| 852 Naval Air Squadron | |
|---|---|
 A Fleet Air ArmGrumman Avenger Mk.I; an example of the type used by 852 NAS | |
| Active | 1 November 1943 - 17 October 1944 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Navy |
| Type | Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance squadron |
| Role | Carrier-based maritime attack |
| Size | Twelve aircraft |
| Part of | Fleet Air Arm |
| Home station | SeeNaval air stations section for full list. |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Battle honours |
|
| Insignia | |
| Identification Markings |
|
| Aircraft flown | |
| Bomber | Grumman Avenger |
| Fighter | Grumman Wildcat |
852 Naval Air Squadron (852 NAS) was aFleet Air Arm (FAA)naval air squadron of the United Kingdom’sRoyal Navy (RN).[1] It was established at Squantum, Massachusetts, in November 1943, as a Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance with Grumman Avenger Mk.I. In February 1944, the squadron traveled across the USA to California, before embarking in HMSNabob. After training and adding a flight of four Grumman Wildcat Mk V, the squadron re-embarked for anti-shipping missions and mine-laying off the coast of Norway. The carrier was hit by a torpedo but managed to return to Scapa Flow in August. 852 Naval Air Squadron then moved to HMSTrumpeter, where the fighter flight upgraded to Grumman Wildcat Mk VI, but the squadron was disbanded in October.
The squadron was officially established on 1 November 1943 at RN Air Section Squantum, which was situated atNaval Air Station Squantum,Quincy, Massachusetts, designated as a Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance unit, equipped with twelveGrumman Avenger Mk.Itorpedo bomber aircraft.[2]
In February 1944, the squadron traveled across the United States toCalifornia, making overnight stops inVirginia,Arkansas, andTexas, before boarding theRuler-classescort carrier,HMS Nabob.[3]
The squadron arrived atRNAS Machrihanish (HMSLandrail),Argyll and Bute, Scotland, on 6 April. In May 1944, a contingent of fourGrumman Wildcat Mk Vfighter aircraft was incorporated into the squadron, which subsequently re-embarked to conduct mine-laying operations and anti-shipping missions in the waters off Norway.[4]
On 22 August, the vessel was struck by a torpedo from theGerman submarineU-354; nevertheless, it was able to return toScapa Flow, arriving on 27 August.[3] The squadron was reassigned to theRuler-class escort channel,HMS Trumpeter, on 9 October. The fighter unit underwent re-equipment with Grumman Wildcat Mk VIs. However, on 17 October the squadron was disbanded.[5]
A proposal to reform the squadron for deployment in theEast Indies Fleet in July 1945 ultimately did not come to fruition.[3]
The squadron has flown a couple of different aircraft types:[3]
The followingBattle Honours have been awarded to 852 Naval Air Squadron:
852 Naval Air Squadron operated from a number of naval air stations of the Royal Navy, in the UK and also a number of Royal Navy escort carriers and other airbases overseas:[3]
List ofcommanding officers of 852 Naval Air Squadron, with date of appointment:[5]
Note: Abbreviation (A) signifies Air Branch of the RN or RNVR.[7]