The Sea Fury and Firefly In Service With The Ran Fleet Air Arm Part II

The Sea Fury and Firefly Squadrons now entered a period of pilot training both on land and sea. During February/March 1951, HMAS Sydney, with the 20th CAG on board, joined a large number of warships from Canada, New Zealand and the UK in a series of exercises in the Storm Bay region off south-east Tasmania. In one rare incident, an 805 Squadron Sea Fury flown by Lieutenant Peter Seed accidentally fired four rockets, luckily loaded with dummy warheads, with one penetrating the timber quarterdeck of the light cruiser HMNZS Bellona, flagship of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Seed said they launched without warning; a possible reason later discovered during Sydney’s first Korean tour. It was found that some frequencies of the carrier’s radio aerials caused radiation influencing Sea Fury armament circuits. The 20th CAG disembarked in April 1951, only to learn soon after that a new CAG would be formed with 805, 808 and 817 Squadrons for deployment to Korea later in the year in support of United Nations forces. This saw an increased intensity of training from mid-1951. Prior to departure, No. 817 Squadron exchanged its existing Firefly AS.6, which were equipped for anti-submarine tasks, for earlier cannon-equipped FR.5 versions from the RN, more suited for their expected role in the conflict. 

Unfortunately, there were several accidents, some during carrier qualifications aboard HMAS Sydney and others from land-based operations. Sadly, some saw a tragic loss of aircrew while others involved successful rescues. One accident led to a decision to withdraw one form of launching augmentation equipment. On 2 May 1951 during a RATOG (Rocket Assisted Take-off Gear) from the carrier, an asymmetric condition was experienced when the bank of rockets fired on one side while on the deck, the second firing after departure, sending the Sea Fury FB.11, VX754, of 805 squadron into the sea with the sad loss of Lieutenant Robert Barnett. Following this tragedy, the Navy decided to discontinue the use of RATOG. There were also stories of survival. On 22 November 1950, Lieutenant Commander Walter Bowles, CO of 805 Squadron, experienced an engine failure in Sea Fury VW646 and bailed out 15 kilometres from RANAS Nowra. His parachute was damaged when he left the aircraft resulting in a higher rate of descent. Fortunately, his parachute tangled in a 12-metre tree, breaking his fall. He freed himself and reached the ground, to be rescued by two passing naval ratings 30 minutes later. 

Into Korean service 

It is testimony to the quality of training and the skill of RAN aircrew that Australia was ready to serve with an air group on Sydney in Korea after what was a comparatively short period of preparation. A selection of some events from Australia’s naval aviation engagement in Korea follows, highlighting just some of the challenges, successes, heroism and losses that unfolded in that conflict. 

The Korean War commenced on 25 June 1950 when about 75,000 soldiers of the North Korean People’s Army crossed the 38th parallel into the pro Western Republic of Korea (RoK) in the south. On 27 June 1953, the United Nations Security Council requested member nations to assist in repelling the attack. Approaches by General Douglas MacArthur for Australian assistance saw Prime Minister Roert Menzies announce on 30 June that RAAF 77 Squadron would be placed at the service of the UN. A debate in the House of Representatives on 6 July to support the RoK saw unanimous support for RAAF and RAN forces to assist the UN. After several years of fighting on land, sea and air, hostilities ceased when an armistice was signed on 27 July 1953.

On 31 August 1951, HMAS Sydney, escorted by HMAS Tobruk, departed from Australia with the newly formed Carrier Air Group of Nos. 805, 808 and 817 Squadrons for Korea carrying 38 aircraft, 20 of which could be accommodated in the hangar. Also on board was a loaned USN Sikorsky HO3S-1 helicopter and crew, transferred from HMS Glory, which would play a vital role in aircrew rescues. Two different Sikorsky helicopters operated from the ship during the Korean War and were later returned to the USN. 

The ship reached Rabaul on 6 September and did not anchor, but launched aircraft for a flypast, then continued to Manus Island to refuel. On 11 September, Sea Fury VX761 suffered a major oil leak during flying operations and attempted to land on the carrier. On the downwind leg, the engine failed at a height of 100 feet with the aircraft successfully ditched, despite being hampered by the main undercarriage being half retracted, with Sub Lieutenant Ian Webster rescued. On 19 September, the ship reached Yokosuka, Japan, then eight days later to Kure where it relieved HMS Glory as the British Naval Forces representative in the Korean theatre of operations. 

