Operational History and Background

The squadron formed at Norfolk, Virginia, USA as a fighter squadron in July 1942 with 6 Martlet IVs, embarking on HMS Battler in December for a month, disembarking in January to Machrihanish.

In February 1943 the squadron embarked on HMS Archer for convoy duties, disembarking in April 1943 for Ballykelly.

In June 1943 the squadron reduced to 3 aircraft and embarked on HMS Archer. It subsequently disbanded in August 1943 when absorbed into 819 squadron.

In April 1945 the squadron reformed at Eglington with 16 Hellcat IINFs, after embarking briefly on HMS Premier, the squadron was subsequently undertaking night fighter training at Drem at the time of VJ-Day.

Battle Honours
Atlantic 1943

Commanding Officers and Squadron Personnel

• Lt (A) RG French, RNVR July 1942-Dec 1942
• Lt(A) K Firth, RNVR Dec 1942-March 1943
• Lt(A) JG Large, RNVR March 1943-Aug 1943
• Major JO Armour, RM April 1945-end of WW2

Aircraft

Martlet IV July 1942-Aug 1943

Hellcat I April 1945-July 1945

Hellcat IINF May 1945-end of WW2

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   Robert Horsten's FAA Squadrons

        Last Modified: 23-2-2001

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