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767 Naval Air Squadron

Summary

767 Naval Air Squadron (767 NAS) was a Naval Air Squadron of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. It was initially formed as a Deck Landing Training Squadron in 1939, when 811 Naval Air Squadron was renumbered 767 Naval Air Squadron, at HMS Merlin, RNAS Donibristle. A detachment went to Hyeres de la Palyvestre in the south of France, enabling training in fairer conditions. While here, the squadron took on an operational mission, with a bombing attack on the Italian port of Genoa. With the fall of France the squadron evacuated to Algeria, where it split. Part went to Malta, forming 830 Naval Air Squadron, the other part to HMS Ark Royal, with personnel returning to the UK via Gibraltar. The squadron regrouped at HMS Condor, RNAS Arbroath, and moved to the Deck Landing School at HMS Peewit at RNAS East Haven in 1943.

767 Naval Air Squadron
767 NAS badge
Active24 May 1939 - 25 June 1940
8 July 1940 - 15 May 1954
20 September 1954 - 1 March 1955
1 March 1956 - 1 April 1957
14 January 1969 - 1 August 1972[1]
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Navy
TypeFleet Air Arm Second Line Squadron
Role
  • Deck Landing Training Squadron
  • Deck Landing Control Officer Training Squadron
  • Landing Signal Officers Training Squadron
  • Fighter Pilot Pool
  • Operational Conversion Unit
SizeSquadron
Part ofFleet Air Arm
Motto(s)Cum dilgentia salus
(Latin for 'Safety with diligence')[2]
Battle honours
Insignia
Squadron BadgeBlue, a hawk wings elevated and addorsed proper alighting on a lure gold (1949)[2]
Identification MarkingsT4A+ & T0A+ (Swordfish, 1939-1940)
T4A+ (from July 1940)
E1A+ & E2A+ (all types, May 1943)[3]
IT1A+ & IT2A+ (all types, July 1946)
100-154 (Seafire), 201-244 (Firefly), (from 1947)
200-206 (Firefly, from September 1949)
160-169 (Sea Fury), 171-173 (Attacker) & 260-263 (Firefly) (from September 1952)
120-128 (Sea Hawk), 161-163 (Sea Fury), 171-176 (Attacker), 260-264 (Firefly) & 361-365 (Avenger) (from 1953)
704-715 (Sea Hawk) (from March 1956)
150-160 (Phantom)[2]
Tail CodesMV:VL & VL (1947)
VL (from September 1949)
HR (from January 1952)
JA (from September 1952)
ST (from 1953)
FD (from March 1956)
VL (Phantom)[2]
Phantom FG.1 of 767 Naval Air Squadron parked

The year 1946 saw the squadron move to RNAS Lossiemouth, where it provided its training, operating out of the satellite airfield at HMS Fulmar at RNAS Milltown. It then moved to HMS Heron, RNAS Yeovilton three years later in 1949, where its role became Deck Landing Control Officer Training Squadron. It continued in this role, moving on to HMS Dipper, RNAS Henstridge in 1952. Later the same year it moved to HMS Blackcap, RNAS Stretton and a change in technology, the introduction of an optical landing system, meant a change in role to a Landing Signal Officers Training Squadron, eventually disbanding in 1955.

It reformed in 1956 as a Fighter Pilot Pool squadron at HMS Peregrine, RNAS Ford, moving to HMS Goldcrest at RNAS Brawdy later in the year. However, a month later it was back at HMS Peregrine but disbanded in April 1957. 767 Naval Air Squadron was next reformed in 1969, as the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) for the McDonnell Douglas F-4K Phantom II FG.1, operating from HMS Heron, RNAS Yeovilton. When this task completed it was then disbanded again, in 1972.

History of 767 NAS edit

Deck Landing Training Squadron (1939 - 1949) edit

 
Fairey Swordfish I 'W5856-4A', an example of the aircraft used by 767 NAS

767 Naval Air Squadron formed as a Deck Landing Training Squadron, by redesignating 811 Naval Air Squadron, at RNAS Donibristle (HMS Merlin), located 2.7 miles (4.3 km) east of Rosyth in Fife, Scotland, on the 24 May 1939.[4] It was initially equipped with DH.60 Moth, a two-seat touring and training biplane, Fairey Swordfish, a biplane torpedo bomber and Blackburn Shark, a carrier-borne biplane torpedo bomber.[5] Basic training was carried out at RNAS Donibristle, however, advanced training was carried out on the aircraft carrier, the modified Courageous-class battlecruiser, HMS Furious.

