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836 squadron reformed at Lee-on-Solent under Lt Ransford Slater R.N. and transferred on 9th August to |
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MACRIHANISH. |
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GMA joined 836 squadron at Lee-on-Solent at the beginning of August and transferred with them to Macrihanish. |
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General Crest of 836 squadron on the wheel cover of a Swordfish (FAA museum photographed Oct 2010) |
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836 squadron officially formed for the first time at Palisadoes, Jamaica in March 1942 as a torpedo bomber reconnaissance Swordfish squadron. For details see: http://www.aggleton.name/0008GMAinWW2/0027History_of_836_Squadron_Jamaica.htm The squadron subsequently embarking on HMS Biter in June 1942 for the UK. After arrival the squadron was reformed under L/C Slater DSC, RN at Lee-on-Solent. It joined RAF Coastal Command in January 1943 for operations in the English Channel from Thorney Island. In March 1943 the squadron transferred to Machrihanish to become an Operational Pool for merchant aircraft carriers (MAC-ships) for North Atlantic convoy protection duties, increasing to 27 Swordfish and 2 Walruses in August 1943. Subsequently after the Walruses had been discarded the squadron was given primary responsibility for all MAC-ship flights, each consisting of 3-4 Swordfish. After November 1943, 860 Netherlands squadron was brought under the umbrella of 836 squadron, both forming the MAC-ship Wing controlling 83 aircraft, operating from 19 MAC-ships. After VE Day the squadron’s task was no longer necessary and the squadron disbanded at Maydown in July 1945. |
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A detailed history of the early months of 836 squadron at Lee-on-Solent can be found at: |
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http://www.aggleton.name/0008GMAinWW2/0027History_of_836_Squadron_LeeOnSolent.htm |
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Aircraft:Swordfish |
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A detailed description of 836 squadron during its first "sojourn" at Macrihanish can be found at: |
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http://www.aggleton.name/0008GMAinWW2/0027History_of_836_Squadron_Macrihanish.htm |
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On the 19th September the squadron moved to CRAIL |
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