The strike programme called for further attacks on the 10th and 11th, returning to Leyte for completion; this changed when Admiral Spruance, commanding the U.S. 5th Fleet, requested that TF57 instead strike airfields in Northern Formosa. The U.S. had been hit hard by kamikaze attacks originating from Shinchiku and Matsuyama airfields in Formosa; American carriers had wooden flight decks, and a kamikaze hit could cause very serious damage. The British carriers all had armoured flight decks, so the risks of severe damage were far less. Admiral Rawlings agreed to the new tasking, and the two strike days for Sakishima were cancelled, and TF57 made for Formosa.
 

Iceberg strike series 4, April 10 - 12: Formosa and ‘ICEBERG OOLONG’ The revised programme called for strikes on Shinchiku and Matsuyama airfields on Formosa on April 11th and 12th. The Fleet arrived in the flying-off position 30 miles southwest of Yonakumi Shima at 06:00 on the 11th, but weather conditions were unfavourable, and the strike was postponed for 24 hours.
 

The weather had improved considerably during the night as the Fleet returned to its flying-off position off Formosa. At 05:55, the Fleet was detected by enemy reconnaissance aircraft, and shortly afterwards, enemy air activity was noted to the north. Sixteen Seafires were launched at 06:15 for Fleet CAP, and at 07:04, one flight of four from 887 Squadron encountered four eastbound enemy fighters, three A6M2 ‘Zeke’ and a single Ki-61 ‘Tony’. At 07:19, Sub-Lt J. H. Kernahan, RNVR, shot down one ‘Zeke’ into the sea 5- 10 miles north of Yonakuni Shima and claimed the Ki-61 as possibly destroyed. The other two aircraft managed to escape.
 

Two strikes, each of 24 Avengers and 20 escorting Hellcat and Corsairs, were flown off at 07:15 from position 23°58' N 122°46' E. After forming up these proceeded in company around the coast towards their targets, cloud prevented either strike going over the mountains One strike bombed Shinchiku airfields with delay fused bombs and attacked dispersals. There was flak but no airborne opposition. Due to cloud conditions over Matsuyama airfield, the other strike attacked their alternative target, Kiirun harbour, where hits were observed on the chemical plant, dock area and shipping. One flight investigated Matsuama and found little activity. A nearby railway station and factory were attacked, and one DC-2 ‘Tess’ was destroyed on the ground. A bridge over the river south of Matsuama was destroyed and shipping at Tansui shot up.
 

At 09:20, during the escort mission, Sub-Lt E. Miller RNVR, the observer of the leading plane, DT941 ('276/S'), spotted several aircraft about five miles away, and the two fireflies closed in. The leading pilot, W. Thomson RNVR, recognised them as five Ki-51 'Sonia' kamikaze dive-bombers in formation heading for the Fleet. He signalled his number two, Sub-Lt J. P. Stott RNVR, and his observer, Lt. R. Ward RN, in DVI19 ('281/S'), to attack. The whole action was over in a few minutes. Sub-Lt Thompson destroyed one target at close range; it exploded, and as he passed by, his windscreen was covered with blazing oil. Meanwhile, his number two, Sub-Lt Stott, was destroying another. Each bagged two after dogfights low on the water, 10 miles NW of Kumi Island, while the fifth aircraft escaped into a cloud. These aircraft had not been detected by radar; fighters were thereafter maintained over the island. Hellcats and Corsairs successfully beat off enemy air attacks; the Seafire CAP did not engage. As a result of the Firefly engagement, Sub-Lt Stott became the top-scoring Firefly pilot, with  two confirmed and three shared enemy aircraft destroyed.
 

April 12th 1945, the Firefly crews of the ‘Dunbo’ ASR escort on the flight deck on their return after destroying four enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Left to right – Lt. (O) R. Ward, RN, Sub-Lt (A) (P) P. Stott, RNVR; Sub-Lt (A) (O) E. Miller, RNVR; Sub-Lt (A) (P) W. Thompson, RNVR. Image IWM (A 29286

At the end of the days strike a total of 17 enemy aircraft had been destroyed or damaged; 16 shot down and 1, plus 1 probably destroyed, on the ground, 2 damaged in aerial combat. TF 57 lost 5 aircraft.
 

A second round of strikes was planned for the 13th; at 05:50, four fighters were flown off, shortly after a raid was made by 4 enemy D3A ‘Val’ bombers, one bomb narrowly missing INDOMITABLE. A Hellcat was hit by friendly fire during the gunnery barrage to defend the Fleet; the pilot was killed. The first Seafire and Corsair CAP flights launched at 06:15 in position 23° 58.5' N. 122° 46' E. At 06:40, a small group of bogeys was intercepted by CAP Corsairs 25 miles to the northwest of the Fleet; two A6M2 ‘Zeke’ were splashed and the remainder retired to the north.

Two Avenger strikes were flown off at 06:45 to attack Matsuyama and Shinchiku airfields. The weather over Matsuyama was fair. Runways, barracks, and dispersal points were successfully bombed, and a petrol or ammunition dump was blown up. Few aircraft were seen on the airfield. Fighters shot up about 12 aircraft on Giran airfield without apparent result. The other Avenger force bombed Shinchiku airfield through low clouds, hitting runway intersections and installations. No aircraft were lost in either of these strikes, and there was no airborne opposition.
 

At 13:00 Hellcats intercepted 3 A6M2 ‘Zeke’ about 40 miles north of the Fleet, and Corsairs intercepted a Dinah escorted by Ki-44 ‘Tojo’ fighters. All the enemy aircraft escaped in cloud. The Firefly CAP for the ASR Dumbo attacked the suspected radar station on Yonakuni Shima with rockets and apparently destroyed it. When relieved, they also shot up luggers and small craft in the harbour close to Iriizaki. After these bomber strikes were flown on, the Fleet disengaged to the south eastward to refuel.

After these bomber strikes were flown on, the Fleet disengaged to the south eastward to refuel. A total of 8 enemy aircraft had been destroyed, 3 shot down with 5 destroyed on the ground; TF 57 lost 2 aircraft. 

Replenishment period 5, April 14 - 15: At 06:30 on April 14th the Fleet made contact with LSG in position Cootie One. The carrier FORMIDABLE, with destroyers KEMPENFELT and WESSEX, was waiting and joined Task Force 57, relieving ILLUSTRIOUS, which sailed for Leyte at 17:55, screened by URANIA and QUALITY. Replenishment continued on the 15th, SPEAKER provided CAP but no replacement aircraft were available during this replenishment period; FORMIDABLE was at full strength however, carrying 848 Squadron’s 18 Avengers along with 1841 and 1842 Squadrons - each with 18 Corsairs.
 

Iceberg strike series 5, April 16 - 17: The Fleet was back on station off Sakishima at position 23° 28’ N, 125° 18’ E in the early hours of April 16th to resume ICEBERG strikes. At 06:00, Fleet CAP was flown off, and at 06:30, the first strike took off to attack Ishigaki airfields. This attack, and a further one flown off at 12:30, left all the runways unserviceable. At 09:30, the second strike took off to attack Miyako airfields, where previous craters were found to be filled in; this attack, together with another flown off at 15:33, left all Miyako airfields out of action. Rocket-carrying Fireflies straffed a radar station at Miyako, and ground installations, barracks, and grounded aircraft generally were straffed. There was no airborne opposition over the targets, and flak was moderate. In the afternoon, Seafire NN208 (887 Sqn) bounced on landing, cleared the barriers and crashed. The pilot, Sub-Lt L.A. Bradbury, was unhurt, but the plane wrecked an Avenger, damaged Firefly DT941 ('276/S'), and knocked two ratings over the side. QUIBERON picked up one, but the other was not recovered. At 17:35, two Hellcats from 1844 engaged a C6N ‘Myrt’ 80 miles east of Formosa, and shot it down in flames.

