The Story of Frank Mitchell 1941 to 1946

854 Squadron 2nd December 1944 to 17th May 1945

Frank joined 854 Squadron at the the beginning of December 1944 according to his papers. However the Fleet Air Arm Archives show that the Squadron was formed in January 1945.

The information below was obtained from:- http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/854.html

You can trace the exploits of 854 in the photographs of chapters 1 to 15 of this website as listed on the home page

854 Squadron Operational History and Background

In January 1944, the squadron formed at Squantum, USA as a torpedo bomber reconnaissance Avenger squadron, and subsequently embarked on HMS Indomitable in April, disembarking at Machrihanish in May 1944.
In May 1944 the squadron was attached to No 157 Wing RAF Coastal Command at Hawkinge and subsequently Thorney Island for duties in the English Channel leading up to D-Day activities in Normandy.
In September 1944 the squadron personnel embarked with their aircraft on HMS Activity for the Far East, re-equipping with Avenger Is at Katukurunda.

24-29 January 1945 - Fleet Air Arm strikes on oil installations at Pladjoe around Palembang, Sumatra - the largest operation ever undertaken by the Fleet Air Arm - successful strikes are made by aircraft from Task Force 63 - HM carriers "Indomitable", "Illustrious", "Indefatigable" and "Victorious".
In December 1944 the squadron embarked on HMS Illustrious, taking part in strikes on Belawan Deli and Palembang, the squadron subsequently disembarking at Nowra, Australia during February 1945.
Re-embarking on HMS Illustrious in March 1945 the squadron took part in attacks on airfields and other enemy targets in the Sakishima Gunto Islands, returning to Nowra in May 1945.
In July 1945 whilst still at Nowra the squadron joined the 3rd Carrier Air Group and were still there at the time of VJ-Day.

Battle Honours :
Normandy 1944, Palembang 1945, Okinawa 1945

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