813 Naval Air Squadron
| 813 Naval Air Squadron | |
|---|---|
 813 NAS badge | |
| Active | Royal Air Force 18 January 1937 - 24 May 1939 Royal Navy 24 May 1939 - 18 October 1943 1 November 1943 - 15 May 1945 1 September 1945 - 30 September 1946 1 May 1947 - 21 November 1955 26 November 1956 - 22 April 1958 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Allegiance | Northwest African Coastal Air Force |
| Branch |  Royal Navy |
| Type | Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance squadron |
| Role |
|
| Part of | Fleet Air Arm |
| Garrison/HQ | HMS Illustrious RAF Gibraltar |
| Motto(s) | 'Full sail' |
| Aircraft | See Aircraft flown section for full list. |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Battle honours |
|
| Insignia | |
| Squadron badge | White, over three wavy blue an eagle displayed reversed black (1938) |
| Identification Markings |
|
813 Naval Air Squadron (813 NAS), was a Fleet Air Arm (FAA) naval air squadron of the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy (RN) during World War II and again post-war. It initially operated Swordfish Mk Is from the aircraft carrier Illustrious and took part in the successful raid on Taranto in November 1940.
In July 1943, the squadron was a component of RAF Gibraltar but a detachment of its Swordfish (torpedo spotter reconnaissance) was based at Tafaraoui, Algeria and assigned to the Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) for Operation Husky.[1]
From April 1944 the squadron, including a detachment of Wildcats and three Fulmar NF II night fighters,[2] were deployed on the escort carrier HMS Campania operating in the Arctic Ocean on convoy duty. On 13 December 1944 two of 813's Swordfish were responsible for the sinking of German submarine U-365 by depth charges.[3]
Postwar, the squadron was tasked as a torpedo fighter unit, initially equipped with Blackburn Firebrand aircraft. Between February 1953 and April 1958 the squadron was equipped with turboprop powered Westland Wyvern strike aircraft. 813 Squadron disbanded for the last time on 22 April 1958.[4]
History
[edit]Torpedo Spotter Reconnaissance squadron (1937-1943)
[edit]813 Naval Air Squadron was initially formed at RAF Gosport in Hampshire on 18 January 1937,[5] designated as a Torpedo Spotter Reconnaissance squadron, it was equipped with a fleet of nine Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo bombers.[6] The squadron was embarked in HMS Eagle in Singapore, utilising RAF Seletar as a land-based support facility at the onset of the Second World War. The aircraft carrier and its assigned squadrons conducted operations to locate enemy vessels in the Indian Ocean.[7]
The Admiralty formally assumed control of the squadron on 24 May 1939 while it was embarked in HMS Eagle.[5] Following a refit, HMS Eagle departed for the Mediterranean, where in June, four Gloster Sea Gladiator, a biplane fighter aircraft, were incorporated into the squadron's strength. These aircraft swiftly achieved success by downing two Italian bombers, with additional aircraft being shot down in the subsequent months.[6] The Fairey Swordfish were responsible for the sinking of merchant vessels and a Destroyer during a raid on Tobruk, as well as another Destroyer in a subsequent operation in Sicily. Additionally, four of its aircraft participated alongside HMS Illustrious in the successful assault on the Italian Fleet at Taranto during the night of 11-12 November 1940.[8]
In March 1941, the Gloster Sea Gladiator aircraft were withdrawn, with 813 Naval Air Squadron accompanying 824 Naval Air Squadron to Port Sudan to support local military operations. During this assignment, the squadron successfully engaged five Italian Destroyers located north of Massawa, resulting in the sinking of two vessels, the beaching of two others, and the subsequent scuttling of the remaining ship. After completing its mission, 813 Naval Air Squadron re-joined the carrier and proceeded to sail via Cape Town, spending some time in the Atlantic. On 6 June, it located and sank the U-boat supply ship Elbe, subsequently compelling the German tanker Lothringen to surrender.[6]
Upon its return home in late October 1941, the squadron established a temporary base at RNAS Machrihanish (HMS Landrail), Argyll and Bute, Scotland. After a brief period, the squadron relocated to RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus), situated on the southern coast of England. Here the squadron was equipped with nine new Fairey Swordfish aircraft. Initially, the squadron was also provided with two Hawker Sea Hurricane aircraft, a naval variant of the Hawker Hurricane fighter.[8]
In January 1942, 813 Naval Air Squadron re-boarded HMS Eagle and arrived in Gibraltar by late February, where it engaged in patrols and participated in various operations to transport aircraft to Malta alongside HMS Eagle and HMS Argus. The squadron was temporarily reduced to six aircraft and were fortuitously stationed on land in Gibraltar when HMS Eagle was sunk on 11 August, although four Hawker Sea Hurricane that were on board were lost.[6]
