Grumman TBF Avenger
Grumman Avenger Mk.II JZ525 of No. 849 Sqn HMS Victorious Jan 1945. 1/72 Scale Model by Academy with Tally Ho! Decals
Sumatran Oil Refinery Raids
One of the most important yet little known actions of the war against Japan was the series of air strikes flown in January 1945 against the extensive petroleum production facilities on Sumatra, near Palembang. The first attack on December 20 had failed due lo adverse weather, but on 4 January the Fleet returned.
First Raid
Avengers from the lndomitable, Victorious, and lndefatigable bombed the refinery at Pangkalan Brandan while Fireflies off the lndomitable made their debut in the theatre, using rockets to suppress anti-aircraft fire. The Hellcats and Corsairs provided escort, and swept ahead of the main force strafing enemy airfields to prevent Japanese fighters from getting airborne. The attack was a complete success, with serious damage inflicted upon the refinery and storage facilities for the loss of one aircraft.
On January .1 6, 1945 the British Pacific Fleet officially came into being, and sailed from Trincomalee. Ceylon for Sydney, to begin training for operations alongside the US Navy in the Pacific. Joined by HMS lllustrious. they were to attack the Sumatran refineries again en route.
Second and Third Raids
On 24 January the Fleet attacked Pladjoe. and on 29 January they struck Soengl Gerong. with tactics similar to those of the strike two weeks earlier. The attacks were successful beyond all expectations. Sixteen FAA aircraft were lost to enemy action, while between the three strikes over 140 enemy aircraft were destroyed. The refineries were severely damaged and most of the oil storage tanks burned, with contents. Production ceased for two months. and when it resumed was only 35.% of capacity, this at a time when Japan was as critically short of fuel. The impact on Japan’s ability to wage war during the rest of 1945 was substantial. and this action has been called the British Pacific Fleet’s greatest contribution to ultimate victory.
Grumman Avenger Mk.II JZ525 of No. 849 Sqn HMS Victorious Jan 1945 Grumman Avenger Mk.II JZ525 of No. 849 Sqn HMS Victorious Jan 1945 Grumman Avenger Mk.II JZ525 of No. 849 Sqn HMS Victorious Jan 1945 Grumman Avenger Mk.II JZ525 of No. 849 Sqn HMS Victorious Jan 1945 
Grumman Avenger Mk.II JZ525 of No. 849 Sqn HMS Victorious Jan 1945 Grumman Avenger Mk.II JZ525 of No. 849 Sqn HMS Victorious Jan 1945 Grumman Avenger Mk.II JZ525 of No. 849 Sqn HMS Victorious Jan 1945 Grumman Avenger Mk.II JZ525 of No. 849 Sqn HMS Victorious Jan 1945
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