The Sea Fury and Firefly In Service With The Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm

Defining encounters between major combatant naval forces a few years earlier would have been a consideration in such a significant move, underlined by the epic events in the decisive Battle of Midway conducted over four days in June 1942 when four carriers of the Japanese Imperial Navy were engaged by three United States Navy carriers. Naval air power asserted its role in the battle, with the US securing victory, but with a heavy toll of ships, aircraft and men on both sides. Lost were all four Japanese carriers, one cruiser, 292 aircraft and 2,500 casualties, with the USN losses of one carrier, one destroyer, 145 aircraft and 307 casualties. This battle, and the Battle of the Coral Sea closer to home only one month earlier from 4 to 8 May, focused on the role of the aircraft carrier. 

The formation of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm

On 4 June 1947, the minister for defence, John Dedman, advised Parliament of a Five Year Defence Program with provision for the RAN to acquire two light fleet carriers at an estimated capital cost of £11,976,090 and a maintenance cost of £11,432,400. The Australian involvement with the Sea Fury and Firefly was foreshadowed with the announcement on 3 July 1947 that the Defence Council had approved a scheme leading to the formation of the RAN’s Fleet Air Arm subject to federal cabinet confirmation. A prelude to this had been a government statement on 15 November 1945 that Australian personnel serving with the British Pacific Fleet would remain with the RN until the RAN would operate its own aircraft carriers. It was also expected that former RAAF pilots would form the nucleus of the RAN’s Fleet Air Arm.

On 28 April 1948, the minister for the navy, William Riordan, announced two Majestic Class carriers would be named HMAS Sydney and HMAS Melbourne equipped with a complement of Hawker Sea Fury XI and Fairey Firefly IV aircraft. The Naval Air Station at Nowra was commissioned as HMAS Albatross on 31 August 1948 as a shore station, followed with another establishment at Schofields, later commissioned on 1 April 1953 as HMAS Nirimba. This latter location had a naval aircraft history dating back to the 1940s as a support base for aircraft of the British Pacific Fleet as Royal Navy Air Station HMS Nabthorpe on 18 February 1945, renamed HMS Nabstock on 15 November 1945. 

During World War II, Britain planned to build six Majestic Class light aircraft carriers, including HMS Terrible and HMS Majestic. HMS Terrible, built at HM Dockyard at Devonport, was launched on 30 September 1944 but the ship’s construction was temporarily halted after the end of the war, later to resume and be completed as HMAS Sydney, Pennant R17, commissioned on 16 December 1948. The ship was 212 metres overall and displaced 15,993 tonnes and was decommissioned on 12 November 1973 after having been later used for training and as a fast troop carrier supporting Australia’s role during the Vietnam conflict. 

HMS Majestic, built by Vickers Armstrong at its Barrow-in Furness shipyard, was launched on 30 September 1945 and suffered a similar slowdown with building resumed during 1949. The vessel was significantly modified incorporating updated features, notably a five-degree angled flight deck, mirror landing system and steam catapult. Eventually the ship became HMAS Melbourne, Pennant R21, commissioned on 28 October 1955. Full load displacement was 20,321 tonnes, overall length 214 metres with a flight deck length of 211 metres. 

Apart from these ships, a third carrier, Vengeance, joined the RAN pending the delivery of HMAS Melbourne. HMS Vengeance, a Colossus Class light fleet carrier built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson at Wallsend-on-Tyne was commissioned on 15 January 1945 with a refit in 1946. The ship was loaned by the RN to the RAN pending delivery of HMAS Melbourne. Commissioned as HMAS Vengeance at Devonport, England, on 13 November 1952, it arrived in Sydney on 11 March 1953 and had a further refit that year. 

A third refit was completed in February 1955 and the ship departed from Sydney on 16 June 1955 for return to the RN and decommissioned from RAN service on 25 October 1955. On board for the journey were nearly 1,000 RAN personnel to crew HMAS Melbourne, commissioned three days later.

‘The Hawker Sea Fury and Fairey Firefly were ordered to comprise the RAN’s new naval aviation strike force’

Following the commissioning of HMAS Sydney in England, the vessel arrived at Jervis Bay on 25 May 1949 where she unloaded 56 aircraft and spares before continuing to Sydney, arriving three days later. The Sea Fury and Firefly aircraft received by the RAN retained their original RN serials. 

The aircraft ordered to equip the fleet

The Hawker Sea Fury and Fairey Firefly were ordered to comprise the RAN’s new naval aviation strike force. Both aircraft served with distinction in war and peace and some are still flying today in civilian use. The Sea Fury in particular, imposing with its large five bladed propeller, was highly valued for its performance as one of the most formidable post-war piston-engined military aircraft. 