The squadron sent a detachment to Hyeres de la Palyvestre,[3] a French Naval air station located near Toulon, in Provence, France, in November 1939, to enable shore based training in the more favourable Mediterranean weather conditions. Here, the unique HMS Argus, the Royal Navy aircraft carrier, that was converted from an ocean liner, served as a training ship for carrier deck-landing training.[5]

On the 13 June 1940, the squadron was involved in a bombing raid over the Italian port city of Genoa, just days after Italy entered World War II. This action involved nine aircraft from 767 NAS.[3] Due to poor moonlight on the night, the attempt was abandoned, however, the following night of the 14 June, a successful attack was made.[5]

With the French falling to the German invasion, the squadron needed to be evacuated from France.[3] Eighteen aircraft flew to Bône in Algeria, using Bône Airfield. Here the squadron separated into two parts, with twelve aircraft going to RAF Hal Far, on the island of Malta,[5] which then formed 830 Naval Air Squadron, in July 1940.[6] The other six going on to the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, with the aircraft being absorbed into its squadrons, and 767 Naval Air Squadron personnel going to the UK via Gibraltar.[5]

767 Naval Air Squadron regrouped at RNAS Arbroath (HMS Condor), located near Arbroath in East Angus, Scotland, on the 8 July 1940, continuing as a Deck Landing Training Squadron, now as part of the Deck Landing Training (DLT) School. It was initially equipped with Fairey Albacore and Fairey Swordfish, both biplane torpedo bomber aircraft.[7] In September 1940, the squadron received Fairey Fulmar, a carrier-borne, reconnaissance / fighter aircraft, these remained on strength for around one year before being withdrawn in the following October, in 1941. It also operated Percival Proctor, a radio trainer and communications aircraft, between June and August of that year. In the November, it received Grumman Martlet, an American carrier-based fighter aircraft, however, these were withdrawn from use in 1942.[5] The squadron operated out of Arbroath for almost two years, then on the 5 May 1943, it relocated to RNAS East Haven (HMS Peewit),[7] located approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) east of Carnoustie and 5 miles (8 km) south west of Arbroath, in Angus, Scotland.

RNAS East Haven was home to the Deck Landing Training School and Deck Landing Control Officer Training School. 767 Naval Air Squadron was joined by 768 Deck Landing Training Squadron, in October 1943 and 731 Deck Landing Control Officer Training Squadron, in December 1943.[8] Around this time the squadron received a later variant of Fairey Fulmar aircraft and the Fairey Albacore were withdrawn. However, in 1944, the Fulmar were withdrawn from use and these were replaced with Fairey Barracuda a carrier-borne torpedo and dive bomber aircraft. The remaining Fairey Swordfish aircraft were also withdrawn during 1944. The next year saw the arrival of Fairey Firefly aircraft to the squadron. Supermarine Seafire aircraft were received in early 1946.[5] On the 15 July 1946, 767 NAS moved to RNAS Milltown (HMS Fulmar II),[8] located south of the Moray Firth and 3.6 miles (5.8 km) north east of Elgin, Scotland.

Deck Landing Control Officer Training Squadron (1949 - 1953) edit

 
Hawker Sea Fury FB.11, the type used by 767 NAS for DLCO training

The squadron moved to RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron), situated 4.2 miles (7 kilometres) north of the town of Yeovil, in Somerset, England, on the 8 September 1949. Here it provided Deck Landing Control Officer training and being administered as part of the 50th Training Air Group.[5]

The aircraft flew continuous circuits and approaches to land on whichever runway was in use, enabling the prospective DLCOs to direct their approach. The runway in use was known as the 'Dummy Deck', the trainee DLCOs were known as 'Batsmen' and the repetitive work earned them the nickname ‘Clockwork Mice’. The training course ended with the trainees operating on whichever aircraft carrier was assigned as a Deck Landing Training (DLT) Carrier.[9]

