The Early Years

The Squadron was formed on the same day as 800NAS from No 401 Flight on the 3 rd April 1933 with fairey Flycatchers and Hawker Nimrods. The squadron had become a deck landing training unit by 1939 with Skuas and Gladiators, renumbering as 769NAS on 24 th May 1939.

The Second World War 

In January 1940 801NAS re-emerged at Donibristle as a Skua unit and subsequently playing a key role in wartime operations in Norway from HMS Ark Royal. When the German's invaded Norway the carriers Ark Royal and Glorious where both in Alexandria in the Eastern Mediterranean. They were recalled to the Home Fleet and arrived in Scapa on the 21st April. The following day the Skua squadrons were embarked, 800 Squadron ( 9 Skuas and 2 Rocs) and 801 Squadron (9 Skuas and 3 Rocs) went aboard Ark Royal In September 801 Squadron embarked on HMS Furious for more raids on the more northerly parts of the Norwegian coast. Following an attack on Trondheim on 22nd September Skua L2942 piloted by Sub Lt Bernard Wigginton with Leading Aircraftsman Kenneth King as his gunner, was unable to find the Furious due to heavy fog and had to crash land in neutral Sweden; the first allied aircraft to do so.

By August 1941 801NAS was re-equipped with Sea Hurricanes at RNAS Yeovilton. The squadron deployed to the Mediterranean aboard HMS Argus, later transferring to HMS Eagle. Argus carried out all the anti-submarine work and provided low cover with the Fulmars, while Eagle took care of the high cover. However, at the height of the attacks there were never more than six Hurricanes and four Fulmars airborne. This did not constitute a very formidable defence force. At one time, there were to be as many as sixty aircraft attacking the convoy. Nevertheless, thirteen enemy aircraft of various types were to be brought down, for the loss of three Hurricanes and four Fulmars. Two of the latter were, in fact, brought down by the convoy's fire. With the torpedoing of HMS Eagle the squadron briefly disbanded and subsequently becoming the second Seafire unit in 1942 the squadron again disbanded in June 1946, reforming with Sea Hornets at Ford in July 1947.

Post Second World War

801NAS received Sea Furies in March 1951 and the squadron saw active service during the Korean War. By 1960 the squadron had disbanded and reformed as a Sea Hawk squadron, ultimately becoming a Buccaneer strike squadron on 17 th July 1962 , 801 re-embarked on HMS Victorious for a Far East cruise in August and during the carrier's return home in January 1964, the situation in various East African countries called for the carrier to prolong its patrol in this area, with 801 on standby to provide backup for ground forces. In the event no action was seen.The squadron was re-assigned to HMS Hermes, and was disbanded on 21st July 1970

The Harrier Years

The squadron was then re-commissioned on 28 th January 1981 with Sea Harriers FRS1 at RNAS Yeovilton. The squadron saw service in the Falklands campaign, downing eight Argentine aircraft in aerial combat

In 1993 801 squadron saw service in the Adriatic as part of operation Deny Flight. For the first time since the Falklands conflict, 801 were flying operational missions over a combat zone. Flying in support of the United Nations troops on the ground in the former republic of Yugoslavia. The squadron carried out combat air patrol, Close Air Support and Reconnaissance Missions. Also Operations in the Persian Gulf for Operation Southen Watch successfully assisting in the enforcement of UN resolutions. The unit then returned to the Adriatic in 1995. However this time equipped with the single seat multi-role day/night all-weather Sea Harrier FA2. In 2000 the squadron had an important reconnaissance role over Sierra Leone, flying from HMS Illustrious, in support of Operation Pallise.

801NAS again disbanded on 31 March 2006 at RNAS Yeovilton , 801 NAS will re-commissioned in Oct 2006, under the command of Cdr K Seymour RN, to operate the Harrier GR7 and GR9 as part of the new Naval Wing .part of Joint Force Harrier at RAF Cottesmore