805 Naval Air Squadron

805 Naval Air Squadron was established at RNAS Donibristle (HMS Merlin), Fife, on 5 May 1940, as a Blackburn Roc seaplane fighter squadron intended for operations in Norway.^[1]

Following a conversion course at RNAS Donibristle, the initial crews relocated to RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus), Hampshire, to commence training with 765 Naval Air Squadron, which additionally possessed several Blackburn Rocs equipped with floats. However, a week later, the strategy was scrapped, leading to the disbandment of the nascent squadron on 13 May.^[2]

On 15 November 1940, a group of aircraft and personnel intended for the newly formed 805 Squadron boarded the MV Henry Stanley for their journey to West Africa. Upon arrival, the aircraft were assembled and tested on the hold covers before being lightered to the shore. Groups of up to five Fairey Fulmar aircraft subsequently flew across Africa, passing through Fort Lamy en route to Egypt, where they arrived between 13 December and 23 January 1941.^[2] The squadron was reformed on New Year’s Day 1941 at RN Air Section Aboukir, located at RAF Aboukir, North Africa. It operated with twelve aircraft, predominantly Fairey Fulmar Mk.I reconnaissance/fighter aircraft, along with a few Brewster Buffaloes, an American fighter aircraft.^[3][4]

Detachments were deployed aboard HMS Illustrious and HMS Eagle prior to the operations over Crete, conducting operations from the airfield at Maleme, Greece, supplemented by a number of Gloster Sea Gladiators.^[2] At RNAS Dekheila (HMS Grebe), Alexandria, Egypt, Royal Air Force (RAF) Hawker Hurricane fighter aircraft were utilised for a period; however, in July, the squadron transitioned to twelve Grumman Martlet, an American carrier-borne fighter aircraft,^[1] integrating into the temporary RN Fighter Squadron in the Western Desert, a provisional merger of 803, 805, and 806 Squadrons at Dekheila on the 2nd of August 1941^[5] and subsequently served with the RAF's 264, 269, and 234 Wings.^[2]

The combined unit disbanded in February 1942; however, 805 Squadron remained operational in the Western Desert until it relocated to the Canal Zone at the conclusion of June to provide shipping protection.^[1] Shortly thereafter, it proceeded southward to Kenya, passing through Luxor, Wadi Halfa, Khartoum, Malakal, Juba, and Kismu, under the guidance of an RAF Lockheed Hudson. In December, the squadron was re-equipped with Grumman Martlet Mk IVs; however, several aircraft were lost during a failed attempt to relocate to Durban.^[2] Consequently, on 10 January 1943, the squadron was disbanded.^[1]

805 Naval Air Squadron was re-established in July 1945 at RNAS Machrihanish (HMS Landrail), Argyll and Bute, with twenty-five Supermarine Seafire L Mk.Is. In September, these aircraft were substituted with twenty-five Supermarine Seafire F Mk.XVs.^[1]

The Seafire F Mk.XV, which was the inaugural variant powered by the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, made its maiden flight in February 1944. In addition to the incorporation of the Griffon VI engine, the Mk.XV was distinct from its predecessors due to its enhanced fuel capacity, featuring tanks located within the wings. Furthermore, the sting-type arrester hook became a standard feature. It commenced service with FAA squadrons in August 1945.^[6]

This variant was for the squadron’s use with the 20th Carrier Air Group. It embarked in HMS Ocean in June and disembarked in August,^[7] at which point the Seafire F Mk.XVs were prohibited from landing on the deck due to technical issues.^[8] As a temporary solution, 805 Squadron utilised Fairey Firefly FR.Is as single-seat fighters for continued operations aboard HMS Ocean. Additionally, the Night Fighter Unit, equipped with four Firefly NF.Mk I night fighter aircraft, was attached for a duration of three months starting in November. More suitable equipment was received in April 1947, consisting of twelve Supermarine Seafire F Mk.17s.^[2]

The Seafire F Mk.17 represented an enhancement of the Mk.XV. It was characterised by a clear-view bubble hood and a cutaway rear fuselage. Additionally, a 33-gallon tank was installed in the rear fuselage. Furthermore, it featured a significantly reinforced long-stroke undercarriage.^[9] The squadron operated this variant until its disbandment at RNAS Eglinton (HMS Gannet), County Londonderry, in July 1948.^[7]

The squadron has flown a number of different aircraft types:^[2]

• Blackburn Roc fighter aircraft (May 1940)
• Fairey Fulmar Mk.I reconnaissance/fighter aircraft (January - July 1941)
• Brewster Buffalo fighter aircraft (January - August 1941)
• Gloster Sea Gladiator biplane fighter aircraft (March - June 1941)
• Hawker Hurricane Mk I fighter aircraft (May - June 1941)
• Grumman Martlet Mk III fighter aircraft (June 1941 - December 1942)
• Grumman Martlet Mk II fighter aircraft (September 1942)
• Grumman Martlet Mk IV fighter aircraft (December 1942 - January 1943)
• Supermarine Seafire L Mk.III fighter aircraft (July - August 1945)
• Supermarine Seafire F Mk.XV fighter aircraft (August 1945 - August 1946)
• Fairey Firefly FR.I reconnaissance/fighter aircraft (August 1946 - April 1947)
• Fairey Firefly NF.Mk I night fighter aircraft (November 1946 - January 1947)
• Supermarine Seafire F Mk.17 fighter aircraft (April 1947 - June 1948)

The battle honours awarded to 805 Naval Air Squadron are:

• Crete 1941^[10]
• Libya 1941-42^[11]

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

• 20th Carrier Air Group (March 1946 - July 1948)^[12]