On the 4 January 1952 the squadron moved to RNAS Henstridge (HMS Dipper),[10] situated 12.4 miles (20 km) east of Yeovil in Somerset, England, where the DLCO training continued. Here the Hawker Sea Fury, a fighter aircraft and Fairey Firefly carrier-borne fighter aircraft and anti-submarine aircraft, were the main aircraft used. 767 NAS only remained at RNAS Henstridge for a further eight months, before moving, on the 20 September 1952, to RNAS Stretton (HMS Blackcap),[5] an airfield at Appleton Thorn in Cheshire, situated 3 miles (5 kilometres) South East of Warrington.[11]

Landing Signal Officers Training Squadron (1953 - 1955) edit

 
Supermarine Attcker FB.2, WP290, ST812, in 1831 NAS markings landing at RNAS Stretton, the type used by 767 NAS at Stretton

In 1953 the squadron received Supermarine Attacker, a single-seat naval jet fighter aircraft, and in the October of that year, with the introduction of the Mirror Landing Aid, used to give glidepath information to pilots in the terminal phase of landing on an aircraft carrier, 767 NAS became the Landing Signal Officers Training Squadron. In 1954, the squadron disbanded on the 15 May, but it then reformed on the 20 September and was equipped with Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber and Hawker Sea Hawk single-seat jet day fighter, aircraft. 767 NAS remained at RNAS Stretton for a further six months, however, on the 31 March 1955 the squadron disbanded.[5]

Fighter Pilot Pool (1956 - 1957) edit

767 Naval Air Squadron reformed on the 1 March 1956, as a Fighter Pilot Pool squadron, at RNAS Ford (HMS Peregrine), located at Ford, in West Sussex, England. The squadron was equipped with later variants than previously operated at RNAS Stretton, of Hawker Sea Hawk day fighter aircraft. It remained at RNAS Ford for around five months before moving to RNAS Brawdy (HMS Goldcrest), located 6.3 miles (10.1 km) east of St Davids in Pembrokeshire, Wales, on the 14 August 1956.[12] Here the squadron provided an armament work-up course.[2] However, the following month, on the 20 September, the squadron returned to Ford.[12] Now the squadron was required to train up replacement pilots, needed for FAA squadrons operating in the Suez. 767 Naval Air Squadron disbanded into 764 Naval Air Squadron on the 1 April 1957.[2]

Operational Conversion Unit (1969 - 1972) edit

767 Naval Air Squadron reformed on the 14 January 1969, at RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron),[4] sited a few miles north of Yeovil, in Somerset, England, as an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), from the core of 700P Naval Air Squadron. Its role was to convert Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircrew and Royal Air Force aircrew, to the McDonnell Douglas F-4K Phantom II FG.1, an American tandem two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomber aircraft,[2] purchased for the Royal Navy, as a carrier-borne fighter for Fleet defence, to replace the de Havilland Sea Vixen air-defence fighter aircraft.[13] 767 Naval Air Squadron disbanded as an OCU at Yeovilton, once its task was completed, on the 1 August 1972.[4]

Aircraft operated edit

767 Naval Air Squadron has operated a number of different aircraft types, including:[5]

 
Fairey Albacore
 
Fairey Fulmar Mk.I
 
Fairey Barracuda Mk II
 
Fairey Firefly
 
Supermarine Seafire L Mk III

Battle honours edit

The battle honours awarded to 767 Naval Air Squadron are:

Naval Air Stations and Aircraft Carriers edit

767 Naval Air Squadron operated from a number of naval air stations of the Royal Navy, both in the UK and overseas, a number of Royal Navy aircraft carriers and other air bases:[5]

1939 - 1940

1940 - 1954

1954 - 1955

  • Royal Naval Air Station STRETTON (HMS Stretton) (20 September 1954 - 31 March 1955)
  • disbanded - (31 March 1955)

1956 - 1957

1969 - 1972

  • Royal Naval Air Station YEOVILTON (HMS Heron)[4] (14 January 1969 - 1 August 1972)
    • Valkenburg Detachment two aircraft (27 - 30 September 1969)
    • Landivisiau Detachment two aircraft (16 - 21 January 1970)
    • Landivisiau Detachment two aircraft (13 - 16 March 1970)
    • Lahr Detachment three aircraft (24-27 April 1970)
    • Munich Detachment three aircraft (27 - 31 August 1970)
    • Værløse Detachment three aircraft (11 - 15 November 1970)
    • Capodichino Detachment three aircraft (11 - 15 February 1971)
    • Aviano Detachment four aircraft (2 - 5 June 1971)
    • Værløse Detachment three aircraft (28-31 July 1971)
    • RAF Bruggen Detachment four aircraft (10 - 13 November 1971)
    • RAF Bruggen Detachment four aircraft (21 - 24 June 1971)
    • Leeuwarden Detachment four aircraft (14 - 17 April 1972)
  • disbanded - (1 August 1972)