April 16th 1945: The scene after Seafire NN208 of 887 Squadron bounced over all arrestor wires & barriers to land in the deck park damaging an Avenger and Firefly DT941 ('276/S'). The pilot Sub-Lt L.A. Bradbury RNVR was OK but two crewmen were knocked overboard, one of which was not recovered. Image © IWM (A 29715)

The success in subduing the enemy airfields was shown by the fact that only two enemy aircraft were destroyed: one shot down and one destroyed on the ground TF57 lost 5 aircraft - 3 in combat and 2 operationally.

On the morning of April 17th, CAPs was flown off at 06:00, the first strike taking off at 06:30. Efforts had been made to fill in the runway craters at Miyako, but none at Ishigaki, so the strike was sent to Ishigaki. Of the strikes sent to Miyako, the first two left all airfields unserviceable and the third attacked municipal buildings and barracks. TCAPs were maintained over both islands, but reported no activity on any airfields, all of which remained unserviceable at the end of the day. No operational aircraft could be found on the ground. The day's tally was 3 enemy aircraft destroyed in combat and several small ships damaged. TF57 lost 1 aircraft ..

Replenishment period 6, April 18 - 19: During the 18th and 19th the fleet refuelled from the LSG tanker group, SPEAKER again providing CAP fighters. No replacement aircraft were issued during this period.

Iceberg strike series 6, April 20: TF 57 was back on station before dawn on April 20th to carry out their twelfth and final strike day of ICEBERG One. The pattern followed that of previous strike days, and the day ended with all airfields cratered; neither the strike groups nor the Fleet encountered enemy air activity.  TF57 lost 1 aircraft .At 19:10, the Fleet set course for Leyte to meet the Fleet Maintenance Group for repairs and a replenishment period.
 

Repairs and Replenishment at Leyte

Damage repair and defect rectification was a priority; the bomb damage to INDEFATIGABLE’s Island was taken in hand by teams from the repair ship ARTIFEX and were completed in a week The Fleet embarked stores, ammunition, replacement aircraft and squadron aircrews were returned to full strength in readiness for the second phase of ICEBERG operations.

Operation ICEBERG Two

Task Force 57 sailed from Leyte at 06:30 on May 1st to return to their operational area off the Sakishima-Gunto group for a second series of 12 strike days. In the forenoon of May 1st, INDEFATIGABLE launched eight Avengers to clear the deck, and four Firefly pilots received deck landing training. One Avenger pilot followed them, but due to changing wind conditions, it was not possible to provide any refresher training to the 18 new Seafire pilots now present aboard.

The forenoon on the 2nd was devoted to Seafire air drills and test flights, during which 13 of the new pilots made one deck landing each. In the afternoon, an extensive air exercise occurred, during which all new Firefly crews participated. Twelve Avengers were launched for the drill, but four returned for emergency landings.

Replenishment period 7, May 3: The Fleet refueled from the LSG in Area MOSQUITO One during the day on May 3rd to top off their tanks before departing for the flying off position. Tragedy struck 1770 squadron that evening, an Avenger parked on the aft end of the flight deck with wings folded accidentally fired off approximately 100 rounds from its forward gun mounts. Some of these rounds penetrated the quarterdeck and ricocheted into 1770 Sqn aircrew cabins. Squadron Observer Sub-Lt (A) J. A. R. Mcintyre RNVR was killed, and two pilots were injured, one of whom was the senior pilot. Some hasty reorganisation was needed to prepare for combat operations the next day.
 

Iceberg strike series 7, May 4 - 5: The strike program for the first day included a bombardment of shore targets by the Battleships KING GEORGE V and HOWE and Cruisers BLACK PRINCE, EURYALUS, SWIFTSURE, GAMBIA and UGANDA. On arrival at the flying off position, INDEFATIGABLE reported 20 Avengers, 11 Fireflies, and 38 Seafires serviceable. Fleet CAP aircraft began launching at 05:40 when 8 Seafires launched for the first of six CAP serials planned for the day. Ten minutes later, enemy air activity near Sakishima was detected. One small group approached the Fleet, CAP Hellcats intercepted; one ‘Zeke’ was shot down in flames at 07:00 before the others escaped in cloud.

Strike ABLE began launching at 06:10. Twelve Avengers had been ranged on INDEFATIGABLE, but by aircrew briefing time, this had been reduced to nine. Four of these were accelerated. 820 Squadron, led by Lt (A) C. A. G. Aldcroft, RNVR, formed up with eleven Avengers from 849 Squadron and eight Corsairs from 47 Wing aboard VICTORIOUS.

Eight R/P-armed Fireflies were also set to launch as part of this strike, but one became unserviceable before takeoff. They were airborne by 06:17. They were to split into two groups: four to escort the Avengers to Miyako Shima, while the others headed to Ishigaki Shima with orders to attack any shipping in Hirara and Ishigaki harbours. The strike group, led by Lt. Col. R. C. Hay, RM, departed for Miyako Shima at 06:28. The Island was reached at 06:45 and found to be clear of cloud and with good visibility. Communication problems arose on the way to the target; heavy interference was heard on the assigned radio channel, most likely caused by static and not by the transmitter being left on. The transmission could just be heard through the interference.

The targets for 820 Squadron were 5 A.A. troop positions East of the southern end of Hirara Airfield's North/South runway. 849 Squadron was to bomb A.A. emplacements to the west of Hirara Airfield. The attack began at 07:05. Eight aircraft from 820 Squadron aimed at the targets ordered. At least one stick of bombs burst at each end of the target area, and one stick was seen to burst in its counter. Four bombs missed, one of which demolished a farmhouse 500 yards South of the runway. The ninth aircraft failed to identify the targets and aimed at a revetted twin-engined aircraft 600 yards to the North. Its bombs

 missed short. Two Avengers used their front and rear guns on a lorry on the airfield. Hits were observed, and the lorry stopped but did not flame. Buildings and boats at Yerabu were also attacked with machine gun fire. One Avenger of 820 Squadron, JZ481, was hit by Flak as it pulled out of its bombing glide. On fire, the hydraulic system was wrecked, and with two crew members injured, the damaged aircraft was escorted out to sea by two others of 820 Squadron. Shortly after the fire in the wing tank burnt itself out, the aircraft was escorted safely back to the fleet, and Sub-Lt (A) A. I. Ryman, RMVR, landed at 07:55 with one undercarriage leg only half down. The aircraft was a write-off and was later jettisoned. The remaining 820 Squadron Avengers landed at 0905.

849 Squadron dropped thirty-seven 500-lb bombs with one direct hit on an A.A. emplacement, and three sticks were near misses. One bomb hung up, and the pilot successfully released it to hit the runway at Sukuma airfield. After rendezvousing with the remaining aircraft of the strike group, they set course for the base at 07:12 and landed by 08:21.

1770 squadron had been briefed to attack targets independently of the Avengers; shipping off Miyako, with Barracks and a radar station as alternative targets, should no shipping be encountered. On reaching the Island, they split into two flights. The first flight of four Fireflies wasted all their rockets on a wreck North of Hirara. This was not a briefed target, suggesting that the crews had paid insufficient attention to their briefing. Without any remaining rockets, they straffed the Defences on Shimoji Shima with cannon, and a fire was started inside a stone or concrete pillbox. The other 3 Fireflies, led by Major V.B. G. Cheesman, RM, found no shipping off Ishigaki. One section attacked the Radio Weather Station with rockets, four pairs bursting amongst the buildings. The Northern building was seen to be hit, and the Southern building was probably hit. The third aircraft attacked Ishigaki Barracks with rockets, which missed close to the south. On their way out, the Fireflies straffed some very small boats in Ishigaki Harbour, two of which caught alight. All 7 Fireflies landed on between 08:22 and 08:25. The remaining Aircraft from Strike ABLE had landed by 08:30.

