1st Carrier Air Group

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Carrier Air Group February 2018 February 2018 1st Carrier Air Group centre|200px White Ensign 30 June 1945 - 8 September 1945October 1947 - May 1951Ballance 2016 306 UK Carrier Air Group 2 x fighter squadron 1 x TBR squadron Fleet Air Arm Illustrious aircraft carrier Formed for World War II Pacific War Air raids on Japan Commander Stanley Gordon Orr, GBR 100% , DSC2 AFC, RN 1st Carrier Air Group (1st CAG) was a Fleet Air Arm (FAA) carrier air group of the Royal Navy (RN). The establishment of the group occurred in June 1945, with the purpose of being deployed within the British Pacific Fleet. Nevertheless, it was dissolved later that same year, in September. The unit was allocated to the Illustrious-class aircraft carrier HMS Victorious.Wragg 2019 203 The Group was re-established in October 1947, embarking in the lead ship of her class, Implacable R86 6. In late 1950, the group was reassigned to the Illustrious-class aircraft carrier Indomitable 92 6. The 1st Carrier Air Group was disbanded for the second time in May 1951.Ballance 2016 306 Naval air squadrons List of Fleet Air Arm aircraft squadrons 1st Carrier Air Group consisted of a number of squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm.Ballance 2016 306 SquadronAircraftFromTo 849 Naval Air Squadron Grumman Avenger Mk.I, II June 1945 September 1945 1834 Naval Air Squadron Vought Corsair Mk II, IV June 1945 September 1945 1836 Naval Air Squadron Vought Corsair Mk II, IV June 1945 September 1945 801 Naval Air Squadron de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 October 1947 May 1951 813 Naval Air Squadron Blackburn Firebrand TF.5 October 1947 May 1951 History The squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm, embarked in the Royal Navy’s Fleet and Light Fleet aircraft carriers, were organised into Air Groups in alignment with United States Navy policy following the conclusion of World War II in Europe. This reorganisation aimed to facilitate operations in the Pacific Theater against Japanese forces in 1945. Carrier Air Groups one through six were assigned to the three Illustrious aircraft carriers. Each air group consisted of two squadrons of Vought Corsairs and one squadron of Grumman Avengers, with each squadron comprising fifteen aircraft.Ballance 2016 305 1945 thumb|Vought F4U Corsair of 1834 Naval Air Squadron and 1836 Naval Air Squadron, fitted with extra petrol tanks and ranged ready for attack on the carrier's flight deck on board HMS Victorious The 1st Carrier Air Group was formed on the 30 June 1945, for the Illustrious-class carrier, Victorious R38 6, as part of the British Pacific Fleet.Wragg 2019 203 During July and August 1945, the latter part of the Second World War, it saw active service over Japan.Ballance 2016 305 The 1st Carrier Air Group consisted of 849 Naval Air Squadron, which operated the Grumman Avenger, an American torpedo bomber aircraft, along with 1834 and 1836 Naval Air Squadrons, which were both equipped with Vought Corsair, an American carrier-based fighter-bomber aircraft,Wragg 2019 203 the latter two squadrons previously made up the Fleet Air Arm's 47th Naval Fighter Wing which was absorbed into the 1st Carrier Air Group on its formation.Wragg 2019 202 Mainland Japan strikes The group embarked in HMS Victorious in July 1945 for airstrikes against the Japanese mainland, near Tokyo, up until Victory over Japan Day. Notably, an 849 Naval Air Squadron Grumman Avenger from HMS Victorious, located and scored the first bomb hit on the Japanese escort carrier Kaiyo, at Beppu Bay, in Kyūshū, on 24 July 1945, which resulted in severe damage that kept the ship out of the remainder of the war. 849 Squadron Fleet Air Arm Archive 2000–2001 http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/849.htm 1 December 2008 30 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090330111713/http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/849.htm usurped Series one of the airstrikes on Mainland Japan took place between 17 and 19 July. Aircraft from the 1st Carrier Air Group participated in numerous sorties during this timeframe. On 17 July, the fourth airstrike consisted of sixteen Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious; however, the mission was called off due to poor weather conditions in the target area. The fifth operation aimed at Niigata airfield involved twelve Vought Corsairs from the Air Group, each equipped with a 500lb bomb, under the command of Commander Shrubsole. This operation resulted in the destruction of one aircraft and the damage