set course to return to the flying off position for the next days planned strikes.
 

Mainland Japan strike series 4, August 15: Flying combed at 04:15, from approximate position 34° N 142° E, Task Force 38 commenced launching air strikes at targets in the Tokyo area.

INDEFATIGABLE launched a force of 4 Fireflies and 6 Avengers, escorted by 8 Seafires for the first strike but found the target, Kisarazu airfield, obscured by bad weather, an alternative target, a camouflaged factory at Odaki Bay was sighted and bombed. At 05:40the Strike Force was intercepted by a dozen enemy aircraft, four J2M3 ‘Raiden’ and eight A6M ‘Zeke’ fighters which were engaged by the Seafires; 4 were e shot down, 4 more believed shot down and the remainder damaged and driven off. At 05:45 Sub-Lt V. S. Lowden, RNVR in LR866 led a flight of 3 894 Sqn aircraft to attack 4 A6M over Odaki Bay, 2 were shot down in flames, one being shared with Sub-Lt W. I. Williams, RNVR, and another seen to go down smoking, the pilot baled out . Sub-Lt L G. J. Murphy, RNVR in NN212 shot one down with smoke and flames from its engine and a second went down in flames and rolled over on back. Sub-Lt D. N. Duncan, RNVR (894 Sqn) in PR206 attacked 2, 1 went down burning almost vertically and another was probably destroyed, Sub-Lt R. C. Kay, RNVR (894 Sqn) in NN584 shot tail off one A6M and damaged another; on returning to the ship he burst a tyre landing and his aircraft tipped on its nose. Sub-Lt R. A. Gorvin, RNVR (894 Sqn) in PR263 suffered damage from the encounter with the A6Ms over Odaki Bay bit managed to land safely, Sub-Lt F. Hockley, RNVR (894 Sqn) was hit by flak over Tokyo, he baled out and landed on Chiba Peninsula, E of Tokyo where he was captured; he was executed later that day, after surrender orders had been received by homeland forces. One of the 820 Sqn Avengers on the strike was also badly damaged, JZ492 was attacked by 4 A6Ms diving out of sun, suffering rear fuselage and tail damage, Petty Officer Air Gunner A. Simpson shot 1 down smoking with flames under engine. The Observer, Sub-Lt J. F.J. A. Boom, RNVR was wounded and baled out over the sea in Tokyo area but killed. The aircraft eventually ditched but he pilot Sub-Lt L. Baldwin, RNVR and PO Simpson were rescued safely.

This was the last British air combat of the war; at 07:00 orders were received to "SUSPEND ATTACK AIR OPERATIONS X ACKNOWIEDGE"- no reason was given but tall offensive operations were cancelled. CAP aircraft remained airborne At 11:00 news was received that Japan had accepted the Allied terms of surrender and war was over. However the order to the Japanese to cease operations was not so clear; at 11:20 a D4Y "Judy" dive bomber managed to approach and drop 2 bombs next to INDEFATIGABLE, it was destroyed by Corsairs of the US CAP.

Little flying appears to have been done after the cease-fire order was received, only Seafire CAP were required, the Avengers and Fireflies being stowed in the hangar.

Replenishment period 21, August 18th – 2oth: The ships of the BPF met with the Logistic Support Group in area ‘British DRINK’ position 31° N, 144° E, and replenishment commenced at daylight on the 18th with three Tankers on station SAN ADOLPHO, SAN AMBROSIO and WAVE GOVERNOR, but SAN ADOLPHO and AN AMBROSIO were detached at 17:00 on the 18th escorted by USK and BURNIE to reload. . TU 112.2.91 the Hospital Ship TJITJALENGKA escorted by CRANE was also in the area.
 

Refuelling continued on the 19th from WAVE GOVERNOR and TU 112.2.28, the Tanker CARELIA escorted by RAN Corvettes PIRIE and CESSNOCK joined the LSG on the morning of the 20th ; the replenishment CVE SPEAKER, escorted by QUEENBOROUGH, also arrived on station on the 20th and was ordered to transfer as many aircraft as possible to INDEFATIGABLE and RULER. By this stage in operations the replenishment CVEs had also been employed in carrying essential stores and provisions for issue to the fleet and for this run SPEAKER carried 350 packages of stores, 237 oil hoses and 15 tons of potatoes all of which were issued by jackstay transfers at sea. Although offensive operations had ceased replenishment work was still necessary, a large part of the stores carried were destined for the hospital ship TJITJALENGKA, 246 items of stores were transferred in a two and a half hour replenishment session.

