|
Allied and Soviet Air Forces Please use this forum to discuss the Air Forces of the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
FAA squadron codes early 1940
I am stuck trying to find the Fleet Air Arm squadron codes in april-May 1940.
I think there was on the one hand a systematic coding scheme of an carrier letter, squadron number and individual letter. So HMS Ark Royal squadrons started with A, followed by the squadon order number. A2 was No. 810 Sqn, A4 was No. 820 Sqn (I think). These codes were then followed by the individual aircraft letter. A2A, A2B, etc. Simlarly HMS Glorious (G), Furious (U), Hermes (H), Eagle (?) and Illustrious (L). The list of codes I compiled (without any claims to correctness): 810 A2 820 A4 802 G6 812 G3 825 G5 816 U4 818 U3 814 H3 824 5 806 L6 815 L3 Still missing: 800, 801, 803, 804, 813, 819, 821, 823 So question 1: can someone confirm this was the coding scheme, and if yes what were the squadron codes? But then there seemed to be a second coding scheme, essentially a number followed by the individual aircraft letter; 2Q, 4A, 4B, 5H, 6L, etc. What confuses me is that these codes pop up all over the place, and at a certain moment they seem to have been used by multiple squadrons. So question 2: was there any systemacy behind this second type of coding? All in all pretty confusing, this FAA coding. Hope someone can bring clarity. Regards, Pieter |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Re: FAA squadron codes early 1940
The key point is that the codes are not permanently attached to the unit, but to the carrier, and at different times will be carried by different units.
The carrier each had an identifying letter, as you describe. Eagle was E. Formidable was F, but was seen (later) with the symbol of the Greek letter PHI (=F). The second number identifies the role, and the seniority of the squadron carrying out that role. By 1939 that meant torpedo spotter-reconnaissance 1-5, fighters 6-7, but the earlier numbers had been used for the spotter-recce role only, which is why Swordfish units tend to carry 4 and 5. The final letter is that of the individual aircraft in the squadron. The first, carrier identity, code was often omitted because the RN was rarely in a position to operate more than one carrier in any given force. Hence the codes you mention last. For a full list, you need a copy of the Air Britain book Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm. All the codes you list are correct, 824 being E5. 800 A6, 801 U6 then A7, 803 A7 then S6 then A7 and A8, 804 uncoded with Gladiators, 813 E4, 819 L5, 821 A5, 823 G4 The S code was for shore-based operational squadrons. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Re: FAA squadron codes early 1940
Hi Graham,
Perfect, exactly what I needed. Thanks a lot! Pieter |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Friendly fire WWII | Brian | Allied and Soviet Air Forces | 803 | 8th July 2023 15:47 |
RAF and RAAF ORBs available on the Web | Laurent Rizzotti | Allied and Soviet Air Forces | 43 | 23rd October 2015 14:46 |
RAF losses 5./6. March 1945 | JanZ | Allied and Soviet Air Forces | 13 | 25th February 2012 12:40 |
Hurricane & Battle photos, France 1940. | Martin Gleeson | Allied and Soviet Air Forces | 34 | 3rd October 2010 17:00 |
79 Squadron RAF codes 1940. | Martin Gleeson | Allied and Soviet Air Forces | 2 | 11th August 2008 23:07 |