851 Naval Air Squadron

851 Naval Air Squadron
Active	1943-1945 1954-1984 as 851 Squadron RAN
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Type	Carrier based squadron
Role	Torpedo bomber reconnaissance
Part of	Fleet Air Arm
Anniversaries	none
Engagements	Sinking of U-198, Operation Dracula

851 Naval Air Squadron was a

squadron. It was later disbanded around December 1945.

It was reformed in 1954 as an Australian squadron on 3 August 1954.

History

After pilot training the squadron was formed in October 1943, equipped with

, as well as forming the Shah's full complement.

Sinking of U-198

The two carriers HMS Shah and HMS Begum (carrying 832 Squadron) formed the hunter-killer group Force 66 in July 1944, searching for the German submarine U-198. On 10 and 12 August 1944 the U-boat was located near the Seychelles and attacked by 851's Avengers, although damage could not be clearly ascertained. The aircraft directed the RN frigate HMS Findhorn and the Indian sloop HMIS Godavari to the submarine and they were able to sink U-198 with the loss of all hands.

Sinking of Haguro

In February 1945 Shah sailed to

.

Decommissioning

The squadron subsequently returned to Katukurunda, Colombo Racecourse and

the squadron left their aircraft and sailed on HMS Shah to the UK where the squadron was disbanded and the carrier returned to the United States.

851 Squadron was subsequently reactivated as a squadron of the Royal Australian Navy.

References

External links

• Fleet Air Arm Archive 851 Naval Air Squadron