Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

Flight Histories - Second Series

Second Series

In the post WW1 period the RAF continued to provide the aircraft, pilots and support personnel aboard the Royal Navy's small but expanding carrier force and in 1923 a new element of the RAF was established to work exclusively with the Navy.  This was called the Fleet Air Arm of the RAF or more simply the Fleet Air Arm.  As the carriers of the time were quite small it was decided to create flights rather than squadrons so that a single carrier could carry a range of types to cover the three main roles identified for support of the fleet.  These roles were Fleet Fighter, Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance and Fleet Torpedo Bomber so flights of each type were formed and numbered in the 400 series, although numbers from 480 were used for RAF (non FAA) coastal reconnaissance units. 

The breakdown of units was as follows: - 

In 1929 the RAF coastal reconnaissance flights were raised to squadron status in the 200 series and in April 1933 the FAA units were grouped into a new range of squadrons numbered in the 800 series except for the catapult units which were numbered in the 700 series some as flights whilst others were raised to squadron status.

Unit personnel, equipment and movements are shown in the units section of the Members' Area.

The numbers shown in square brackets, [ ], indicate the side number carried by that aircraft whilst serving with the particular flight.  Whilst the established strength of each flight was usually six aircraft, many more  may be shown as aircraft were swapped between units or supplied as replacements following accidents.

No 401 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

This was formed on 1 April 1923 at RAF Leuchars equipped with six Nightjars for service in the Atlantic Fleet aboard HMS Argus.  The Nightjars were replaced by Flycatchers at the beginning of 1924 an in February 1926 these were taken to the Mediterranean on board HMS Eagle where Hal Far was used as it's shore base.  It joined HMS Hermes in June 1926 for a three month tour of the Mediterranean and the Aegean but in September Hermes sailed to join the China Station with 401 using Kai Tak as its shore station and during this period some of their aircraft operated with floats from HMS Vindictive. HMS Hermes and 401 returned to the UK in September 1927, with the ship being paid off and 401 operating from Gosport.  The flight joined HMS Argus in late 1928 and found itself once again operating in home waters as part of the Atlantic Fleet. 

It joined HMS Furious in June 1930 before transferring to Courageous in September and in January 1932 returned to the Mediterranean for a month.  In  April 1932 the flight rejoined HMS Furious, remaining with the Atlantic Fleet in home waters.  The Flycatchers were replaced by Nimrods in February 1933 but whether these were all received prior to the flight being redesignated No 801 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron on 3 April 1933 is not clear.

Aircraft used: -

Nightjar Apr 1923 - Feb 1924

Flycatcher Feb 1924 - Apr 1933

No 402 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

This was formed on 1 April 1923 at RAF Leuchars equipped with six Flycatchers as a Fleet Fighter units intended for service aboard HMS Eagle.  The flight moved with the carrier to join the Mediterranean Fleet in May 1924, where it used Hal Far as its shore station.  The flight then settled into a routine of training, cruises and training exercises throughout the Mediterranean until the ship and 402 returned to the UK in September 1926.  With the vessel refitted and recommissioned, the flight returned to Malta the following month and resumed its previous routine.  In September 1928 the flight moved to Egypt and then to Palestine to help quell riots in the region.

HMS eagle returned to the UK for a refit once again in April 1929 with 402 being shore based at Gosport, returning to Malta in June.  The flight began its last cruise in Eagle in January 1931 when it travelled to South America, attending the British Empire Trade Exhibition in Argentina before returning the UK for another refit.  For much of the next year the flight was based at Gosport and Netheravon except for a detachment serving on HMS Courageous in August 1931 and the whole flight on HMS Furious in March 1932.  April 1932 saw the flight joining HMS Courageous and in July it began re-equipping with the Nimrod, a process completed in October when the Flycatchers were retired.  However, its life with the new type was short as it was absorbed into the newly formed No 800 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron on 3 April 1933.

Aircraft used: -

No 403 (Fleet Fighter)/(Catapult) Flight

This was formed on 1 June 1923 at RAF Leuchars for service aboard HMS Hermes equipped with a mixture of Plovers and Nightjars.  Re-equipping with Flycatchers in July 1924 it moved to the Mediterranean on board Hermes in November, making its shore base, Hal Far.  Cruises and exercises occupied the flight until July 1925 when it embarked on Hermes and sailed to the Far East and remained in the area until returning to Malta in March 1926.  In September 1926 Hermes and 403 once again returned to the Far East due to a deteriorating situation in China, with 403 using Kai Tak as its shore station and in June 1927 the flight operated a detachment of three aircraft fitted with floats from Wei-hai-Wei.