Strike BAKER for Ishigaki Shima began launching from INDOMITABLE at 08:17 when twelve Avengers from 857 Squadron and the Air Group Leader's Flight of two Hellcats (Cdr N. S. Luard RN) took off. They were joined by a further 11 Avengers from 848 Squadron and 8 Corsairs from 6 Wing. FORMIDABLE as an escort. The Strike departed at 08:45, with four Corsairs bow and four Corsairs stern escort. Air Group Leader's flight of two Hellcats flew above the strike. On approaching Ishigaki, Cdr Luard and his no.2 went ahead and observed that both Ishigaki and Miyara Airfields were serviceable. They instructed the strike leader to attack the targets for which they had been briefed. Lt-Cdr T. G. V. Percy led 848 Squadron's Avengers to attack Ishigaki, and Lt-Cdr W. Stuart, DSC, RNVR led 857 Squadron's Avengers to attack Miyara. All enemy A.A. batteries appeared to be operational and opened fire on the strike aircraft.

848 Squadron dropped 44 x 500-lb bombs on the main runway of Ishigaki Airfield, resulting in an estimated 20 craters in the runway's centre 857 Squadron dropped 44 x 500-lb bombs on Miyara Airfields, scoring 12 hits hits on the southern end of the main runway and six hits off the southern end of that runway. Both Airfields were effectively cratered and unfit to operate aircraft. The Corsairs of the escort dropped 16 x 500-1b bombs on Ishigaki Town and Harbour, hitting Ishigaki Pier. A large junk crossing to Ishigaki was strafed by No. 1 and 2 sections, and left half-submerged. Sub—Lt F. T. Stirling RNVR of 1842 Squadron also straffed and destroyed an unidentified enemy aircraft believed to be a two-seater. One of 857 Squadron's Avengers, the last of the second flight to attack, failed to reach the rendezvous. Aircraft from Strike BAKER had landed by 10:55.

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, 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 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 887 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, it climbed and escaped into the cloud. 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 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 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 began taking off at 08:26 with INDOMITABLE launching 11 Avengers from 857 Squadron and 8 Hellcats from 5 Wing as escort, plus Cdr Luard’s Air Group Leader Flight of two Hellcats. Launched at 08:45, 15 minutes late. At 08:43, seven Fireflies took off from INDEFATIGABLE to form up with Strike ABLE, an eighth having gone unserviceable in the range. The Strike departed at 09:03, and the Avenger Strike Leader, Lt-Cdr (A) W: Stuart RNVR 857 Squadron, set course for Miyako. One Avenger returned to the fleet with engine trouble. On approaching Miyako, Cdr Luard and his no.2 observed that Hirara Airfield was serviceable. However, they could see no fresh aircraft on it or Nobara Airfield, so he directed the strike to attack the targets for which they had been briefed. 1770 Squadron, led by Major CHEESMAN, RM, was to attack A.A. battery positions at Hirara Airfield, whose runway's intersection was to be bombed by Avengers from 857 Squadron.

The Fireflies reached the Island at 09:40, and Major Cheesman led the attack at 09:45, but due to a radio failure, the second flight was late in its attack. As a result, they were in danger from falling bombs from the Avengers, which had commenced their first run. Six of the seven Fireflies succeeded. However, only 3 of the four target battery positions were attacked. For this mission, a new attack technique was being employed, one which had the Fireflies dive from 8,000 feet at an angle of 40 - 45° and release their rockets at about 3,000 feet. Rocket strikes were observed on all three Batteries. Their 20mm Cannon were also fired during the dives. The seventh Firefly attacked the Barracks 2 - 3 miles N.N.E. of Hirara. The fall of its rockets was not observed, but cannon strikes were seen on the buildings. The Avengers approached the target from the southwest and attacked at 09:50. Hits were observed on the runway intersection, and a few bombs hit the runways off the intersection but only managed to disable the NE-SW runway. The previous day’s bombardment appeared to have been successful, as the strike groups reported that no flak 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, six Avengers from 849 squadron VICTORIOUS and two Corsairs - the Air Group Leader, Lt. Col. R. C. Hay, RM, and his no. 2, took off. Eight Hellcats were launched from INDOMITABLE at 11:04 for the Islands TCAP and provided 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 squadrons had targets on Ishigaki airfield; 820 Squadron, led by Lt-Cdr (A) F. L. Jones, DSC, RNVR, was briefed to bomb 3 A.A. positions near the main runway and 849 Squadron was briefed to bomb the east–west runway and dispersal areas. However, shortly after launch, target briefs were changed over the radio; 820 Squadron was to provide a flight of four aircraft to bomb the east–west runway, while the other eight attacked as initially briefed. The 5 Avengers of 849 Squadron were tasked with attacking only the dispersal areas. This change initially caused some confusion, as the Strike Leader, Lt. (A) R. Halliday, RMVR of 849 Squadron, did not receive the radio message ordering this change. The Strike reached the Island at 12:20, and the cloud was found to be 6/10 at 3,000 feet, hindering the attack, which commenced at 12:25 The flight assigned to bomb the runway only managed limited success: only two of the four aircraft dropped their bombs, and hits were seen from one stick. Nine aircraft attacked the three A.A. Battery positions, but two of these suffered partial hang-ups. Bomb explosions were seen at two of the Battery positions and probably at the third, but the effect of the bombs was unobserved. One Avenger could not identify the briefed targets due to the clouds but instead attacked the dispersal area, where its bombs were seen to burst. Seven squadron aircraft straffed Flak positions and other airfield installations with front and rear guns before setting course for the rendezvous point.

849 Squadron made a steep glide bombing attack from East to west on the aircraft dispersal south of the main runway. There was no A.A. fire observed. The bombing was accurate, except for that on the East-West runway. As a result, Lt. Col. R. C. Hay ordered the Hellcat Escort to bomb it, scoring three hits and one near miss. The Strike regrouped at 12:33 and set course for the Fleet. However, on leaving the target, two 820 Squadron Avengers sighted what they took to be heliograph flashes from the water approximately 2 miles S.S.W. of Ishigaki Town. Both aircraft investigated the position but found nothing. All strike aircraft had landed by 14:00.

Strike CHARLIE began launching at 13:45 when 8 Avengers from 857 Squadron took off from Indomitable to strike targets on Miyako Shima; they formed up with 7 Corsairs from 47 Wing VICTORIOUS. These were on passage to begin a tour of TCAP over the islands, and they provided fighter escorts until after the strike. 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. The Strike departed at 14:07. The Avengers were briefed to bomb the runways at Nobara and Hirara airfields. The cover made a standard attack impossible, so the strike aircraft made a complete circle over 7/10 cloud and took a good look through the gaps. The first aircraft attacked at 1455; subsequent attacks were made by pairs of aircraft at intervals as ordered by the Strike leader, Lt. Cdr (A) W. Stuart RNVR. Due to the cloud cover, the bombing results were unobserved, but the bombs were seen to explode, all on the runways: 8 bombs on the N/S runway and six on the E/W runway, at least leaving them unserviceable. The strike was re-formed at 15:14, and the course was set for the base. The returning aircraft began landing at 15:51.

The Fleet withdrew at 19:05 and proceeded to replenishment area Cootie. The day was quieter than the previous day. Only 1 enemy aircraft was destroyed in combat, with 3, and 2 probably, destroyed on the ground. TF57 lost 3 aircraft.

