Spotlight

De Havilland
Hornet and Sea Hornet
13 Pages in detail
86 The de
Havilland in
action

92 Hornet in
profile

94 Rise of the
Sea Hornet

This month our Spotlight highlights a machine that

Main picture
is unmistakeably a de Havilland creation. Although it was
The transition to the Hornet was initially
undertaken by the Hornet Conversion
too late to serve in World War Two, more than 380 were
Flight at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, to which F.3 built. They equipped both RAF and Fleet Air Arm units, the
PX362/MS-H belonged in 1947. It is seen
here on July 22, 1950. KEY COLLECTION latter flying the navalised Sea Hornet version. Jet technology
was rapidly rendering piston-powered fighters obsolete, but
the versatile Hornet was used successfully in the Malayan
Emergency. With new features and artwork we examine
one of de Havilland’s ultimate war machines.
 Spotlight
De Havilland
T
he genesis of the Hornet While it shared common features
was in 1942 with its with the ‘Mossie’, such as being
DH.103 Hornet manufacturer undertaking
a self-funded study shortly
constructed mainly of wood, the
Hornet was the first airframe
after the arrival of World War Two in where this material was joined
the Far East. Given the performance to metal using the revolutionary
and success of its Mosquito, it Redux adhesive developed by Aero
suggested a single-seat streamlined Research Limited at Duxford,
concept featuring increased range Cambridgeshire. Featuring a
to combat the Japanese among starboard-fitted Merlin 130 with a
the far-flung islands of the South 131-series example installed to port,
Pacific. Working closely with Roll- the type’s four-bladed de Havilland
Royce (which developed a variant Hydromatic propellers rotated
of its famed Merlin engine with a inwards, eliminating torque-induced
smaller frontal area), de Havilland swing on take-off and landing. The
revealed its proposed aircraft to the new fighter was armed with four
Ministry of Aircraft Production in 20mm Hispano cannon under the
January 1943, at its Hatfield facility nose, while the pilot sat in a cockpit
in Hertfordshire. Having seen the offering unparalleled visibility.
design, the Air Ministry formally
wrote Specification F.12/43 around The jig is up
the manufacturer’s blueprint Just 13 months after design work
which, although resembling its started, chief test pilot Geoffrey
renowned predecessor, was an de Havilland Jr flew the
entirely new machine. prototype Hornet –

The Redux

Rocket Andrew Thomas tells the story of the fastest

piston-engined fighter to serve in the RAF – the
elegant de Havilland Hornet

86 FLYPAST July 2019

SPOT FACT The prototype RR915 made Spotlight
its first engine runs on July 20, 1944 on the Hornet
serial RR915 – from Hatfield for service testing. During evaluation, the Royal Aircraft Establishment’s Far left
the first time on July 28, 1944. It it was established that production open day at Farnborough on October Flt Lt Paddy Harbison was
was clear from the outset the design airframes were only marginally 29, 1945 as preparations for RAF one of the first pilots from
64 Squadron to convert to
calculations were incredibly accurate, slower than the prototype and it was service continued. Before the end of the Hornet. He went solo
as all performance predictions were incredibly stable as a gun platform. hostilities, orders for the Hornet sat at on May 22, 1946.
substantially exceeded, while handling However, the war with Japan was over more than 900 airframes, but this was AVM W HARBISON
and manoeuvrability were noted by the time acceptance trials had been cut considerably – leading to just 60
as exceptional. Over the next two completed in summer 1945. F.1s rolling out before production was Below
Sqn Ldr Paddy Moon,
months the aircraft performed more Given the new fighter’s expected switched to the improved F.3. This
41 Squadron’s CO, in
than 50 hours of flight tests before the range, studies into a photo- sub-type, led by prototype PX312, was the cockpit of Hornet
second prototype, RR919, took to reconnaissance variant for use in the fitted with wider horizontal stabilisers, F.1 PZ302/EB-D during
the sky. Representing a near in-service Pacific resulted in the PR.2, fitted amended elevator mass balance and a training sortie over
machine, the airframe had provision with cameras in the rear-fuselage fitting points for drop tanks, 1,000lb Yorkshire in 1947. H H MOON
for a single 200 imp gal (900 lit) drop instead of the armament. Three F.1s, (450kg) of bombs or up to eight 60lb
Bottom
tank under each wing that increased PX216, PX220 and PX249 were RP-3 unguided rocket projectiles When the Hornet took
the range to 2,500 miles (4,000km) converted for testing, followed closely under the wings. A curved dorsal fillet on the low-level intruder
when cruising at around 340mph by another five. With the end of the was added to the fin to refine stability, role, the aircraft were
(550km/h) at 30,000ft. conflict, the need for this role lapsed while enhanced fuel capacity improved repainted in a drab
Manufacture of the F.1 variant and the airframes were subsequently the range by 40%. Production of the camouflage scheme
began at Hatfield in late 1944 and on scrapped following a brief spell with F.3 began in early 1946, with those featuring toned-down
markings as displayed by
February 28, 1945 the first production the Photographic Reconnaissance completed being placed immediately the Hornet F.3 furthest
machine, PX210, was delivered Development Unit at RAF into storage for two years. In 1948 the away – 19 Squadron’s
to the Aeroplane and Armament Benson, Oxfordshire. jigs were transferred to de Havilland’s PX332/QV-D. P H T GREEN
Experimental Establishment at The Hornet made its Chester facility, where the last of COLLECTION
Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, for public debut during 211 airframes was built, the final