Britain’s Hawker Aircraft Limited had a pedigree of combat aircraft, notably the earlier elegant, pre-World War II family of biplane service aircraft ultimately leading to the Hurricane, Tornado and Tempest. These latter aircraft made a major contribution to the RAF’s frontline combat force during the war with some design elements carried through to Hawker’s immediate post-war piston-engined aircraft. 

Hawker commenced work on what would emerge as the Sea Fury during 1943 following the first flight of the Tempest in September 1942. Originally envisaged as a Tempest Light Fighter powered by a Bristol Centaurus XII, for service with both the RAF (Specification F.2/43) and RN (N.7.43) requirements, these needs were now pooled under Specification F.2/43 dated 14 May 1943 issued to Hawker with six prototypes ordered, five using alternative powerplants and one to be used as a test structure. Hawker prepared the landed based fighter and production drawings while Boulton Paul Aircraft, Wolverhampton was responsible for the naval conversion. 

The wing of the Tempest was modified with the span reduced from 12.5 metres to 11.7 metres and 4.9 metres folded. This was achieved by removing the wing centre section and moving the outer wing sections together on the aircraft centreline. The weight of the Mark II was 4,191 kilograms empty, 5,670 kilograms loaded, maximum speed 740km/h at 18,000 feet, climb to 30,000 feet 10.8 min, service ceiling 35,800 feet at rate of climb 100ft/ min, range with internal fuel 608 nautical miles at 30,000 feet, and with two 409-litre drop tanks 903 nautical miles. The first of six prototypes, NX798, powered by a rigidly mounted Centaurus XII with a Rotol four-bladed propeller was flown by test pilot Philip Lucas on 1 September 1944. Other engines were tested in these aircraft including a Rolls Royce Griffon, Bristol Centaurus XXII and a Griffon 85 with a Rotol six-blade contra-rotating propeller. To reduce vibrations at low speeds, dynafocal engine mountings were fitted in production aircraft. 

The first Sea Fury prototype, SR661, flew on 21 February 1945, with a Griffon XII and four-bladed propeller in semi-naval configuration with a deck arrester hook but with a fixed wing. The second prototype, SR666, now with a Centaurus XV and five-bladed Rotol, now incorporated folding wings. One test aircraft, LA610, powered by a 3,500hp (2610kW) Napier Sabre VII was quite likely Hawker’s fastest piston-engined aircraft with its 780km/h top speed. During the seven years of production at Hawker’s Kingston factory, 615 Sea Furies were delivered to the Royal Navy becoming the Fleet Air Arm’s main fighter until the jet era Sea Hawk in 1953. In addition to Hawker production, a further 25 FB.51s were licence built in the Netherlands by Fokker. Aircraft were transferred from the RN deliveries to both the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Australian Navy during 1949-50. In addition to these deliveries, aircraft were exported to Iraq (45), Pakistan (93), Egypt (12) and West Germany taking total production to approximately 860. Hawker also purchased surplus RN aircraft and these were sold to Burma and Cuba. Some aircraft were delivered with naval launching/arresting gear removed when only used for land-based operations. The last Sea Fury version was the T.20S target towing aircraft for West Germany. 

The Sea Fury Mark 10 armament comprised four Hispano 20mm Mk 5 guns, with the Mark 11 (later redesignated as the FB.11) also had underwing racks capable of carrying 454-kilogram bombs, napalm bombs or 409-litre drop tanks with attachment points for up to 12 three-inch rocket projectiles with 27-kilogram warheads. The Mark 20 had two 20mm guns while the German Mark 20 versions were unarmed. 

The powerplant of the production Sea Fury was the Bristol Centaurus 18, an 18 cylinder, two-row air-cooled sleeve-valve radial engine, compression ratio 7.2:1, bore/ stroke 146.0 X 178mm, swept volume 53.6 litres, 2,470hp (1842kW) take-off power at sea level at 2700rpm, maximum power (emergency combat, five minutes 2,550hp (1902kW) 9.5lb boost at 4,000 feet, dry weight 1,223 kilograms. 

The RAN received 101 FB.11 Sea Furies, 85 were delivered on board HMAS Sydney, 14 on HMS Vengeance and two via merchant ship. The designation prefix of FB highlighted the role as a fighter-bomber rather than a combat fighter. 

The Fairey Firefly was the other major aircraft acquisition to equip Australia’s new naval air arm. Design of the Firefly continued Fairey’s long tradition of naval aircraft production. 

