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| No. 820 Naval Air Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | 820 Naval Air Squadron |
| Caption | Fairey Swordfish similar to types flown by the squadron from HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious |
| Dates | 1933–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Navy |
| Type | Naval aviation |
| Role | Anti-submarine warfare; reconnaissance; strike |
| Garrison | Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton |
| Motto | Per Mare Per Terras |
| Notable commanders | Commander Peter Burnett, Wing Commander G.H. Smyth |
No. 820 Naval Air Squadron is a unit of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm with a history spanning pre-Second World War to the contemporary era. The squadron has operated from carriers such as HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious, participated in major campaigns including the Norwegian Campaign and the Falklands War, and flown types from the Fairey Swordfish to modern anti-submarine helicopters. Its personnel and platforms have been closely associated with operations involving the Royal Air Force, Royal Naval Reserve, and NATO maritime forces.
Formed in 1933 at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, the squadron first equipped with biplanes and quickly became involved in Fleet Air Arm carrier operations aboard HMS Furious and HMS Courageous. During the early phase of the Second World War, the unit undertook torpedo and reconnaissance missions in the Norwegian Campaign and the Atlantic convoy battles, operating from HMS Glorious and HMS Ark Royal. Reconstituted and re-equipped several times, the squadron transitioned through roles in the Mediterranean theatre alongside Force H and supported operations during the Battle of Crete and actions against the Regia Marina.
Postwar restructuring saw the squadron reformed to meet Cold War challenges, participating in anti-submarine warfare development with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and deploying to the South Atlantic during the Falklands War aboard HMS Invincible. During the late 20th century, the unit adopted rotary-wing platforms to provide airborne anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning capabilities in conjunction with Royal Navy aircraft carriers and NATO task groups. Into the 21st century, the squadron contributed to operations linked to Operation Telic, Operation Herrick, and multinational maritime security missions in partnership with the United States Navy and European Union Naval Force.
Over its history the squadron operated a broad spectrum of types, reflecting evolving naval aviation technology. Early types included the Fairey IIIF and Fairey Albacore biplanes, followed in the Second World War by the torpedo bomber Fairey Swordfish and the Grumman Avenger in anti-shipping roles. Postwar piston and early jet-era machines such as the Blackburn Firebrand and Hawker Sea Fury featured in strike and fighter duties.
The Cold War prompted adoption of anti-submarine platforms: the squadron flew the Fairey Gannet and later the twin-rotor Westland Whirlwind and Westland Wessex helicopters. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries the unit operated the Westland Sea King in both search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare variants, and more recently types used in embarked shipborne maritime patrol and airborne surveillance roles. Each transition paralleled developments in carrier design exemplified by HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) and HMS Prince of Wales (R09).
The squadron’s operational record includes carrier strike, convoy escort, anti-submarine patrols, and amphibious support. Notable wartime deployments include Mediterranean sorties against the Italian Navy and Atlantic operations protecting convoys to Malta. The squadron took part in carrier group operations during the Battle of the Atlantic and the Arctic convoys supporting Soviet resupply efforts.
In 1982, elements served in the Falklands War from carriers and forward bases, conducting anti-submarine and search missions in concert with the Royal Marines and British Army logistic efforts. During the Cold War and post-Cold War eras, deployments included NATO exercises in the North Atlantic and standing maritime security patrols in the Gulf of Aden and Mediterranean. Humanitarian and evacuation missions have seen collaboration with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and civil authorities during crises such as evacuations from conflict zones.
Organizationally assigned to the Fleet Air Arm, the squadron has rotated between embarked carrier air groups and shore-based maritime air wings. It has reported through command structures involving Flag Officer Sea Training and, during joint operations, coordinated with senior commanders from Allied Maritime Command and theater commanders such as those of Joint Forces Command. Squadron command billets have been held by ranked officers including commanders and wing commanders who later progressed to senior Fleet Air Arm appointments.
Training and operational readiness regimes are conducted at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton and integrated with RAF and NATO training at facilities including RAF Lossiemouth and multinational ranges. Maintenance and logistics support historically came from the Fleet Air Arm Engineering establishments and shore-based units such as RNAS Culdrose.
The squadron badge and insignia have evolved, drawing on maritime heraldry and symbols reflecting torpedo and anti-submarine roles; historic emblems have shown motifs associated with Atlantic operations and carrier aviation. Traditions include commemorations on anniversary dates tied to notable operations, mess customs inherited from Fleet Air Arm practice, and affiliations with ships such as Ark Royal and units of the Royal Naval Reserve.
Colours, callsigns, and squadron insignia have been displayed on aircraft fuselages and flight suits, preserving links to predecessor flights and celebrating battle honours from campaigns like Mediterranean and the Falklands.
Personnel from the squadron have received decorations including the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Order, and campaign medals for service in Second World War, Cold War, and modern conflicts. Distinguished commanders and aircrew progressed to roles in Fleet Air Arm leadership and joint defense posts, with individual names recorded in squadron chronicles alongside decorated aviators involved in carrier actions and anti-submarine successes. The squadron’s battle honours include operations recognized by the Admiralty and appear on regimental rolls maintained by naval historical branches.
Category:Fleet Air Arm squadrons Category:Military units and formations of the United Kingdom