12 F.3s were modified to become fighter-reconnaissance FR.4s

July 2019 FLYPAST 87
 SPOT FACT The F.3 was the final variant to fly
operationally with the RAF

Right
A Hornet is rearmed
with a typical load
during Malayan
operations – a single
500lb bomb and two
rockets under each
wing. Along with the
four internal 20mm
cannon, this gave
the pilot versatility
when engaging
targets. 33 SQUADRON
RECORDS

Below
In this rare colour
study, Hornet F.3s
WB909/N and
PX366/E display the
camouflage scheme 12 being FR.4s capable of carrying cockpit was outstanding, marred only However, with near full-scale
adopted by Hong vertically mounted F.52 cameras, at by the proximity of the engines. I demobilisation in effect, a shortage of
Kong-based aircraft. the expense of a slight reduction in once coaxed a Hornet up to 38,000ft. groundcrew severely reduced aircraft
Note the coloured
spinners used
fuel load. In mock combat with early [Gloster] availability from the outset, a problem
to denote which Meteors and [de Havilland] Vampires that continued throughout its service.
flight the airframes Stringency strikes we could more than hold our own The next unit to re-equip was
belonged to – red for The first unit to take delivery of the and when [I was] posted to Meteors, 19 Squadron at RAF Wittering,
‘A’ and blue for ‘B’. new fighter was 64 Squadron at RAF I was loathed about giving up the Cambridgeshire, under Sqn Ldr C
80 SQUADRON RECORDS
Horsham St Faith, Norfolk, under Hornet.” Soon afterwards on June I ‘Duke’ Arthur, after PX246 was
Sqn Ldr John Shaw, when F.1 PX283 8, Flt Lt MacKilligan led ten 64 delivered on October 10, 1946.
arrived on February 16, 1946. It was Squadron Hornets over London Shortly after, WO C Vine became
destroyed less than a month later when during the Victory Celebration its first pilot to solo on the type.
it hit a tree while flying at low level, parade. With squadrons keen to With its Spitfires all but gone by
killing the pilot. Further airframes master the type, Hornets began flying November, the unit was soon tangling
gradually appeared and by May the numerous exercises and scenarios, with Meteors and Vampires during
squadron was fully equipped. Ten days including Ground Controlled intercept training sorties. To their
after the first arrival, 65 Squadron’s Interception radar work. delight, the Hornet pilots found
initial example was delivered, but In August, along with 65 Squadron, they could easily out-turn them
with the protracted changes it did not 64 moved north to RAF Linton- and the piston fighter’s top speed
receive its final machine (PX242) until on-Ouse in the Vale of York, where almost matched that of the jets. From
September 29. almost immediately post-war austerity Yorkshire, both squadrons ventured
Having first flown the type on took effect with both units each further afield. On December 10 that
May 22, 64 Squadron’s Flt Lt Paddy being cut to just eight aircraft and ten year, eight Hornets flew a long-range
Harbison was immediately impressed pilots. This meant airframes had to exercise to Barfleur in northern France
as he recalled: “It had delightful be pooled, with the COs taking turns and ‘attacked’ RAF Thorney Island
handling and the visibility from the to lead when flying large formations. in West Sussex on the return leg. Not

88 FLYPAST July 2019

 Spotlight
on the Hornet
1949 with the type, now wearing
tactical camouflage, making low-level
strikes on various objectives. During
Exercise Foil, Fg Off Haslam hit the
roof of a hut while ‘attacking’ a power
station. Exercise Emperor, the annual
air defence test in October, found
the type flying numerous high level
attacks on Royal Navy ships. This
routine continued through 1950,
but the Hornet Force’s demise began
just a year later when 41 Squadron
converted to the Meteor. By April, the
other Hornet units had welcomed the
jet age, ultimately bringing to an end
the career of Fighter Command’s last
piston-engined fighter.

