The
squadron officially formed at NAS Quonset Point, USA in February
1943 as a torpedo bomber reconnaissance squadron of 12 Avenger Is,
subsequently embarking on HMS Chaser for the UK.
At RAF Machrihanish in January 1944 the squadron was intended to
join No 31 Naval TBR Wing and embark on HMS Victorious, but instead
a fighter flight of 4 Wildcats was added at Eglington and in March
the squadron embarked on HMS Atheling, HMS Engadine and SS
Strathnaver for Katukurunda, Ceylon, where the fighter flight
disbanded.
In May 1944 the squadron embarked on HMS Illustrious, and took part
in operations against oil refinery and harbour installations in
Sourabaya, Java, and subsequently transferred to HMS Ameer for trade
protection duties in the Indian Ocean.
In February and April 1945 the squadron embarked on HMS Empress for
anti-submarine patrols during Operation Stacey in Malaya and
Sumatra, returning after the second mission on HMS Khedive.
In June 1945 a detachment of 4 Avengers embarked on HMS Shah for
anti-submarine duties during strikes in Sumatra, and in July the
entire squadron prepared for an intended strike on Penang which was
subsequently cancelled when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan,
and the ship returned to Trincomalee.
After VJ-Day the squadron returned to the UK on HMS Shah without its
aircraft in September 1945.
- Has
anyone more Informations about this Squadron - |