Operation Cockpit was an Allied attack against the Japanese-held island of Sabang on 19 April 1944. It was conducted by aircraft flying from British and American aircraft carriers and targeted Japanese shipping and airfields. A small number of Japanese ships and aircraft were destroyed, and one American aircraft was lost. While the attack was successful tactically, it failed to divert Japanese forces from other areas as had been hoped.
Sabang under attack on 19 April 1944
The strategic situation in the Pacific in mid-April 1944. The red shaded area was controlled by the Allies and the remainder was controlled by Japan.
USS Saratoga at Hobart in March 1944 during her voyage to the Indian Ocean
Oil tanks, ships and port installations at Sabang on fire during the attack
Sabang is a city in Aceh province, Indonesia consisting entirely of Weh Island and several smaller islands off the northern tip of Sumatra. The administrative centre of the city is located 17 kilometres (11 mi) north of Banda Aceh. The city covers an area of 122.13 square kilometres (47.15 sq mi) and had a population of 43,391 in the 2020 census although that total was subsequently adjusted to 41,197; the official estimate as at mid 2023 was 43,527. Sabang is known as the northernmost and westernmost city of Indonesia. It also has by far the smallest population of any city in Indonesia.
SS Sumatra docked at Sabang in c. 1895
Rubiah Island, one of the islands in Sabang