long after, flying was curtailed until at Uppsala near Stockholm, which Jungle warrior Left
1947 by the severe winter weather. culminated in a mass flypast over the In April 1951, Hornets were De Havilland Hornet F.4
WF977/B off the coast of
Despite this, on February 1 Sqn Ldr capital city. A month later, Hornets introduced to the Far East to provide China on April 13, 1954.
C Haw led an escort for the battleship from both 64 and 65 Squadrons Operation Firedog – the campaign Delivered new to the unit
HMS Vanguard, during its transit escorted Swedish North American against communist terrorists [CTs] in May 1952, the aircraft
to South Africa with King George P-51 Mustangs (designated J 26 by the of the Malayan National Liberation was struck off charge
VI and family embarked. Returning Swedes) across the North Sea on their Army – which had been running exactly three years later.
80 SQUADRON RECORDS
to Linton, the Hornets were almost way to the UK for a reciprocal visit. At since 1948 in what was then Malaya,
dwarfed by heaped piles of snow the same time the RAF’s Hornet force with much needed and improved Below
shovelled off the runway by remaining had almost reached full strength with air support. Replacing its Hawker Fg Off Andy Whiston of
German POWs. Church Fenton-based 41 Squadron, Tempest F.2s, 33 Squadron at RAF 80 Squadron poses with
under Sqn Ldr William Hoy, receiving Butterworth in Penang, led by Sqn Hornet F.3 PX292/P at
Slim pickings its first Hornets – F.1s PX231 and Ldr C F Cooper, immediately relished RAF Kai Tak, Hong Kong,
sometime in 1954.
Two months later, 64 Squadron PX232 – on June 6. the de Havilland type’s speed, range A WHISTON VIA T BUTTLER
mounted its first long-range Soon afterwards HQ Fighter and ability to carry a full weapons load
reinforcement flight to Egypt with Command decreed the Hornet in the country’s domineering heat Bottom
several Hornets, while those left would be better suited to the low- and humidity. It also proved popular De Havilland Hornet
behind upped sticks for RAF Church level intruder role and training was with ground forces due to its ability F.3 PX314/EB-C of 41
Fenton, 11 miles (18km) south of adapted soon after, although the type’s to manoeuvre at low level over the Squadron, during a
training flight out of RAF
York. In response to the chronic spares’ air defence duties continued; large jungle, and strike targets previously Church Fenton in the Vale
shortage, engineers had resorted formations of USAF Boeing B-29s elusive to other types. Its endurance of York. Note the rockets
to cannibalising airframes, which were intercepted during Exercise allowed the aircraft to loiter for up to under the wing.
further limited airframe availability. Dagger in September 1948. The two hours, providing near-constant KEY COLLECTION
Deficiencies included the lack of Hornet pilots climbed to 30,000ft and
fundamental equipment needed ideally positioned themselves ten miles
to sustain an operational fighter, as ahead of the bomber stream for a
WO Bill Watson recalled: “At first classic head-on attack, which normally
we had no gunsights… so we used resulted in closing speeds exceeding
a Chinagraph pencil to put a guide 690mph. Pilot II (NCO pilot) E V
mark on the windscreen after we first George recollects: “Things happened
fired.” In July, wartime ace Sqn Ldr very quickly. As we converted into
Geoffrey Page took command of 64 the stern attack, the Hornets were
Squadron; Page was an aficionado buffeted by huge amounts of wake
of aerobatics, at which the Hornet turbulence from the massed bomber
excelled. There were further air formation, tossing us in all directions,
defence and reinforcement exercises making aiming difficult.” Drills in
through the summer and autumn, these various roles continued into
including 19 Squadron deploying
to RAF Coltishall, Norfolk, to
fly long-range escort for Bomber
Command during October. Once
again bad weather through the winter
of 1947-48 caused long delays in
flying periods, but matters improved
throughout the spring with the
first Hornet F.3 arriving from de
Havilland. In May, Sqn Ldr Haw
led 65 Squadron on an official week-
long visit to the Swedish Air Force

60 F.1 variants were produced

July 2019 FLYPAST 89
 SPOT FACT Its propellers were driven in opposite
directions to improve take-off and landing

cover. In addition to the internal

cannon, the usual war load included
a 500lb bomb and two 60lb rockets
under each wing, which gave pilots
options when a target presented itself.
With the arrival of the type, the
Far East Training Squadron at RAF
Seletar, Singapore assumed the task of
converting crews and in August Sgt
Wallace became the first airman to
transition. In October, 33’s Hornets
conducted strikes on several suspected
CT jungle hideouts in the areas of

Right Sgts Norrie Grove and Flt Sgt Red

Pilots of 33 Squadron Craighill supported the British Army’s
undergo last minute Suffolk Regiment in its pursuit of the
mission planning
before conducting
Malayan Communist Party guerrillas
a strike during allegedly responsible for the murder of
Operation Firedog. Henry Gurney, High Commissioner
KEY COLLECTION to Malaya, in 1951. The detachment
flew 36 operational sorties during the
Below right first month, followed by 102 in July
This 1954 photo
shows a quartet of
and 110 in August, firmly establishing
Hornet F.3s from 80 45 as being ‘back in business’. Other
Squadron off Hong tasks for the squadron, along with 33,
Kong. 80 SQUADRON included escorting road transports,
RECORDS light aircraft and helicopters charged
with resupplying ground forces

Gemas, Rompin, Mersing and Jasin.

