Albatross carried the newly formed 710 Squadron and its Walrus amphibians toward Sierra Leone as war opened. From Freetown, the squadron was to fly anti-submarine patrols off West Africa and protect Allied shipping near an important port. The assignment shows a seaplane carrier extending air coverage far from the main fleet-carrier concentrations. It also places maritime patrol and trade protection among the Fleet Air Arm's immediate wartime demands.
Notable Point · 3:58-4:12
Albatross and 710 Squadron at Freetown
The seaplane carrier Albatross takes 710 Squadron's Walruses to Sierra Leone for anti-submarine patrol and shipping protection.