The strength of the flight was increased to nine aircraft in January 1933 in order to provide aircraft for the 5th Cruiser Squadron (HMSs Berwick, Cornwall, Cumberland, Kent and Suffolk) and on 3 June the flight moved ashore to Kai Tak where eight days later it became solely a Catapult Flight, with five aircraft.  It began re-equipment with Osprey floatplanes in May 1934 but HMS Cumberland carried on with a Flycatcher until April 1935.  In June 1936 the first Walrus was received and placed aboard HMS Cumberland but on 15 July the flight was redesignated No 715 (Catapult) Squadron.

Aircraft used: -

No 404 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

This was formed on 1 July 1923  at RAF Leuchars equipped with Plovers for operation from HMS Furious as part of the Atlantic Fleet.  In April 1924 the Plovers were joined by Nightjars but these left in September 1924, with the Plovers being replaced by Flycatchers in March 1925.  The flight was split into No 404A and No 404B in January 1927 with 404A serving on HMS Furious in the Atlantic Fleet whilst 404B moved to the China station on board HMS Argus to assist in the defence of Hong Kong.  The flight reassembled in May 1928 with 404B joining 404A aboard HMS Courageous, the latter having transferred in March, as part of the Mediterranean Fleet.  The flight operated ashore from Gaza in August/September 1929 during an uprising in Palestine and in November/December two of its aircraft operated on floats from Calafrana harbour on Malta together with two Flycatchers from No 407 Flight.  HMS Courageous returned to the UK in January 1930 for a refit and 404 operated from Gosport during this period.

The Flight operated with No 29 Squadron at North Weald between May and August 1930 before rejoining HMS Courageous in September for service with the Atlantic Fleet.  Except for a visit to Malta in February 1932 the flight took part in exercises and training but in October the Flycatchers began to be replaced with Nimrods and Ospreys, a process completed in November.  Sailing for the Mediterranean in January 1933 it was whilst on its way hame that No 404 Flight was absorbed into the newly formed No 800 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron on 3 April 1933.

Aircraft used: -

No 405 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

This was formed on 31 May 1924 at RAF Leuchars with a mixture of  Flycatchers and Plovers arriving in July, although by the end of the year the Plovers had left.  The flight was established for service aboard HMS Furious in the Atlantic Fleet but it was September 1926 before the flight embarked, having moved to Donibristle in October 1925.  The flight was tasked with carrying out deck trials with a number of experimental fighters during 1929-30, these including the Blackburn Nautilus, Fairey Fleetwing, Hawker Naval Hart, Hawker Hornet, Armstong Whitworth Starling and the Vickers Types 141 and 177.

With the trials completed the flight joined HMS Glorious which then sailed to join the Mediterranean Fleet in June 1930, making Hal Far it shore base whilst there.  In November 1930 the ship returned to the UK and 405 moved to Netheravon, where it re-equipped with the Hawker Osprey beginning in December but Flycatchers had not been replaced by April 1933.  In January it was redesignated No 405 (Fleet Reconnaissance) Flight with the intention of it being transferred to the China Station to provide ship-borne aircraft to the 5th Cruiser Squadron but on 3 April 1933 the flight was raised to squadron status as No 803 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron and the planned move to the Far East was dropped.

Aircraft used: -

No 406 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

This was formed on 31 May 1924 at RAF Leuchars equipped with six Flycatchers and moved to Donibristle in October 1925.  The flight provided an aircraft to the cruiser HMS Enterprise in August 1926 which was taken to the Far East.  The next month the flight provided aircraft for catapult trials from the turrets of battleships including HMS Renown, HMS Revenge and HMS Royal Sovereign.  Also in September after it had completed the  catapult trials, it embarked in HMS Furious, returning to Donibristle in October.  Early 1927 saw the flight moving to the Far East where it had joined HMS Hermes by February, using Kai Tak as its shore station but was merged with No 401 Flight temporarily. 