Further assaults followed in November
and December around Endau, Muar,
and Ipoh. Soon after, the squadron’s
camera-equipped Hornet F.4s were
regularly tasked with photo recce to
produce accurate mapping of target
areas, though the dense jungle often
meant it was difficult to identify the
objective. Meanwhile in Hong Kong,
Sqn Ldr J M V ‘Chips’ Carpenter’s
80 Squadron began replacing its
Spitfire F.24s with Hornets and by
December 22, 1951 had five airframes
available. The unit continued to police
the colony against any incursions
from Communist China, aided by
the Vampires of 28 Squadron. On
February 14, 1952 it flew a formation
of eight Hornets and was deemed fully
operational later that year. “...perhaps the strangest
Following a brief lull, 33 Squadron
resumed operations on January 20,
occurrence was escorting Short
1952 with several patrols and strikes
over the Cameron Highlands, 70
Sunderland flying boats over
miles north of Kuala Lumpur. Just five the jungle, while crews dropped
days later, 45 Squadron’s first Hornet,
F.3 WB898, arrived at RAF Tengah, bombs by hand!”
Singapore, and with some relief began
replacing the unit’s troublesome
Bristol Brigands, though it was not up June 11, with a follow up attack in the or casualty evacuation. On several
to full operational strength until later area of Fraser’s Hill later that day. occasions, the unit flew co-operation
that year. Sqn Ldr Ian Stockwell, 45 During the same month, four sorties with RAF and RAAF Avro
Squadron’s CO, flew the unit’s first Hornets flown by Flt Lts Dennis Lincoln heavy bombers, but perhaps
strike on a CT camp near Teriang on Muth and Bill Morrison with Flt the strangest occurrence was escorting

90 FLYPAST July 2019

 Spotlight
on the Hornet
Short Sunderland flying boats over the to identify them. Operational was scrambled on July 23 to provide Left
jungle, while crews dropped bombs strikes were greatly reduced as time cover and assist numerous rescue Hornet F.4 WF966/OB-N of
by hand! progressed in Malaya – 45 Squadron assets following the unprovoked 45 Squadron displays the
type’s typical war-load
The pace for 33 Squadron stepped flying just three six-aircraft missions shooting down of Cathay Pacific while positioning for a
up on July 28, 1952 when a strike was throughout June. But a ‘Maximum Douglas C-54 Skymaster VR-HEU strike in February 1954.
mounted against targets in Teronoh, Effort’ was ordered on September by two Chinese Lavochkin La-7s. KEY COLLECTION
60 miles southeast of Butterworth. 9, with Hornet squadrons joining During October, Hornets from 33
This was followed by seven separate RAF and RAAF Lincolns to pinpoint Squadron pounded a CT assembly Below
Sqn Ldr N Hancock, the CO
attacks on Kampar Hill over the next numerous strongholds on the Thai camp near Sungei Siput, north of
of 33 Squadron, prepares
four days. Sqn Ldr Norman Hancock border. New target sets were issued Ipoh, with more than 200,000lb to start F.3 PX346/5R-Y
took over as CO and led similar in the New Year of 1954, requiring of bombs and 500-plus rockets. for the unit’s 5,000th
sorties across central and northern much longer missions to be flown, In parallel, concentrated attacks strike in support of
Malaya until the end of the year. The often up to two hours. Photo were made in support of Operation operations in Malaya.
effort continued to intensify and while mapping also became a progressively Shark (a concerted military effort KEY COLLECTION

