813 Naval Air Squadron

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813 Naval Air Squadron
813 Naval Air Squadron Badge.gif
Squadron badge
Active Royal Air Force
1937–1939
Royal Navy
  • 1939–1943
  • 1943–1945
  • 1945–1946
  • 1947–1955
  • 1956–1958
Disbanded22 April 1958
CountryFlag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom
Allegiance Northwest African Coastal Air Force
BranchNaval ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy
Type Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance squadron
Role Carrier-based:
Part of Fleet Air Arm
Home stationSee Naval air stations section for full list.
MottoFull sail
AircraftSee Aircraft flown section for full list.
Engagements World War II
Battle honours
  • Calabria 1940
  • Mediterranean 1940–41
  • Taranto 1940
  • Libya 1940–41
  • Malta Convoys 1942
  • North Africa 1942–43
  • Atlantic 1942–44
  • Arctic 1941–45
Insignia
Squadron Badge DescriptionWhite, over three wavy blue an eagle displayed reversed black (1938)
Identification Markings
  • 580–590 (Swordfish)
  • E4A+ (Swordfish 13 July 1939)
  • 4A+ (Swordfish later)
  • single letters (Swordfish August 1943)
  • GA+ (Swordfish on Campania September 1944)
  • 6A+ (Sea Gladiator)
  • Z1-Z8 (Wildcat on Campania)
  • single letters (Wildcat on Vindex)
  • FD1A+ (Firebrand T.F. 4)
  • 100–123 (Firebrand T.F. 5)
  • 181–192 (Wyvern)
  • 121–129 (Wyvern May 1955)
  • 300–301 (Wyvern November 1956)
  • 270–279 (Wyvern)
Fin Carrier/Shore Codes
  • FD:C:A (Firebrand T.F. 5)
  • Z , J & E (Wyvern)

813 Naval Air Squadron (813 NAS), also referred to as 813 Squadron, is an inactive Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Naval Air Squadron of the Royal Navy (RN) during World War II and again post-war. It most recently operated the Westland Wyvern S. 4 strike aircraft, between November 1956 and April 1958, with its last deployment on the Audacious-class aircraft carrier HMS Eagle, operating in both the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Contents

It initially operated Fairey Swordfish from the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious and took part in the Battle of 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 Grumman Wildcat and three Fairey Fulmar night fighters, were deployed on the escort carrier HMS Campania operating in the Arctic Ocean on convoy duty. [2] On 13 December 1944 two 813 NAS Swordfish were responsible for the sinking of U-365 by depth charges. [3]

After the war, the squadron was torpedo fighter unit, initially equipped with Blackburn Firebrand aircraft. [4]

History

Torpedo Spotter Reconnaissance squadron (1937–1943)

813 Naval Air Squadron was initially formed at RAF Gosport in Hampshire on 18 January 1937, as a Torpedo Spotter Reconnaissance squadron, it was equipped with a fleet of nine Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo bombers. [5] [6] The squadron was embarked in HMS Eagle in Singapore, utilising RAF Seletar as a land-based support facility at the start of the Second World War. The aircraft carrier and its naval air 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 Sea Gladiators, a biplane fighter aircraft, were incorporated into the squadron's strength. These aircraft swiftly achieved success by shooting down two Regia Aeronautica bombers, more aircraft being shot down in subsequent months. [6] The 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. Four of its aircraft participated alongside HMS Illustrious in the Battle of Taranto during the night of 11/12 November 1940. [8]

Fairey Swordfish; an example of the type used by 813 Squadron Fairey Swordfish 4 (53788695051).jpg
Fairey Swordfish; an example of the type used by 813 Squadron

In March 1941, the Sea Gladiators 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 engaged five Regia Marina 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 moved to RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus), on the south coast of England. Here the squadron was equipped with nine new Fairey Swordfish aircraft. Initially, the squadron was also provided with two Sea Hurricanes , a naval variant of the 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 Sea Hurricanes 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 Operation Torch the landings in North African, including a flight assigned to Algeria. It maintained operations from both Gibraltar and Algeria until it was transported to Britain, where it was disbanded on 18 October 1943. [8]

Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance squadron (1943–1945)

In November 1943, 813 Naval Air Squadron was reformed at RNAS Donibristle (HMS Merlin), Fife, Scotland, incorporating nine new Fairey Swordfish II aircraft. In March 1944, three Fulmar night fighters were assigned to the squadron from 784 Naval Air Squadron. These aircraft, along with the Swordfish, were deployed aboard HMS Campania in April to escort convoys in the Atlantic and North Russian regions. [6]

The squadron also operated four Wildcats, an American carrier-borne fighter aircraft, from 1832 Naval Air Squadron off Campania. Engaging in operations within the North Atlantic and supporting Arctic convoys, the Swordfish aircraft sank the U-921 on September 30 and U-365 on 13 December while the Wildcat fighters were credited with the destruction of four Luftwaffe aircraft. In January 1945, a portion of the squadron returned to duty for anti-submarine missions along the Norwegian coast. By March 1945, the equipping with Swordfish Mk III was completed, coinciding with the withdrawal of the Fulmars and the introduction of eight new Wildcat Mk Vs into service. The squadron conducted its final Arctic convoy operation aboard HMS Vindex in April 1945 and disbanded on 15 May 1945. [8]

Firebrand (1945–1953)

Blackburn Firebrand T.F. IV; an example of the type used by 813 Squadron The Royal Navy during the Second World War A30647.jpg
Blackburn Firebrand T.F. IV; an example of the type used by 813 Squadron