By March 1928 it had regained its own identity and embarked on HMS Argus for the return to the UK, arriving at Gosport in May.  It moved back to Donibristle in mid 1928, Leuchars in November, back to Donibristle in February 1929 and then Gosport in March 1930, where it joined HMS Glorious to carry out sea trials.  Following the sea trials the ship sailed to Malta in June 1930 to join the Mediterranean Fleet with 406 using Hal Far as its shore station.  For the first five months of 1931 its aircraft were embarked on vessels of the 1st Battle Squadron but then the flight returned to HMS Glorious for a trip to Gibraltar before returning to Malta, this time operating as floatplanes from Calafrana.  The flight alternated between wheels and floats as it accompanied HMS glorious to Cyprus or provided catapult aircraft to various ships.  In February 1932 it returned to the UK on board HMS Courageous and disbanded at Netheravon on 13 March 1932, although it may have remained on paper strength.

Re-established on 2 January 1933 it provided two Flycatchers for service with HMS Emerald and HMS Enterprise of the 4th Cruiser Squadron on the China Station, with its remaining aircraft were transferred to No 405 Flight.  The Flycatchers were replaced by Ospreys in June 1934 but when HMS Enterprise returned to the UK in April 1935 it was replaced by HMS Norfolk which brought with it a Fairey IIIF, which was transferred from No 443 Flight to No 406.  The flight ceased to exist when it was redesignated No 714 (Catapult) Flight on 15 July 1936.

Aircraft used: -

No 407 (Fleet Fighter)/(Fleet Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 1 September 1927 at RAF Donibristle equipped with six Flycatchers for service on board HMS Courageous as part of the Mediterranean Fleet.  It eventually moved to the Mediterranean in May 1928 using Hal Far as its shore station.  In August and September 1927 it operated from Gaza to assist during a revolt in  Palestine and during November/December it operated two Flycatchers fitted with floats as a composite unit with two from 404 Flight at Calafrana.  The flight returned to the UK in January 1930 when Courageous returned for a refit, using Gosport and Donibristle as its shore stations. 

With its refit complete, 407 returned to HMS Courageous and joined the Atlantic Fleet operating from the vessel until January 1932, although in June 1931 it provided float equipped aircraft to operate with the 2nd Cruiser Squadron.  It transferred to HMS Furious in January 1932 but in October it converted to the Hawker Osprey and was allocated to work with the 2nd Cruiser Squadron becoming No 407 (Fleet Reconnaissance) Flight. It provided aircraft to HMS Dorsetshire, HMS Exeter, HMS York, HMS Achilles, HMS Leander, HMS Neptune and HMS Orion.  The first Walrus was received just before the flight was redesignated No 712 (Catapult) Squadron on 15 July 1936.

Aircraft used: -

No 408 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

This was formed on 30 March 1929 at RAF Donibristle equipped with six Flycatchers for service with HMS Glorious, but it was a year later before it embarked at Spithead.  It returned to Plymouth in May with two aircraft being fitted with floats to operate from Mount Batten before the ship and the flight moved to join the Mediterranean Fleet in June 1930.  In Malta the flight began carrying out night landing trials in February 1931 before going to Gibraltar.  In April HMS Glorious was involved in a collision necessitating a lengthy spell in dry dock in Malta, resulting in 408 being returned to the UK on HMS Eagle in May 1931, settling at Netheravon at a reduced strength until November when Nimrods arrived to replace the Flycatchers.

In January 1932 the flight embarked on HMS Courageous for a return to Malta where it rejoined the repaired Glorious.  HMS Glorious then undertook a cruise to Gibraltar, Naples, the South of France and Corsica during February and March.  In June a further cruise was undertaken up the Adriatic to Venice, returning via Spilt, Kotor and Corfu.  In February 1933 another cruise was begun to Majorca and the South of France and during this cruise the flight ceased to exist as it was absorbed into the newly formed No 802 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron on 3 April 1933.  Pans to reform the flight as a catapult flight in May 1935 were cancelled and the task given to Nos 443 and 445 (Catapult) Flights.

Aircraft used: -

No 409 (Fleet Fighter) Flight

This was formed on 7 October 1932 at RAF Netheravon with three Nimrods and three Ospreys for service with HMS Glorious.  It sailed to Malta on 25 January 1933 to join the Mediterranean Fleet where it used Hal Far as its shore base.  It embarked on HMS Glorious on 1 March for a cruise to the South of France and whilst on this was absorbed into the newly created No 802 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron on 3 April 1933.