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 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 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 began taking off at 08:26 with INDOMITABLE launching 11 Avengers from 857 Squadron led by the Strike Leader, Lt-Cdr (A) W: Stuart RNVR and 8 Hellcats from 5 Wing, including the Air Group Leader’s flight, as escort. These were joined by 8 Avengers from 848 Squadron FORMIDABLE, led by Lt. Cdr T. G. V. Percy, RN tasked to attack the airfield at Ishigaki. One Hellcat had to return to base due to engine trouble before forming up. After forming up, the Strike departed at 08:55, 4 Hellcats as Bow cover and three as stern cover. Approaching the Island, the Air Group Leader, Cdr N. S. Luard RN, pressed on ahead to assess the target areas. He found the main runway at Ishigaki airfield still well cratered, but the secondary east-west runway was serviceable; he instructed 848 Squadron to attack this target. At 09:45, the 8 Avengers dropped thirty-two 500-lb bombs on this runway.

857 Squadron Avengers were ordered to attack the two targets briefed. Before takeoff, dispersed targets adjacent to the airfield. Target no.80, a clump of trees north of Ishigaki Airfield, containing a probable stores dump—20 bombs fell in the target area, and black smoke was observed. Target No.83, another store area, and dispersal for operational aircraft south of the NE end of Ishigaki main runway—20 bombs were dropped, eight landed on target, with the remaining 12 bursting in the general target area. 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 led by Lt. Cdr D. R. Foster RNVR, the Strike leader, and 8 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort, led by Lt. Col. R. C. Hay, RM Air Group Leader. They were joined by 16 Avengers from 820 Squadron, INDEFATIGABLE, led by Lt. Cdr (A) F. L. Jones, DSC, RNVR. Immediately after take-off, Lt. Cdr Jones had to return to the ship when his aircraft’s undercarriage refused to retract. Lt. (A) C. A. G. Aldcroft, RMVR, took over as squadron leader. The Strike departed at 11:08. Approaching the islands, Lt. Col. Hay went ahead to Hirara airfield to assess the targets and carry out pre-bombing photography. The island was reached at 11:10, and the weather over Miyako was ideal, with no clouds and maximum visibility. He then confirmed 820 Squadron's targets and instructed Lt. Aldcroft that he was not to bomb until the order was given; this had been mentioned in the pre-flight briefing, where all crews were told not to attack any target until specifically ordered to do so by the Air Group Leader.

After completing his reconnoitre, the Air Group Leader ordered "301 BAKER" to attack, which Lt. Aldcroft took as an order for all Avengers to bomb. However, this was not the Air Group Leader's intention. The order was intended for 849—No. 1 Squadron in the Strike only. No. 1 Squadron orbited the target while the Strike Loader, Lt. Cdr D. R. Foster RNVR, detached three aircraft to attack target no. 40, several camouflaged mounds at Hirara; only one pilot recognised the target, and his bomb load just missed. The other two completely missed dropping their bombs on empty ground. The other aircraft of No. 1 Squadron then bombed the runway intersection, dropping twenty-six 500lb bombs. Seven hits were observed on runways, but only two were really effective.

820 Squadron had been briefed to attack the administration buildings and camouflaged military installations on a ridge northeast of Hirara airfield. While 849 Squadron was bombing the runway intersection, the Air Group Leader was observing this attack from about 1500 feet to the north of the airfield when at 11:45, the heavy flak battery, previously the target for bombing and then heavy bombardment by the HOWE, began firing. Moments later, bombs began to fall near him; 820—No. 2 Squadron in the Strike had begun their attack targets 42 to 45 over which he was passing at the time, without explicit orders. Attempts to order the squadron to break off failed. Thirteen Avengers from 820 Squadron attacked. Twenty bombs were aimed at the administration buildings, with at least two near misses. Twenty-four bombs were aimed at the various camouflaged buildings and installations on the ridge Northeast of the Airfield. There were no visible hits on any installations. No.2 Squadron had been briefed that they would be held as reserves to be diverted onto runways if necessary; hence, the staggered attack. With only two of the three runways obstructed, they should have been directed to finish the job, but only one Avenger dropped its bombs on the runway intersection with unobserved results. The fifteenth aircraft had a hang-up in its original attack and returned, dropping its bombs on Sukama runway, which was hit. One aircraft from No. 1 Squadron also had a hang-up, and a single 500 lb bomb was dropped on the Sukama runway. The Strike departed from the rendezvous point at 12:05 to return to base. 820 Squadron landed at 13:50.

Strike CHARLIE for Ishigaki Shima began launching just before the Avengers from Strike BAKER landed on. Eight RP armed Fireflies, led by Lieutenant (A) G. E. Pugh, RNVR, took off at 13:40 to form up with Strike CHARLIE. At 13:44, 8 Avengers from 857 Squadron, led by the Strike Leader, Lt-Cdr (A) W: Stuart RNVR and 8 Hellcats from 5 Wing from INDOMITABLE were launched to strike Miyara airfield on Ishigaki Shima. Cdr N. S. Luard RN was the Air Group Leader. The Strike departed for Ishigaki Shima at 14:00. The Hellcats were to escort the Strike before taking over the Island TCAP. One Hellcat had to return to base with engine trouble. The strike group arrived at the island at 14:37; although there was no cloud cover over the island, visibility was good. The primary targets allocated to 1770 Squadron were any aircraft seen in the coastal dispersals or Miyara airfield; secondary targets were two covered revetments and a suspected M.T. Pak. 857 Squadron was tasked with bombing the intersection of the primary and auxiliary runways at the same airfield.

The. Fireflies found the dispersals deserted as they ran up the coast, and so their rockets were used against the alternative targets. Twenty-two were fired at the suspected camouflage M. T. Park with unobserved results. Eight were sent against the Northern covered revetment and 34 against the Southern. Some rockets were seen to burst on or very close to both revetments, which appeared to contain nothing more than square pieces of cloth or netting with hanging flaps. Similarly, nothing except one piece of camouflage material was sighted in the suspected M.T. park, although the bushes may have hidden targets. All eight Fireflies came out low from their rocket strikes over and down the coastal dispersals with cannons ready. After the R/P attack, two Fireflies attacked a single-engine aircraft in a revetment at the south end of the main runway and expended a large number of 20 mm rounds on it. It was well hit but did not burn; it transpired that this aircraft had been in this position for the last month and was utterly wrecked. During this pointless attack, a number of gun flashes were seen from an emplacement just beyond the end of the main runway, and they were lucky to escape without taking damage.

The Avenger bombing was less accurate than usual, with only four hits on the middle of the runway intersection, three hits on the West side of the runway to the North of the intersection, two hits on the West side of the runway to the south of the intersection, and 14 hits slightly to the West of the main runway. Together with previous unfilled craters, this rendered both runways unserviceable. Three of the Hellcats carried 500-lb bombs and were ordered to attack dispersal points; only one scored a direct hit on target No.70, and one failed to explode. The strike group encountered no Flak and departed from the rendezvous point at 14:53 and began to land from 15:41.

There was no cloud over the island, and the strike group reached 14:40 with good visibility. The. Fireflies found the dispersals deserted as they ran up the coast, and so their rockets were used against the alternative targets. Twenty-two were fired at the suspected camouflage M. T. Park with unobserved results. Eight were sent against the Northern covered revetment and 34 against the Southern. Some rockets were seen to burst on or very close to both revetments, which appeared to contain nothing more than square pieces of cloth or netting with hanging flaps. Similarly, nothing except one piece of camouflage material was sighted in the suspected M.T. park, although the bushes may have hidden targets. All eight Fireflies came out low from their rocket strikes over and down the coastal dispersals with cannons ready. Only one single-engine aircraft was seen that was not positively identified as a dummy or a wreck. This aircraft was hit with 20 mm rounds from two Fireflies. The Avenger bombing was less accurate than usual. Only about four bombs actually 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 on from 15:41.