813 Naval Air Squadron was re-established at RNAS Ford (HMS Peregrine) in Sussex on 1 September 1945, functioning as a Torpedo Strike Squadron with the Blackburn Firebrand T.F. IV strike fighter as its primary aircraft. This variant encountered significant problems; it was the inaugural model designed to serve as a fighter, dive-bomber and torpedo strike aircraft, however, it suffered from numerous complications, preventing the squadron from achieving operational status. the squadron was disbanded at RNAS Ford on 30 September 1946, just over a year after its formation. [9]

The Blackburn Firebrand T.F. 5 strike fighter entered service with the Fleet Air Am in May 1947, when 813 Naval Air Squadron reformed at RNAS Ford and experienced greater success. [10] It encountered several problems, limiting the squadron's ability to conduct extended operations aboard HMS Illustrious and HMS Implacable over the next 18 months. Ultimately, the aircraft were integrated into HMS Implacable in January 1949 as part of the 1st Carrier Air Group, engaging in cruises and exercises before being reassigned to HMS Indomitable two years later. [6] From December 1951, the squadron returned to shore-based operations, focusing on training and participating in exercises. However, because of a lack of spare parts, the operational capability of the aircraft diminished considerably, leading to very limited flight operations. [11]

Wyvern (1953–1958)

813 Squadron Westland Wyvern S.4 strike aircraft at RNAS Stretton in 1955 Westland Wyvern S.4 VZ765 '181' Stretton 25.06.55 edited-2.jpg
813 Squadron Westland Wyvern S.4 strike aircraft at RNAS Stretton in 1955

In May 1953, the squadron at RNAS Ford began transitioning to the Westland Wyvern S. 4 strike aircraft, which were intended to replace the Blackburn Firebrand. However, initial operational challenges delayed the integration of the new aircraft, preventing their deployment aboard the Centaur-class light fleet carrier HMS Albion until 1954. [12] The squadron returned home in March 1955 and subsequently joined the Audacious-class aircraft carrier HMS Eagle in June for missions in the Mediterranean and Norway. Ultimately, the squadron was disbanded upon its arrival at HMNB Devonport on 21 November. [11]

The Westland Wyvern S. 4 were used 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 the Atlantic and the Mediterranean during early 1958, after which the squadron was disbanded at RNAS Ford in April. [11]

Aircraft flown

General Motors (Grumman) FM-2, Wildcat Mk VI General Motors (Grumman) FM-2 Wildcat (19967812613).jpg
General Motors (Grumman) FM-2, Wildcat Mk VI

Types of aircraft flown by 813 Naval Air Squadron include: [11]

Battle honours

The following Battle Honours have been awarded to 813 Naval Air Squadron.

Assignments

813 Naval Air Squadron was assigned as needed to form part of a number of larger units:

813 Naval Air Squadron was active at various naval air stations of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF) stations, both within the United Kingdom and internationally. Additionally, it operated from several Royal Navy fleet carriers, as well as other airbases located abroad. [22]

RAF Stations

List of Royal Air Force stations and other airbases that 813 Naval Air Squadron used while administrative management of the Fleet Air Arm was with the RAF, from formation to 24 May 1939:

Aircraft carrier deployments

813 Naval Air Squadron was embarked in HMS Eagle on numerous occasions while administrative management of the Fleet Air Arm was with the RAF. List of dates:

HMS Eagle HMS Eagle (1918).jpg
HMS Eagle

Royal Navy and World War Two

List of airbases and aircraft carriers that 813 Naval Air Squadron used after administrative management of the Fleet Air Arm was transferred to the Royal Navy, from 24 May 1939 and subsequently during the Second World War:

1939–1943

1943–1945

The Royal Navy escort carrier HMS Campania at anchor. Seven Fairey Swordfish and three Grumman Wildcat aircraft are visible on deck HMS Campania (D48) at anchor 1944.jpg
The Royal Navy escort carrier HMS Campania at anchor. Seven Fairey Swordfish and three Grumman Wildcat aircraft are visible on deck

Commanding officers

List of commanding officers of 813 Naval Air Squadron with date of appointment: [11] [7]

1937–1943

1943–1945

1945–1946

1947–1955

1956–1958

Note: Abbreviation (A) signifies Air Branch of the RN or RNVR. [23]

See also

References

Citations

  1. ↑ Richards, D. and H. Saunders, The Royal Air Force 1939–1945 (Volume 2, HMSO, 1953).
  2. ↑ Bussy, Geoffrey: Fairey Fulmar. Hall Park Books, Warpaint Series. No.41. pp. 37–40
  3. ↑ "Royal Navy Research Archive HMS Campania".
  4. ↑ Sturtivant, 1994, p.170
  5. 1 2 Lake 1999, p. 276.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ballance, Howard & Sturtivant 2016, p. 139.
  7. 1 2 Wragg 2019, p. 150.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Wragg 2019, p. 151.
  9. ↑ "Ford". Royal Navy Research Archive Fleet Air Arm Bases 1939 − present day. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  10. ↑ Thetford 1991, p. 62.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Ballance, Howard & Sturtivant 2016, p. 140.
  12. ↑ Thetford 1991, p. 356.
  13. ↑ "Calabria 1940". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  14. ↑ "Mediterranean 1940-45". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  15. ↑ "Libya 1940-42". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  16. ↑ "Taranto 1940". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  17. ↑ "East Indies 1940-45". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  18. ↑ "Malta Convoys 1941-42". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  19. ↑ "Atlantic 1939-45". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  20. ↑ "Arctic 1941-45". britainsnavy.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  21. ↑ Ballance, Howard & Sturtivant 2016, p. 306.
  22. ↑ Ballance, Howard & Sturtivant 2016, pp. 140–141.
  23. ↑ Wragg 2019, p. 257.

Bibliography

Further reading

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