many enjoyed time off on Christmas important undertaking, as was the to deprive terrorist organisations of
Day, the squadron attacked several increasing number of helicopter manpower, hideouts, and weaponry)
areas around Sungei Siput. The unit escort taskings. in Perak, leading to some of the
proceeded to welcome the new year Ominously though, despite the most intense action encountered by
with an attack near Kampar. Hornet’s superb ability to fly in the the Hornet.
oppressive climate, the airframes Offensive flying continued into
To sting no more were showing massive signs of 1955 and between March 14-17,
Although the situation on the deterioration. In July, Fg Off J there were further concentrated
Communist border remained Froud of 33 Squadron was diving strikes in the Klian Inton region by
tense, life in Hong Kong was far onto a target close to Ipoh when 33 Squadron, which led to Sqn Ldr
more leisurely. In March 1953, 80 the plywood on his starboard wing Hancock undertaking the unit’s
Squadron’s aircraft had striking started to peel away; fortunately, he 5,000th combat sortie. Engaging
maroon-coloured fighter bars with was able to land safely. On further a jungle camp near Kroh in F.3
a horizontal gold ‘V’ applied, and inspection, the aircraft showed signs PX346, it was however, a valedictory
the spinners were painted to denote its main spar could fail, leading to its achievement with the unit joining 45
separate flights – red for ‘A’ and blue instantaneous scrapping. Scrutiny of Squadron soon after and disbanding
for ‘B’. The following month, six the fleet led to several other airframes almost immediately. Towards the
Hornets undertook a liaison visit being immediately grounded with end of April, 80 Squadron followed
to the USAF at Clark Air Base, restrictions placed on the rest but suit and briefly disbanded on May
Philippines, while the rest of the strikes continued relatively unabated. 1, 1955. After the amalgamation
squadron carried on flying regular In October 1954, 33 Squadron’s Sgt with 33, 45 Squadron found further
defence exercises, often linking with Wallace completed his 100th combat deterioration in most of its airframes,
one of the resident Royal Navy sortie, becoming the first pilot to leading to them being forcibly
vessels. Occasional recce sorties up do so. During November, a normal grounded that month. With the
the Pearl River estuary, looking for day would find the unit mounting ultimate operational sortie flown on
suspicious shipping, were also flown. three strikes, with several pairs May 21, 1955, the Hornet truly was
Additionally, if any unidentified monitoring and sanitising specific the last of a breed as the RAF’s final
aircraft were located within 50 areas approximately every 20 minutes piston-engined fighter. Its abrupt
miles of the colony, Hornets were during daylight – some positions demise was justly the end of an era…
scrambled being within sight of Butterworth.
A pair of 80 Squadron
Hornets

41,500 ft (12,650m) was the Hornet F.1’s service ceiling

July 2019 FLYPAST 91
 Spotlight
De Havilland
DH.103 Hornet

Fighter-Recce
Hotrod
Revel in post-war aviation glamour with Andy Hay’s depiction of a dazzling
RAF de Havilland Hornet

S
eemingly a natural and metal airframe components, National Liberation Army in what
progression from de thereby enabling production of this was then Malaya. Ground attack,
Havilland’s legendary powerful aircraft. Equipping RAF photo mapping and helicopter escort
Mosquito, the Hornet may squadrons at home and abroad, as were all tasks afforded to the Hornet
not have evolved at all if it had not well as the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air in that theatre. Hornets flew with
been for a very special type of glue. Arm, the Hornet was employed in 19, 41, 64 and 65 Squadrons, as well
Thanks to an adhesive called Redux, combat during Operation Firedog, as the training unit 226 OCU, the
produced by Aero Research Ltd, the campaign against the so-called Empire Central Flying School and
it was possible to marry wooden Communist Terrorists of the Malayan Central Fighter Establishment.
Artwork
This incredibly smart Hornet F.3 was the mount of Sqn Ldr Charlton ‘Wag’ Haw, OC of the RAF’s 65 Squadron in 1946-47 when the unit was stationed at Linton-on-Ouse,
Yorkshire. The racy red chevrons were a short-lived addition on PX252, and their removal was ordered by the Air Officer Commanding 12 Group. This aircraft also flew
with 41 Squadron and 226 Operational Conversion Unit, before it crashed while overshooting at Bentwaters, Suffolk, on January 8, 1949. ANDY HAY-2019

92 FLYPAST July 2019

SPOT FACT Hornets delivered to 65 Squadron Hornet
replaced the unit’s Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVIs
in profile

4 frontline squadrons of Hornets were fielded by the RAF

July 2019 FLYPAST 93
 Spotlight
De Havilland
DH.103 Hornet Senior Service

Sting
The Sea Hornet had a relatively
short tenure with the Royal Navy,
but this descendant of the Mosquito
delivered impressive performance,
as Andrew Thomas reveals
Right In August
Forming the 1st legendary test
Carrier Air Group, pilot Lt Eric ‘Winkle’
801 NAS Sea Hornet
F.20s and Blackburn
Brown was the man chosen to
Firebrands of 813 undertake trials. The third prototype,
NAS prepare for a PX219, was the first airframe to
mass launch from receive all the planned sea-going
HMS ‘Implacable’ upgrades – making it the first true
during an exercise in Sea Hornet. Designated Sea Hornet
1950. Note the Fairey
Barracuda on the
F.20, a production order was placed
left. KEY COLLECTION soon afterwards, making it the FAA’s
first twin-engined fighter. In all,
79 were built, in six
batches, with production
ending on June 12, 1951
following the completion
of airframe
WE247.