Task Group 38.5 had to disengage at dusk and relocate southwards due to a typhoon warning; the LSG did not follow but remained in the vicinity of ‘British DRINK’ to await further orders.

Task Group 38.5 dissolved

On August 20th Task Group 38.5 was dissolved and INDEFATIGABLE with escort destroyers BARFLEUR, WAKEFUL, WRANGLER, TROUBRIDGE, TERPSICHORE, TERMAGANT, TENACIOUS, and TEAZER joined the American Carrier Force TU38.3.1 (USS RANDOLPH, USS WASP, USS TICONDEROGA, USS MONTERRAY, and USSS BATTAAN). The Battleships KING GEORGE V and DUKE OF YORK, Cruisers GAMBIA and NEWFOUNDLAND, with Destroyers NAPIER. NIZAM, WHELP and WAGEER joined TG 38.4 as TU 38.4.6.
 

The US Task Groups also relocated to the southeast overnight on the 20th/21st to continue replenishment. Seafires from INDEFATIGABLE began flight operations on the 22ndt as part of the ongoing operation “FLY FLY” with aircraft from RANDOLPH and WASP which had commenced on August 16th. The programme called for 9 serials of 8 Seafires each sortie lasting 2¾ hours; 7 serials for low CAP over the Task Group and two airfield patrol sorties over Honshu. The carriers operated in area ‘STRIPES’ to conduct day searches for P.O.W. camps, airfield patrols, and present a show of force in Japanese homeland operating areas west of Tokyo; area STRIPES was subdivided divided into eight areas GEOTIGE , ITEM, JIG, KING, LCVE, MIKE, NAN and OBOE.
 

The program for the first day called for all available aircraft to be airborne for "Operation Tintype” a photographic event to capture the massed air power of the Task Group with photographers on board surface ships taking the pictures. The weather deteriorated through the morning but good images were achieved and all aircraft had landed on by early afternoon. There was no flying on the 23rd and only 12 CAP sorties flown on the 24th.
 

A fuller programme was achieved on the 25th with the Task Group launching 36 Cap, 48 Picket CAP and 16 recon/photo sorties commencing at 08:25. Another \Typhoon caused the Force to alter course again and withdraw from the operating area for “FLY FLY” to return on the 27th.

Flying commenced at05:00 0n the 27th the Task Group launching 60 Cap, 12 Picket CAP and 69 recon/photo sorties. On the 28th there was a significant increase in the number of sorties flown; flying commenced at 04:55 with 70 Cap, 84 Picket CAP and 76 recon/photo sorties, this was also the first day that food, clothing and medical supplies were air dropped by US aircraft to POW camps discovered by reconnaissance in the Kobe, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kur areas. Aircraft from INDEFATIGABLE located a P.O.W. Camp at the Yokkaichi oil refinery on this date.

The P.O.W. Camp at the Yokkaichi oil refinery located by Seafires and Avengers from INDEFATIGABLE on August 28th 1945. Seen from a pair of Avengers on the 29th possibly dropping dropping supplies to the freed prisoners who can be seen o the beach. The letters PW are painted on the roof of a hut for aerial identification.  Air Force Museum of New Zealand Creative Commons 2010-344.37.jpg

Between August 16th and September 3nd aircraft from TG 38.3.1 located 14 P.O.W .camps, and between August 28th and September 3nd 121 supply drops were made. Seafires from 7 CAG had a good flying safety record during their time with the Task Group, only y one barrier crash is recorded on August 29th, Sub-Lt I. G. Hepworth, RNVR (894 Sqn) caught a wire but engaged the barrier in PR263. On completion of operations INDEFATIGABLE anchored in Salami Bay at 16:30 on September 5th.

Return to Australia

INDEFATIGABLE was released from duty with TG 38.3 at 09:00 on September 10th with orders to proceed to Tokyo Bay and report to Commander TF 111. She was ordered to sail for Australia and arrived Manus September 12th, and sailed following day for Sydney. On reaching the New South Wales coast she disembarked her squadrons before entering harbour; 894, 894 and 1772 going to RNAS Schofield, 820 to RNAS Nowra where it was reduced to 12 aircraft.
 

