824 Naval Air Squadron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 824 Naval Air Squadron |
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Squadron badge
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| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Navy |
| Type | Flying squadron |
| Role | Merlin HM2 crew training |
| Part of | Fleet Air Arm |
| Home station | RNAS Culdrose |
| Motto(s) | Spectat ubique spiritus (Latin for 'Behold, the wind all around them') |
| Aircraft | AgustaWestland Merlin HM2 |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Commander Chris Jones |
The 824 Naval Air Squadron is a special group of pilots and crew in the Royal Navy. They are part of the Fleet Air Arm, which is the Navy's flying branch. Based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, their main job is to train new aircrew to fly the Merlin HM2 helicopter.
This squadron teaches pilots, observers, and aircrew how to use the Merlin HM2. They learn important skills like finding and tracking submarines (called Anti-Submarine Warfare) and watching for threats from the air (Airborne Surveillance and Control).
Contents
How the Squadron Started
The 824 Naval Air Squadron first began on April 3, 1933. Back then, it was known as a "Spotter Reconnaissance" squadron. This meant its main job was to fly over areas, look for things, and report what they saw.
824 Squadron During World War II
During World War II, the squadron had many different tasks. They helped protect groups of ships (called convoys), carried out bombing raids, and even helped guide naval guns by spotting targets. They also attacked enemy ships like destroyers.
One very important event for the squadron was the Battle of Taranto on November 11, 1940. Aircraft from 824 Squadron, along with others from 813, 815, and 819 squadrons, flew from the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. They successfully attacked the Italian Battle Squadron, which was a big group of powerful warships.
Over the years, between 1934 and 1970, the squadron was temporarily stopped and restarted ten times. During this time, they flew many different types of aircraft. These included the Fairey Seal, Fairey Swordfish, Fairey Barracuda, Fairey Firefly, and later the Fairey Gannet.
Later Years and the Falklands War
The squadron also played a part in the Falklands War. After this conflict, they were responsible for testing the Sea King helicopter. The squadron was stopped again in August 1989. Its aircraft were then moved to 819 Naval Air Squadron at Prestwick.
What 824 Squadron Does Today
Reforming and New Aircraft
The 824 Naval Air Squadron was restarted on June 2, 2000. It was based at RNAS Culdrose and started with eight Merlin HM.1 helicopters.
In January 2013, the squadron received its first new and improved Merlin HM.2 aircraft. By the end of 2013, all their aircraft had been updated to the HM.2 version.
Training for the Future
Today, the squadron's main role is to train new pilots, observers, and aircrew to fly the Merlin HM.2 helicopter. They focus on teaching skills for Anti-Submarine Warfare, which means finding and tracking enemy submarines.
Once the aircrew finish their training with 824 Squadron, they move on to one of the main Merlin squadrons. These include 814 NAS and 820 NAS, where they put their new skills into action.
Aircraft Used by 824 Squadron
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Over its long history, the 824 Naval Air Squadron has flown many different types of aircraft. Here are some of them:
- Fairey III F
- Fairey Seal
- Fairey Swordfish I & II
- Hawker Sea Hurricane IIc
- Grumman Wildcat V
- Fairey Barracuda II
- Fairey Firefly FR.1 & AS.6
- Grumman Avenger TBM-3E & AS.4
- Fairey Gannet AS.1, T.2 & AS.4
- Westland Whirlwind HAS.7
- Westland Sea King HAS.1, HAS.2/2a, HAS.2(AEW), HAS.5 & HAS,6
- AgustaWestland Merlin HM.1
- AgustaWestland Merlin HM.2 (This is the aircraft they use now!)
Battle Honours
A "battle honour" is like a special award given to military units for their bravery and success in important battles or campaigns. The 824 Naval Air Squadron has received several battle honours for its service:
- Calabria 1940
- Mediterranean 1940
- Taranto 1940
- Libya 1940
- Malta Convoys 1942
- Arctic 1944
- Falkland Islands 1982
