大象传媒

In July 1945 1772 Naval Air Squadron[Fireflies] boarded HMS Indefatigable and joined the British Task Force 37 which then joined the US Task Force 38 in the northern Pacific for the final assault on the Japanese Mainland. The combined Task force comprised 14 Fleet Carriers, 25 Cruisers , at least five battleships, 75 Destroyers, and many other craft.... and 1300 aircraft. This was the largest naval force ever gathered in one area in history. The American Fleet comprised at least three quarters of that combined fleet.

Many raids and bombardments took place and losses were considerable despite the fact that the Japanese forces were very depleted by this time. The previous engagement had been largely American again and of course the European war had ended. This was the final massive battle against the remaining island possession occupied by the Japanese, Okinawa. Noteworthy in this engagement, which cost many American lives, was the Kamikaze and the Indefatigable received one Kamiikaze strike on its deck, killing several personnel.. The Mainland and final part of the Pacific War was noted for the lack of Kamikazes. They were regrouping on airfields after this, and these airfields together with shipping were our main targets, in preparation for the intended and expected invasion from the the Aleutians.. We stood off from the Mainland during the two Atomic bombs and those of us involved in this part of WW2 knew that the losses that would be inflicted on Allied, and chiefly American troops, packed into invasion barges would have comprised the most horrific happening of WW2...if it had happened. The Kamikazes pilots were being trained and built up for that final mad defiance. President Truman, one supposes, decided on the deaths of many Japanese in preference to many more American bodybags, but Allied losses would have been so horrendous. Those of us who meet in 1772 Squadron on a regular basis know that if the bombs had not been dropped our Squadron survivors would have been halved.
The Indefatigable went on to join the Americans in Tokyo Bay for the Peace Treaty signing and we carried out many POW runs dropping supplies on camps.
The ceremonies on July 10th were excellent but The Forgotten Fleet which was never mentioned, was but a small part of that final passge of war and your ceremony paid inadequate praise of the American contribution, which in both theatres, Europe and the Far East,was immense.. Without them we would not have been enjoying the celebrations on the 10th July 2005

1772 Naval Air Squadron was the third and last Firefly Squadron to become an operational Naval Squadron serving WW2. The first Squadron 1770 was a very distinguished one whose operational service began with raids on the Tirpitz. We replaced that Squadron on HMS Indefatigable in July 1945 and theirs was a very difficult act to follow. 1772's air crew comprised 16 Pilots and 16 Observers at any one time. The number of those surviving is 15 in total and our In Memorium list now numbers 24 who we honour every year at Reunions and on May 1st. 1772's role in action was as a flak suppressor and supplementary fighter. This meant that an attack began with a low level attack with cannon and rocket followed by Avenger bombings and possibly Seafire strafing. Our final role was to supplement fighter cover.

The Squadron has maintained over 60 years frequent reunions and this year we had almost a maximum muster less 2 Australians and 2 New Zealanders: but the latter are never left out of it and visits have been exchanged and particullarly this year under the auspices of the 'Heroes Return' generously organised by the National Lottery.

I am the 'unofficial' secretary of the Squadron and keep everyone in contact, a task which has been very rewarding.

Teddy Key. Pilot 1772 Naval Air Squadron [Fairey Fireflies] now 82 years of age.

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