Aircraft used: -

No 420 (Fleet Spotter) Flight

This was formed from No 3 Squadron on 1 April 1923 at Fort Rowner, Gosport but moved to Chickerell in May before returning to Gosport in July and then back to Chickerell in September.  In November 1923 all the personnel returned to Gosport to form No 423 (Fleet Spotter) Squadron whilst new personnel arrived at Chickerell to re-establish 420 Flight.  In January 1925 it later began to re-equip with the Blackburn Blackburn, a process completed in April.  On 23 September 1925 the flight joined HMS Furious to undertake deck landing training and then remained aboard when the ship joined the Atlantic Fleet.  Blackburn IIs replaced the Blackburn Is in January 1926 following which the flight undertook armament training at Novar and a cruise to Gibraltar and Majorca before returning to the UK on 6 April, where it was redesignated No 449 Flight at Gosport on 29 April 1929.

Aircraft used: -

No 421 (Fleet Spotter) Flight

This was formed on 1 April 1923 at RAF Gosport equipped with six Walruses, which were replaced by Bison Is in May 1925.  Deck landing training in HMS Argus was carried out in July 1925 and in August Bison IIs replaced the Bison Is and in September it joined HMS Furious for service with the Atlantic Fleet.  In March 1927 half of the flight was transferred to HMS Eagle at Gibraltar as No 421B Flight, those remained on board Furious becoming No 421A Flight.  In October 1927 No 421A was amalgamated with No 443A Flight on HMS Furious as No 443 (Composite) Flight until June 1928 when both elements of 421 Flight reunited.  In January the Bisons began to be replaced by Fairey IIIFs and this was complete by March but it was then redesignated No 447 Flight during an annual bombing exercise at Chickerell on 26 April 1929.

Aircraft used: -

No 422 (Fleet Spotter) Flight

This was formed on 1 April 1923 at RAF Gosport equipped with the Westland Walrus but these were soon replaced by the Blackburn I and almost a year later, on 4 March 1924, these were embarked on board HMS Eagle to join the Mediterranean Fleet.  The flight was then involved in deck landing training which was followed by a series of exercises with the fleet throughout July and August 1924.  The flight continued this type of activity as well as taking part in cruises around the Mediterranean until March 1926 when it was transferred to HMS Furious at Palma in Majorca and returned home to the UK. 

On arrival at Gosport on 30 March 1926 it re-equipped with Blackburn IIs but in January 1927 it re-equipped with Fairey IIIDs, which it took to the Far East on board HMS Argus, which on arrival were operated as floatplanes until an accident resulted in them being refitted wit wheels and being flown from the local racecourse.  The flight arrived back at Gosport on 4 May 1928 and re-equipped with the Blackburn II, which it continued to operate from HMS Argus as part of the Atlantic Flight until 26 April 1929 when it was redesignated No 450 Flight.

Aircraft used: -

No 423 (Fleet Spotter) Flight

This was formed on 21 November 1923 at Gosport from the personnel of No 420 Flight, equipped with a mixture of Walruses and Bison Is.  The Bisons were embarked on HMS Argus in May 1924 for service with the Atlantic Fleet and just under a year later it exchanged its Bison Is for newer Bison IIs.  It joined HMS Eagle in February 1926 and sailed to Malta to join the Mediterranean Fleet, using Hal Far as its short station.  In June 1926 it undertook two cruises to the Aegean in HMS Hermes, returning to Hal Far in September.  It rejoined HMS Eagle in February 1927 and remained with the ship for the remainder of its career.  Fairey IIIFs replaced the Bisons in March 1929 but these were short-lived as it was redesignated No 448 Flight on 26 April 1929.

Aircraft used: -

No 440 (Fleet Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed from personnel of No 205 Squadron on 1 May 1923 at RAF Lee-on-Solent equipped with six Seagull II amphibians.  It embarked in HMS Eagle in March 1924 and sailed join the Mediterranean Fleet at Malta in May.  The flight used Calafrana as its shore station but in December the ship returned to the UK for a refit and it was decided to replace the Seagulls with Fairey IIIDs, re-embarking in February 1925 for a return to Malta and a change of shore station to Hal Far.  In July 1925 it joined HMS Hermes which was heading for the Far East but the flight went ashore at Port Said and later operated from Alexandria and Ismailia before rejoining HMS Eagle at Corfu on 7 August. 

