HISTORY
6. 'Police action' Operation 'Kraai'
By Roel Bazuin
- 4 minutes read - 641 words2e 'Police action': "operation Kraai".
The second police action began on December 19, 1948 under the codename 'Kraai’[1]. In a surprise attack with airborne troops, Sukarno and other Republican government leaders were captured. Mustangs were also used for this.
The Mustangs of 122 NEI squadron were in Medan but also Padang (Middle Sumatra.
On both North and Central Sumatra, the squadron provided support for the advance to Fort de Kock [2], the landing of troops on Lake Singkarak was secured and important targets were taken out.
The same applies to North Sumatra where landings were carried out at Laboehan Bilik, Bagan Siapi Api and on Lake Toba near Sibolga.
On December 27, 1948, some aircraft were stationed at Talangbetoetoe (Semarang) for participation in the "Ekster" campaign, the occupation of Djambi and surrounding oil fields.
Some 200 sorties were carried out until the squadron was abolished in April 1950. Two Mustangs with photo cameras were also used, including those used by 18 squadron (which also flew with B-25 Mitchells).[3]
In total, the squadron flew 206 (352 flight hours) sorties (between 21 July and 30 September) during the 2nd police action.
In March 1949 the shortage of personnel and equipment reappeared and a limit was imposed on the number of flying hours.
16 december |
2 C-47s of 20Sqn left from Tjililitan to Medan. From there they brought 122 Sqn personnel and equipment to Padang that would be used for air support during a push-through to Fort de Kock. |
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19 december |
Medan: 2 P-51’s. Padang: 7 P-51’s |
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From Padang: attack from the airport at Fort de Kock and radio stations and camps in the vicinity. Further attacks on the airports of Sibolga, Siborongborong, Lhonga, Lhokseumawe, Bireuen and Kotaradja. |
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Support from Medan to the landing of ground troops near Laboehanbilik. Securing the advance of ground troops near Lake Singkarak and Moekoe-Moekoe after 4 Catalinas from the MLD had delivered them there. |
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20 december |
Support for the advance of O-colonne in Central Sumatra. Attack and destruction of radio stations at Fort de Kock, where an ammunition depot was hit. |
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Patrol on landing of MLD Catalina’s on Tobameer. |
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Air support landing craft at Bagan Siapiapi. |
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Pariaman - Padang pandan road north of Padang |
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22 december |
Support for ground forces by attacking transports of the Republic |
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First UN Security Council meeting. NL was warned against continuing the hard line. |
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23 december |
Protection of landing and dropping of 100 man troops near Balige by 5 Catalinas on Lake Toba |
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24 december |
Support for troops at Ln-Loboe. Standing patrol over landings at Sibolga. |
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Offensive explorations and road explorations between Padangpandjang and Fort van de Capellen |
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26 december |
Normal offensive tasks and reconnaissance flights with photos |
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raised pressure by UN |
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27 december |
Transport of personnel and equipment from Padang to Palembang with 2 C-47s from TransCo |
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28 december |
Start of combined action 'Ekster': Occupation of Djambi and the nearby oil fields (Kenali-Asam, Tempino and Badjoebang). |
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Supply to Palembang by 2 additional C-47s from Medan with personnel and equipment, followed by 6 P-51 Mustangs |
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2 UN resolutions for a ceasefire. NL must reply within 24 hours |
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29 december |
Shooting on various targets near Djambi by 121 and 122sqn with 11 P-51s. |
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NL declares to the UN that December 31st a ceasefire will be announced on Java and on Sumatra 'a few days later'. |
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30 december |
Destruction of radio stations in Loeboeklinggau, Tjoeroep and Kepahiang by 2 P-15 from Palembang. |
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Attacking enemy at Kebandjahe from Medan |
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Support to own troops at Sibolga |
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Enemy troops under attack by 3 Mustangs en route from Palembang via Padan to Medan |
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Order to stop firing on Java at midnight |
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5 januari 1949 |
Official stop of the battle in Sumatra |