[4] Flights were restricted to photo-reconnaissance over southern Malaya for the first few days of the active operation, on 18 and 19 June.
[2][4] One account describes how the fighter pilots "were growing restless on a diet of undiluted CAPS, but Commodore Oliver reassured them they would have an opportunity to 'leave their cards'".
[4] On 20 June, the fighters engaged in their first offensive sorties against the airfields at Lhokseumawe, Medan and Binjai.
The results were reported as follows: Runways were put out of action, buildings, installations, hangars, locomotives, rolling stock and grounded aircraft strafed.
There was no enemy air opposition but one Hellcat was lost to flak over Medan - a particular tragedy for 808 Sq., since the pilot was their CO, Lt. Cdr.