Strike DOG to attack Nobara airfield on Miyako Shima began to take off at 15:46; twelve Avengers from 820 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE, led by Lt. Cdr F.L. Jones, DSC, RNVR, as Strike Leader. They were joined by 6 Avengers from 849 Squadron, led by Lt (A) R.E. Swain RNVR and 8 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort, led by Lt (A) D. A. Dick RNVR from VICTORIOUS. Once formed up, the Strike departed at 16:09 and reached Miyako at 16:26. They found excellent visibility over the target, with no clouds. One of INDEFATIGABLE’s Avengers had been 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 squadrons were tasked with attacking the runways at Nobara airfield. 820 (No. 1) Squadron attacked first, splitting into two flights at 16:43: five aircraft attacked the North/South runway from the North, and the other six took the East/West runway from the East. Results on the North/South runway were disappointing, most bombs falling on the servicing strip to the West, though 3 or 4 burst on the Northern end of the runway. Of the other 24 bombs from the Squadron, many were seen to burst on the East/West runway and were well distributed along its length. Those that did not hit the runway fell on the servicing strip. 849 (No. 2) Squadron bombed the North/South runway at 16:50, and 16 bombs were claimed as hits, with another four believed to have destroyed a parked aircraft. Both runways were left unserviceable. Two of the 11 Avencers of 820 Squadron, which carried out the attack, returned and were given an emergency landing at 17:40. The remainder of Strike DOG aircraft began to land at 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 west, coming in fast. Four Seafires from 894 squadron 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 Fleet's 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, but 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 16:56, a second Kamikaze made a shallow power glide from astern on VICTORIOUS. Despite being hit by heavy gunfire, and on fire, it hit the flight deck aft a glancing blow, and burning furiously, passed over the side. Damage to the ship was confined to one arrester unit out of action, a 40 mm gun director destroyed, and four Corsairs on deck damaged beyond repair. Casualties from both these attacks were three killed, four seriously injured, and 15 wounded.

A third Kamikaze made a pass at VICTORIOUS at 16:57, but then shifted its 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 to 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 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.
 

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 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 began taking off at 05:40. INDOMITABLE launched 11 Avengers from 857 Squadron led by the Strike Leader, Lt. Cdr (A) W: Stuart RNVR, and 4 Hellcats from 5 Wing as escort led by Cdr N. S. Luard RN, the Air Group Leader and another 4 Hellcats for TCAP. These were joined by 8 Avengers from 848 Squadron FORMIDABLE led by Lt. Cdr T. G. V. Percy, RN. Once formed up, the Strike departed at 06:05. Weather conditions were very bad for the first eighty miles, and the strike had to fly through a front which had a cloud base of 300 feet and heavy rainstorms. This was later cleared, and the Strike was able to climb to 8,000 feet upon reaching the island. The weather over the target was somewhat hazy, but clear of cloud below 10,000 feet. 857 Squadron's Avengers attacked the East-West runway of Ishigaki Airfield, scoring a large percentage of hits on the target. 848 Squadron's Avengers attacked the intersection of the runways on Miyara, a small target on which they only scored a few hits, but sufficient to render the runways unserviceable. Considering previous unrepaired craters, the Air Group Leader was able to report that all runways on Ishigaki Shima were unserviceable. No fresh aircraft were visible, and there was no sign of activity.

On withdrawing to the rendezvous point, over Kuro Shima, a new battery opened fire on the Avengers. The Japanese had figured out that this was a regularly used R/V position and was now considered compromised. The Strike departed for base at 07:22. At 08:22, while returning to the Fleet Avenger call sign “Limbo 384” (serial number unknown) ditched successfully in a rough sea, due to a lack of oil 80 miles west of the fleet. Their position was passed to Indomitable, and the Air-Sea Rescue submarine on H/F and V.H/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 BAKER for Miyako Shima launched at 08:05; 12 Avengers from 820 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE led by Lt. Cdr (A) F. L. Jones, DSC, RNVR, and 10 Avengers from 849 Squadron led by the Strike Leader, Lt. Cdr D. R. Foster RNVR, and 7 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort and TCAP led by the Air Group Leader Lt. Col. R. C. Hay, RM from VICTORIOUS. The Strike departed at 08:20. At 08:40, Lt. Cdr Foster turned back with engine trouble, and Lt (A) R.E. Swain RNVR assumed the role of Strike Leader. Landfall was made on the southern coast of Miyako at 09:02. There was no cloud cover, and maximum visibility was present. 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.

Arriving over Nobara airfield, 820 Squadron split into two flights. Lt. Cdr. Jones led the first flight down to attack the East/West runway from the East at 006, and Lt (A) C.A.G. Aldcroft, RNVR, followed two minutes later with his flight to bomb the North/South runway. Ten hits were counted on the East/West runway, and most of the remaining 14 bombs appeared to burst on the adjacent servicing strips. On the north-south runway, five hits were observed, with several on the servicing strips. Eight of the 24 bombs were seen to miss both runways and strips, and four of these burst among some buildings West of the centre of the runway. At Hirara airfield, 849 Squadron was observed to score fourteen good hits on the runway intersection. However, only 6 of these bombs exploded. On withdrawal, both airfields had been made unserviceable. The Strike reformed at the three rendezvous points and set course for the base at 09:19.

While reforming at the rendezvous, Sub-Lt (A) B. J. Smith, RMVR 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 DOG took off at 13:55, 8 Avengers from 849 Squadron VICTORIOUS led by Lt. Cdr D. R. Foster RNVR, with orders to attack a heavy A.A. position at Hirara airfield and 4 Fireflies from 1770 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE led by Major V.B. G. Cheesman, RM, to strafe two radio stations on Miyako Shima. The original planning called for eight Fireflies, but in light of the unplanned ASR flights, this was reduced to four. The Strike departed at 14:05. The Strike crossed the island's coastline at 14:50, with cloud cover at 3,000 feet; however, visibility was good below this ceiling. The Fireflies launched their attack in two sections: two aircraft fired rockets at the Hirara radio weather station, but all 16 of their projectiles missed. The second section attacked the northern radio station; eight rockets were very near misses, causing some damage to the communications centre buildings.

The Avengers split into two flights of four and attacked their targets at 14:53. Two sticks (eight bombs) were seen to hit inside the target gun position, and one stick was a very near miss on the administration buildings. However, one stick had three dud bombs, which failed to explode. The Strike reformed at 15:10 and departed for base two minutes later. Lt. Cdr. Foster ordered the formation to spread out and keep a lookout for a second dinghy, not the one for which two pairs of FIREFLIES had searched earlier.

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 commenced launching at 15:45 for targets on Miyako Shima, consisting of 11 Avengers from 820 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE, led by Lt (A) C. A. G. Aldcroft, RNVR – the twelfth became unserviceable on the deck – along with 8 Avengers from 848 Squadron led by Lt. Cdr T. G. V. Percy, RN as Strike Leader, and 4 Corsairs from 6 Wing as escort, led by Lt. Col. R. C. Hay, RM, Air Group Leader from FORMIDABLE. FORMIDABLE’s aircraft were delayed and did not launch until 16:10. There was good visibility and little cloud over the Island, which was reached at 16:45. Five minutes later, 820 Squadron attacked the runway intersection of Hirara Airfield, and 848 Squadron 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. On their withdrawal for the rendezvous point, several 848 Squadron aircraft carried out a low straffing run between the airfield and Cape South West of Hirara Town. The Strike encountered very light, but adequate, Flak while over the airfield; however, small automatic weapons fire was directed at the low-flying Avengers engaged in strafing, but this appeared to burst not far above the aircraft. The Sir Group Leader’s Corsair is being fitted with vertical and oblique cameras and obtained excellent verticals of Hirara Airfield. On arrival back at base, the Strike was ordered to keep clear for a time due to possible bogeys and began landing at 18:10. All Strike aircraft had landed by 18:25.

