710 Naval Air Squadron (710 NAS) was a Naval Air Squadron of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm.
| 710 Naval Air Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1939-1943 1944-1945[1] |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Navy |
| Type | Fleet Air Arm Second Line Squadron |
| Role | Seaplane Squadron Torpedo Training Squadron |
| Size | Squadron |
| Part of | Fleet Air Arm |
| Equipment | |
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History
editSeaplane Squadron (1939 - 1943)
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710 Naval Air Squadron was a seaplane squadron that was stood up at RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus) on 23 August 1939.[2] They were equipped with the Supermarine Walrus flying boat and did multiple deployments onboard HMAS Albatross (1928), a seaplane tender.[2]
On 1 September the squadron commenced its journey, setting sail for West Africa and reaching Freetown, Sierra Leone, a week later. During its time in Freetown, the squadron undertook various responsibilities, including providing escorts for local shipping and conducting anti-submarine patrols. Additionally, it facilitated towed targets for the local anti-aircraft defenses and for visiting vessels. In the initial days at Freetown, another significant task involved conducting aerial photography to enhance the accuracy of the region's maps and charts.[3]
The squadron supported Allied landings during Battle of Madagascar in April and remained in the area through November. The squadron did some further work in the Indian Ocean but was eventually sent back to England where it was disbanded on 14 October 1943.[2]
Torpedo Training Squadron (1944 - 1945)
editThe squadron was reformed on 7 October 1944 on the Isle of Man as a torpedo training squadron equipped with Fairey Barracuda and Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers. The squadron was finally disbanded at HMS Urley [RNAS Ronaldsway] on 20 December 1945.[2]
Notes
edit- ^ Sturtivant, Ballance 1994, p. 32.
- ^ a b c d "710 NAS Fleet Air Arm". www.wings-aviation.ch. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
- ^ Ballance, Howard & Sturtivant 2016, p. 18.
References
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.
- Sturtivant, R; Ballance, T (1994). The Squadrons of The Fleet Air Arm. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 0-85130-223-8.
- http://www.wings-aviation.ch/32-FAA/4-Sqn/710-NAS.htm
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