728 Naval Air Squadron

My father was the last Air Engineering Officer of 728 NAS at HalFar and took the salute at the hauling down of the last White Ensign when the Air Station closed. At the time of disbandment they had Meteor T7s and TT20s on strength. Their task was target towing, as the Mediterranean FRU (Fleet Requirements Unit) and over the years flew many miscellaneous aircraft. I have a couple of snaps of the TT20’s taken on the occasion of a farewell flypast they carried out with some Sea Vixens and Buccaneers from HMS Hermes which was on a visit to Malta. I’ll post the snaps soon. I’m sure you’ll get more detailed info from the experts on the site.

This months “Military Aircraft Monthly” has a very good piece on 728 Mossies at Hal Far. SAM Publications.
Best reference for serials and codes is “Fleet Air Arm Fixed Wing Aircraft Since 1946” by Ray Sturtivant,Mick Burrow and Lee Howard. Air Britain . Lists serials and codes,excellent book but expensive so try your library.

Slicer,

Nice shots “862” is a Meteor TT.20 serial WM147. It was returned to RNAY Fleetlands 3.5.67 and Struck off charge . Total airframe hours 2556. The others are “863” WM260 and “866” WD785.

Hope these are of interest, 728’s final flypast before disbandment at HalFar, bringing a long Fleet Air Arm association with HalFar and Malta to an end.

..expensive..

I prefer “value for money”…

…so try your library.

I think you mean try the Air-Britain online shop, don’t you? ;):D

728 were also the main operating squadron to fly the Short Sturgeon TT.2, always an interesting type to base a project on!

Nice pictures slicer!

Lee,

Did not mean to offend 🙂 I have my own copy of this excellent reference book . A lot of people are struggling in these cash strapped times we are in , that is why I mentioned getting a copy thru your local library.