Supermarine Walrus in the Falklands in early 1942?

[Sid Guttridge]

I have read that for a couple of months in early 1942 there was a Supermarine Walrus conducting reconnaissance flights from the Falkland Islands. It was rendered unusable in about March 1942.

However, I cannot discover how it got there.

I guess that it came off one of the Royal Navy cruisers or armed merchant cruisers that operated in the area. If so, has anyone any idea which one delivered it?

Many thanks,

Sid.

[Leendert]

There's something about the Walrus under 1942 in this link: http://www.schudak.de/timelines/falk...1502-1946.html

Regards,

Leendert

[Graham Boak]

W2738 delivered 76MU 17.7.41. 710 Sq Y Flight in HMS Albatross, Falklands det. ("9A", named Audrey III) 11.41. FL after dawn patrol, o/t, sank Port Stanley, Cat W 1/3/42. S/L ST David OK.

Thanks to Sturtivant FAA Aircraft 1939-1945.

[Sid Guttridge]

Thanks.

Following up the HMS Albatross lead, it appears that she was refitting in the USA over January-March 1942. However, she had apparently already disembarked her Walruses (of 710 Squadron?) at Freetown in West Africa in October 1941 prior to crossing the Atlantic.

Freetown was a major base for Royal Navy forces in the South Atlantic, much of which consisted of cruisers and armed merchant cruisers equipped with Walruses. Two of these, HMS Birmingham and HMS Asturias, were around the Falklands at about the right time, so they are prime suspects for delivering the Walrus in question there.

However, I would be grateful for any more had facts on this.

Thanks again,

Sid.