At 19:30, the dusk CAP was landed on, and the Fleet withdrew to the south for the night. The airfields on both Miyako and Ishigaki islands were again suppressed, runways re-cratered, and A.A. emplacements and dispersal areas were strafed. No enemy aircraft were airborne near 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 when Fleet and Islands CAPS were flown off. An outbreak of Gastroenteritis occurred in the wardroom on INDEFATIGABLE the previous afternoon, significantly affecting the ship's capabilities for the upcoming strikes; 55 pilots and observers were out sick, plus many of the ship’s Fighter Direction team. The carrier reported 15 Avengers and twelve pilots, 12 Fireflies and six pilots, and 32 Seafires and 21 pilots fit to fly.

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 of 9 Avengers from 849 Squadron led by Lt. Cdr D. R. Foster RNVR, Strike Leader and 8 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort and TCAP from VICTORIOUS, plus 12 Avengers from 820 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE led by Lt (A) C. A. G. Aldcroft, RNVR. The Strike departed at 08:15 and made landfall on the east coast of Miyako at 08:51.

A revised target package had only been passed to the carriers as alternatives, six minutes before the Strike were due off the deck. This news reached a few pilots, other than the Air Group Leader and flight commanders, before the strike took off, and the aerial brief on passage was not received by three of 820 Squadron’s crews.’ This was the cause of confusion later. Approaching the islands, the Air Group Leader, Lt. Col. Hay, RM, and his No. 2 went ahead to assess the targets and carry out pre-bombing photography. Preliminary examination revealed that both runways at Nobara had been repaired overnight, and at Hirara, the NE/SW and E/W runways were serviceable. However, no attempt had been made for some time now to restore the N/S runway. He then issued target orders for the strike; the Avengers of 849 Squadron (No. 1 Squadron) were ordered to attack first, their target was the intersection at Hirara, and 820 Squadron (No. 2 Squadron) was ordered to distribute their bombs between the two runways at Nobara. However, on reaching the airfield at 08:55, these three 820 crews proceeded to attack with 849 Squadron Avengers, bombing the NE/SW runway at Hirara as initially briefed. The standard of the bombing was poor; out of 48 bombs dropped, only four damaging hits were observed. These rendered the NE/SW runway out of action, but not the E/W. Just as they were about to exit the area for the R/V point, the heavy A.A. Battery N.W. of Hirara airfield fired four rounds. The remainder of 820 Squadron attacked Nobara as finally ordered; six Avengers took the E/W runway and three the N/S runway. Again, results were poor; out of 36 bombs, probably no more than one hit on each runway was scored. Weather conditions were 5/10 cloud at 3,000 feet, which hampered the attacks to a certain extent, and 820 Squadron had fielded only 12 pilots fit to fly. After reforming, the Strike departed for base at 09:23; 849 began landing at 10:13, and the Avengers of 820 Squadron had landed by 10:22.

Strike CHARLIE began launching at 10:55 for targets on Ishigaki Shima. INDOMITABLE launched 8 Avengers from 857 Squadron led by the Strike Leader, Lt. Cdr (A) W: Stuart RNVR, and 8 Hellcats from 5 Wing, with four as escorts and 4 for TCAP. These formed up with 8 Avengers from 848 Squadron, FORMIDABLE, led by Lt. Cdr T. G. V. Percy RN. The Strike took departure at 11:10. One aircraft from 857 Squadron returned to base soon after launch with an oil leak. Ishigaki was reached at 12:08, the weather was favourable, with 3/10th cumulus at 2,500 feet and the targets were attacked at 1212. 857 Squadron was to bomb a storage dump at Ishigaki airfield and a camouflaged dispersal at Miyara airfield, scoring several hits on target. 848 Squadron bombed targets in Hiraye Town, including Barracks and storehouses. No enemy aircraft were seen, and little A.A. fire was encountered. The Force reformed and set course for base at 12:24. The Fleet was reached at 13:26, and the Strike had landed by 14:13.

Strike DOG began taking off at 13:40; this Strike, however, had targets on both. Ishigaki Shima and Miyako Shima. VICTORIOUS launched 6 Avengers from 849 Squadron led by Lt. Cdr D. R. Foster RNVR, the Strike Loader, and 4 Corsairs from 1836 Squadron as escort led by their C.O., Lt. Cdr J. B. Edmundson. RN. Their targets were on Ishigaki Shima, while INDEFATIGABLE launched 6 Fireflies from 1770 Squadron at 13:40, led by Lt (A) R. O. Steel, RNVR. As the Avengers with their escort were proceeding to a different island, the Fireflies took departure for Miyako Shima as soon as they were formed up.

The Avengers departed for Ishigaki Shima at 13:55, making landfall at 14:50. The attack was preceded by a fighter RAMROD carried out by the escort, which went ahead and strafed the South side of target 418, starting small fires in the huts. At 14:52, the Avengers attacked targets 84 and 85; they dive-bombed in echelon starboard formation from the northeast, moving around to the northwest. 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.

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. At 14:30, they began their dive on the target. 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. The Firefly, which had been unable to fire its rockets, was forced to make a flapless landing. 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 led by Lt. Cdr T. G. V. Percy as Strike Leader, 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 20 was to bomb the runway intersection at Nobara. Cloud was still 5/10 at 3,500 feet over the Island, and at 17:18, the attack commenced. 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 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 commenced launching at 05:47, and comprised 8 Avengers from 849 Squadron VICTORIOUS led by the Strike Leader, Lt (A) R. W. Haliday RNVR, plus 8 Corsairs from 47 Wing, four as escort and 4 for Target 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 led by Lt. (A) R. O. Steel, RNVR. The Strike departed for Miyako Shima at 05:56. Landfall was made on the S.E. tip of Miyako at 06:35, where conditions were hazy with no cloud. The Air Group leader ordered the Fireflies to wait and attack last, instructing the Avenger Strike Leader to attack the runways at Hirara Airfield in two flights of four aircraft. Green Flight attacked first at 06:40, targeting the intersection of the NE/SW runways, as well as the E/W runway. Five minutes later, the Air Group leader ordered Red Flight to bomb the South end of the intersection. Sixteen hits were obtained on the target area of the runway. There was a certain amount of both light and heavy flak, which damaged two Avengers. The Avengers Set course for the R/V point at 06:54.

The Air Group leader next ordered 1770 Squadron to proceed with their attack. The Fireflies had two targets: the Northern Radio Station at Hirara and a camouflaged radio station at Nobara. Four aircraft were to attack each, and at 06:50, after a preliminary orbit, the first flight of 4 made their steep dives on the Hirara radio station. Two aircraft attacked the Administration buildings, and two attacked the communications centre. All 32 rockets missed, though some of those on the Administration buildings were near misses. At the Nobara radio station, the divisional Leader and his No.2 identified the camouflaged target from which one medium gun was firing, but his No.2 lost sight of it in the dive; the other section never identified the target. The Leader's rockets had all missed, and the remaining pilots fired at the point where his rockets had hit. Thus, all missed the target. In addition, the last two aircraft to attack did not hear the order given for the Strike to depart as they were in their rocket dives. Consequently, they were late to the rendezvous without knowing whether the Strike Loader had departed. The Leader passed orders over the radio for them to return to the fleet, but the Air Group Leader wanted them to make another attack until he learned that they had expended all of their rockets. Lt. Col. Hay then led the Island CAP on several straffing runs, resulting in one small vessel left burning and adrift, and about eight barges near Asaki were hit, and several other military buildings were left on fire. The northernmost of the two Radar buildings was also attacked, scoring hits at the base of the antennas, but no fires. Much light flak was encountered here, two out of four aircraft being hit. These Corsairs returned to the Fleet with the Avengers landing at 08:31. All 8 Fireflies had landed at 0755.

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 led by, Lt. Cdr (A) W. Stuart RNVR (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, led by Lt. (A) L. F. Auckland, RNVR and 8 Avengers from 820 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE, led by Lt (A) C. A. G. Aldcroft, RNVR.