Its time in the Mediterranean came to an end in September 1926 when it transferred to HMS Hermes, sailing to join the China Station until it return to the UK in October 1927.  Whilst back in the UK it replaced the IIIDs with Fairey IIIFs at Gosport before returning to the Far East in early 1928.  Hermes returned to the UK in September 1930 with No 440 using Gosport but in November it was re-embarked and sailed once again for Hong Kong.  During the rest of its existence it undertook a number of cruises around the area but on its return to Hong Kong, where it joined HMS Eagle and was absorbed into the recently formed No 824 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron on 11 June 1933.

Aircraft used: -

No 441 (Fleet Reconnaissance)/(Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed from personnel of No 203 Squadron at RAF Leuchars on 1 April 1923 equipped with Parnell Panthers.  It joined HMS Argus in July followed by spells at Gosport, Leuchars and Donibristle until it joined HMS Hermes in March 1924, after which it re-equipped with Fairey IIIDs at Leuchars.  In November it rejoined HMS Hermes and sailed to join the Mediterranean Fleet using both Hal Far and Calafrana as its shore stations.  Both the ship and the flight returned to the UK in May 1925 to refit and after a month at Gosport it re-embarked for its return to Malta but instead it headed to the Far East, not returning to Malta until February 1926. 

In September 1926 the flight returned to the UK on board HMS Eagle, returning to Malta in October, where it was transferred to HMS Argus, although the ship didn't arrive in Malta until February 1927.  It immediately embarked on Argus and sailed to join the China Station, where it operated from Kiangnan Racecourse in Shanghai on at least two occasions and Kai Tak until March 1928 when it returned to the UK on board HMS Argus.  Arriving in May it became shore based at Gosport and Lee-on-Solent until August when it re-embarked on the ship and joined the Atlantic Fleet and following a visit to Gibraltar returned to the UK in April 1929.  At Lee-on-Solent the following month the flight received Fairey IIIFs and changed its title to Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance before rejoining HMS Argus and the Atlantic Fleet.  In April 1930 it transferred to HMS Glorious and once again found itself as part of the Mediterranean Fleet.  The flight undertook a number of cruises until November 1932 when HMS Glorious returned to the UK for a refit, although 440 remained at Hal Far, where it became No 823 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron on 3 April 1933.

Aircraft used: -

No 442 (Fleet Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed from personnel of No 205 Squadron on 1 April 1923 at RAF Leuchars with Parnell Panthers, embarking in HMS Argus on 8 May and joined the Atlantic Fleet.  In October 1924 the Panthers were replaced by Fairey IIIDs which it took on board HMS Argus in early 1925 but seems to been relatively inactive during this period.  It undertook some deck landing training in June 1926 before moving to Gosport in October, from where it moved to the Far East, joining HMS Hermes in February 1927. 

The ship returned to the UK in August 1930 and 442 came ashore to Gosport where it re-equipped with Fairey IIIFs.  It remained shore based for most of 1931 until it joined HMS Courageous in October, initially as part of the Atlantic Fleet and later the Mediterranean Fleet.  In March 1932 it was transferred to HMS Furious in what was now known as the Home Fleet but in January 1933 it sailed to the Mediterranean, returning in March when 442 went ashore at Netheravon.  On 3 April 1933 it ceased to exist as 442 Flight when it became 'A' Flight of the newly formed No 822 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron.

Aircraft used: -

No 443 (Fleet Reconnaissance)/(Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on paper on 21 May 1923 at Leuchars but it was May 1925 before the first aircraft arrived and then only enough to establish No 443A Flight, the full complement not being received until 1926.  Deck landing training began on HMS Furious in September 1925 and half the flight, No 443B, embarked on HMS Argus in January 1927, sailing to join the China Station.  No 442A Flight re-equipped with Fairey IIIFs in May 1927 but in October was temporarily amalgamated with No 421A Flight to form No 443 (Composite) Flight until June 1928 when the two halves of 443 reunited, becoming a Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance unit and joining HMS Furious.

