722 Naval Air Squadron

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722 Naval Air Squadron
Swordfish (7582559196).jpg
A Fairey Swordfish similar to ones used by 722 NAS in 1945.
Active1944-45[1]
CountryUnited Kingdom United Kingdom
BranchNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg Royal Navy
TypeNaval Air Squadron
RoleTraining (1944-1945)
Part ofFleet Air Arm
Garrison/HQRNAS Tambaram
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Lt. Cdr (A) A.F.E. Payen RNVR
Lt. Cdr (A) K.C. Johnson SANF (V)
Lt. Cdr (A) L.G. Morris RN

722 Naval Air Squadron (722 NAS) was a Naval Air Squadron of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm created on 7th September 1944, where it was responsible for assisting in ship and aircraft gunnery practice. On 24 October 1945 following the end of the Second World War.[2]

History[]

Southern India[]

A Miles Martinet similar to ones used by 722 NAS in 1944 and 1945.

The squadron began its operational life in Southern India, with Lt. Cdr (A) A.F.E. Payen RNVR in command at the squadron's HQ at RNAS Tambaram. On 23 October 1944 Lt. Cdr (A) K.C. Johnson SANF (V) took command of the squadron.

On 7 September 1944 'X' flight was established at RAF Juhu, and was responsible for East coast duties, with a focus on the area around Bombay. Initially the squadron operated 12 Miles Martinets, one Stinson Reliant, and one Supermarine Walrus, but in March 1945 it received four Fairey Swordfish. On 18 September 1945, the flight was moved to RNAS Cochin.

Three months later, on 28 December 1944, 'Y' flight was established at RAF Vizagapatam, and was responsible for West coast duties. It operated with a number of Grumman F4F Wildcats, until it was disbanded on 14 October 1945.

Towards the end of the squadron's operational life, it received its third and final commanding officer, when Lt. Cdr (A) L.G. Morris RN assumed command on 8 March 1945.

On 24 October 1945 following the end of the Second World War, it was determined the squadron was no longer required and it was disbanded.[2]

Aircraft Operated[]

The squadron operated a variety of different aircraft and versions:[2]

  • Miles Martinet
  • Stinson Reliant
  • Supermarine Walrus
  • Fairey Swordfish
  • Grumman F4F Wildcat

References[]

Citations[]

  1. ^ Sturtivant, Ballance 1994, p. 42.
  2. ^ a b c "722 Naval Air Squadron". www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk. Retrieved 3 July 2021.

Bibliography[]

  • Sturtivant, R; Ballance, T (1994). The Squadrons of The Fleet Air Arm. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 0-85130-223-8.
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