D
e Havilland was quite
confident the Fleet Air
Arm (FAA) would acquire
its new Hornet fighter
for potential use in the Pacific.
Long range and high performance,
combined with twin engines V-frame arrester hook, De Havilland also developed
specifically designed to eliminate a single catapult pick-up a photo-reconnaissance variant
excessive swing on take-off from point below each of the land-based aircraft that
carriers, enhanced its pedigree. wing and other specific became the Sea Hornet PR.22.
maritime equipment. The Closely resembling the fighter,
Historical Hornet main undercarriage legs were also it could be fitted with either a
In late 1944, Specification modified to cater for the high sink pair of F.52 day cameras or a
N.5/44 was issued and three early rates typically experienced in single Fairchild K-19B night
production Hornets were given carrier landings. reconnaissance camera. The
naval modifications for evaluation. Flying for the first time on April 19, prototype PR.22, serial TT187,
Changes included a folding wing 1945 the prototype (serial PX212) flew for the first time in December
(similar to that developed for the Sea joined HMS Ocean steaming in the 1946; the first of 23 production
Mosquito), a flush-fitting external Firth of Clyde, Scotland. aircraft appeared at the SBAC show

94 FLYPAST July 2019

SPOT FACT The first sea landing by a Spotlight
navalised Hornet was on August 10, 1945 on the Hornet

at Farnborough, Hampshire, in 5. Given the Sea Hornet’s lack of 806 NAS flew daily displays during Above left
September 1948. Those entering protection in front of the cockpit, the International Air Exposition, The RCAF Winter
service were mainly flown by the conventional deck barrier was which was being held at the same Experimental
Establishment received
second-line trials or training units. not used. Instead, each aircraft was time. However, there were several Sea Hornet F.20 TT193
Destined as a long-range strike- ‘struck down’ (naval terminology objections from airport bosses to for cold weather trials
fighter, the first production F.20 for folding an aircraft’s wings and the Sea Hornets taking off towards at Namao, Alberta, in
(serial TT186, incorporating securing it below deck) after landing each other from opposite ends of December 1948. Following
recommendations from Eric Brown) to leave the deck clear for the next the runway! Apparently contrary to evaluation, the aircraft
flew from de Havilland’s Hatfield to land. Although not ideal, an the new facility’s flying regulations, was deemed surplus to
requirements and sold to
airfield, in Hertfordshire, on August average arresting interval of just 50 the CO was heard to remark: “Well, save the cost of shipping
13, 1946. Shortly after, the new sub- seconds was achieved. it’s a wide runway and when we it home. Passing through
type began its service trials with 778 have it all to ourselves, we like to do several civilian owners,
Naval Air Squadron (NAS) at Royal Rule Britannia things differently!” Precision and the aircraft crashed in
Naval Air Station (RNAS) Lee-on- After disembarking at Arbroath, formation aerobatics were seldom the Yukon during 1953.
Solent in Hampshire. Scotland, the squadron conducted seen in the US at the time, so the Now, 66 years later, its
remnants are the subject
The Sea Hornet F.20 entered an intense period of formation and sight of two aircraft looping with the of rebuild in New Zealand.
operational service with aerobatic training. The reason for engines stopped and feathered drew RCAF
801 NAS following its this became clear on May 3, huge admiration from the crowds.
reformation at RNAS Following further displays in Above
Toronto and Ottawa, Canada, 806’s Sea Hornet F.20 TT196/
personnel sailed home, but the unit FD/150 of 801 NAS folds
its wings on the deck of
was disbanded on its arrival back in HMS ‘Implacable’ before
when the CO was the UK on September 25. being secured below
detached to re-form 806 NAS deck. This system allowed
as the Royal Navy’s official aerobatic Sea voyage a Sea Hornet to land
team. Taking with him two Sea While 806 was in North America, every 50 seconds during
Hornet F.20s (VR851/C/450 and 801 NAS, under the leadership of recovery operations. VIA R
C STURTIVANT
TT209/C/457), the duo joined a Lt Cdr D H Richards, continued
Sea Vampire and a pair of Sea Furies training – and this included an Left
embarked on HMCS Magnificent increasing emphasis on air-to-ground De Havilland Sea Hornet
bound for Canada in late May. tactics. During the latter half of F.20 TT197 during deck
Ford, West The composite squadron arrived 1948, the Sea Hornets were put landing trials.
KEY COLLECTION
Sussex, on July 1, 1947 under Lt in Dartmouth near Halifax, Nova through their paces during several
Cdr D B ‘Dick’ Law. As the unit’s Scotia on June 2 and immediately wargames, including Exercise One
‘line book’ stated: “801 rises again began a rigorous work-up period Step, which involved escorting Avro
equipped with 12 Sea Hornets prior to several displays under the Lancaster bombers on long-range
and became the first twin-engine supervision of the CO and senior sorties. That October, 801 joined the
carrier borne fighter squadron!” pilot, Lt Bruce Clark. Blackbrun Firebrands of 813 NAS
Later that year, after a period Displays using all three types to form the British 1st Carrier Air
of training, the unit embarked were then flown at both Canadian Group (CAG) and conducted further
on HMS Implacable between and US venues, including the deck landing trials on Implacable.
November 19-23. Following a move opening ceremony for New York In July 1949, the CAG took part in
to RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall, in City’s Idlewild Airport (now Exercise Verity along with the British
early January 1948, 801 NAS flew John F Kennedy International). 15th CAG, working alongside its
aboard Implacable again on March Between July 31 and August 8, Dutch and French counterparts.

