820 NAVAL AIR SQUADRON

Motto: - Tutamen et ultor’ - 'Safeguard and avenger'

Role: - Operational Anti - Submarine Warfare

Base: - RNAS CULDROSE

SQUADRON HISTORY

Originally formed in 1933, 820 Naval Air Squadron has employed many different aircraft types, from fixed to rotary wing, and has been employed in a variety of operations. Throughout its distinguished history the Squadron has undertaken duties ranging from convoy protection during World War 2 and playing a prominent part in the sinking of the Bismarck through to the Falklands conflict, support operations in Bosnia and the Gulf, to humanitarian relief in Mozambique and Sierra Leone.

The Squadron reformed in 2003 to operate the Merlin HM Mk 1. As well as deploying primarily in the Anti - Submarine and Anti - Surface roles, the Squadron has also been employed in troop carrying and Maritime Security Operations demonstrating the versatility of the aircraft, maintainers and the aircrew.

PREVIOUS AIRCRAFT TYPES

Fairey IIIF, Seal, Shark, Baffin, Swordfish, Battle, Albacore, Barracuda, Avenger, Firefly, Gannet, Whirlwind, Wessex, Sea King, Merlin

BATTLE HONOURS

Norway 1940-44, Mediterranean 1940, ‘Bismarck’ 1941, Atlantic 1941, Malta Convoys 1941, North Africa 1942-43, Sicily 1943, Salerno 1943, Palembang 1945, Okinawa 1945, Japan 1945, Falkland Islands 1982