On this day 24 January 1945
Operation Meridian 1 - Attack on oil refineries at Pladjoe near Palembang, Sumatra 24 January 1945
Planned for two days earlier but delayed because of bad weather, the attack took place on 24 January with 43 Avengers, armed with 172 500lb bombs, supported by 12 rocket firing Firefly aircraft and about 50 fighters. Some of the Avengers and part of the fighter escort attacked the Japanese held principal airfields in the area. The fighter sweep destroyed 34 enemy aircraft on the airfields but could not prevent all the Japanese fighters getting airborne
Despite heavy flak, the operation was a success. The output of the refinery was halved for three months and most of the oil in the storage tanks was burnt out. During the course of Meridian 1, a total of seven FAA aircraft were lost.
Operation Meridian 2 followed on 29 January 1945.
Disposition of Carriers and Squadrons in British Pacific Fleet, January 1945 during Meridian 1 and 2
Indomitable
1839 Sqn 14 Hellcat
1844 Sqn 14 Hellcat
857 Sqn 21 Avenger
Illustrious
1830 Sqn 14 Corsair
1833 Sqn 14 Corsair
854 Sqn 21 Avenger
Victorious
1834 Sqn 14 Corsair
1836 Sqn 14 Corsair
849 Sqn 21 Avenger
Ships Flt 2 Walrus (SAR)
Indefatigable
887 Sqn 20 Seafire
894 Sqn 20 Seafire
1770 Sqn 12 Firefly
820 Sqn 21 Avenger
Image of burning refineries copyright FAA Museum