FLEET AIR ARM MEMORIES

CSS can be seen in the rear of S1514, a Fairey IIIF Mark IIIB. This was Fairey build no F.1357, one of a 72 aircraft order for the Admiralty.

Fairey IIIF being towed back to port by HM Submarine L8 around 1923-24. This submarine was in the "L" Class (Group 1) and built by Cammell Laird at Birkenhead. She was launched 1917 and was sold in 1930.

The Bowling Green at the Shanghai racecourse, visitors look at a mishap with a naval biplane following an undercarriage collapse. The photograph is dated 1927.

Thanks to Bill Devins (IPMS/USA Seaplane SIG Leader) for confirming this aircraft as a Fairey Flycatcher amphibian. It is seen being winched aboard HMS Argus, with the proud pilot in distinctly non-regulation overalls. This variant of the fleet fighter was fitted with wooden amphibious floats. These had a wheel buried at the step which gave the Flycatcher an unusual appearance when taxying across airfields, apparently without wheels! The Flycatcher could be equipped with four types of float: wooden straight, wooden amphibious, metal straight or metal amphibious. This photograph was taken in Hong Kong harbour, the clock-tower and Lion Rock Hill visible in the background.
with thanks to Tim Ko Keung for update information.

A group Fairey Albacores ready for take of in this photograph taken in 1942 aboard HMS Furious.

A Fairey Albacore awaits release. It was ordered by the Fleet Air Arm to replace the Fairey Swordfish but was in fact outlived by the older type.