While ashore squadron personnel were snit on leave; A number of replacement airframes were received and flying triaging being conducted during October by both Seafires squadrons. There were three flying incidents during October, the first on the 11th when PP93 ('122/S'), flown by Sub-Lt J. H. Miller, RNVR lost power in flight and had to make a forced landing, The next day Sub-Lt E. O. Atkin. RNVR (894 Sqn) landing in NN330 8 (' 116/S') overran the runway and nosed over in soft ground. The third incident was on the 25th when Sub-Lt R. A. Gorvin, RNVR (894 Sqn) Swung landing in PR206 causing the port oleo to collapse damaging the port wing and prop which dug in the ground. INDEFATIGABLE was at sea early in November exercising and new squadron pilots flew out to make the necessary number of deck landings to qualify for ship borne operations; Sub-Lt Atkin is one example, flying in PP927 ('120/S') on November 6th he caught No.2 wire but, bounced heavily on contract with the deck. There were two more incidents ashore at RNAS Schofields; on the 1oth Lt A. H. Brydon, RAN suffered a part oleo collapse landing in PRII8, the aircraft slewed off the runway causing damage to the prop. Finally on the 13th Sub-Lt R. F. M. Darlington, RNVR had the tail wheel oleo collapse when landing on in PR205.
 

On 1 November, Captain I. A. P. MacIntyre CB, CBE, DSO relieved Captain Graham as captain of the ship. She became Vian's flagship on 22 November and sailed to New Zealand to show the flag.

INDEFATIGABLE began re-embarking her squadrons for flying training from mid-November, 887 being embarked first on the 15th, the 1772 squadron followed them on the 18th and 894 and 820 on the 23rd.

Good will visit to New Zealand

Once her Air Group was embarked INDEFATIGABLE (Flag, AC 1, Vice Admiral Sir Philip Vian) sailed from Sydney in company with Destroyers URCHIN and WIZARD for a goodwill visit to New Zealand On arriving off Wellington at the southern tip of the North Island on Tuesday November 27h aircraft were launched fora mass fly past over the city; on recovering her aircraft the Carrier entered harbour. The ships were opened to visitors from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
 

Leaving Wellington December 4th INDEFATIGABLE sailed for Queen Charlotte Sound, to conduct exercises. On the 6th a number of aircraft flew over the city of Picton on the northern end of the South Island dropping leaflets bearing a farewell messag3e from Admiral Vian. On the 7th detachments of 8 aircraft from each squadron in her air group were flown ashore to RNZAF Station Ardmore where a flying display was carried out at on Saturday December 8th. This 2representative squadron then began making a good will tour of other RNZAF Stations. INDEFATIGABLE sailed for Auckland on December 10th. During the time in Queen Charlotte Sound there were two Seafire flying incidents, both on the 6th; Sub-Lt Atkin made a heavy landing in PP927 ('120/S') causing wrinkling of the fuselage skin, and Sub-Lt C. B. Ratcliffe, RNVR (894 Sqn) floated over all the wires landing in PR331 , struck the island and overturned.

Left: Seafires ranged on deck as INDEFATIGABLE enters Auckland harbour. Right: Seafire PR295 (‘127/S’) operating from RNZAF Station Ardmore on December 8th 1945. Images: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections via Digital NZ

INDEFATIGABLE arrived Auckland on December 12th and was moored alongside at Prince's Wharf and again was open to the public. There were several deck crashes on passage; on the day she left Wellington there were two. Sub-Lt R. A.H. Beaton, RNVR hit the rounddown lining in NN298, the aircraft entered the barrier tearing off the tail unit and bending the arrestor hook, while Sub-Lt Atkin in NN625 suffered a starboard undercarriage collapse. On the 11th Sub-Lt H Atack (894 Sqn) had to make a belly landing in PR285 after the undercarriage failed to lower.
 

She sailed for Sydney on the 18th and arrived there on the 22nd. No.s 894, 894 and 1772 to flew ashore to RNAS Schofields before the ship entered harbour; 820 remained aboard until the 31st when it too went ashore to RNAS Schofields. There was one deck crash on the 22nd, Mid W. A. Armstrong, RNVR landing on in PP952 missed all the wires and entered the barrier.

