Operation Matador (1945) facts for kids
Operation Matador was a special military plan during World War II. It happened in January 1945 as part of the Burma Campaign. The main goal was to capture an important port called Kyaukpyu and a nearby airfield. This port is located on the northern tip of Ramree Island, which is south of Akyab.
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What Happened During Operation Matador?
On January 21, 1945, the operation began. An hour before soldiers were set to land, a big warship called HMS Queen Elizabeth started firing its powerful guns. Planes from an escort carrier named HMS Ameer helped by telling the battleship where to shoot.
Air and Sea Attacks
Another warship, the light cruiser HMS Phoebe, also joined the attack. Airplanes like Liberators and Thunderbolts from No. 224 Group of the RAF bombed and shot at the beaches. This was done to make it easier for the soldiers to land.
Troops Land on the Beach
After the intense bombing and shooting, the assault troops landed. They faced no resistance and were able to secure the beach area. The very next day, another group of soldiers, the Indian 4th Infantry Brigade, also landed to help.
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