The squadron's capacity was increased twofold in a span of ten days, enabling it to provide assistance for the North African landings, including a flight assigned to Algeria. It maintained operations from both Gibraltar and Algeria until it was transported to the United Kingdom, where it was officially disbanded on 18 October 1943.[8]
Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance squadron (1943-1945)
[edit]In November 1943, 813 Naval Air Squadron was reformed at RNAS Donibristle (HMS Merlin), Fife, Scotland, incorporating nine new Fairey Swordfish II aircraft. Subsequently, in March 1944, three Fairey Fulmar night fighters were assigned to the squadron from 784 Naval Air Squadron. These aircraft, along with the Fairey Swordfish, were deployed aboard HMS Campania in April for the purpose of escorting convoys in the Atlantic and North Russian regions.[6]
The squadron also operated four Grumman Wildcat, an American carrier-borne fighter aircraft, from 1832 Naval Air Squadron off HMS Campania. Engaging in operations within the North Atlantic and supporting Arctic convoys, the Fairey Swordfish aircraft successfully sank the German submarine U-921 on September 30 and U-365 on 13 December while the Grumman Wildcat fighters were credited with the destruction of four German aircraft. In January 1945, a portion of the squadron returned to duty for anti-submarine missions along the Norwegian coastline. By March 1945, the transition to Fairey Swordfish III was completed, coinciding with the withdrawal of the Fairey Fulmar aircraft and the introduction of eight new Grumman Wildcat Mk V into service. The squadron conducted its final Arctic convoy operation aboard HMS Vindex in April 1945, subsequently disbanding on 15 May 1945.[8]
Torpedo Strike squadron (1945-1946)
[edit]813 Naval Air Squadron was reestablished at RNAS Ford (HMS Peregrine) in Sussex, England, on 1 September 1945, functioning as a Torpedo Strike Squadron with Blackburn Firebrand T.F. IV strike fighter as its primary aircraft. This newly modified version of the aircraft encountered significant issues; it was the inaugural model designed to serve as a fighter, dive-bomber, and torpedo strike aircraft, yet it suffered from numerous complications, preventing the squadron from achieving operational status. Subsequently, the squadron was disbanded at RNAS Ford on 30 September 1946, just over a year after its formation.[9]
Torpedo Strike squadron (1947-1955)
[edit]The Blackburn Firebrand T.F. 5 strike fighter entered service with the Fleet Air Am in May 1947,[10] when 813 Naval Air Squadron reformed at RNAS Ford and experienced greater success. However, it initially encountered several issues, limiting the squadron's ability to conduct extended operations aboard HMS Illustrious and HMS Implacable over the subsequent 18 months. Ultimately, the aircraft were integrated into HMS Implacable in January 1949 as part of the 1st Carrier Air Group,[6] engaging in various cruises and exercises before being reassigned to HMS Indomitable two years later. From December 1951, the squadron returned to shore-based operations, focusing on training and participating in exercises. Nevertheless, due to a shortage of spare parts, the serviceability of the aircraft declined significantly, resulting in minimal flying activity.[11]
In 1953, at RNAS Ford, the squadron began to re-equip in May with Westland Wyvern S. 4 strike aircraft. These aircraft effectively replaced the Blackburn Firebrand, but teething troubles were again experienced, and it was not until 1954 that the new aircraft were able to join HMS Albion.[12] The squadron sailed home again in March 1955, to join HMS Eagle in June for visits to the Mediterranean and Norway before disbanding on arrival at HMNB Devonport on 21 November.[11]
Torpedo Strike squadron (1956-1958)
[edit]The Westland Wyvern S. 4 were once more the aircraft utilised when the squadron was reformed at RNAS Ford on 26 November 1956. In February 1957, an independent 'X' Flight was created, consisting of three aircraft, which subsequently transferred to 831 Naval Air Squadron in April. 813 Naval Air Squadron was deployed aboard HMS Eagle in August, participating in exercises in both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean during early 1958, after which the squadron was disbanded at RNAS Ford in April.[11]
Aircraft flown
[edit]Types of aircraft flown by 813 Naval Air Squadron include:[11]
_FM-2_Wildcat_(19967812613).jpg)
- Fairey Swordfish I (January 1937 - March 1943)
- Gloster Sea Gladiator (June 1940 - March 1941)
- Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk IB (December 1941 - August 1942)
- Fairey Swordfish II (November 1942 - September 1943, November 1943 - July 1944)
- Grumman Wildcat Mk V (April 1944 - February 1945)
- Fairey Swordfish III (June 1944 - May 1945)
- Grumman Wildcat Mk VI (September 1944 - May 1945)
- Blackburn Firebrand T.F. IV (September 1945 - September 1946)
- Blackburn Firebrand T.F. 5 (May 1947 - August 1953)
- Fairey Firefly FR.I (May 1952 - August 1953)
- Gloster Meteor T.7 (March - December 1953)
- Westland Wyvern S.4 (May 1953 - November 1955, November 1956 - April 1958)
Battle honours
[edit]The following Battle Honours have been awarded to 813 Naval Air Squadron.