15 full-time Fleet Air Arm units received Sea Hornets

July 2019 FLYPAST 95
 SPOT FACT Legendary test pilot Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown
described the Sea Hornet as “an absolute joy”

Top,
left to right
Moments from
catching the wire,
Sea Hornet NF.21
VZ697 of 809 NAS
displays the type’s
V-frame arrester
hook. G A HEATHER

Overflying the
aircraft carrier
HMS ‘Implacable’,
Sea Hornet F.20
VZ709/C/456
joined the ship on a
number of occasions
between 1947 and
early 1951, while
serving with 801
NAS. P H T GREEN
COLLECTION

De Havilland Sea Meanwhile, two Sea Hornet the type for the final time. Shortly and transferred to the Royal Navy).
Hornet VR851/C/450 F.20s were sent overseas for after, the unit re-equipped with Starting with an initial complement
captured over evaluation in different climates – the Hawker Sea Fury, bringing the of four aircraft, the unit finished the
Niagara Falls during
806 NAS’ North
TT213 was delivered to the Royal frontline career of the single-seat Sea year with eight examples. Training
American tour. Australian Air Force’s Aircraft Hornet to an abrupt end. continued and, in mid-January 1950,
KEY COLLECTION Research and Development Unit for 809 took its night-fighting capability
tropical climate trials and TT193 Night-fighters to sea with three Sea Hornets joining
Bottom right was sent to the Royal Canadian Back in 1945, as the single-seat HMS Illustrious for deck landing
A trio of 801 NAS Air Force Winter Experimental airframe was being trialled, an training (DLT). During this period,
Sea Hornet F.20s,
(TT206/FD/151,
Establishment at Namao, Alberta, urgent requirement had resulted in crews also conducted an increasing
TT204/FD/154 and for cold weather assessments. the issue of Specification N.21/45 amount of night-interception
TT210/FD/158) off Towards the end of January 1949, for a long-range, radar-equipped training against RAF Avro Lincolns
the south coast of 801 NAS Sea Hornets embarked night-fighter to supersede the to hone their skills. Several exercises
England in late 1947. on HMS Implacable for a period of interim Fairey Firefly NF.1. De allowed the crews to use live weapons,
At the time the unit seasonal cruises and exercises under Havilland proposed a two-seat sub- including firing the aircraft’s
was operating from
RNAS Ford. VIA R C
the command of Lt Cdr K Lee- variant of the Sea Hornet, featuring battery of four 20mm Hispano
STURTIVANT White. In December, the unit took a separate observer’s cockpit aft of Mk.V cannon, dropping 500lb
delivery of a trio of PR.22s, which the wing, flame-dampening exhausts (225kg) and 1,000lb bombs and
were used until spring 1950. fitted to the engines and a scanner utilising unguided 3in ‘Glow Worm’
Considered the highlight of the for the AI Mk.XV radar housed illuminating rockets. A welcome
unit’s year, 801 deployed to Celle in in an elongated ‘thimble’ nose. It change came with numerous long-
northern Germany that September was designated the NF.21. Taking range navigation flights to Malta,
to provide close air support during a production Sea Hornet F.20 and staging through Istres in southern
Exercise Broadside. At the end of the converting it, the prototype – serial France. To allow 809 NAS to mature
manoeuvres, the crews and aircraft PX230 – flew for the first time into a fully operational unit, 792
returned to Lee-on-Solent. Further on July 9, 1946. With further NAS took on the night-fighter
exercises and embarkations occupied prototypes undergoing day and training role at Culdrose during the
the unit’s time, including several air night testing at Boscombe Down, summer of 1950, but the duty was
combat training flights ‘tangling’ Wiltshire, the type’s handling was returned to 809 later that year.
with RAF Gloster Meteors. It was considered satisfactory soon after. By then, 809 had joined the
said the piston-powered Sea Hornet From March 1947, development Fireflies of 814 NAS to form the
proved an unpredictably good match and tactical trials were conducted 15th CAG assigned to HMS
for its jet opposition. However, in part by the Naval Air Fighting Vengeance, specialising in nocturnal
during one sortie, a navigational Development Unit, also known operations. On May 15, the unit’s
error meant two aircraft ran short of as 787 NAS. The first production CO conducted 809’s first after-dark
fuel and force landed at Newmarket airframe, VV430, was issued to deck landing during a period of
Racecourse in Suffolk, leading to a the Royal Aircraft Establishment DLT with Vengeance. In July 1950,
jovial note from 801’s operational for radio and radar trials in July the crews and aircraft participated
record keeper: “… took the first two 1948; a further 79 examples rolled in a number of exercises off Britain
places in the 3.30 at Newmarket!” off the production line before and Norway, before flying down to
By the time the unit had re-joined manufacturing ceased. Gibraltar two months later under the
Implacable in mid-January 1951, On January 20, 1949, 809 NAS leadership of Lt Cdr D H Richards.
the Sea Hornet’s overall scheme of re-formed under Royal Marines During the return flight to Culdrose
sprayed aluminium lacquer had been officer Maj Jack Armour at Culdrose, in October, Lt Rouse and his observer
replaced by Sky and Extra Dark to become the sole frontline NF.21 Lt Hunt, achieved a record time of
Sea Grey. On March 15, 801 NAS squadron (Armour was later 2hrs 45mins with an average speed of
disembarked to Lee-on-Solent with promoted to Lieutenant Commander 378mph (608km/h).