Good will visit to Melbourne on route to the UK to pay off

After spending Christmas ashore in Sydney INDEFATIGABLE (Flag, AC 1, Vice Admiral Sir Philip Vian) re-embarked her Air Group on January 20th 1946 and sailed for Melbourne where she was to make another God Will visit in company with the Fleet Carrier IMPLACABLE and the new Light Fleet Carriers GLORY. There was a barrier crash on the 22nd; Mid Armstrong floated into the barrier in NN212 ('112/S').
 

On arrival off the port on January 23rd a fly past of 75 aircraft was launched from all three carriers, once all aircraft had landed on they were moored alongside at Station Pier, Port Melbourne, and the accompanying destroyers, HMS TUSCAN and ARMADA, at South Wharf. On the 25th one thousand members of the ships' companies will March through Melbourne. The Carriers were open to the public 11::00 -21:00 26th & 27th. Vice Admiral Sir Philip Vian transferred his flag to IMPLACABLE on the 30th, INDEFATIGABLE was to sail for the UK via Fremantle and Cape Town on the 31st but IMPLACABLE and GLORY were to remain on station, sailing for Jervis Bay for exercises.
 

HMS INDEFATIGABLE escorted by HMS UNDAUNTED sailed from Melbourne for Fremantle on January 31st lying a 400ft paying-off pennant. While on passage a Seafire fly past was launched on February 4th to the city of Albany.26 aircraft were launched 90 miles out from Albany nut only 21 actually managed to be in the formation on reaching the city, 5 had developed problems in flight and were diverted to land at RNZAF Albany; of these three re-joined the ship later that morning but the remaining two required additional support and an RNZAF Avro Anson flew from Perth with a technical staff which gave what assistance was needed, and the aircraft re-joined the carrier late on the 5th.
 

INDEFATIGABLE and her escort arrived at Fremantle on February 9th, staying overnight before sailing for Cape Town on the 10th. Flying training continued on passage; tragically the last recorded flying accident occurred on February 18th when Sub-Lt Hatton was killed landing in PR328, he made a low approach and his port wheel dropped over deck edge and the aircraft caught fire before falling overboard into Algoa Bay, South Africa.

After a brief stop at Cape Town INDEFATIGABLE sailed into the South Atlantic bound for the UK via St. Helena, Ascension Island and Gibraltar. She arrived in the Solent on March 15th, the other squadrons of the 7th Carrier Air Group were disembarked to RNAS Gosport were they were officially disbanded.

Employment as a naval troopship, April – December 1946

With the departure of her squadrons, INDEFATIGABLE secured alongside in Portsmouth Dockyard the following day. The ship was now to begin a tour of duty as a naval troopship, undergoing modification work in the dockyard to convert her hangars to accommodate over 1,900 passengers, including women and children. Three-tier bunks and associated kit lockers were installed in the hangar to supplement the existing accommodation available. Additional washing and toilet facilities, as well as galley equipment, were added to augment the mess and dining areas. Female passengers were allocated to former squadron officer cabins. A canvas swimming pool and a dance band were also included in the amenities.

First Trooping voyage

The modifications were completed in five weeks, and the ship sailed for Australia on April 25th, carrying 782 RN personnel and 130 Australian war brides.

After transiting the Suez Canal, she called at Colombo, where the naval draft left the ship. She then sailed for Australia; it had been originally planned that she would go directly to Sydney, but an additional port of call was added after discussions with the Australian authorities. She would call at Fremantle, Western Australia, where she arrived on Monday, May 20th, anchoring in Gage Roads at.08:00 to disembark 10 Brides and sailing later the same day for Sydney. She secured alongside No.3 wharf, Woolloomooloo, at 08:00 on Sunday, May 26th, and the remaining wives and 4 widows disembarked.

Work now began on embarking passengers for the return trip to the UK, and food and other materials donated by the ‘Food for Britain’ organisation, which comprised 5,000 cases of gift food, 4,0001b. of fat in bulk and 18,000 gift packages of food from individuals. Except for a 200-man clean-up party, INDEFATIGABLE was to embark the whole of the RN rear-guard remaining in Australia. One of the largest contingents came from the Heme Bay Naval Auxiliary Hospital, which had finally closed down at the end of May. Surgeon-Commander D. D. St. Steel-Perkins, R.N., O.C., and Surgeon-Commander W. A. Hopkins, R.N., all remaining male medical orderlies and nine Q.A.R.N.N.S. nursing sisters plus the last fifty British V.A.D.s in Australia under the charge of Miss E. C. Bennett, commandant. Also joining the ship was Second-Officer Molly Jobson, in charge of the last six W.R.N.S. officers and 66 ratings in the country. This accounted for all the remaining British Servicewomen in Australia, except a few W.A.A.F.s.

