The
squadron first formed in September 1940 as a torpedo spotter
reconnaissance Albacore squadron at RNAS Lee-on-Solent, then from
Scotland carried out anti-submarine patrols under RAF Coastal
Command.
In July 1941 the squadron embarked on HMS Victorious for the attack
on Kirkenes, Finland in which 5 aircraft were lost.
In September 1941 after regrouping the squadron embarked on HMS
Argus to Gibraltar and thence to Malta in HMS Ark Royal, where the
squadron operated from Hal Far against enemy shipping to Libya.
From March 1942, 828 and 830 NAS jointly formed the Naval Air
Squadron Malta successfully attacking enemy warships and supply
convoys, however re-supply problems resulting in only 2 serviceable
aircraft for a time, leading in December 1942 to the absorbing of
826 NAS and the remnants of 830 NAS.
In May 1943 the squadron carried out attacks on shipping with 821
NAS, as well as flare illuminations for bombardments
of Pantellaria island, followed by a few weeks in Monastir in
Tunisia.
In total 828 and 830 NAS had accounted for sinking 30 enemy ships
and damaged another 50 ships.
The squadron disbanded at Monastir in September 1943.
In March 1944 the squadron reformed as a torpedo bomber
reconnaissance squadron with 12 Barracuda IIs, joining the 2nd Naval
TBR Wing, and in August embarking on HMS Implacable for the Home
Fleet, and briefly on HMS Formidable in August 1944 for Operation
Goodwood against the Tirpitz, and after a period at Hatston returned
to HMS Implacable and in October 1944 was involved in shipping
strikes off Norway.
In January 1945 the squadron re-equipped with 21 Avenger Is and IIs,
embarking at the end of the month on HMS Trumpeter.
In March 1945 HMS Implacable sailed to Ceylon, the squadron
disembarking at Trincomalee in April 1945. In June 1945 the squadron
became part of the 8th Carrier Air Group, and was involved in
attacks on Truk, and in subsequent attacks on the Japanese mainland,
returning to Nowra just after VJ-Day on 25 August 1945.
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