During the deployment of Sydney in the Korean theatre, seven patrols were carried out, each with a duration of about 10 days. The patrols saw air operations conducted commencing on 5 October 1951 and concluding on 25 January 1952. Weather conditions experienced were at times in marked contrast to those encountered in Australian home waters with a snow-covered deck periodically providing operational challenges, with aircraft frozen in icy conditions with deck crew even suffering frost bite. The aircraft were primarily engaged attacking a variety of ground targets such as troop positions and rail interdiction. 

“The severity of the storm saw Firefly WB396, a forklift truck, five-metre motor dinghy stores and equipment blown overboard”

The ship deployed to the west coast to commence its first patrol, carrying out 147 sorties on 10-11 October, with 12 Sea Furies attacking ground forces and suspected store dumps. This was the beginning of the carrier’s aviation force’s contribution to the UN effort. On 11 October, the Sydney CAG set a record for a light fleet carrier, carrying out 89 sorties on one day. 

On 14 October 1951, Sydney was at Sasebo, Japan, for replenishment prior to her second operational patrol when word had been received of the approach of Typhoon Ruth. Because of the confined space of the anchorage, Sydney and other large ships put to sea. The ferocity experienced during the storm caused damage and a significant loss of equipment. During the most intensive period from 5pm to midnight winds exceeded 68 knots (126km/h), which is when the anemometers failed. The peak was estimated at a Force 12 storm with 14-metre-high waves flowing over the deck, with the ship rolling in heavy seas. The ship’s bow buried into the seas with the water flowing across the deck and into the forward lift well. The severity of the storm saw Firefly WB396, a forklift truck, five metre motor dinghy, stores and equipment blown overboard in the mountainous seas, while there was extensive damage on the deck. Of the 13 aircraft secured on the deck just aft of the island, one Sea Fury was written off, two suffered rudder damage, two Fireflies were written off and two sustained serious damage. There were injuries to crew, although not serious, while Sydney sustained damage. Sydney returned to Sasebo the following day to undertake repairs. One Firefly was transferred from the RN carrier HMS Unicorn to replace the aircraft lost overboard but the four badly damaged aircraft could not be immediately replaced.

Sydney sailed on 17 October heading for the area of operations off the Korean west coast to commence her second patrol on 18 October with Fireflies dive bombing a railway bridge knocking down one span. Some of the 54 sorties flown that day attacked an underground locomotive repair facility near the coast at Haeju. 

On October 23, the RAN rallied in air and sea to assist in the rescue of the crew of a USAF B-29, which had ditched by providing Sea Fury top air cover for a recovery from the sea. Eventually 13 crew were rescued, the last assisted by a Firefly dropping a “G” Dropper case containing a large life raft that automatically inflated when contacting sea water, survival rations and rescue aids. Rescue of the airmen by the frigate HMAS Murchison was made navigating tricky shallow mine-fouled water, at one stage grounding. She was assisted the following morning by RAN aircraft guiding the ship through sandbanks to safe waters.

“Sea Furies and RAAF Meteors patrolled overhead providing covering fire holding off nearby enemy troops”

Flying operations on 25-26 October were costly, with three aircraft shot down. On 25 October, one of four Sea Furies that were hit by flak, WE796, flown by Lieutenant Col Wheatley of 808 Squadron was forced to ditch off Chinnampoko, south-west of Pyongyang and was rescued by an SAR amphibian and flown to Kimpo. 

On 26 October, Sea Fury VX728 of 805 Squadron flown by Sub Lieutenant Noel Knappstein was hit by flak while attacking ground targets on the Han River mouth and force landed on Kyodong Do Island in the river estuary, with the aircraft breaking in half. He was rescued by a boat from the frigate HMS Amethyst. There were reports that after the pilot realised the aircraft was a write-off, he removed salvageable items from the wrecked aircraft and sold it for the princely sum of about 5,000 won (one shilling and sixpence equivalent) to local villagers. When the Amethyst rescue party arrived to rescue the pilot and retrieve further needed items from the Sea Fury, they were confronted by an irate farmer armed with an 18th century blunderbuss gun to protect the new prize. A diplomatic row was fortunately averted. 

