#1595CU Merlin HM Mk2 ASaC
Description
Squadron Prints - Lithograph No. 1595CU: ZH843, Merkin HM Mk2 ASaC, 820 Naval Air Squadron, RNAS Culdrose.
820 Squadron is the oldest Fleet Air Arm Squadron still in service being formed in April 1933 for spotter/reconnaissance duties, and boasts more Battle Honours than any other Squadron. Embarked in HMS ARK ROYAL at the beginning of WWII the Squadron operated in Norway, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean being re-tasked to the roles of surface search and torpedo-attack, and took part in the attack which crippled the German battleship Bismarck in May 1941. In 1942 the Squadron supported the Allied landings in North Africa, and claimed its first U Boat in November of that year. In 1943 further landings in Sicily and Salerno tightened the Allies grip ready for the assault on mainland Europe in 1944, the year that the Squadron also attacked the battleship TIRPITZ. In 1945 the Squadron re-deployed to the Far East in the carrier HMS INDEFATIGABLE taking part in the largest ever Fleet Air Arm action in the raids on the Japanese-held oil refineries at Palembang in Sumatra. In June 1951 the Squadron re-formed for Anti-Submarine operations and in 1957 became the second Squadron to become ‘Pingers’ when converted to rotary wing aircraft and flew the Sea King V embarked in HMS INVINCIBLE during the Falklands War in 1982. Between 1993 and 2000 the Squadron was primarily involved in logistical support and humanitarian aid operating in Bosnia, Mozambique and Sierra Leone and continued Sea King operations until the cessation of the conflict in Iraq in July 2003. In September 2003 the Squadron re-equipped with the Merlin HM Mk1, and were employed in ASW and ASuW operations both embarked and from ashore across the globe, in particular in support of Op Kipion in the Gulf of Oman. 820 was the first frontline unit to receive the upgraded Merlin HM Mk2 aircraft in October 2013, and rapidly established its reputation as a versatile aircraft, utilising it for ASW, ASuW and humanitarian operations in a variety of environments. Following the addition of the Crowsnest Airborne Surveillance and Control role equipment, 820 Squadron provides versatility across multiple warfare disciplines. Operating predominantly from the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, 820 Squadron will maintain their position at the forefront of Naval Aviation well into the 21st century.