700 Sqdn FAA

By: Graham Boak - 5th December 2014 at 18:08 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

The unit code was R3 - I don't know any individual examples.

By: Derbyhaven - 5th December 2014 at 21:57 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

The unit code was R3 - I don't know any individual examples.

Graham, I've got a notion that R3 was a late-war code but I can't think where I've got it from.

By: Graham Boak - 6th December 2014 at 12:15 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

"Squadrons of the FAA" just say R3A+, to K9A+ 1942. to M8A+ 1943... which is a bit vague but implies to me that the R3 codes were earlier than 1942. The only Swordfish quoted (one of four on formation) is L9738 from Sep 1939 to July 1941, but no code is given. In parallel, 773 Sq has Swordfish I/SP P4203 as R4A, but the service range is June 1940 to April 1944 so no help. No other code is suggested for 773 in this period.

"Combat Codes" gives R3 for Swordfish, based at Lee on Solent/Portland. The unit moved to Campbelltown on the 14 July 1940. So that suggests it was an early code.

By: OHOPE - 7th December 2014 at 01:52 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

My copy of Combat Codes gives R4 , Swordfish 1 , Walrus 1 , but no date , but Bermuda , for 773 . For 772 there is R3 for a Swordfish 1 , again no date , but Portland , Lee on Solent .

By: Graham Boak - 7th December 2014 at 17:58 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

771 Sq L3104 T8G in 1943 at Twatt.
776 Sq L3117 N up to early 1942, codes changed to R7A+ and R8A+ in 1942, Lee-on Solent then Speke.
L3078 776 Sq at Speke 1.42, then ER Flight RAE Farnborough 11.8.42 for CO tests, the Donibristle, the 771 at hatson in early 1943.