Barracuda 812 Sqn HMS Indomitable Far East
During February 1944, intelligence reports indicated a potential Japanese fleet attack on Allied targets in the Far East. In response, an emergency force consisting of 822 and 823 Squadrons aboard the escort carrier HMS Etheling, and 815 and 817 Squadrons aboard HMS Begum, was dispatched to Madras, India. These squadrons were equipped with Fairey Barracuda aircraft, a British carrier-borne torpedo and dive bomber used during World War II.
Deployment to Madras and Subsequent Operations:
Arrival and Unusual Deployment:
- The squadrons arrived in Madras on April 12, 1944. Due to the lack of RAF personnel to assist, Lt. Cdr. (A) L. C. Watson, DSC, RNVR, Commanding Officer of 823 Squadron, led a remarkable two-mile procession of Barracudas through the streets of Madras with their wings folded, creating a unique spectacle. The aircraft successfully reached St. Thomas Mount, a beach take-off strip, and took off for RAF Ulunderpet without any damage.
Cancelled Threat and Return:
- The anticipated Japanese attack did not materialize, and as a result, the Barracudas returned to the UK shortly after.
Carrier Operations in the Indian Ocean:
Arrival of HMS Illustrious and HMS Saratoga:
- In April 1944, the need for a carrier force in the region led to the arrival of HMS Illustrious in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), carrying 810 and 847 Barracuda Squadrons of the 21st TBR Wing. Accompanied by the US Navy carrier Saratoga, Illustrious set sail from Trincomalee on April 16, 1944.
Attack on Sabang Island, Sumatra:
- On April 19, 1944, 17 Barracudas took part in an attack on Japanese oil installations on Sabang Island, Sumatra. The mission involved bombing oil, port, and radar positions, and was completed without any losses to the attacking force.
Subsequent Strikes:
- Throughout July 1944, HMS Indomitable with 815 and 817 Squadrons and HMS Victorious with 831 Squadron joined the fleet. A large-scale strike on August 24, 1944, involved 32 Barracudas attacking the port of Emmahaven, targeting enemy ships and a cement works at Indaroeng. On September 18, 1944, Barracudas from 815, 817, and 822 Squadrons bombed the rail center at Sigli, with two aircraft lost in non-combat incidents.
Final Operations and Transition:
Last Far East Operations:
- The Barracudas conducted their last Far East operation on September 1, 1945, attacking enemy shipping off Hong Kong in conjunction with Avengers, Hellcats, and Corsairs, despite the ongoing ceasefire.
Operations in the Nicobar Islands:
- In October 1944, Barracudas from 815 and 817 Squadrons, operating from HMS Indomitable, struck Japanese positions in the Nicobar Islands. Despite the successful completion of 20 sorties, each day saw the loss of one Barracuda.
Withdrawal and Storage:
- As Grumman Avengers, with longer operational range, arrived in the area, the Barracudas were withdrawn and stored at Coimbatore in India.
Post-War Activity:
Return to Carriers:
- Although their operational use had ceased, Barracudas returned to service when a force of four light fleet carriers—Colossus (with 827 Squadron), Glory (with 837 Squadron), Vengeance (with 812 Squadron), and Venerable (with 814 Squadron)—began preparing for potential operations in the Pacific after VJ-Day.
Border Patrols in China:
- In November 1945, Barracudas of 812 Squadron conducted border patrols between China and the New Territories frontier, as tensions rose during the partition between Nationalist and Communist Chinese forces. In a notable mission, Sub. Lt. John Dickson transported the Bishop of Hong Kong to Canton in Barracuda PM757. Due to operational constraints, the Bishop had to disembark through the propwash, a challenging task given the aircraft’s design. Corsairs from Vengeance provided low-level escort during the mission.
Supporting Re-occupations:
- Barracudas also supported air patrols as British and Dominion forces reoccupied Rabaul, northern Formosa, and Hong Kong.
Final Deactivation:
- Final Withdrawal:
- The last operational Barracuda squadron, 827, continued to operate until July 1946, when HMS Colossus returned to Portsmouth, marking the end of the Barracuda’s service in the Far East.