- Calabria 1940[13]
- Mediterranean 1940-41[14]
- Libya 1940-41[15]
- Taranto 1940[16]
- East Indies 1941[17]
- Malta Convoys 1942[18]
- North Africa 1942-43
- Atlantic 1944[19]
- Arctic 1944-45[20]
Commanding officers
[edit]List of commanding officers of 813 Naval Air Squadron with date of appointment:[11][7]
1937 - 1943
- Lieutenant Commander C.R.V. Pugh, RN, (Squadron Leader, RAF), from 18 January 1937
- Squadron Leader E.G. Forbes, RAF, from 10 March 1938
- Lieutenant Commander N. Kennedy, DSC, RN, (Squadron Leader, RAF), from 1 September 1938
- Lieutenant Commander D.H. Elles, RN, from 9 January 1941
- Lieutenant Commander A.V. Lyle, RN, from 5 March 1941
- Lieutenant Commander D.H. Elles, RN, from 28 August 1941
- Lieutenant Commander A.V. Lyle, RN, from 25 November 1941
- Lieutenant Commander C.L. Hutchinson, RN, from 25 March 1942; (KiFA 7 February 1943)
- Lieutenant Commander D.A.P. Weatherall, RN, from 8 February 1943
- Lieutenant J.H. Ree, RN, from 27 June 1943
- Lieutenant Commander D.A.P. Weatherall, RN, from 1 August 1943
- disbanded - 18 October 1943
1943 - 1945
- Lieutenant Commander(A) J.R. Parrish, DSC, RNVR, from 1 November 1943
- Lieutenant Commander(A) C.A. Allen, RNVR, 2 September 1944; (KiA 30 September 1944)
- Lieutenant Commander(A) S.G. Cooke, RNVR, 12 October 1944
- disbanded - 15 May 1945
1945 - 1946
- Lieutenant Commander K. Lee-White, MBE, RN, from 1 September 1945
- Lieutenant(A) W. Orr, RN, from 27 August 1946
- disbanded - 30 September 1946
1947 - 1955
- Lieutenant Commander(A) A.W.R. Turney, RN, from 1 May 1947
- Lieutenant Commander(A) C.R.J. Coxon, RN, from 22 October 1947
- Lieutenant Commander C.K. Roberts, RN, from 1 September 1948
- Lieutenant Commander J.M. Henry, RN, from 5 April 1949
- Lieutenant Commander D.R.S. Abbott, RN, from 21 August 1950 (KiFA 1 October 1950)
- Lieutenant Commander J.S. Barnes, RN, from 2 October 1950
- Lieutenant Commander L.W.A. Barrington, RN, from 15 March 1951
- Lieutenant Commander A.D. Corkhill, DSC, RN, from 12 February 1952
- Lieutenant Commander S.S. Laurie, RN, from 3 March 1953
- Lieutenant Commander C.E. Price, AFC, RN, 4 July 1953
- Lieutenant Commander R.M. Crosley, DFC & Bar, RN, 20 December 1954
- disbanded - 21 November 1955
1956 - 1958
- Lieutenant Commander R.W. Halliday, AFC, RN, from 26 November 1956
- Lieutenant Commander R.W.T. Abraham, RN, from 2 December 1957
- disbanded - 22 April 1958
References
[edit]Citations
[edit]- ^ Richards, D. and H. Saunders, The Royal Air Force 1939–1945 (Volume 2, HMSO, 1953).
- ^ Bussy, Geoffrey: Fairey Fulmar. Hall Park Books, Warpaint Series. No.41. p. 37-40
- ^ "Royal Navy Research Archive HMS Campania".
- ^ Sturtivant, 1994, p.170
- ^ a b Lake 1999, p. 276.
- ^ a b c d e f Ballance, Howard & Sturtivant 2016, p. 139.
- ^ a b Wragg 2019, p. 150.
- ^ a b c d Wragg 2019, p. 151.
- ^ "Ford". Royal Navy Research Archive Fleet Air Arm Bases 1939 - present day. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
- ^ Thetford 1991, p. 62.
- ^ a b c d e Ballance, Howard & Sturtivant 2016, p. 140.
- ^ Thetford 1991, p. 356.
- ^ "Calabria 1940". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
- ^ "Mediterranean 1940-45". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
- ^ "Libya 1940-42". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
- ^ "Taranto 1940". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
- ^ "East Indies 1940-45". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
- ^ "Malta Convoys 1941-42". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
- ^ "Atlantic 1939-45". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
- ^ "Arctic 1941-45". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
Bibliography
[edit]- Ballance, Theo; Howard, Lee; Sturtivant, Ray (2016). The Squadrons and Units of the Fleet Air Arm. Air Britain Historians Limited. ISBN 978-0-85130-489-2.
- Bishop, Chris (ed) The Encyclopedia of 20th Century Air Warfare Amber Books, Ltd. 2004 ISBN 1-904687-26-1
- Lake, Alan (1999). Flying Units of the RAF. Shrewsbury UK: Airlife Publishing Ltd. ISBN 1-84037-086-6.
- Sturtivant, Ray The Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd, 1994, ISBN 0-85130-223-8.
- Thetford, Owen (1991). British Naval Aircraft since 1912. London, UK: Putnam Aeronautical Books, an imprint of Conway Maritime Press Ltd. ISBN 0-85177-849-6.
- Wragg, David (2019). The Fleet Air Arm Handbook 1939-1945. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK: The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7509-9303-6.
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