No. 847 Squadron RNAS

No. 847 Squadron RNAS
Unit name	847 Naval Air Squadron
Caption	Swordfish and Sea King aircraft associated with Royal Navy aviation
Dates	1943–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Role	Naval aviation
Command structure	Fleet Air Arm
Garrison	Various
Notable commanders	Arthur D. Torlesse

No. 847 Squadron RNAS was a Fleet Air Arm unit formed to provide carrier-borne and shipborne aviation support during the mid-20th century and into the Cold War and post‑Cold War eras. It operated a succession of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft from carriers and amphibious assault ships, participating in multiple campaigns and exercises alongside formations from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, United States Navy, and allied navies. The squadron’s service encompassed theaters including the Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Persian Gulf.

History

Formed during World War II in 1943 at a Royal Naval Air Station alongside squadrons such as 824 Naval Air Squadron and 820 Naval Air Squadron, the unit supported operations connected to the Allied invasion of Sicily, Operation Husky, and later Mediterranean patrols. Post-war reductions mirrored wider demobilisation after the Second World War, but Cold War reactivation aligned the squadron with NATO commitments including exercises with Standing Naval Force Atlantic units and deployments linked to Operation Musketeer logistics. In the 1960s and 1970s the squadron transitioned with technological shifts seen in the Fleet Air Arm alongside contemporary squadrons like 824 NAS and 824 NAS during Cod War tensions and North Atlantic patrols. Reactivations in later decades reflected the Royal Navy’s expeditionary focus during crises such as operations in the Falklands War aftermath and the Gulf War era.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its history the unit flew types reflecting carrier doctrine: early biplane and torpedo bomber types akin to the Fairey Swordfish era, transitioning to aircraft such as the Westland Sea King for anti-submarine and transport roles. The squadron later operated shipborne helicopters contemporaneous with units flying the Westland Wasp, Westland Lynx, and utility variants similar to the AgustaWestland Merlin. These platforms paralleled capabilities fielded by squadrons including 820 NAS, 849 NAS, and 824 NAS during maritime aviation evolution across the Cold War and post‑Cold War periods.

Operational deployments

Deployments included embarked periods on HMS Illustrious (R06), HMS Ark Royal (R09), and other carriers conducting Mediterranean Sea patrols, Atlantic convoy escort duties alongside formations such as the Western Approaches Command, and presence missions in the Indian Ocean during decolonisation-era tensions. The squadron contributed to multinational task groups during exercises with the United States Sixth Fleet and detachments aboard amphibious platforms supporting Royal Marines and allied forces similar to deployments seen in Operation Telic contexts. Cruise deployments encompassed port visits to strategic locations like Gibraltar, Malta, and Cyprus (country).

Notable engagements and achievements

The squadron took part in anti-submarine warfare operations that intersected with notable Cold War incidents involving Soviet Navy submarines, contributing to NATO ASW success stories recorded alongside squadrons such as 814 NAS and 820 NAS. It provided airborne lift and utility support during humanitarian and evacuation operations comparable to missions during the Suez Crisis and later contingency responses in the Mediterranean migration crisis. Individual sorties and embarked operations earned commendations linking aircrew and ship companies to awards also received by personnel from HMS Hermes (95) and HMS Eagle (R05)-associated units.

Command structure and personnel

The squadron fell under the operational control of the Fleet Air Arm and fleet commanders embarked on carriers such as HMS Ark Royal (R09) and amphibious commanders aboard HMS Albion (L14). Commanding officers included decorated officers with career paths through Royal Navy air stations and exchange postings with the Royal Air Force and United States Navy aviation communities. Aircrew training pipelines intersected with establishments like RNAS Yeovilton and RNAS Culdrose, and specialist technicians trained at facilities associated with Royal Naval Air Engineering Stations.

Insignia and traditions

Unit insignia and squadron badges followed heraldic practice under the College of Arms arrangements used by Royal Navy squadrons, displaying motifs reflecting maritime aviation heritage similar to badges borne by 820 NAS and 845 NAS. Traditions included embarked ceremonial duties on carriers, ceremonial flypasts over landmarks such as Tower Bridge, and association with naval commemorations including observances linked to Battle of the Atlantic remembrances and Fleet Air Arm anniversaries. The squadron maintained ties with naval associations and veterans’ groups that preserve the histories of units like Commando Helicopter Force and historic squadrons.

Category:Fleet Air Arm squadrons Category:Military units and formations of the United Kingdom