 Form-up was slow and ragged, and was made more difficult by an Avenger transmitter being left on; however, the Strike departed at 08:02. Ishigaki was reached at 09:02. Approaching the Island, the Air Group Leader, Cdr N. S. Luard RN, pressed on ahead to assess the target areas. Hr observed that though the main runway at Ishigaki was heavily cratered, the East-West runway was intact. He directed 857 Squadron's Avengers to concentrate on the latter. They started their attack at 09:04, and the bombing was accurate, with about 70% of the bombs hitting the target. However, these were distributed along the centre and southern sides of the air strip, leaving a narrow strip on the north side that could be used by a skilled pilot in an emergency.

848 Squadrons' target was No.83, the dispersal point between Ohama village and the main runway. This bombing was also accurate, nearly all the bombs falling in the target area, but no fires were started. However, a large crater completely blocked the main road from Ishigaki on the outskirts of the village. 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 Air Group Leader’s flight carried 500lb bombs, and they carried out attacks on other targets on Ishigaki, one was a near miss on the Radio Weather Station, two burst in Ishigaki Town, and Sub-L (A) R. T. Bell, RMVR scored a direct hit on the barracks in Ishigaki Town. The Force re-formed between Kure Shima and Ishigaki and departed at 09:15. The returning Strike began landing at 11:05.

Strike CHARLIE began taking off at 10:55: Eight Avengers from 820 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE, led by Lt. Cdr (A) F. L. Jones, DSC, RNVR, joined 8 Avengers from 849 Squadron VICTORIOUS led by Lt. Cdr D. R. Foster RNVR, the Strike Loader, With 6 Corsairs from 47 Wing as escort and TCAP for Miyako Shima. 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.

Once formed up, the Strike departed at 11:12, and landfall was made at 11:56. There was no cloud, visibility was good, and the wind was light from the North East. 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 targets 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 departed from the rendezvous point at 12:28 and returned without incident, and landed at 13:35.

Strike DOG for targets on Ishigaki Shima began taking off at 13:25; 8 Avengers from 848 Squadron led by Lt. Cdr T. G. V. Percy, RN (Strike leader) and 5 Corsairs from 1842 Squadron as escort from FORMIDABLE, these were joined by 8 Avengers from 857 Squadron [6] led by Lt. Cdr (A) W. Stuart RNVR 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 began launching at 15:30 for targets on Miyako Shima; 8 Avengers 849 Squadron from VICTORIOUS led by Lt. Cdr D. R. Foster RNVR, (Strike Loader) plus four Corsairs from 1836 Squadron led by Lt (A) D. T. Chute RNVR, as escort on passage to assume Miyako TCAP. These were joined by 7 Avengers from 820 Squadron, led by Lt (A) S. G. Woodroffe, RNZNVR; the eighth went unserviceable in the range, and 8 Fireflies from 1770 Squadron, led by Major V. B. G. Cheesman, RM, from INDEFATIGABLE. Having formed up the Strike, set course for Miyako at 15:47. There was no Air Group Leader for this Strike; instead, Lt Chute detached his Nos. 3 and 4 to act as top cover for the Avengers while he and his No. 2 continued ahead of the strike to the island to reconnoitre the target. On arrival at 16:10, it was found that the E-W runway of Nobara airfield was serviceable, and a request was made to bomb this target. The Strike made landfall on the east coast of Miyako at 16:28. There was no cloud, excellent visibility and negligible wind. The Fireflies are now detached to conduct their orders. One Firefly had engine trouble just short of the Island and had to return to the fleet escorted by his section mate.

Lt. Cdr Foster attempted to conduct the Strike in the manner of Lt. Col Hay on Strike "Charlie", only this time he would have to control the bombing. 849 Squadron began its attack at 16:30, with a flight of four followed by a flight of two, bombing camouflaged dispersals. He was able to report and adjust the bombing of his own squadron. However, poor radio communication with Lt. Woodroffe, leading No. 2 Squadron, made this impossible for their bombing. They were instructed to bomb their targets flight by flight. Lt. Cdr Foster and his No. 2 addressed the new target at Nobara airfield, only 3 miles to the south, and managed to put two sticks of bombs on the northern part of the E-W runway, putting out of action the only runway left on the island that the enemy might use.

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. 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.

While the Avengers were bombing, the remaining six Fireflies split into sections to seek out and attack their special shipping and other targets independently of the rest of the strike. Two Fireflies fired 6 R/P at a Barracks at 24°52’N, 125°19’E, scoring two hits, and four near misses. One aircraft fired 4 R/P at a Barracks in Karamata, but the results were unobserved. In the Shimozaki area, they attacked naval targets. Three aircraft fired eight R/P at the launching ramps, but only two hits were scored. Two aircraft fired 4 R/P into a Small lügger, which burst into flames. Another pilot fired six RP into a group of camouflaged vessels, which were suspected suicide boats; 2 R/P removed the camouflage and the other four destroyed at least two boats. A pair of Fireflies attacked two beached barges, only one of the 5 R/P hit, damaging one barge. The squadron then moved on to the Yerabu Area, where three aircraft fired eight R/P at a Large Lugger; a single hit removed the bow. A single aircraft fired two R/P at a large motorboat, but both missed. Another fired four R/P at two Luggers, but all missed. All rocket attacks were carried out in shallow, 20° dives, during which the targets were strafed with 20 mm cannon strikes that started fires among camouflaged installations East of the barge hide-out at Shimozaki, and damaged a fishing vessel camouflaged with foliage at the northern tip of Miyako. The suicide-boats at 24°51’N, 125°19’E. were well camouflaged. In one case, 9 of these were under a single cover, which very closely resembled a rock in the water. One Firefly triggered a booby trap while strafing at about 200 feet in the area of Shimozaki; a mine had been set close to an often-attacked derelict, which detonated. The blast shook the aircraft, though it was fortunately not directly overhead. Another Firefly was hit by flak. All returned safely and landed between 17:40 and 18:00.

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. [7]

The dusk CAP landed at 19:35, and the Fleet withdrew to the south for the night. No enemy aircraft were airborne during the day. All runways were made unserviceable; four new aircraft which appeared operational were strafed but did not burn, three others were damaged; 10 small craft of various classes were damaged, and four of them left-in a sinking condition; a large explosion was caused in Ohama town;' 5 direct hits with S.A.P.(Semi-Armour Piercing) bombs were made on a large cave shelter. TF57 ost 5 aircraft; 3 operationally and 2 in deck crashes.

May 17th. The fleet arrived at the flying off position at a position 85 miles 110° from Miyako at 05:20. The radar pickets and four counter-Kamikaze destroyers were deployed. Flying commenced at 05:40 when Fleet and Islands CAPS were flown off INDEFATIGABLE reported 19 Avengers, 10 Fireflies, and 36 Seafires serviceable. 8 Seafires, 4 F.III and 4 L. III launched for the first of the day’s planned seven Fleet CAP serials, and this strength was to be maintained until dusk.
 

It had been planned to send in four bomber strikes, two to each island, but the second strike to Ishigaki was cancelled. Very light winds, which prevailed throughout the day, would require the Carriers to steam at full speed to launch aircraft. However, INDOMITABLE had reported a defective stern bush, which restricted her speed to 261/2 knots, just enough for flying operations but with no room for error. At 07:42, a Corsair making an emergency landing on VICTORIOUS removed two arrestor wires, crashed through both barriers, burst into flames and passed over the side. On its way, it seriously damaged 2 Corsairs and 1 Avenger in the deck park. One officer and one rating were mortally injured, two ratings were seriously wounded, and two others were slightly hurt. All 20 of her airborne aircraft had to be landed on the other Carriers while jury-rigged barriers were established; this was done by 11:45, and her aircraft began returning. The first landed safely, the second aircraft bounced in the gap left by the two missing arrestor wires and demolished the first jury-rigged barrier; the second barrier was removed at 12:45 by another deck crash. It would be 17:15 before she could resume flight operations.
 

