The Story of Frank Mitchell 1941 to 1946

886 Squadron 15th June to 21st October 1943

Frank joined 886 Squadron in June 1943 at HMS Landrail which was then probably a deck landing school. He was promoted to acting Leading Photographer during his time at Landrail before going with the squadron to HMS Attacker

The information below (somehow the dates don't seem correct for the embarkation on HMS Attacker) was obtained from:- http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/886.html

Operational History and Background
The squadron formed at Donibristle as a Fleet Fighter squadron in March 1942 with 6 Fulmar IIs.
In August 1942 the squadron joined No 13 Group RAF Fighter Command at Turnhouse and subsequently No 14 Group RAF at Peterhead, subsequently leaving for Stretton in October 1942.
Most of 1943 was spent at Turnhouse where the squadron re-equipped with Seafire L.IICs in March, and a Swordfish flight was added 3 months later.
In June 1943 the squadron embarked on HMS Attacker and took part in the Salerno landings in September, a small detachment formed at Paestrum, and another consisting of the Swordfish at Gibraltar.
In October 1943, the squadron returned to the Machrihanish having disbanded the Swordfish flight, and subsequently joined the 3rd Naval Fighter Wing at Burscough.

Aircraft
• Spitfire Vb/hooked Feb 1943-March 1943
• Seafire L.IIc March 1943-Feb 1944
• Swordfish II June 1943-Oct 1943

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