Also on 26 October, there was the heroic recovery of the crew of another damaged aircraft, Firefly FR.5 WB393 of 817 Squadron, flown by Sub Lieutenant Neil MacMillan and observer Chief Petty Officer Phillip Hancox, hit by flak attacking tunnels north-east of Chaeryong, 16 kilometres south-west of Seriwon, force landing in a field five kilometres west of the target, but behind enemy lines. In a prelude to a determined rescue attempt, Sea Furies and RAAF Meteors patrolled overhead providing covering fire holding off nearby enemy troops. The downed Australians kept the enemy at bay using their Owen guns. A Sikorsky HO3S-1 Dragonfly of Helicopter Squadron One (HU-1), Unit 14, manned by its US crew, attached to Sydney, flew in fading light to the extent of their range to rescue the downed crew, with observer Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Callis Gooding leaping out and shooting an enemy soldier as the Australians boarded the helicopter. After flying to Kimpo, the helicopter had insufficient fuel left to taxi after landing. In recognition of the heroism of the helicopter crew in that action, pilot Chief Petty Officer Arlene ‘Dick’ Babbit USN received the Commonwealth Distinguished Service Medal in addition to the US Navy Cross, the only allied serviceman in Korea to receive an award from two nations for the same action, while his observer AD Gooding also received the US Navy Cross for his bravery in the action. 

Other activity on this day, which concluded the second patrol, saw Fireflies destroying a railway bridge and sealing tunnels while Sea Furies were attacking ground targets such as railway rolling stock, a railway bridge and stores dumps and also conducting close support sorties in support of ground troops. During this patrol involving 389 sorties, three aircraft had been lost and 23 suered flak damage. Sydney then sailed to Kure, Japan, to refuel and re-arm and was in port from 27 October until 2 November. 

The third patrol with flying commencing on 5 November o the Korean west coast saw the Air Group suer its first aircrew loss when Sea Fury WE674 on a strafing run flown by Lieutenant Keith Clarkson DFM of 805 Squadron was hit by ground fire from a suspected flak trap on a truck in a road convoy in the Han River area and failed to pull out of a dive. He was the first of three pilots from No. 805 Squadron to be lost in the Korean War and was a former WWII RAAF pilot. 

Two days later a change in the operating environment began with snow beginning to fall. Despite this, 54 sorties carried out attacks on a rail network bridge. The operations continued during the month but deteriorating weather saw very rough seas and low cloud prevent flying missions on some days. The fourth patrol followed Sydney’s departure from Sasebo on 18 November and two days later Sea Furies and Fireflies bombed buildings and warehouses in the port and industrial centre of Hungnam, a port city on the east coast, with this patrol concluding on 28 November. 

Sydney was in port at Kure during 1 to 4 December for replenishment, with the fifth patrol launched on 7 December with a sad start when Sub Lieutenant Dick Sinclair’s Sea Fury WE795 was hit by flak near Chinnampo. The engine caught fire after a loss of oil pressure. Although able to bail out, SBLT Sinclair was fatally injured when he hit the tailplane, with a helicopter recovering his body from the sea. After a sombre ceremony held on the aft flight deck in falling snow, SBLT Sinclair was buried at sea. He was No. 805’s second pilot loss. 

The tempo of attacks against ground targets continued. Among the 54 sorties flown on 8 December, Fireflies destroyed three railway bridges. Three aircraft were hit by flak with a Firefly making a forced landing on the friendly Taechong-Do Island. Two days later, Fireflies successfully removed two spans of a railway bridge located on last serviceable railway line in the carrier’s area of operations. The fifth patrol finished on 17 December and, while successful, it was at a cost of five aircraft and one pilot lost. 

With the sixth patrol now under way from 29 December, weather conditions worsened with snow covering the CAG operational area, most rivers now frozen, while the sea was frozen inshore of Chinnampo with pack ice on the outer sea. Flying continued against ground installations with the sad loss of Sub Lieutenant Ronald Colman on 2 January 1952 who disappeared in Sea Fury WE686 of 805 Squadron on a combat air patrol mission over the Yellow Sea, with no trace of the pilot or aircraft found, the third pilot lost by 805 Squadron. On 5 January, the area of attack shifted southwards towards Onglin, Haeju and Yonan, focusing on a build-up of enemy forces. Confronted by snow storms, very reduced visibility and rough seas, Sydney could only launch one mission comprising 14 sorties on 6 January and tried to improve matters the following day by steaming out to sea without gaining any improvement. The end of the sixth patrol on 7 January saw Sydney sail to Kure to replenish and re-arm.