of five others. The seventh and final airstrike on 18 July, launched from the carrier, featured six Vought Corsairs targeting Naruto and Tachikawa, successfully destroying five aircraft and inflicting damage on five additional planes.A history of 1834 Naval Air Squadron https://www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk/SQUADRONS/1834_Squadron.htm Royal Navy Research Archive - Royal Naval Air Squadrons 1938 - present day 8 September 2025 A replenishment and refuelling period, originally planned from 20 to 23 July, was advanced to 19 July due to poor weather conditions. The weather remained unsuitable for the resumption of flying operations until 24 July.Hobbs 2011 264 The second series of airstrikes on Mainland Japan occurred from July 24 to July 25. thumb|Shimane Maru under attack by Grumman Avenger aircraft from Victorious R38 6, 24 July 1945 On 24 July airstrike 1C of series two comprised twelve Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious, assigned to assault the airfield located at Takamatsu and Suta. Airstrike 2C was a Ramrod operation that involved eight Vought Corsairs from the Air Group, targeting sites in Kurashiki, the Fukuyama airfield, and Suta. Airstrike 3 denoted a subsequent combined operation under the command of Commander Shrubsole, the Air Group Leader of HMS Victorious, which aimed at shipping activities off the Shikoku coast, including the Japanese escort carrier Shimane Maru. This operation consisted of ten Grumman Avengers and four Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious. Airstrike 4C was an anti-shipping sweep executed in the Inland Sea by twelve Vought Corsairs from the carrier.A history of 1836 Naval Air Squadron https://www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk/SQUADRONS/1836_Squadron.htm Royal Navy Research Archive - Royal Naval Air Squadrons 1938 - present day 8 September 2025 Throughout the day’s Ramrod missions, the Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious’ Air Group fired a total of 32,000 rounds at ground targets, setting a record for the carrier. The Vought Corsairs participating in airstrike 2C proceeded directly to Kurashiki airfield, where they encountered Flak during their approach. Bombs were released, resulting in damage to airfield structures and one Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" bomber aircraft. The next target was Okayama airfield, where one Yokosuka P1Y "Frances" bomber sustained damage, and the dispersal areas and revetments were strafed. At Fukuyama, one aircraft was also damaged. The formation then moved on to Suta airfield, inflicting damage on seven aircraft, and destroying one Kawanishi H6K "Mavis" through strafing. Notably, temporary Sub-lieutenant(A) P.C. Jupe, RNVR, who had not released his bombs, executed a flawless high dive attack on a concrete bridge north of Kōchi, achieving a direct hit. On 25 July, airstrike 1C, consisting of twelve Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious, was aborted due to poor weather conditions upon making landfall. Similarly, airstrike 2 was also aborted due to bad weather upon arrival. The fourth airstrike was a combined force, that included four Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious, targeting Tokushima airfield. Airstrike 4C was a twelve Vought Corsair anti-shipping airstrike launched from HMS Victorious. An additional replenishment period occurred from 26 to 27 July.Hobbs 2011 268 thumb|left|Vought Corsair; an example of the type used by 1834 & 1836 Squadrons Series two airstrikes continued between 28 and 30 July. The combat air patrol (CAP) and first three Ramrod sorties were launched on 28 July. Airstrike 1C consisted of twelve Vought Corsairs launched from HMS Victorious to target shipping in the Inland Sea. Airstrike 2C was initiated from the Air Group, comprising an eight Vought Corsair mission aimed at Akashi airfield. Airstrike 4C included twelve Vought Corsairs from the carrier, directed towards targets at Sato and Fuge. On 29 July, there were no scheduled air operations; however, elements of Task Force 37 collaborated with the United States Navy's Task Force 38 to conduct bombardments on shore targets. Airstrike 1C involved eight Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious, tasked with attacking shipping in Kumano harbour. Airstrike 2C was launched from HMS Victorious, consisting of an eight Vought Corsair mission targeting Akashi airfield. Subsequently, a replenishment phase occurred from 31 July to 2 August.Hobbs 2011 274-275 Bad weather conditions meant Series 3 of the airstrikes in mainland Japan had to be