On this day 17 October 1944

First day of Operation Millet. The aircraft carriers HMS Indomitable and HMS Victorious launch heavy strikes against Car Nicobar, striking airfields on the island and harbour, and shipping at Nancowry.

HMS PHOEBE provided fighter direction facilities and AA defence.
Group was screened by HM Destroyers WHELP, WAKEFUL, WAGER and WESSEX.

Following an attack on Car Nicobar, at 19:01, 17 October 1944 a Hellcat of 1839 Sqn, when landing on HMS Indomitable hit the rounddown with its port oleo and went over the side. S/Lt D M MacKenzie was killed and his body never recovered. He was 21 years old.