“During this patrol involving 389 sorties, three aircraft had been lost and 23 suffered flak damage”

On 15 January 1952, Sydney sailed to a position of the Korean west coast for the seventh and final patrol of her Korean War engagement. Operations recommenced on 17 January, partially thwarted by intermittent snow storms allowing only 43 sorties, concentrated on ground targets such as rail bridges and other ground targets in the Ongjin and Han River areas. In the days ahead the flying against ground targets continued, although hampered at times by thick fog. In addition, in a landscape covered in snow, navigation became more difficult. The final day of the patrol on 25 January, which had raids planned on the North Korean capital Pyongyang, was an anticlimax with the aircraft unable to conduct operations in high winds, rough seas, a temperature of minus 8 degrees, and deck and aircraft covered with ice. 

The past months had been an introduction into action for the CAG, yet with sadness for the loss of the three Sea Fury Pilots. Aircraft losses were three Fireflies and 10 Sea Furies. After spending 64 days in the area of operations, 2,366 air sorties were flown over 42.8 flying days achieving a daily average rate of 55.2 sorties, the highest reached by a light fleet carrier. Ordnance expended was 902 1,000-pound and 500-pound bombs, 6,359 rocket projectiles and 269,249 20mm cannon shells. 

The newly formed Australian Fleet Air Arm had acquitted itself with distinction entering a conflict in a comparatively short time after its formation, flying at times in extremely challenging conditions. The experience further established the foundations for the decades ahead of new generations of aircraft and equipment. 

Sydney now departed on the first stage of her homeward voyage arriving in Sasebo early in the afternoon of 26 January. The ship later had a rendezvous with HMS Glory about 48 kilometres south of Hong Kong to fly off and land six of the loaned Firefly FR.5s. Both ships then berthed in Hong Kong and on 2 February HMS Unicorn arrived to take on board the remaining loaned Fireflies plus other required stores. Sydney sailed on 9 February for Singapore with the ship’s aircraft carried below deck, now tasked with transporting a load of RAF Spitfires and Vampires on deck. The Spitfires would not fit on the lift and the ship lacked a side loading trolly so the Vampire could not be moved below either. Sydney arrived in Singapore, delivered the RAF visitors and continued to Fremantle, arriving on the 22nd. When a tug strike threatened their departure, the problem was solved by starting six Sea Furies both fore and aft, providing the motive force necessary to move away. After arriving south of Jervis Bay on 3 April, the serviceable aircraft comprising 17 Sea Furies and four Fireflies were flown to NAS Nowra, with Sydney and her companion Tobruk entering the bay in the afternoon to be greeted by a flypast of 805 and 817 Squadron aircraft. The voyage concluded on 5 April with an arrival in Sydney, ending an important chapter in the history of the RAN.

After the concentrated action in Korea, the RAN’s naval aviation activity continued with further duties in Korea. No. 805 Squadron embarked later on Sydney after the ceasefire on garrison duties remaining in waters off Korea. After completing that duty, the Squadron operated on routine operations to become the Fleet Air Arm’s last piston engined fighter unit, decommissioned at Nowra on 26 March 1958 to recommission a few days later on 31 March to receive its new de Havilland Sea Venom FAW.53s. 

No. 808 Squadron embarked on Vengeance in October 1953 and was decommissioned at Nowra on 5 October 1954. The Squadron was later recommissioned and was re-equipped with de Havilland Sea Venom FAW.53s until decommissioned on 1 December 1958. 

The Firefly squadron, No. 817, was re-equipped with its AS.6 version aircraft and took part in various exercises followed by other duties including participation at British atomic tests at Monte Bello. Embarked on HMAS Vengeance during October 1953, the Squadron remained aboard for 11 months. In later years the Squadron was reformed and reequipped progressively with the later equipment. 

Sydney embarked on a worldwide cruise commencing on 24 March 1953 with tasks including its participation at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II with the ship arriving in Portsmouth on 8 June 1953. The carrier was part of a 229-vessel fleet review at Spithead and a flypast, including RAN aircraft, saw about 300 aircraft from 37 squadrons taking part. While in the UK, the ship took on board a further 12 Sea Furies and 37 Fireflies. HMAS Sydney arrived home via the US and New Zealand, arriving in Sydney on 14 August. Following the Korean Armistice on 27 July 1953, the ship was in Korean waters from November 1953 until May 1954 on patrol duties. During the deployment two pilots were lost. On 29 December 1953, VX726 crashed into sea 13 kilometres ahead of Sydney after launch, killing Sub Lieutenant Michael Beardsall RN of 850 Squadron. The ship had been on its way to Hong Kong. Sub Lieutenant John McClinton RN was also lost when on 15 January 1954 when he walked into a turning propeller on the flight deck.