Strike ABLE appears to have been cancelled. The subsequent reorganised flying programme for the day saw the first Strike launching at 07:40.

Strike BAKER began launching at 07:44 and consisted of 27 Avengers from three Carriers for targets on Ishigaki Shima; 8 Avengers from 820 Squadron led by Lt. Cdr (A) F. L. Jones, DSC, RNVR, from INDEFATIGABLE, 8 Avengers from 848 Squadron led by Lt. (A) L. F. Auckland, RNVR, from FORMIDABLE, joined by 11 Avengers from 857 Squadron led by the Strike Leader Lt. Cdr (A) W: Stuart RNVR and 4 Hellcats from 5 Wing as escort led by the Air Group Leader, Cdr N. S. Luard RN, from INDOMITABLE. Once formed up, the Strike departed at 08:03. At 08:10, one Avenger returned to INDOMITABLE with an oil leak.

At 08:30, two bogies were reported at 12 o'clock high. The Strike was then about 6,000 feet, and the Air Group Leader and his Hellcats were at about 8,000 feet. The two bogies dived towards the striking force, then turned away and dived towards Miyako. Cdr Luard jettisoned his bomb and gave chase, eventually identifying them as two Corsairs from VICTORIOUS. Why they were there or the nature of their dangerous action is unclear. Cdr Luard then proceeded ahead of the strike to Ishigaki Shima and inspected all infields. The west side of Miyara was serviceable, and so was the east-west runway at Ishigaki. The NE-SW runway at Ishigaki and the field at Hegina were still mainly cratered. He then ordered the strike to attack the primary targets allotted. Ishigaki was reached at 09:07, with good visibility, no cloud and little wind.

INDOMITABLE‘s 857 Squadron bombed the East-West runway on Ishigaki. These aircraft were carrying a large percentage of 500-lb S.A. P. bombs, which probably accounts for the fact that the A.G.L. only saw about 12 bursts on the target and few off it. Both sides of the runway were well cratered, but there was a serviceable strip in the centre of the runway.

848 Squadron bombed the main N-S runway at Miyara, only the west side of which was in use. They scored very few hits, most of the bombs falling on the already cratered centre and east side, and on the west side from the intersection to the northern end. The west side, from the intersection to the south end, was untouched and could still provide about 1,000 yards of good runway. 820 Squadron was the last to attack, and their target was Ohama Town. Two Avengers had been briefed to take the northern half of the target, and six the Southern half. At 09:10, Lt. Cdr. Jones led the attack. Twelve bomb bursts were observed in the northern half of the track and 15 in the southern half. Four bombs were short, and one was over. There were no fires or large explosions, but one column of smoke was seen rising above the general dust. No flak was encountered. One Avenger went on to attack the Ishigaki radio weather station with its rear gun, and some hits were obtained.

On completion of the bombing, Cdr Luard then sent Nos. 3 & 4 of his flight with the strike as they made for the rendezvous point, and together with his No. 2 detached to inspect the targets. There were no new aircraft to be seen on the Island, and no sign of activity. The section then made two straffing passes on two ships, camouflaged with netting and foliage, in Amitori Wan and left both burning. They made several other attacks on targets around Funauke before engine problems forced them to set course for the Fleet. The Force re-formed and took departure at 09:16. Several aircraft, one single and one group of three, returned independently. All returning aircraft began landing at 11:15.
 

Strike CHARLIE for Miyako Shima began launching at 11:02 and comprised of 6 Avengers from 820 Squadron INDEFATIGABLE, led by Lt (A) C. A. G. Aldcroft, RNVR (8 were ordered, but two failed to spread wings on deck). Joined by 8 Avengers from 849 Squadron [8] 5 took off from VICTORIOUS, the other three launching from INDOMITABLE, where they had landed the day before. The escort appears to have consisted of 8 Corsairs from 47 Wing; 6 took off from VICTORIOUS and two from FORMIDABLE. Six were on passage to assume Tactical CAP over Ishigaki, and two were Lt. Col. Hay’s Air Group Leader’s flight.

Forging ahead, Lt. Col. Hay conducted a preliminary target examination and found that both Nobara runways were serviceable, with previous craters filled in with pink material. The Runway at Hirara was also serviceable. 820 Squadron was ordered to attack first, again following the deliberate bombing technique of attacking in flights. A flight of four Avengers was detailed for the East/West runway at Nobara; however, upon passing from the Air Group Leader to Lt. Aldoroft and then to the flight leader concerned, this order had changed to the North/South runway. At 11:55, four hits were scored on this target, and four misses were counted; however, the fall of the remaining eight bombs was unobserved. The remaining two aircraft of 820 Squadron were then ordered to attack the original target, the East/West runway, and attacked at 12:05, scoring six hits. Thus, Nobara airfield had been rendered unserviceable by just 6 Avengers from INDEFATIGABLE. 849 Squadron was assigned targets on Hirara airfield. Four aircraft attacked the East/West runway, scoring sufficient hits to render it unusable. The second flight were diverted to bomb Hirara Town. Approximately six houses were demolished, but no military targets were damaged. Two aircraft with technical issues were diverted to the amphibious base just north of the town, where one stick of bombs fell along the track leading to the base. [8] Strike CHARLIE began landing at 13:40. Four of the 849 Squadron Avengers were accepted by INDEFATIGABLE, as VICTORIOUS’ flight deck was still under repair after several arrestor wires and crash barriers had been destroyed in earlier deck crashes.

Strike DOG for Miyako Shima began launching at 13:25 and comprised of 8 Avengers from 848 Squadron FORMIDABLE, led by Lt. Cdr T. G. V. Percy (Strike Leader), 8 Avengers from 857 Squadron INDOMITABLE led by Lt. Cdr (A) W. Stuart and 4 R/P armed Fireflies from 1770 Squadron, led by Lt (A) D. Taylor, RNVR.

Approaching the Island, the Strike Leader ordered 857 Squadron and Green Flight of 848 to act independently. The Fireflies detached on crossing the coast to proceed to their target area. Target details had arrived on the ship too late for the Firefly crews to receive a thorough briefing. This problem also occurred during the second Firefly strike on the 16th. However, the Fireflies succeeded in locating their objective, a large number of barges in Shimo Saki. Four hits were scored with rockets on three separate groups of 2-3 barges each. Two hits were scored on a suspected position of hidden barges, and two other hits started fires on a small island in the area.

848 Squadron aircraft bombed a camouflaged dispersal with good results, and camouflaged buildings and underground stores with moderate results. 857 Squadron aircraft carried two different bombloads: four carried 500-lb G.P., the other four 500-lb S.A.P., and they bombed targets 42, 43, and 45 -camouflaged buildings, gun positions and dispersal areas near Hirara airfield; Twenty-eight bombs fell in the target areas. In all, five different targets were bombed during this Strike, hits and near misses being obtained. These were all camouflaged targets, chiefly hidden in woods. The Fireflies landed at 15:55, and the Avengers began landing at 16:10.

After the return of Strike DOG, questions were raised about the current policy of utilising the Firefly as part of a strike package. The Firefly attacks were hindered to some extent by a lack of time and, secondly, by interference from Avenger Bombing. 1770’s C.O. argued that the Firefly's endurance made it more suited for surveying targets and making deliberate attacks rather than waiting for an Avenger strike to form and slowly climb to bombing height unless specifically tasked as escort.
 

The dusk CAP landed on at 19:15 and the Fleet withdrew to the southward and set course for replenishment area Cootie to refuel. No enemy aircraft were airborne during the day. All airfields had been left unserviceable except Miyara, which may not have been sufficiently cratered. Ohama and Hirara towns were bombed, and barges and small craft were well strafed. TF57lost 4 aircraft; 1 operationally and 3 in deck crashes. One of these was an unidentified Seafire from 47 Wing, which was jettisoned after a serious barrier crash.