In November 1930 it began providing IIIFs to HMS York, 8th Cruiser Squadron, and HMS Valiant, 1st Battle Squadron.  It took over responsibility for HMS Dorsetshire in April 1931 and in June briefly provided an aircraft for HMS Hood.  August 1931 saw a reorganisation of responsibilities with 443 taking over HMS Dorsetshire, HMS Norfolk and HMS York in the 2nd Cruiser Squadron, adding HMS Exeter in December.  The flight also carried out catapult trials from HMS Norfolk with the prototype Fairey Fleetwing around this time but it was lost in an accident in July 1932.  In January 1933 the aircraft of HMS Exeter and HMS York were passed to No 407 Flight but 443 regained them in October.

HMS Norfolk was transferred to No 406 Flight in April 1935 and HMS Dorsetshire to No 406 Flight the following moth but took over HMS Ajax in e 8th Cruiser Squadron.  HMS Apollo in the 8th Cruiser Squadron was taken over in January 1936 with HMS Amphion being added in April, but on 15 July 1936 the flight was disbanded with its duties being taken over by Nos 716 and 718 (Catapult) Flights.

Aircraft used: -

No 444 (Fleet Reconnaissance)/(Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 15 January 1925 at RAF Lee-on-Solent with Fairey IIIDs for service on board the seaplane carrier, HMS Vindictive.  It sailed to join the China Station the following January, where it carried out anti-piracy patrol.  Vindictive returned to the UK in early April 1929 and 444 relocated to Lee-on-Solent, where it was redesignated as a Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance unit, until it rejoined Vindictive at the end of the month remaining on board until November when it was reallocated as a catapult unit for the 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron. 

Until August 1931 the flight provided the aircraft for HMS Dorsetshire and HMS Norfolk, when it was given responsibility for the aircraft in HMS Hood and HMS Valiant and around the same time the flight re-equipped with Fairey IIIFs.  The flight carried out catapult trials on HMS Shropshire in April 1932 and then in September 1933 a further re-organisation took place  with 444 taking over responsibility for HMS Barham, HMS Renown and HMS Valiant.  It took on HMS Nelson in October 1934  but lost HMS Barham and HMS Valiant in August/September 1935 and gained HMS Royal Sovereign and Ramillies, losing the latter in January 1936.  The final ship taken on was HMS Repulse in May 1936 but on 15 July 1926 the flight was disbanded and its duties allocated to new flights in the newly created 700-series.

.Aircraft used: -

No 445 (Fleet Reconnaissance)/(Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 1 September 1927 at RAF Leuchars equipped with Fairey IIIFs for service with HMS Courageous, embarking for the first time in May 1928.  Sailing to Malta, it joined the Mediterranean Fleet and used Hal Far as its shore station.  It operated from Gaza during a revolt in Palestine in August 1929 and around this time the flight took on a Bison for target towing duties.  From May 1928 it also operated a Fairey IIID from HMS Resolution until June 1930.  HMS Courageous and 445 Flight returned to the UK in January 1930 to join the Home Fleet with the flight's shore base being Gosport, although both the ship and the flight returned briefly to the Mediterranean between January and March 1932.  On 3 April 1933 No 445 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight, the title had changed in early 1930, was disbanded and split between the newly formed Nos 820 and 821 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadrons.

No 445 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight reformed on 30 August 1935 at RAF Mount Batten as a catapult unit equipped with Ospreys, which were allocated to HMS Arethusa, 3rd Cruiser Squadron, and HMS Galatea, the flagship of the Rear Admiral (Destroyers).  The flight ceased to exist again on 15 July 1936 when it was redesignated No 713 (Catapult) Flight.

Aircraft used: -

No 446 (Fleet Reconnaissance)/(Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 1 September 1927 at RAF Leuchars equipped with Fairey IIIFs for service with HMS Courageous.  In May 1928 it embarked on board the ship, with No 445 Flight and ailed to Malta to join the Mediterranean Fleet.  It operated from Gaza in August 1929 during a revolt in Palestine and changed its title to Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance in early 1930.  HMS Courageous and 446 Flight returned to the UK in January 1930 to join the Home Fleet with the flight's shore base being Gosport, although both the ship and the flight returned briefly to the Mediterranean between January and March 1932.  On 3 April 1933 No 446 Flight was disbanded and absorbed into the newly crerated 821 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron.

