HMS Ameer, one of two aircraft carriers involved in Operation Collie.
Operation Collie was a British naval operation in World War II, from 5–11 July 1945. Its objectives were, firstly, naval bombardment and aerial strikes on Japanese positions in the Nicobar Islands,[1] particularly on Nancowry Island;[2] secondly, providing cover for minesweeping operations in advance of a possible invasion;[1] and thirdly, making carrier raids on Japanese airfields in northern Sumatra.[2] These measures were a prelude for an invasion, Operation Zipper, which was never carried out due to the Surrender of Japan.[3]
Operational detail[]
Operation Collie was carried out under the direction of Rear Admiral Wilfrid Patterson,[1] by ruler-class aircraft carriers HMS Ameer and HMS Emperor,[2] light cruiser HMS Nigeria,[1] destroyers HMS Roebuck, HMS Eskimo, and HMS Vigilant, and escort carriers HMS Stalker and HMS Empress,[2] and the 6th Minesweeping Flotilla.[1] The carriers transported Grumman F6F Hellcats of the 884 Naval Air Squadron, which flew 82 sorties.[1] Accounts of casualties vary, but one report indicates that two pilots were killed, one during take-off, one in action; and six aircraft were lost, three to enemy action;[1] while another indicated that seven aircraft were lost from the Ameer, with all pilots rescued.[4] Overall, the mission was a success, with one report noting that "three flotillas of minesweepers cleared 167 mines off the northwest coast of Malaya and from the waters around the Nicobars."[3]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 David Wragg, The Escort Carrier in the Second World War: Combustible, Vulnerable, Expendable!, pages 157-169, 2005.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Jürgen Rohwer, Chronology of the War at Sea, 1939-1945: The Naval History of World War II, page 423, 2005.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Malcolm H. Murfett, Naval Warfare 1919-45: An Operational History of the Volatile War at Sea, page 446, 2008.
- ↑ HMS Ameer -1945.
The original article can be found at Operation Collie and the edit history here.