Initial operations with 826 Naval Air Squadron protected English Channel convoys from land bases in 1940. In November, 826 and 829 Squadrons embarked in HMS Formidable, the first carrier to operate the type. Formidable worked with the Home Fleet, escorted an Atlantic convoy, and searched unsuccessfully for the commerce-raiding Admiral Scheer before reaching Cape Town. Her onward deployment toward the Mediterranean included strikes off Italian East Africa and exposed persistent engine difficulties under sustained carrier conditions.
Chapter · 42:18-44:43
From Channel patrols to HMS Formidable
The Albacore entered shore-based service with 826 Squadron before 826 and 829 took it aboard HMS Formidable.