Aircraft used: -

No 447 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 26 April 1929 at Chickerell by redesignating No 421 (Fleet Reconnaissance) Flight.   Initially intended for service with HMS Furious, it was re-allocated to HMS Glorious in April 1930 and from June 1931 it also began providing float equipped aircraft for operation from the catapults of HMS London, HMS Shropshire and HMS Sussex of the 1st Cruiser Squadron.  The whole flight was re-allocated to catapult duties around July 1932 with the 1st Cruiser Squadron and later 1st Battle Squadron, although part of  the flight rejoined HMS Glorious between October 1933 and March 1934.

In February 1934 the flight took over responsibility for HMS Devonshire and in September took over HMS Royal Sovereign and HMS Ramillies, although these latter two were transferred to No 444 Flight in August 1935.  HMS Ramillies was again allocated to the flight between November 1935 and January 1936 and HMSs Barham and Valiant became its responsibility in July and August 1935 respectively.  Some Ospreys were received in January 1936 and between March and June the Seagull Vs of HMAS Australia and HMAS Sydney were attached to No 447 Flight.  No 447 Flight disbanded on 15 July 1936 to provide the nucleus of Nos 701 and 711 (Catapult) Flights.

Aircraft used: -

No 448 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 26 April 1929 at Gosport by redesignating No 423 Flight equipped with Fairey IIIFs.  Allocated to HMS Eagle on which it embarked in June, sailing to join the Mediterranean Fleet, where Hal Far was its shore station.  HMS Eagle sailed on a cruise to South America in early 1931 and when the ship arrived back in Gibraltar in May, No 448 transferred to HMS Glorious and returned to the Mediterranean Fleet until it disbanded into No 823 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron on 3 April 1933.

Aircraft used: -

No 449 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 26 April 1929 at Gosport by redesignating No 420 Flight taking over it Blackburn Blackburns.  It embarked on HMS Furious, as part of the Atlantic Fleet in October 1929 before transferring to HMS Courageous in June 1930, remaining with the Atlantic Fleet.  The Blackburns were replaced by Fairey IIIFs in May 1931 and these began to be replaced by Seals in January 1933 but on 3 April 1933 the flight was redesignated as No 822 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadon.

Aircraft used: -

No 450 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 26 April 1929 by redesignating No 422 Flight at RAF Gosport, equipped with Blackburn Blackburns.  Initially serving on board HMS Argus, it was transferred to HMS Furious in September 1930, re-equipping with Fairey IIIFs in November.  January 1932 saw the ship and the flight in Malta for a month, after which it returned to home waters, eventually being absorbed into the newly formed No 820 (Fleet Spotter Reconnaissance) Squadron on 3 April 1933.

Aircraft used: -

No 460 (Fleet Torpedo)/(Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Flight

This was formed on 1 April 1923 at RAF Gosport equipped with six Darts, embarking on HMS Eagle in March 1924 and sailing to Malta to join the Mediterranean Fleet.   When it re-equipped with Ripons in November 1930 it also changed its title to Fleet Torpedo Bomber, transferring to HMS Glorious in May 1931.  After providing aircraft, along with Nos 461 and 462 Flights, to form a composite 'squadron' which toured RAF stations in Egypt during September 1932 the flight returned to the UK onboard HMS Glorious, arriving in November.  On arrival the aircraft were returned to Blackburn's at Brough for conversion to IIc standard and the personnel proceeded to Manston where the flight converted to the Fairey IIIF.  The flight was officially became part of No 824 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron on 3 April 1933 but it was still operating as No 460 Flight when it embarked on HMS Eagle and sailed to the China Station, formally amalgamating with No 440 Flight in No 824 Squadron on its arrival in Hong Kong on 11 June 1933.

Aircraft used: -

No 461 (Fleet Torpedo)/(Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Flight

This was formed on 1 April 1923 at RAF Gosport equipped with six Darts, it was November 1925 before it embarked on HMS Furious, however between December 1924 and January 1925 the flight had carried out trials with the prototype Handley Page Hendon.  Serving on board HMS Furious the flight served with the Atlantic Fleet in home waters and in December 1929 it re-equipped with Ripons, joining HMS Glorious in May 1930 and sailing to Malta to join the Mediterranean Fleet.  In November 1930 its title was changed to Fleet Torpedo Bomber.  In September 1932 it provided aircraft, along with Nos 460 and 462 Flights, to form a composite 'squadron' which toured RAF stations in Egypt after which HMS Glorious returned to the UK with 461 Flight remaining at Hal Far.  In early 1933 the flight provided two aircraft, four others being provided by No 462 Flight,  to a composite flight for service on HMS Courageous but in February these returned to 461 Flight and the flight rejoined HMS Glorious.  However on 3 April 1933 No 461 Flight amalgamated with No 462 Flight to form No 812 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron.

