Merlin HM.1 - United Kingdom

 

This is the Merlin HM.1 of 814 Naval Air Squadron of the Royal Navy based at RNAS Culdrose.

 

Unit History

 

  No. 814 Naval Air Squadron was first formed at Southampton in December 1938 equipped with the Swordfish Mk 1 torpedo-bomber.

The squadron was embarked on both HMS Ark Royal and HMS Hermes during the early war years but served ashore after HMS Hermes was sunk by japanese aircraft off Ceylon in April 1942. No. 814 NAS remained in theatre until disbandment at Katukurunda in December 1942.

  The  squadron re-formed at RNAS Stretton in July 1944 as a torpedo-bomber reconnaissance unit with Barracuda Mk 2 aircraft and embarked in HMS Venerable for Far East patrol duty.

  In September 1945 814 NAS received the Fairey Firefly FR Mk 1 and, after a further spell in the Far East, returned home in 1947.

  In January 1951, 814 NAS changed roles and received its first Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft, the Firefly AS Mk 6. The squadron became part of the Royal Navy's first all-weather group on board HMS Vengeance.

It operated various marks of Grumman Avenger and Fairey Gannet ASW aircraft before disbanding in September 1959. 

  The squadron became a helicopter squadron for the first time in April 1960, embarking in HMS Hermes with the Westland Whirlwind HAS Mk 7. No. 814 NAS received its first Westland Wessex HAS Mk 1 in November 1961 and returned to the Far East where the squadron was to remain for five years. 

  In October 1967 the squadron re-equipped with the Wessex HAS.3, the first with radar, and returned to HMS Hermes. Due to their good performance in missile exercises they win the "Boyd Trophy".

  In 1970 the squadron re-embarked in HMS Hermes and was awarded the "Australian Shield" for the highest degree of operational readiness. However six months later the squadron disbanded in RNAS Culdrose.

  Re-formed in March 1973 at Prestwick, they go to HMS Hermes once again, with the new Westland Sea King HAS.1 in the ASW and Commando role.

On the following years 814 NAS was used as the anti-submarine squadron on HMS Hermes, receiving again the "Australian Shield".

  In 1976 the squadron moved to a new parent base at RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall, and later their strength was increased to nine aircraft.

  Early in 1977 the squadron re-embarked on HMS Hermes for operations in Home and Mediterranean waters. At the end of 1977 814's Sea King HAS.1 aircraft were replaced by HAS.2's.

  During 1978 these aircraft were upgraded to allow operations in icing conditions.

  In 1982 the squadron receives the new Sea King HAS.5, and joined the new aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious and remain with the ship until 1989, completing the first of two very successful world tours in 1986.

  In 1989 the squadron joined the recommissioned HMS Invencible following the carrier's extensive refit and received the first of its updated Sea King HAS.6 in 1991 before embarking on the Orient 92 World Tour.

  By the end of 2000 the squadron begun the conversion to the new Merlin HM.1.

 

 

HMS - His Majesty Ship

RNAS - Royal Navy Air Station