Operation Inmate

Operation Inmate: A Crucial Test for the British Pacific Fleet

Imagine a fleet of ships and aircraft, ready to face their greatest challenge yet—Operation Inmate. This operation was not just about attacking Japanese positions; it was about ensuring that every crew member had the combat experience they needed before facing more demanding operations off Japan.

The Prelude: A Fleet on the Move

How did this fleet, known as the British Pacific Fleet (BPF), prepare for such a critical mission? In November 1944, it was formed in the United Kingdom and arrived at Sydney, Australia, by February 1945. The arrival of HMS Implacable from the UK on May 24th marked the beginning of this crucial operation.

The Target: Truk Atoll

Truk Atoll was once a vital base for the Imperial Japanese Navy, but by June 1945, it had become isolated and its defenses were considered inadequate. The garrison consisted of around 24,000 personnel, with limited offensive capabilities.

The Operation: A Test of Skill

On June 14th, British aircraft launched a series of raids against Japanese positions on Moen Island. These strikes were not just about destruction; they were also about gathering intelligence and providing combat experience for the fleet’s air units.

The Air Strikes: A Show of Force

Implacable, with its Seafires and Fireflies, launched a series of strikes every two and a quarter hours. The Seafires strafed radar stations and airfields, while the Avengers dropped bombs on Japanese installations.

The Surface Bombardment: A Test of Artillery

On June 15th, several British and Canadian cruisers bombarded Truk’s positions. The success varied; Newfoundland managed to hit an airfield, but Swiftsure struggled due to defective gunnery equipment.

The Aftermath: A Valuable Experience

Despite the modest damage inflicted on Japanese facilities, Operation Inmate provided valuable combat experience for the BPF. The fleet’s commander, Vice-Admiral Bernard Rawlings, was satisfied with the outcome, though he criticized the gunnery of most cruisers.

The Legacy: A Prelude to Victory

Operation Inmate was just a prelude to the BPF’s more significant operations off Japan. From July 17th to August 12th, the fleet conducted air attacks and bombardments of coastal cities before departing for maintenance and rest at Sydney.

The Conclusion: A Turning Point

Operation Inmate was a crucial test for the BPF. It provided realistic combat experience that would prove invaluable in the final stages of the war against Japan. The fleet’s success, despite limited damage to Japanese facilities, underscored the importance of combined arms operations and the value of training under real-world conditions.

Operation Inmate was more than just a raid; it was a pivotal moment in the history of the British Pacific Fleet, setting the stage for their crucial role in the final months of World War II. The lessons learned and the experience gained would prove invaluable as they faced the challenges ahead.