Notable World War II participants were the Fulmar with 600 built and the Barracuda with 2,602 produced. The design of the aircraft was submitted during September 1939 and approval of a mock-up granted on 6 June 1940. Work on construction of the prototype, Z1826, commenced with the maiden flight performed by Chris Staniland from the Great West Aerodrome on 22 December 1941. A contract on 12 June 1940 for 200 Firefly I aircraft included the prototype and three development examples, and prototypes of other marks, built at the company’s experimental shop at Hayes. The second prototype, Z1827, crashed on 26 June 1942 with the loss of Staniland following elevator over-balance and collapse of the tail unit at low level. 

Towards the end of 1942, the third prototype, Z1828, conducted carrier trials aboard HMS Illustrious. In addition to Fairey production, a contract was given to General Aircraft at Hanworth, Middlesex to build Mk 1 examples with 132 delivered by December 1945.

‘Design of the Firefly continued Fairey’s long tradition of naval aircraft production’

Various Firefly versions were built, initially powered by the 1,730hp (1,290kW) Rolls-Royce Griffon IIB, later progressing to the 1,990hp (1,484kW) Griffon XII. Numerous versions followed with the Mk.4 now powered by the 2,100hp (1,566kW) Griffon 74 with a four-bladed propeller and a host of other changes. By the time production ceased, a total of 1,701 Fireflies were built, 1,569 by Fairey and 132 by General Aircraft. Apart from the RN and RAN, several other countries acquired Fireflies. 

The RAN received a total of 108 Fireflies of various versions, delivery carried out with 86 loaded on HMAS Sydney voyages, 19 on Vengeance, one each on SS Sussex and SS Stentor with another received in Korea from the RN. No. 816 and No. 817 Squadrons operated the Firefly Mk.4, Mk.5 and Mk.6 on Sydney, while in 1950, operations commenced with the AS Mk.6 anti-submarine version equipped with sonobuoys in lieu of the four cannons. Some Fireflies were converted to the T. Mk.5 trainer version with a raised rear cockpit. Final duties saw aircraft used as target tugs with distinctive markings. However, the Firefly, as a companion to the Sea Fury, was to make its mark with distinction as part of Australia’s operations during the Korean War. 

Powerplant of the Firefly IV, V and VI (includes the RAN AS.5) was the 2,245hp (1,674kW) Rolls-Royce Griffon 74 V-12 with a 37-litre capacity, with 772 engines built at Derby and 30 at Glasgow during 1946-1952. The Firefly was a larger and heavier aircraft than its Sea Fury companion, Firefly A.S.5 had a span of 12.55 metres, empty weight 4,388 kilograms, normal loaded 6,317 kilograms, maximum 7,301 kilograms, maximum speed 621km/h at 14,000 feet, initial climb 2,050ft/min, climb to 10,000 feet 6min 50 sec, service ceiling 29,200 feet, range 521 nautical miles with 873 litres or 1,130 nautical miles with 1,900 litres. Armament four 20mm guns in wings with provision for eight 27-kilogram rocket projectiles or two underwing 454-kilogram bombs.

The Sea Fury and Firefly Squadrons

Three RAN squadrons were the prime units operating the Sea Fury and two for the Firefly. All originated as Royal Navy squadrons and brought with them a proud heritage of World War II service. It what was originally the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Air Force established on 1 April 1924, a tradition of British naval aviation began. 

No. 805 Squadron, motto “Over Sea and Sand”, was originally formed as a Royal Navy Fighter Squadron at Donibristle, Scotland, on 4 May 1940. After World War II the squadron was re-formed at Eglinton, Northern Ireland, on 28 August 1948 as the RAN’s first fighter squadron equipped with 13 Sea Fury FB.11s and sailed to Australia in 1949 on HMAS Sydney. The squadron was decommissioned at NAS Nowra on 26 March 1958, later recommissioned with later equipment. 

No. 808 Squadron, motto “Strength in Unity”, was formed as a Royal Navy Fleet Fighter Squadron at Worthy Down, England on 1 July 1940 and was disbanded on 5 December 1945 after World War II service. The number was taken up again as an RAN Squadron at at St Merryn, England, on 25 April 1950. Equipped with 13 Sea Fury FB.11s it sailed to Australia on HMAS Sydney in August 1950 as part of the 21st Carrier Air Group. The squadron transferred to the 20th Carrier Air Group (CAG), and rejoined HMAS Sydney for three months in action in Korea. The squadron was decommissioned at NAS Nowra on 5 October 1954, later recommissioned with later equipment. 

