INDEX OF NAVAL AIR SQUADRONS

 

  

893

squadron 
 
Operational History and Background


The squadron formed at Donibristle in June 1942 as a fighter squadron with 6 Martlet Is.
In October 1942 the squadron embarked on HMS Formidable with 10 Martlet IVs for fighter protection during the landings in North Africa, and participated into an attack on a U-Boat. Subsequently in 1943, the squadron took part in the landings in Sicily and later provided cover at Salerno.

Martlet IV (F4F-4B), FN121, 893 Squadron, HMS Formidable Mediterranean Sea, early 1943,
© Scott Fraser

The squadron subsequently took part in an Arctic convoy to Russia, disbanding on return to the UK in November 1943.

The squadron was proposed to reform with 10 Corsairs at Brunswick in February 1944 but plans did not come to fruition, and the proposal to reform the squadron with 16 hellcat IINFs at Eglington on 15 August 1945 was cancelled due to VJ-Day.

Battle Honours
North Africa 1942-1943, Sicily 1943, Salerno 1943, Arctic 1943

Commanding Officers and Squadron Personnel

  • Lt (A) RG French, RNVR June 1942-Sept 1943
  • L/C(A) RB Pearson, RN Sept 1943-Nov 1943
  • L/C DRB Cosh, RCNVR Nov 1943-Nov 1943
Aircraft
  • Fulmar I June 1942-Sept 1942
  • Martlet I June 1942-Oct 1942
  • Martlet II Sept 1942-Oct 1942
  • Martlet IV Oct 1942-Nov 1943


    • 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
    		  
    The following profiles are offered by Scott Fraser, owner of Tally Ho! decals Martlet IV (F4F-4B), FN121, 893 Squadron, HMS Formidable Mediterranean Sea, early 1943
    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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