INDEX OF NAVAL AIR SQUADRONS

 

  

850 

squadron 
 
Operational History and Background
The squadron was officially formed in January 1943 at Quonset Point, where it was intended to carry out long range duties with 12 Seamews for service with HMS Pursuer. However, this was not carried out and the squadron disbanded at the end of January 1943.

In September 1943, the squadron reformed at Squantum as a torpedo bomber reconnaissance Avenger squadron, and subsequently embarked on HMS Empress in February 1944 for the UK, where it was based at Lee-on-Solent.

In April 1944 the squadron was attached to 19 Group RAF Coastal Command at Perranporth for duties in the English Channel leading up to D-Day activities at Normandy. On 24 July 1944 one merchant ship was destroyed and another ship damaged off St Peter Port, Guernsey.

Whilst still with RAF Coastal Command for anti-submarine patrols, in August the squadron was stationed at Limavardy, Maydown and Mullaghmore, and a fighter flight of 4 Wildcats was added and detached to HMS Fencer, HMS Campania, Machrihanish and Yeovilton, the squadron finally disbanding in December 1944.

Battle Honours
Normandy 1944, Atlantic 1944
Commanding Officers and Squadron Personnel
  • Lt JH Dundas, DSC, RN Jan 1943-Jan 1943
  • L/C AP Boddam-Whetham, DSC, RN Sept 1943-May 1944
  • L/C(A) B White, DSC, RNVR, May 1944-Dec 1944
Aircraft
  • Seamew Jan 1943-Jan 1943
  • Avenger I Sept 1943-Dec 1944
  • Wildcat V Aug 1944-Sept 1944
  • Wildcat VI Aug 1944-Dec 1944
    • Ships and Squadron bases
    To be listed
    The Squadron Today
    Link to current Fleet Air Arm squadron information


    Associations and Reunions
    No information

    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  
    850 history and Robert Horsten's FAA
    Squadrons    		  
     
            Last Modified: 23-2-2001

     

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