No.1831 reformed at RNAS Lee-on-Solent on April 3rd 1980 as one of two Royal Naval Reserve Air Squadrons; 1832 reformed at RNAS Yeovilton on the same date. Like the post war RNVR squadrons the new RNR units were to provide 2-3 weeks continuous training to former helicopter aircrew officers and fixed-wing pilots who had retired from the Royal Navy more than three years previous to joining the RNR Air Branch.
No commanding officers or engineering officers were appointed, these was in essence ‘virtual’ squadrons created to manage the training of RNR Air Branch officer aircrew. The training commitment was to carried out on aircraft of existing RN air squadrons although a single Chipmunk was originally attached to 781 Squadron for the use of 1831 Sqn; this very basic piece of equipment was withdrawn when 781 Sqn disbanded at RNAS Lee-on-Silent on March 31st 1981.
1831 transferred to RNAS Yeovilton, joining 1832 on April 1st 1981, but the original concept soon lapsedas it was not compatible with the demands of the modern Fleet Air Arm. Members of the RNR Air Branch instead became attached to any squadron with the aircraft type for which they were qualified for their 2-3 weeks annual training. It is unclear when the use of the squadron number ceased, presumably around the time of the Falklands War in the spring of 1982.
Motto: Nec temere nec timide
(Neither rashly nor timidly)
Sabang 1944
Palembang 1945
Okinawa 1945
None
None
Aircrew and squadron personnel
None
© 1999-2024 The Royal Navy Research Archive All Rights Reserved Terms of use Powered byW3.CSS
Press F5 to refresh the page after posting your comment or to hide the form
Note
Records indicate that the Sea Otters issued at RNAS Lee-on—Solent were passed to 1701 Sqn which formed there on February 1st 1945. It is assumed that only squadron personnel embarked in KHEDIVE for passage, aircraft, equipment and stores being issued on arrival in India.
Comments (0)