96 FLYPAST July 2019

801
 Spotlight
on the Hornet

“Several exercises allowed the

crews to use live weapons,
including firing the aircraft's
battery of four 20mm Hispano
cannon”
Losing its sting Left
Frustration dogged 809 NAS In Lt Cdr Jack Armour
May 1951. Having again re-joined (seated, centre) and the
aircrew of 809 NAS pose
Vengeance at sea, the Sea Hornet with one of the unit’s Sea
NF.21s had to disembark 12 days later Hornets. Evident is the
due to difficulties operating off the ‘thimble’ nose that was
light fleet carrier. The summer was dictated by the proximity
therefore spent detached to Coltishall, of the propeller discs.
Norfolk, to work alongside RAF 809 SQN RECORDS

night-fighters, which proved fruitful

from an educational perspective.
During the early months of 1952,
809 NAS was detached to RNAS Hal
Far in Malta and undertook training
throughout the Mediterranean. Now
under Lt Cdr E M Frazer, 809

Squadron was the first operational unit to fly the Sea Hornet, from July 1, 1947
July 2019 FLYPAST 97
 SPOT FACT Sea Hornets were used for trials and
evaluation purposes in Canada and Australia

Right returned to Culdrose in May, but was

Sea Hornet NF.21 soon back at sea operating from HMS
VW960 sliding along Indomitable for the month-long
the deck of HMS
‘Indomitable’ on
Exercise Castanets.
March 31, 1953… Finally, in January 1953, 809’s Sea
fortunately, without Hornet NF.21s boarded the 43,000-
serious injury to the ton (43,690 tonne) aircraft carrier
crew. The aircraft did HMS Eagle for its spring cruise.
not return to service, The bigger ship was far better suited
but was later sold for
scrap in April 1957.
to operating the Sea Hornet and
A TAYLOR 809’s capabilities were used to the
full. A number of RAF aircrew were
Below right on exchange at the time, including
Two 806 NAS navigator Flt Lt Jack Heather, who
Sea Hornet F.20s
(VR851/C/450
and TT209/C/457) Review flypast over RAF Odiham,
are seen at Floyd Hampshire, before heading to join
Bennett Field, New Eagle in September to partake in
York, on July 25, a joint exercise with the US Fleet.
1948 during the The aircraft returned to Culdrose
unit’s acclaimed
in time for Christmas and, then
North American tour.
VIA L HOWARD
under Lt Cdr Bill Henley, later
re-embarked in January 1954 for
Below passage to Gibraltar. Exercising with
De Havilland Sea locally based ships, 809 flew back
Hornet PR.22 TT202 to the UK in March where it was
during an air-to-air
photo sortie over
disbanded on May 10… ending
the south coast of the Sea Hornet’s short frontline
England, with test career with the FAA. That said, a
pilot Pat Fillingham few single-seaters continued serving
at the controls. KEY recalled: “I had been posted to 809 discs, the size of the radar scanner with 728 NAS at Hal Far on Fleet
COLLECTION
from 25 Squadron flying Mosquitos aperture was limited, as was the Requirements duties until early
at West Malling. I had thought the range. It resulted in the peculiar 1957. While the sight of an airborne
‘Mossie’ cockpit was tight, but the proboscis [radome], which rather Sea Hornet has long since gone,
observer’s on the Hornet was tiny! spoiled the aircraft’s lines. That there is a chance the elegant type
While the bubble hood gave some said, the performance was pretty may grace the skies once more. The
headroom, most of us had to have spectacular, and I recall the surprise remains of F.20 TT193 that had
the seat [lowered] right down, which of my old pals now flying Meteors been sent to Canada for winter trials
was never particularly comfortable, when we exercised with them.” is now the subject of an exciting
especially as it faced backwards. Due On June 15, 809 NAS contributed restoration in
to the proximity of the propeller nine Sea Hornets to the Coronation New Zealand.

98 FLYPAST July 2019