INDEFATIGABLE departed No.3 wharf, Woolloomooloo, Sydney in the late afternoon on June 9th, bound for Fremantle and the UK. She arrived at Fremantle on June 14th and secured alongside E and F Sheds about 4 pm. She sailed at 08:50 the next morning, but a stowaway was discovered at 10:00, and the ship returned to anchor off Hall's Bank, to await a naval patrol launch to come alongside to take custody of a male youth. INDEFATIGABLE arrived at Plymouth on July 7th to unload passengers and was secured at Portsmouth on July 9th, 1946.

Second Trooping voyage

Her second trooping voyage was to Colombo and return via Malta. She sailed from Portsmouth carrying 47 officers and 67 ratings, most of whom left the ship at Malta. When she arrived at Colombo on August 15th, she loaded a full complement of 1,900 passengers from all three services to return to the UK. The ship arrived at Portsmouth on September 9th.

INDEFATIGABLE entering Grand Harbour, Malta on the outbound leg of a Trooping voyage to Colombo.

Third Trooping voyage

She sailed for her third trooping voyage on October 4th, ferrying over 1,200 RN personnel in naval drafts and a large number of wives and children of officers and men serving in the Mediterranean and Ceylon. Her ultimate destination was Singapore with calls at Malta and Colombo. She arrived in Singapore on October 28th, and anchored in the outer Roads to disembark a naval draft for the Naval Base. She then embarked 81 Navy and Army officers and more than 800 Naval ratings for return to the UK. She sailed for Colombo on November 5th to pick up a further 65 officers and 340 naval ratings [*]. Now carrying 172 officers and between 1,400 and 1,500 men who have served in the Pacific and on the East Indies station, INDEFATIGABLE arrived back in UK waters on November 27th. However, severe gales in the English Channel prevented her from putting into Plymouth to disembark 500 Devonport officers and men due to be discharged on arrival there. The ship was on a tight schedule; she had to make a quick turnaround on reaching Portsmouth to meet the sailing schedule for her next Trooping voyage. She arrived at Portsmouth on November 28th and disembarked all of her naval passengers to the Rn barracks.

INDEFATIGABLE, passing through the Suez Canal on the homeward leg of a Trooping voyage to Singapore. She is carrying nearly 1600 officers and men, many of whom are on the flight deck as another vessel approaches, headed for Port Suez.

Fourth and final Trooping voyage

INDEFATIGABLE sailed, empty on December 5th 1946, bound for Norfolk, Virginia, to embark approximately 1,000 men for passage back to the UK in time for Christmas. These included the steaming crews who returned the escort carriers, ATHELING. RAVAGER, and PATROLLER, the Landing Ship Dock NORTHWAY, and 17 mine-sweepers, all of which are being returned to the United States custody under the Lease-Lend Agreement. The ship arrived back at Portsmouth on December 21st 1946, in time for the returning crews to reach home for Christmas.

Paid off to reserve status January 1947

Once back at Portsmouth, the ship was handed over to the custody of the Naval Dockyard, and work began to prepare the carrier for transfer to the Reserve Fleet. The temporary accommodation was removed from the hangar decks, and the ship was de-stored before being transferred to Category B.1 reserve at Portsmouth.  On May 21st, 1947, Commander P. T. A. Love, OBE, DSC, was appointed in Command. He was relieved by Commander R. M. G. Gambier on November 17th 1947.

She remained at Portsmouth in the reserve until the summer of 1949, when she was allocated for service with the Home Fleet Training Squadron.