Aircraft used: -

No 462 (Fleet Torpedo)/(Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Flight

This was formed on 31 May 1924 at RAF Gosport as a Fleet Torpedo unit equipped with six Darts.  In November 1925 it embarked on HMS Furious for  service with the Atlantic Fleet in home waters.  Re-equipment with Ripons took place in February 1929 and in May 1930 the flight was transferred to HMS Glorious moving with it to join the Mediterranean Fleet in Malta the following month, with it's title changing to Fleet Torpedo Bomber in November 1930.  In September 1932 it provided aircraft, along with Nos 460 and 461 Flights, to form a composite 'squadron' which toured RAF stations in Egypt after which HMS Glorious returned to the UK with 462 Flight remaining at Hal Far.  In early 1933 the flight provided four aircraft, two others being provided by No 461 Flight, to a composite flight for service on HMS Courageous but in February these returned to 462 Flight and the flight rejoined HMS Glorious.  However on 3 April 1933 No 462 Flight amalgamated with No 461 Flight to form No 812 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron.

Aircraft used: -

No 463 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Flight

This was formed as a Fleet Torpedo flight on 1 September 1927 at RAF Gosport equipped with six Darts, a type it retained throughout its career.  Joining the Mediterranean Fleet in May 1928 on board HMS Courageous it was based at Gaza in August and September 1929 during a revolt in Palestine but returned to the UK in January 1930 when Courageous returned for a refit.  It operated from HMS Furious in March and June 1930 but returned to HMS Courageous in September, joining the Atlantic Fleet.  It was redesignated a Fleet Torpedo bomber unit in November 1930 but was disbanded and absorbed into No 810 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron on 3 April 1933

Aircraft used: -

No 464 (Fleet Torpedo)/(Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Flight

This was formed as a Fleet Torpedo flight on 1 September 1927 at RAF Gosport equipped with six Darts, a type it retained throughout its career.  Joining the Mediterranean Fleet in May 1928 on board HMS Courageous it was based at Gaza in August and September 1929 during a revolt in Palestine but returned to the UK in January 1930 when Courageous returned for a refit.  It operated from HMS Furious in March and June 1930 but returned to HMS Courageous in September, joining the Atlantic Fleet.  It was redesignated a Fleet Torpedo bomber unit in November 1930 but was disbanded and absorbed into No 810 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron on 3 April 1933

Aircraft used: -

No 465 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Flight

This was formed on 20 March 1931 at RAF Gosport equipped with six Ripon IIs but it was a year before the flight joined HMS Furious as part of the Atlantic Fleet.  It was disbanded on 3 April 1933 when it was absorbed into the newly created No 811 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron.

Aircraft used: -

No 466 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Flight

This was formed on 1 April 1931 at RAF Gosport equipped with six Ripon IIs but it was a year before the flight joined HMS Furious as part of the Atlantic Fleet.  It was disbanded on 3 April 1933 when it was absorbed into the newly created No 811 (Fleet Torpedo Bomber) Squadron.

Aircraft used: -

No 480 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 1 April 1923 by amalgamating the Naval Co-operation Flight and No 230 Squadron at Calshot.  Initially equipped with Felixstowe Flying Boats, these were replaced by Southamptons and on 1 January 1929 the flight was raised to squadron status as No 201 Squadron.

Aircraft used: -

No 481 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 1 August 1923 from the Fairey IIID flight of No 267 Squadron on board HMS Ark Royal in the Dardenelles.  It moved to Calafrana in Malta on 28 August 1923 under the control of RAF Mediterranean and on 1 January 1929 the flight was raised to squadron status as No 202 Squadron.

Aircraft used: -

No 482 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flight

This was formed on 8 October 1928 at Cattewater (Mount Batten) but its existence was short-lived as it was redesignated No 203 Squadron on 1 January 1929.

Aircraft used: -

No 483 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flight

This was to been formed on 1 January 1929 at Cattewater (Mount Batten) but instead became No 204 Squadron

No 484 (Coastal Reconnaissance) Flight

This was to been formed on 1 January 1929 at Seletar, Singapore but instead became No 205 Squadron

This page was last updated on 24/04/21

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