‘The Firefly, as a companion to the Sea Fury, was to make its mark with distinction as part of Australia’s operations during the Korean War’

No. 850 Squadron, motto “Vincit Omnia Virtus” (Courage Conquers All), was formed as a Royal Navy unit at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, US, on 1 January 1943 but was disbanded very soon after on 30 January when its intended role for long-range duties with 12 Curtiss SO3C Seamews on HMS Pursuer did not eventuate. It was reformed on 1 September 1943 as a Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron with 12 Avenger Is at US Naval Air Station, Squantum, Massachusetts, then embarked on HMS Empress (formerly USS Carnegie), initially carrying out U-boat patrols on its way to the UK. It was disbanded on 24 December 1944. Later commissioned as a RAN squadron at Nowra on 12 January 1953 with 12 FB.11 Sea Furies, the unit served aboard HMAS Vengeance, and on HMAS Sydney in Korean waters, with the squadron decommissioned at NAS Nowra on 3 August 1954. 

The two main Firefly RAN Squadrons were Nos. 816 and 817. No. 816 Squadron was formed aboard HMS Furious on 3 October 1939 for antisubmarine search and strike duties, motto “Imitate the Action of the Tiger”. On 28 August 1948, the squadron was re-formed at Eglinton, Northern Ireland, as an RAN squadron with 12 Firefly FR.4s departing for Australia in February 1949 as part of the 20th CAG. Partial re-equipment with the Firefly 5 began the following month with further Mk.6s received from July 1951. The squadron was decommissioned at NAS Nowra on 27 April 1955, to be re-formed several times with later equipment. 

No. 817 Squadron was formed at Crail, Scotland, on 15 March 1941 for torpedo spotter reconnaissance work, original motto, “Facere Animo” (To act with spirit and courage). On 25 April 1950, the squadron was re-formed at St Merryn, England, as a RAN squadron, with new motto “Aude Facere” (Dare to act). With 12 Firefly 5s for anti-submarine duties on board HMAS Sydney it departed in August as part of the 21st CAG where some Firefly 5s were later received in Australia. The squadron was decommissioned at NAS Nowra on 27 April 1955 and later recommissioned with later equipment.

Three squadrons that operated the Sea Fury and Firefly to a lesser degree were 723, 724 and 725. No. 723 Squadron personnel were assembled at Townhill Camp, Fifeshire, Scotland, on 21 November 1944 and departed for Australia on 22 December 1944, arriving at Nowra on 27 January 1945. The squadron was officially formed at Bankstown on 28 February 1945 as an RN Fleet Requirements Unit, motto “Wings of the Albatross”. With Bankstown a grass airfield, the squadron mainly operated from Nowra initially equipped with eight Martinets and eight Corsairs. It was later reformed on 7 April 1952 as a RAN unit for Fleet requirements, communications, air-sea-rescue and refresher flying duties and co-operated with the Australian Joint Anti-Submarine School. It initially operated a variety of aircraft including three Fireflies, a Dakota, Wirraway, Sea Otter and two Sea Furies. After taking delivery of a de Havilland Sea Vampire on 18 June 1954, the squadron was decommissioned at NAS Nowra on 25 October 1956 and recommissioned again with other aircraft. 

No. 724 Squadron, motto “Learn and Live”, was formed as an RN Air Communications squadron at Bankstown on 10 April 1945. First equipment were Expeditors and Ansons operating from Mascot because of Bankstown’s airfield limitations. It was disbanded in 1946. On 1 June 1955 it was reformed as a RAN Miscellaneous Air Squadron operating as an Operational Training School and an aircrew conversion unit with a variety of aircraft including Fireflies and Sea Furies. A variety of aircraft were later received over several years with the squadron decommissioned at NAS Nowra on 30 June 1984.

No. 725 Squadron, motto “Be Aggressive”, was formed at Eglinton, Northern Ireland, on 27 August 1943 as an RN Fleet Requirement Unit. It was reformed at Nowra on 13 January 1958 as an RAN Fleet Requirements and Communications Unit with a wide variety of aircraft, including Fireflies and a Sea Fury. It was decommissioned at NAS Nowra on 31 May 1961 and later recommissioned with later equipment. 

Two Carrier Air Groups were formed with some of these squadrons, with Nos. 805 and 816 Squadrons becoming the 20th CAG, while Nos. 808 and 817 Squadrons comprised the 21st CAG. 

In the next issue of Australian Aviation, Eric Allen continues his coverage of the Firefly and Sea Fury in Australian service, including during the Korean War.