857 Naval Air Squadron (857 NAS) was a unit of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm (FAA), the aerial branch responsible for naval aviation. The squadron was formed during the Second World War and operated primarily as a maritime reconnaissance and anti‑submarine warfare (ASW) unit. It saw service in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean theatres before being disbanded after the war.
Formation and Early History
- Date of formation: 1944 (exact day not consistently recorded in public sources).
- Initial base: The squadron was established at a Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) in the United Kingdom, subsequently deploying to forward bases as operational requirements dictated.
Role and Aircraft
857 NAS was tasked with maritime patrol, convoy escort, and anti‑submarine duties. Throughout its existence, the squadron operated a variety of FAA aircraft, notably:
| Aircraft | Primary Role | Service Period (within 857 NAS) |
|---|---|---|
| Fairey Swordfish Mk II | Torpedo bomber / reconnaissance | 1944 – early 1945 |
| Fairey Barracuda Mk II | Torpedo bomber / dive bomber | 1945 – 1946 |
| Grumman Wildcat (Martlet) – limited use for defensive escort | Fighter/air defense | 1945 (operational trials) |
The transition from the older biplane Swordfish to the more modern monoplane Barracuda reflected the FAA’s shift toward higher‑performance aircraft for the ASW role.
Operational Deployments
- Atlantic Convoy Escort: Early in its service, 857 NAS provided aerial coverage for Allied convoys crossing the North Atlantic, employing the Swordfish to detect and deter German U‑boats.
- Indian Ocean and Far East: Later in the war, the squadron redeployed to bases in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and the Andaman Islands, supporting the Eastern Fleet’s operations against Japanese naval forces and protecting shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean.
- Post‑war Activities: Following Japan’s surrender, 857 NAS remained in the region for a brief period, conducting patrols and assisting with the repatriation of Allied personnel before being stood down.
Disbandment
The squadron was officially disbanded in 1946 as part of the post‑war reduction of the Fleet Air Arm’s wartime establishments. No subsequent re‑formation of 857 NAS has been recorded in publicly available RAF or Royal Navy archives.
Legacy
Although a relatively short‑lived unit, 857 NAS contributed to the FAA’s broader anti‑submarine and maritime reconnaissance capabilities during a critical phase of World War II. Its operations exemplify the role of naval aviation in safeguarding Allied maritime logistics across multiple theatres.