Recommissioned as a Home Fleet training ship, May 1950

The Admiralty decided to recommission INDEFATIGABLE for use as a training ship in mid-1949. Captain H. Fancourt assumed command on August 22nd to prepare her for sea. The ship arrived at Devonport Naval Dockyard to begin the necessary modifications on August 30th, and the following day, Captain Fancourt turned over command to the dockyard. . Part of her conversion work included the construction of Classrooms and lecture rooms. The upper hangar was converted into a mess-deck to accommodate 750 ratings. In her new role, INDEFATIGABLE was no longer capable of operating fixed-wing aircraft; her catapult, arrester gear and flight deck barriers had been removed. Her flight deck now had a new structure added aft on the starboard side, forward of the rounddown, and several cradles for whalers and cutters lined the sides of her deck.

Near the end of her time in the Dockyard, Captain J. Grindle was appointed to command her on March 24th 1950, and the ship was recommissioned on May 28th. She now joined the Home Fleet Training Squadron based at Portland, Dorset.

This unit was established in 1947 and utilised surplus large ships, including battleships and aircraft carriers, to provide basic naval training in a practical setting aboard an operational vessel. The Squadron went to sea for training cruises in the Spring, Summer and Autumn; these were often North to Scapa Flow or south to Gibraltar. At the time of her arrival at Portland Dockyard, the Squadron comprised only two ships, the Battleship VANGUARD and the Fleet Carrier VICTORIOUS.

Two days after her recommissioning, Flag Captain R. St. V. Sherbrooke, D.S.O., V.C., relieved Captain Grindle, and INDEFATIGABLE began her sea trials on June 28th. She was inspected by Rear Admiral St John Micklethwaithe, Flag Officer Training Squadron, on July 3rd and received her first trainees shortly afterwards. These included Royal Marine Forces Volunteer Reservists who attended a fortnight's cruise in HMS INDEFATIGABLE. New entrants into the RN arrived at the Training Squadron after completing their 10 weeks' initial training, which included squad drill, seamanship, damage control, fire-fighting and practical boatwork; now ordinary seamen under training they were drafted either to INDEFATIGABLE or VANGUARD for 10 weeks' practical training as "young seamen." During this period, they gained practical experience in the everyday life of a sailor and further studied seamanship and signals. In addition, many newly commissioned officers, including instructor officers, engineer officers, electrical officers, Royal Marne subalterns, and aviation cadets, also joined INDEFATIGABLE for their initial sea experience.

INDEFATIGABLE’s first training cruise took her to the Isle of Man for a goodwill visit; she arrived in Douglas Bay on Thursday, July 20th, for a 5-day visit during which time she was open to visitors on Saturday and Sunday between 2 and 5 p.m. Hundreds of holiday-makers and residents visited the ship. She sailed for Portland Dockyard on Monday, July 24th.

On return to Portland, training courses continued while the ship prepared to sail with the Home Fleet for its annual Autumn cruise to the Mediterranean. On September 7th, Rear Admiral Micklethwaithe transferred his flag from VANGUARD to INDEFATIGABLE. The Fleet was set to sail on September 17th, but an outbreak of infantile paralysis aboard the 23,000-ton carrier made it necessary to amend her programme of participation; her visit to Gibraltar was postponed, although she did take part in the preliminary exercises in the Atlantic. She detached to return to Portland when the Fleet approached Gibraltar. Five trainees were admitted to the Weymouth Infectious Diseases Hospital and confirmed to have Polio.

HMS INDEFATIGABLE September 15, 1950 s location unknown.

On November 3rd 1950, INDEFATIGABLE, still wearing the flag of Rear-Admiral. St. J. A. Micklethwaite (Flag Officer, Training Squadron) arrived at Devonport to carry out a month's self-refit. While in the Dockyard, she was visited by two Commodores of the Egyptian Navy on November 27th. On completion of her refit, the carrier returned to Portland.

1951

Early in February 1951, the ships of the Home Fleet were to be joined there by two fleet aircraft carriers, INDOMITABLE and INDEFATIGABLE, the latter wearing the flag of Rear-Admiral St. J. A. Micklethwait for the Home Fleet Spring Cruise. The Fleet was to enter the Western Mediterranean for exercises with the Mediterranean Fleet, ships later visiting ports in Italy and Southern France.

