Britain entered the crisis with only 22 Sea Harriers: five each in 800 and 801 Squadrons and twelve in the 899 training and headquarters unit. After 899 reinforced the two carrier squadrons, the Fleet Air Arm searched its remaining stocks and could assemble only eight aircraft for the planned third front-line squadron. Lieutenant Commander Tim Gedge formed those aircraft and pilots into 809, building morale and readiness even though they knew they would not fight as a single unit. Atlantic Conveyor could transport them south but offered no normal flying work-up, so the pilots and aircraft were distributed between 800 and 801 Squadrons when they reached the task force.
Chapter · 47:58-50:36
809 Squadron assembles Sea Harriers for the Falklands
The Fleet Air Arm searches out eight available Sea Harriers, forms 809 under Tim Gedge, and sends its pilots south aboard Atlantic Conveyor.