1st Carrier Air Group (1st CAG) was a Fleet Air Arm (FAA) carrier air group of the Royal Navy (RN). The establishment of the group occurred in June 1945, with the purpose of being deployed within the British Pacific Fleet. Nevertheless, it was dissolved later that same year, in September. The unit was allocated to the Illustrious-class aircraft carrier HMS Victorious.[2]
The Group was re-established in October 1947, embarking in the lead ship of her class, HMSImplacable. In late 1950, the group was reassigned to the Illustrious-class aircraft carrier HMSIndomitable. The 1st Carrier Air Group was disbanded for the second time in May 1951.[1]
Vought F4U Corsair of 1834 Naval Air Squadron and 1836 Naval Air Squadron, fitted with extra petrol tanks and ranged ready for attack on the carrier's flight deck on board HMS Victorious
The group embarked in HMS Victorious in July 1945 for airstrikes against the Japanese mainland, near Tokyo, up until Victory over Japan Day. Notably, an 849 Naval Air Squadron Grumman Avenger from HMS Victorious, located and scored the first bomb hit on the Japanese escort carrierKaiyo, at Beppu Bay, in Kyūshū, on 24 July 1945, which resulted in severe damage that kept the ship out of the remainder of the war.[5]
Series one of the airstrikes on Mainland Japan took place between 17 and 19 July.
Aircraft from the 1st Carrier Air Group participated in numerous sorties during this timeframe. On 17 July, the fourth airstrike consisted of sixteen Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious; however, the mission was called off due to poor weather conditions in the target area. The fifth operation aimed at Niigata airfield involved twelve Vought Corsairs from the Air Group, each equipped with a 500lb bomb, under the command of Commander Shrubsole. This operation resulted in the destruction of one aircraft and the damage of five others. The seventh and final airstrike on 18 July, launched from the carrier, featured six Vought Corsairs targeting Naruto and Tachikawa, successfully destroying five aircraft and inflicting damage on five additional planes.[6]
A replenishment and refuelling period, originally planned from 20 to 23 July, was advanced to 19 July due to poor weather conditions. The weather remained unsuitable for the resumption of flying operations until 24 July.[7]
The second series of airstrikes on Mainland Japan occurred from July 24 to July 25.
Shimane Maru under attack by Grumman Avenger aircraft from HMSVictorious, 24 July 1945
On 24 July airstrike 1C of series two comprised twelve Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious, assigned to assault the airfield located at Takamatsu and Suta. Airstrike 2C was a Ramrod operation that involved eight Vought Corsairs from the Air Group, targeting sites in Kurashiki, the Fukuyama airfield, and Suta. Airstrike 3 denoted a subsequent combined operation under the command of Commander Shrubsole, the Air Group Leader of HMS Victorious, which aimed at shipping activities off the Shikoku coast, including the Japanese escort carrierShimane Maru. This operation consisted of ten Grumman Avengers and four Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious. Airstrike 4C was an anti-shipping sweep executed in the Inland Sea by twelve Vought Corsairs from the carrier.[8]
Throughout the day’s Ramrod missions, the Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious’ Air Group fired a total of 32,000 rounds at ground targets, setting a record for the carrier. The Vought Corsairs participating in airstrike 2C proceeded directly to Kurashiki airfield, where they encountered Flak during their approach. Bombs were released, resulting in damage to airfield structures and one Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" bomber aircraft. The next target was Okayama airfield, where one Yokosuka P1Y "Frances" bomber sustained damage, and the dispersal areas and revetments were strafed. At Fukuyama, one aircraft was also damaged. The formation then moved on to Suta airfield, inflicting damage on seven aircraft, and destroying one Kawanishi H6K "Mavis" through strafing. Notably, temporary Sub-lieutenant(A) P.C. Jupe, RNVR, who had not released his bombs, executed a flawless high dive attack on a concrete bridge north of Kōchi, achieving a direct hit.[6]
On 25 July, airstrike 1C, consisting of twelve Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious, was aborted due to poor weather conditions upon making landfall. Similarly, airstrike 2 was also aborted due to bad weather upon arrival. The fourth airstrike was a combined force, that included four Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious, targeting Tokushima airfield. Airstrike 4C was a twelve Vought Corsair anti-shipping airstrike launched from HMS Victorious.[8] An additional replenishment period occurred from 26 to 27 July.[9]
Vought Corsair; an example of the type used by 1834 & 1836 Squadrons
Series two airstrikes continued between 28 and 30 July. The combat air patrol (CAP) and first three Ramrod sorties were launched on 28 July. Airstrike 1C consisted of twelve Vought Corsairs launched from HMS Victorious to target shipping in the Inland Sea. Airstrike 2C was initiated from the Air Group, comprising an eight Vought Corsair mission aimed at Akashi airfield. Airstrike 4C included twelve Vought Corsairs from the carrier, directed towards targets at Sato and Fuge. On 29 July, there were no scheduled air operations; however, elements of Task Force 37 collaborated with the United States Navy's Task Force 38 to conduct bombardments on shore targets. Airstrike 1C involved eight Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious, tasked with attacking shipping in Kumano harbour. Airstrike 2C was launched from HMS Victorious, consisting of an eight Vought Corsair mission targeting Akashi airfield.[6]
Subsequently, a replenishment phase occurred from 31 July to 2 August.[10] Bad weather conditions meant Series 3 of the airstrikes in mainland Japan had to be postponed. Originally scheduled for 5 August , the airstrikes were rescheduled to 8 August, necessitating an additional day for replenishment which occurred during 6 and 7 August.[11]
The third wave of airstrikes on mainland Japan took place between August 8 and August 10.
On the morning of 9 August, Airstrike 1C consisted of ten Vought Corsairs from the Air Group, tasked with attacking coastal shipping off North Honshu. Airstrike 2C was launched from HMS Victorious, comprising eleven Vought Corsairs and also aimed at coastal shipping off North Honshu. Airstrike 4C included sixteen Vought Corsairs from the carrier targeting the Kōriyama airfield. The 10 August was designated as the final day for airstrikes before Task Force 37 was scheduled to withdraw to Australia for a maintenance and replenishment period. Airstrike 1C was made up of twelve Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious, assigned to attack the Koriyama airfield. Airstrike 2C was launched by the Air Group, consisting of eight Vought Corsairs to target coastal shipping at Onagawa Wan.[8] Replenishment took place on 11 August.[12]
On 12 August, Task Force 37 was split and the majority of the British Pacific Fleet set sail for Manus Island, subsequently heading to Sydney. They were en route when the announcement of the Japanese surrender occurred on the 15 Augst. Upon arriving at the Australian coast on 23 August, the 1st Carrier Air Group flew ashore, 1834 and 1836 Squadrons to HMSNabstock, also known as MONAB VI and Royal Naval Air Station Maryborough (or RNAS Maryborough), Queensland, where the Vought Corsairs were withdrawn. The Grumman Avengers of 849 squadron left for Mascot airfield in Sydney the following day.[13]
The 1st Carrier Air Group was disbanded on HMS Victorious upon the group's return to the United Kingdom, on the 8 September 1945.[2]
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