Operational History and Background

The squadron formed at Yeovilton as a 2-seater fighter squadron with 12 Firefly Is in September 1943. The first operational Firefly squadron.

The squadron was stationed at Grimsetter from December 1943 till February 1944 when it moved to Hatston.

In May 1944 the squadron embarked on HMS Indefatigable for 10 days, disembarking at Ayr. In June 1944 the squadron again embarked on HMS Indefatigable, and subsequently took part in the 17 July 1944 operation Mascot dive-bombing attack against the German Battleship Tirpitz in Kaa Fjord, northern Norway, during which it attacked gun positions and supply ships in the Fjord.

In August 1944 the squadron provided cover during operations off the Norwegian coast, and carried out bombing duties in further operations against the Tirpitz.

Simulator image of 1770 squadron firefly 1945

In November 1944 the squadron embarked on HMS Indefatigable for the Far East, where it took part in the attack on the oil refineries at Palembang, Sumatra in January 1945. It subsequently was involved in strikes on the Sakashima Gunto islands, and against Formosa.

24-29 January 1945 - Fleet Air Arm strikes on oil installations at Pladjoe around Palembang, Sumatra - the largest operation ever undertaken by  the Fleet Air Arm - successful strikes are made by aircraft from Task Force 63 - HM carriers "Indomitable", "Illustrious", "Indefatigable" and "Victorious".

In June 1945 the squadron disembarked at Schofields, Australia and joined 7th Carrier Air Group, moving to Mayfield just after VJ-Day.

Battle Honours
Norway 1944, Palembang 1945, Okinawa 1945

Commanding Officers and Squadron Personnel

L/C(A) IP Godfrey, RNVR Sept 1943-Feb 1944

Major VBG Cheesman, DSO, MBE, DSC, RM Feb 1944-June 1945

L/C(A) DJ Holman, RN June 1945- end of WW2

Aircraft

Firefly I Sept 1943-Sept 1945

Ships and Squadron bases
To be listed

The Squadron Today
Link to current Fleet Air Arm squadron information

Associations and Reunions

1770 Naval Air Squadron Association

 

 

Contact details via FAAOA

FURTHER INFORMATION   World Aircraft Carrier Lists and Photo Gallery - from 1913 to 2000. Naval History Information Center, Haze Gray & Underway American based World Aircraft Carrier Lists & Photo Gallery - one of the definitive online sources for British and world aircraft carrier & seaplane tender data, histories and images - over 1000 photos.  Sturtivant, R & Ballance, T  (1994). 'The Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm' Published by Air Britain (Historians) Ltd, 1994 ISBN: 0 85130 223 8   Robert Horsten's FAA Squadrons

        Last Modified: 23-2-2001

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