HISTORY OF 848 NAVAL AIR SQUADRON
The Royal Navy Commando Helicopter Force enjoys a reputation for high standards of professionalism and flexibility and this is in no small part, attributable to the exacting and thorough instruction given by 848 Naval Air Squadron (NAS).
During its 55 year history, 848 Squadron has been disbanded and reformed several times but now has a more permanent standing, having been made the Commando Helicopter Training Squadron, based at the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton.
With a complement of one hundred ratings and thirty officers, the Squadron is responsible for the instruction of up to sixty pilots and aircrewmen each year. Operating the Sea King Mk 4, pilots undertake Advanced Flying Training - how to handle emergencies and how to fly with sole reference to instruments -before crewing up with the aircrewmen, now from the Royal Marines, to learn how to operate the aircraft in a tactical environment during operational flying training.
The Squadron also trains more than one hundred and fifty helicopter maintainers annually before sending them to the front line. Aircrew and maintainers receive military and amphibious training and are taught how to operate in the field and from the deck of a ship.
848 NAS is also committed to numerous UK maritime operations and airborne support for the Royal Marines.
Formed, and reformed, for hostilities 848 Naval Air Squadron was first established in 1943 with 12 Avenger Mk 1 aircraft for the role of torpedo dropping, bombing and reconnaissance. The Squadron was embarked in HMS Trumpeter and HMS Formidable, serving in the Mediterranean and later in the Pacific where several aircraft were lost to kamikaze attacks. After the defeat of the Japanese, the Squadron returned to Devonport and was disbanded.
Seven years later, in October 1952, 848 Naval Air Squadron was recommissioned with the new American-built Whirlwind helicopters for anti-terrorist protection duties in Malaya, becoming the Royal Navy's first operational helicopter Squadron. It served with distinction in the Far East, being awarded the prestigious Boyd Trophy in 1953. It was disbanded again at then end of 1956.
The Squadron reformed for a third time in 1958 in the role which it continues today, amphibious warfare. Embarked in HMS Bulwark in her new role as a commando carrier, 848 NAS saw service in Kuwait in 1961. Re-equipped with Wessex Mark 5 helicopters in 1964, the Squadron embarked in HMS Albion for anti insurgency duties in Brunei and the Far East. Because of the wide variety of tasking, often in arduous conditions, they were nicknamed "Junglies" by the Army and Royal Naval forces with whom they worked. The Junglie title has enjoyed longevity, unlike the Squadron, which disbanded once more in March 1976.
When the Falkland Islands were invaded by Argentina in April 1982, 848 NAS was quickly reformed and embarked in four Flights on three Royal Fleet Auxiliaries (RFAs) and the MV Atlantic Conveyor. The Atlantic Conveyor was hit by an Argentinean Exocet missile and the ensuing fire destroyed the ship and its 848 Flight, though no men were lost. After the Falklands Campaign the Squadron was once again disbanded.
Continuing the cycle, the Squadron was recommissioned in 1991, equipped with Sea King Mk 4 aircraft, to bolster the Royal Navy Commando helicopter force during the Gulf War. The force was up with the front line throughout this fast-moving war, due to the Sea King's excellent reliability and endurance. These capabilities were much appreciated by the ground forces who would often ask specifically for the Junglies, whom they could rely on to get the job done regardless of conditions and danger. The first British troops to enter Kuwait City after its liberation were taken in by this flexible and reliable force.
848 NAS disbanded at Yeovilton on its return to the UK but reformed in 1995 to undertake its current operational training and Royal Marines support role.