HMS Victorious Air Group, October 1941

[Francis Marliere]

Gentlemen,

I am looking forinformation on the air group of HMS Victorious in October 1941. As far as I understand things, the carrier had 2 Albacore squadrons (817 and 832) and a fighter squadron equipped with Fulmars (809) but I don't know how many planes the units had.

Thanks for any help,

Francis Marliere

[wadinga]

Hi Francis,

According to "Send her Victorious" by Michael Apps on 14th August 12 Albacores of 832 flew on from Campbeltown followed by 9 of 817 the following day. One Albacore was lost 3rd September raiding off the Norwegian coast.There was no mention of any other losses before 10th Oct, but then a lot of deck landing accidents and when another ditched on 17th Nov Fairey sent an engine expert to improve the crews' expertise.

Earlier she received 12 Fulmars of 809 on 12th July.

Hope this is some indication of air group strength.

All the best

wadinga

[Francis Marliere]

Thanks !