The Fleet Air Arm & The Battle Of Britain

Hi All

Further to my last question regarding Fleet Air Arm involvement in the Battle of Britain. My researches seem to indicate that the number of FAA pilots loaned to the RAF in June 1940 was 58. Out of that 58 it appears that 23 actually saw combat with Dowdings fighter squadrons.

In addition the Fleet Air Arms 804 and 808 squadrons came under the operational control of No 13 Group for at least part of the period being discussed. The aircrew numbers involved being 22 and 11 respectively. Generally speaking the combined figure of 33 is the one quoted, as the number of aircrew from the two squadrons who had entitlement to wear the Battle of Britain clasp. However given that the Fairey Fulmar’s being flown by 808 squadron carried a crew of two, surely the observer would also have been entitled to wear the clasp?

Anyone care to comment?

Please note the numbers I am quoting are the best I can come up with at the moment.

Cheers

Eric