There were some command changes in the Training Squadron during June 1951. On the 6th, Captain J. W. Gramt, DSO, assumed command of INDEFATIGABLE, relieving Captain Sherbrooke, who was to be promoted to Rear Admiral on July 7th. On the 15th, Rear Admiral RR. M. Dick, DSC, CBE, CB, was appointed as Flag Officer, Training Squadron and hoisted his flag in VANGUARD. The ship was opened to visitors as part of the Festival of Britain on July 17th. Five days later, a storm arose with sufficient force to necessitate her putting to sea; those visitors who had not yet left the ship were stranded overnight. She returned to her berth the next day, and the visitors departed safely.

Rea Admiral R M Dick transferred his flag to INDEFATIGABLE in September when VANGUARD entered a dockyard for refit. The carrier put to sea for a two-week training cruise in October before her sister ship IMPLACABLE joined the squadron in November

1952

INDEFATIGABLE entered Devonport Dockyard in January 1952 for a short refit, rejoining the Squadron in February 1952. INDEFATIGABLE and IMPLACABLE joined ships of the Home Fleet (now reorganised into a Heavy Squadron which included the aircraft carriers INDOMITABLE (flag commander-in-chief, Home Fleet Admiral Sir George Creasy) and THESEUS (Flag Officer in command Heavy Squadron Rear-Admiral Caspar John), and three light squadrons under the cruiser SUPERB (Flag Officer Flotillas Rear Admiral W. G. A. Robson), with two destroyer squadrons and one frigate squadron). These ships had arrived at Gibraltar on January 31st for exercises with the Mediterranean Fleet, followed by operation “Grand Slam”, a NATO exercise in late February. The Fleet arrived back in the UK on March 30th.

INDEFATIGABLE, wearing the flag of Rear-Admiral R. M. Dick, the Flag Officer Training Squadron, remained in Portland Bay until June 30th, when she sailed north to join elements of the Home Fleet, including IMPLACABLE and BROASWOTRD for exercises and her Summer Cruise. Upon passage, she participated in the early stages of Exercise Castanets in the English Channel, a NATO naval exercise led by the Home Fleet Flagship, HMS INDOMITABLE. The two training carriers detached on completion of their roles and arrived at Invergordon a week later. They were open to the public from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. over the weekend of June 28th/29th, with IMPLACABLE open on Saturday and INDEFATIGABLE on Sunday. After spending 11 days at Invergordon, the two carriers sailed for a visit to Denmark; INDEFATIGABLE spent 7 days in the port of Aarhus, while IMPLACABLE visited Copenhagen. Both ships were open to the public. INDEFATIGABLE received a Royal visitor when Queen Alexandrine of Denmark, the mother of King Frederick II of Denmark, came aboard for a tour. INDEFATIGABLE’s Summer Cruise ended at Portland on July 16th.

She remained at her berth until September 8th, when she sailed for Devonport to undergo her annual refit and a dry-docking. The work was to take 10 weeks, and she returned to Portland during the first week of December.

1953

INDEFATIGABLE made a short foray to sea on January 19th in company with IMPLACABLE and the new Daring-class destroyer DUCHESS, which had just arrived to operate as part of the Training Squadron. The three ships returned to port the next day.

Captain R. L. Fisher, DSO, OBE, DSC, assumed command of INDEFATIGABLE on January 29th. She sailed for her annual visit to Gibraltar and exercises with the Home Fleet on February 16th, sailing in company with IMPLACABLE, Destroyers DUCHESS and ZEPHER, the Frigates HELMSDALE, PORTCHESTER CASTLE and TINTAGEL CASTLE, and Submarine AMBUSH. On completion of the channel exercises, the small force arrived at Gibraltar on February 23rd.

The ship was carrying a precious cargo to Gibraltar, and detachments of Royal Marines from the Home Fleet were escorting the old Colours of the Plymouth Division RM to North Front, where a ceremonial parade through the streets to the King's Chapel took place on February 27th, the Colours being laid up alongside those of regiments already there. Before returning to the UK on March 22nd, the two training carriers briefly entered the Western Mediterranean, joining the operational carriers INDOMITABLE and THSEUS for three days of exercises.

