When 809 Squadron reduced to six aircraft, B Flight broke away to form the nucleus of 879 Squadron. This was a common way to grow a wartime force without creating a unit composed wholly of newcomers. Half the original squadron retained its shared experience, while the detached half carried established habits and knowledge into the new organization. Rapid expansion depended on experienced cadres as well as aircraft and squadron numbers.
Notable Point · 21:20-21:53
Experienced flights seed new wartime squadrons
The Fleet Air Arm expanded by splitting experienced units so that a new squadron began with a practiced cadre rather than an entirely novice organization.