Commanding Officers edit

List of commanding officers of 767 Naval Air Squadron with day, month and year of appointment:[3][5]

1939 - 1940

  • Lieutenant Commander E.O.F. Price, RN, from 24 May 1939
  • Lieutenant Commander J.A.L. Drummond, RN, from 24 August 1939

1940 - 1954

  • Lieutenant Commander P.L. Mortimer, RN, from 8 July 1940
  • Lieutenant Commander J.A.L. Drummond, RN, from 25 July 1940
  • Lieutenant A.G. Leatham, RN, from 29 November 1941
  • Lieutenant R.L. Williamson, DSC, RN, from 17 June 1942
  • Lieutenant R.S. Baker-Faulkner, RN, from 1 July 1942
  • Lieutenant C.H.C. O’Rourke, RN, from 10 October 1942
  • Lieutenant Commander W.J. Mainprice, RN, from 25 March 1943
  • Lieutenant Commander(A) T.T. Miller, RN, from 3 November 1943
  • Lieutenant Commander(A) J.L. Fisher, RNVR, from 7 November 1943
  • Lieutenant Commander(A) B.W. Vigrass, RNVR, from 6 May 1944
  • Lieutenant Commander(A) D.R. Park, RNZNVR, from 4 February 1945
  • Lieutenant Commander(A) S.G. Cooke, RN, from 12 August 1945
  • Lieutenant(A) D.C. Hill, MBE, RNZNVR, from 8 December 1945
  • Lieutenant Commander(A) F.A. Swanton, DSC, RN, from 22 January 1946
  • Lieutenant J.C.S. Wright, RN, from 26 August 1946
  • Lieutenant Commander L.D. Empson, RN, from 24 November 1946
  • Lieutenant Commander F.A. Swanton, DSC, RN, from 22 January 1947
  • Lieutenant J.S. Toner, RN, from 14 January 1949
  • Lieutenant P.H. Mogridge, DSC, RN, from 27 April 1949
  • Lieutenant W.E. Simpson, DSC, RN, from 29 November 1949
  • Lieutenant Commander C.K. Roberts, RN, from 19 April 1950
  • Lieutenant M.E. Stanley, RN, from 20 June 1951
  • Lieutenant Commander D.O’D. Newbery, RN, from 3 September 1951
  • Lieutenant Commander L.J. Baker, RN, from 14 November 1953
  • disbanded - 15 May 1954

1954 - 1955

  • Lieutenant Commander L.J. Baker, RN, from 20 September 1954
  • Lieutenant B.T. Jones, RN, from 10 January 1955
  • disbanded - 31 March 1955

1956 - 1957

  • Lieutenant Commander G.B. Newby, AFC, RN, from 1 March 1956
  • disbanded - 1 April 1957

1969 - 1972

  • Lieutenant Commander P.C. Marshall, AFC, RN, from 14 January 1969
  • Lieutenant Commander D.A. Borrowman, RN, from 23 June 1970
  • Lieutenant Commander M.J. Doust, RN, from 16 June 1971
  • disbanded - 1 August 1972

References edit

Citations edit

  1. ^ Sturtivant & Ballance 1994, p. 85.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Ballance 2016, p. 68.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Wragg 2019, p. 129.
  4. ^ a b c d e "767 Naval Air Squadron". www.wings-aviation.ch. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Ballance 2016, p. 69.
  6. ^ "767 Naval Air Squadron". www.fleetairarmarchive.net. Archived from the original on 30 March 2009. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d "RNAS Arbroath". www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  8. ^ a b c "RNAS East Haven". www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  9. ^ "731 Naval Air Squadron". www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  10. ^ a b "RNAS Henstridge". www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  11. ^ "RNAS Stretton". www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  12. ^ a b c d e "RNAS Ford". www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  13. ^ Thetford 1991, p. 254-255.

Bibliography edit

  • Ballance, Theo (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.
  • Wragg, David (2019). The Fleet Air Arm Handbook 1939-1945. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK: The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7509-9303-6.
  • 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.

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