Undercarriage collapse on a Grumman Martlet on HMS Biter

The Grumman F4F Wildcat or Martlet was Grumman's first monoplane and one of the outstanding Naval fighters of World War II. This American fighter was called the Martlet by the Royal Navy until March 1944 when it reverted to the US name Wildcat.

In August 1939 the Navy ordered 54 F3F-3s. Export orders for the Grumman G-36 had been placed in 1939, when France purchased 81 G-36As; this entire order was transferred to Britain in June 1940, and the first aircraft, with its British name of Martlet I, was delivered on 27 July, 1940. 

Grumman Martlet (Wildcat) on HMS Biter

 

Aircraft on HMS Biter during 811 squadron presence:

 

 

 

 

Photos of German reconnisance plane being shot down by fighters (Grumman Martlet) from HMS Biter

Bill Downes and ?Erickson who shot down German reconnaissance aircraft (Junkers 290) from HMS Biter

HMS Biter & 811 squadron convoys in early 1944 (GMA present)

Convoy sailed Biter joined Convoy No Biter left Convoy arrived Convoy from Convoy to Logbook Ref
12 February 12 February OS 068KM 23 February 23 February Liverpool Freetown G1,G2
ONS29 Liverpool Halifax
24 February 24 February KMS 042G 25 February 25 February Mediterranean UK (slow)
3 March 3 March SL150 11 March 14 March Freetown UK H1,H2
3 March MKS41 11 March 14 March Mediterranean UK (slow) J1,J2

Depth charge from HMS Biter

Shore leave from HMS Biter (probably by hired car)

The local Cinema

 

Neville Macve and another pilot from HMS Biter taken at Lamlash on the Isle of Arran

 

HMS Bitter anchored in Lamlash bay. Ship's boat to shore & probably followed by a walk along the coast to Brodick

When Swordfish were first fitted with RADAR, the "Scanner" apparatus was housed in a huge "bubble" underneath the fuselage. The following by sub.Lt Mickey Beddels (811 squadron) was one commentary:

ODE TO A PREGNANT SWORDFISH 

(sung to the tune of "She was poor but she was Honest")

Oh I used to think my Swordfish was as slow as she was tame

But I'm sorry to inform you, she has lost her maiden name.

 

For she's going to have a baby, you can tell it from her shape;

You can tell from her performance, she's been subjected to rape.

 

See that bloody great protrusion, you can spot it from afar;

If you ask me what's inside it- it's a bastard, like its Ma!

The Fleet Air Arm Songbook includes a further verse and dates the introduction of Radar:

 Views of a "pregnant" Swordfish

On June 10 the squadron transfers to RAF Coastal Command at Limavady