Operation Collie facts for kids
Operation Collie was a special sea mission carried out by the British Navy during World War II. It took place from July 5 to July 11, 1945.
The main goals of Operation Collie were:
- To attack Japanese bases in the Nicobar Islands, especially on Nancowry Island, using bombs from ships and planes.
- To protect ships that were clearing dangerous underwater mines. This was to prepare for a possible invasion later.
- To launch attacks from aircraft carriers on Japanese airfields in northern Sumatra.
These actions were meant to get ready for a much larger invasion called Operation Zipper. However, Operation Zipper never happened because Japan surrendered, ending the war.
What Happened During Operation Collie?
Operation Collie was led by Rear Admiral Wilfrid Patterson. Many different ships took part in this important mission.
Ships and Aircraft Involved
The main ships in Operation Collie included:
- Two aircraft carriers: HMS Ameer and HMS Emperor. Aircraft carriers are like floating airfields for planes.
- A light cruiser: HMS Nigeria. Cruisers are fast warships.
- Three destroyers: HMS Roebuck, HMS Eskimo, and HMS Vigilant. Destroyers are smaller, quick warships.
- Two escort carriers: HMS Stalker and HMS Empress. These are smaller aircraft carriers.
- The 6th Minesweeping Flotilla. These ships were specially designed to find and remove sea mines.
The aircraft carriers carried Grumman F6F Hellcat planes from the 884 Naval Air Squadron. These planes flew 82 missions during the operation.
Results of the Mission
During the operation, some planes and pilots were lost. One report said two pilots died and six aircraft were lost. Another report mentioned seven aircraft were lost from the Ameer, but all the pilots were rescued.
Overall, Operation Collie was a success. The minesweeping ships did a great job. They cleared 167 mines from the waters off the northwest coast of Malaya and around the Nicobar Islands. Clearing these mines made the seas safer for other ships.