postponed. Originally scheduled for 5 August, the airstrikes were rescheduled to 8 August, necessitating an additional day for replenishment which occurred during 6 and 7 August.Hobbs 2011 277-280 The third wave of airstrikes on mainland Japan took place between August 8 and August 10. On the morning of 9 August, Airstrike 1C consisted of ten Vought Corsairs from the Air Group, tasked with attacking coastal shipping off North Honshu. Airstrike 2C was launched from HMS Victorious, comprising eleven Vought Corsairs and also aimed at coastal shipping off North Honshu. Airstrike 4C included sixteen Vought Corsairs from the carrier targeting the Kōriyama airfield. The 10 August was designated as the final day for airstrikes before Task Force 37 was scheduled to withdraw to Australia for a maintenance and replenishment period. Airstrike 1C was made up of twelve Vought Corsairs from HMS Victorious, assigned to attack the Koriyama airfield. Airstrike 2C was launched by the Air Group, consisting of eight Vought Corsairs to target coastal shipping at Onagawa Wan. Replenishment took place on 11 August.Hobbs 2011 287 On 12 August, Task Force 37 was split and the majority of the British Pacific Fleet set sail for Manus Island, subsequently heading to Sydney. They were en route when the announcement of the Japanese surrender occurred on 15 August. Upon arriving at the Australian coast on 23 August, the 1st Carrier Air Group flew ashore, 1834 and 1836 Squadrons to Nabstock, also known as MONAB VI and Royal Naval Air Station Maryborough, Queensland, where the Vought Corsairs were withdrawn. The Grumman Avengers of 849 squadron left for Mascot airfield in Sydney the following day.Maryborough https://www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk/FAA-Bases/Maryborough.htm Royal Navy Research Archive - Fleet Air Arm Bases 1939 - present day 8 September 2024 The 1st Carrier Air Group was disbanded on HMS Victorious upon the group's return to the United Kingdom, on the 8 September 1945.Wragg 2019 203 1947–1951 The 1st Carrier Air Group reformed in October 1947, for the name ship of her class, Implacable R86 6. The 1st CAG was made up of 801 Naval Air Squadron, which operated the de Havilland Sea Hornet, twin engine, fighter aircraft, and 813 Naval Air Squadron, which was equipped with Blackburn Firebrand, a British single-engine strike fighter aircraft. On the 12 September 1950, the 1st CAG transferred to the Illustrious aircraft carrier, Indomitable 92 6. The 1st Carrier Air Group disbanded on the 31 May 1951.Ballance 2016 306 Aircraft carriers Aircraft carriers which the 1st Carrier Air Group was assigned to: Victorious R38 6 (June - September 1945) Implacable R86 6 (October 1947 - September 1950) Indomitable 92 6 (September 1950 - May 1951) Aircraft used Aircraft used by the naval air squadrons that formed the 1st Carrier Air Group in 1945 and between 1947-51: Grumman Avenger, an American torpedo bomber Vought Corsair, an American fighter aircraft de Havilland Sea Hornet, a navalised version of the de Havilland Hornet for service on British aircraft carriers Blackburn Firebrand, a British single-engine strike fighter Air group commanders List of commanding officers of the 1st Carrier Air Group, with date of appointment:Wragg 2019 203 1945 Commander J.C.N. Shrubsole, RN, from 30 June 1945 disbanded - 8 September 1945 1947–1951 Lieutenant Commander D.B. Law, GBR 100% , MBE DSC, RN, from 3 November 1948Ballance 2016 306 Lieutenant Commander S.G. Orr, GBR 100% , DSC AFC, RN, from 21 November 1949Ballance 2016 306 disbanded - 31 May 1951 See also List of Fleet Air Arm groups List of aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy List of aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm List of Fleet Air Arm aircraft in World War II References Citations Bibliography Ballance Theo The Squadrons and Units of the Fleet Air Arm 2016 Air-Britain 978-0-85130-489-2 Hobbs David The British Pacific Fleet: The Royal Navy's Most Powerful Strike Force Seaforth Publishing 2011 978-1-5267-0283-8 Sturtivant R Ballance T The Squadrons of The Fleet Air Arm 1994 Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd Tonbridge, Kent, UK 0-85130-223-8 Sturtivant, Ballance 1994 Wragg David The Fleet Air Arm Handbook 1939-1945 2019 The History Press Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK 978-0-7509-9303-6 Category:Fleet Air Arm groups Category:Military units and formations established in 1945 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1945 Category:Military units and formations established in 1947 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1951