INDEFATIGABLE paid an eight-day visit to Bournemouth, arriving in Poole Bay on May 29th. The following day, members of the ship’s company performed a rescue operation to save the pilot of a Tiger Moth biplane. The aircraft belonging to the Christchurch Aero Club had crashed into the sea about half a mile off Bournemouth beach two minutes after it had left Christchurch aerodrome. The pilot was picked up by a launch from the carrier and taken to the hospital by a waiting ambulance. The ship returned to Portland on June 5th and began preparations for joining the other vessels of the Fleet for the Coronation Fleet Review of Queen Elizabeth II on June 15th. She sailed for Spithead on June 9th to join a fleet of 197 Royal Navy warships, which included nine carriers, HM Ships EAGLE, CENTAUR, ILLUSTRIOUS, IMPLACABLE, INDEFATIGABLE, INDOMITABLE, PERSEUS, THESEUS and HMAS SYDNEY. On completion of review duties, INDEFATIGABLE sailed on the 16th and proceeded to Scapa Flow, where IMPLACABLE joined her.

The two carriers operated off the east coast of Scotland during early July. On the 15th, INDEFATIGABLE received a visit from a helicopter, which operated from her flight deck between 08:00 and 09:20. As part of the coronation celebrations, 150 seaside resorts around Britain were to receive a visit from an RN vessel. INDEFATIGABLE was allocated to make a five-day visit to the town of Macdufi, Banffshire. She arrived at Macdufi during the forenoon of Friday, July 17th, and anchored about 1/2-mile from shore. The ship was open to visitors on the afternoon of July 18th and 19th, and the carrier's motor launches ferried visitors out to the ship.

She arrived back at her mooring in Portland harbour on July 26th and was to remain there until sailing for her next training cruise and fleet exercises in mid-September. Together with IMPLACABLE, she conducted exercises in the Bristol Channel before visiting St. Mary’s, the largest of the Scilly Isles and Milford Haven. On completion of the exercises, she sailed for Devonport, arriving on October 6th to begin her annual drydocking and refit period. This work concluded in early December and she came back at her berth in Portland on the 7th.

1954

The Admiralty announced on January 26th that both INDEFATIGABLE and IMPLACABLE were to be replaced as the Home Fleet training ships and were to be reduced to reserve. No date was promulgated for this, and the current training programme for the year remained unchanged. The two carriers sailed on February 27th for the Western Mediterranean on their annual winter cruise. The ships exercised with the Home Fleet before IMPLACABLE detached to visit Lisbon, and INDEFATIGABL made a port visit to Casablanca, Morocco, arriving on March 3rd. After six days in h#arbour, she sailed for Gibraltar and rejoined IMPLACABLE to conduct exercises with EAGLE and VANGAURD before entering harbour. The two training carriers returned to Portland on April 1st.

A new commanding officer arrived on May 10, 1954, Captain H. C. Browne CBE, DSO, relieved Captain Fisher, who was to be promoted to Rear Admiral in July of that year. On June 9th, INDEFATIGABLE and her sister sailed north to Greenock to conduct exercises with the Home Fleet in Scottish waters. Upon completing the exercise program, the ship made a second visit to Aarhus, Denmark, from where she sailed for Rosyth. On arrival back at Portland on July 19th, the Ship’s company and trainees were inspected by Admiral Sir Michael Denny, Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet, during Admiral’s Divisions held on the flight deck.

At the start of August, she was open to the public for the last time as an attraction for Portland Navy Days. The handover of training duties began with the arrival of the converted Light Fleet Carrier OCEAN at Portland. The first transfer of training staff began on August 14th, and by the 25th, all staff, equipment and stores had been installed in OCEAN.

With a reduced crew of 400 and flying her paying off pennant, INDEFATIGABLE sailed from Portland for the final time at 14:30 on August 31st 1954, bound for Rosyth, where she was to be paid off to the reserve. She arrived at Rosyth Naval Dockyard at 11:30 on September 2nd, having travelled up the English Channel and into the North Sea. Work began immediately to destore and offload her ammunition. On September 3rd, Captain Browne handed command of the ship to his executive officer, Commander J. R.A. Seymour OBE, DSC and left the ship. The ship’s company departed a few days later as a draft to return to Devonport Barracks.

Disposal, 1855

She was decommissioned to class III reserve in October and was to be ready for towing to the Clyde by November 15th. This date was not met, the carrier remained moored at Rosyth for the next ten months. She was moved by four Admiralty Tugs in July 1955 and she arrived at the Gareloch to join the Reserve Fleet Clyde and was placed on the disposal list.

INDEFATIGABLE was sold for scrap in September 1956 to Arnott & Young Ship Breakers, Dalmuir.