2nd Carrier Air Group (2nd CAG) was a Fleet Air Arm (FAA) carrier air group of the Royal Navy (RN). It was initially formed in June 1945, for service in the British Pacific Fleet, until disbanding during the same year, in October. The unit was formed for the Illustrious-class aircraft carrier .
Naval Air Squadrons
2nd Carrier Air Group consisted of a number of squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm.
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! style="text-align:center|Squadron
! style="text-align:center|Aircraft
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| 848 Naval Air Squadron || Grumman Avenger Mk.I, II || June 1945 || October 1945
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| 1841 Naval Air Squadron || Vought Corsair Mk IV || June 1945 || October 1945
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| 1842 Naval Air Squadron|| Vought Corsair Mk IV || June 1945 || October 1945
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History
Following the conclusion of World War II in Europe, the squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm, stationed on the Royal Navy's Fleet and Light Fleet aircraft carriers, were reorganised into Air Groups in accordance with United States Navy policy. This restructuring was designed to enhance operational effectiveness in the Pacific Theater against Japanese forces in 1945. Carrier Air Groups one through six were allocated to the three s. Each air group included two squadrons of Vought Corsairs and one squadron of Grumman Avengers, with each squadron consisting of fifteen aircraft.
1945
thumb|Avenger and Corsair aircraft on HMS Formidable, off Japan, on 10 July 1945
The 2nd Carrier Air Group was formed on 30 June 1945. It was for the Illustrious-class carrier , for service as part of the British Pacific Fleet. The 2nd CAG was formed of 848 Naval Air Squadron, which was equipped with Grumman Avenger, an American torpedo bomber aircraft, along with 1841 and 1842 Naval Air Squadrons, both previously part of the 6th Naval Fighter Wing, and operated the Vought Corsair an American carrier-borne fighter aircraft.
Mainland Japan strikes
Series one of the airstrikes on Mainland Japan took place between 17 and 19 July.
Aircraft from the 2nd Carrier Air Group engaged in multiple sorties during this period. HMS Formidable deployed sixteen Vought Corsairs for airstrike 1, targeting airfields at Matsushima and Sendai in northern Honshu, as well as Hasuda, located just north of Tokyo, with each aircraft equipped with two 500 lb bombs. Five aircraft were destroyed on the ground, while three sustained damage; hangars and airfield structures were also impacted. Airstrike 5, another Ramrod operation, saw HMS Formidable launch ten Vought Corsairs to assault Niigata airfield, with each aircraft carrying one 500 lb bomb. Two aircraft were destroyed, and two were damaged, with hangars and airfield buildings being struck. By the conclusion of the day's operations, the Air Group had incurred the loss of four aircraft, three of which were combat losses, and one that ditched.
On the 18 July, inclement weather hindered the commencement of operations. HMS Formidable once more deployed sixteen Vought Corsairs, each equipped with two 500 lb bombs, for Airstrike 1, a Ramrod mission targeting airfields at Mobara, Naruto, and Hasuda, located in the Tokyo region. During Airstrike 5, the carrier launched a Ramrod consisting of eight Vought Corsairs to assault the Katori, Konoike, and Kitaura airfields, resulting in the destruction of six aircraft on the ground and damage to three others. The Air Group suffered the loss of two Vought Corsairs due to enemy engagement, with both pilots reported missing.
A replenishment and refuelling period, initially scheduled from 20 to 23 July, was moved forward to 19 July because of adverse weather conditions. The weather continued to be unfavourable for the resumption of flying operations until 24 July.
The second wave of airstrikes targeting Mainland Japan took place between 24 and 25 July.
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On 24 July, airstrike 1A consisted of eleven Vought Corsairs from HMS Formidable, targeting airfields located at Kurashiki, Okayama, and Takamatsu; Airstrike 2 was initiated to strike the airfield at Tokushima and included a combined force featuring Grumman Avengers from the carrier. Airstrike 3A involved an eight Vought Corsair Ramrod launched by the Air Group. Additionally, 5A comprised twelve Vought Corsairs from the carrier, designated for an anti-shipping sweep in the Inland Sea. 1841 and 1842 Squadrons disembarked to RNAS Nowra (HMS Nabbington) upon arrival at the New South Wales coast on 23 August, with 848 Squadron the following day.
The group then left its aircraft in Australia and personnel returned to the United Kingdom, on sister ship , where the Air Group disbanded on 31 October 1945.
Aircraft carriers
Aircraft carriers which the 1st Carrier Air Group was assigned to:
- (June - October 1945)
Aircraft used
Aircraft used by the naval air squadrons that formed the 2nd Carrier Air Group in 1945:
- Grumman Avenger, an American torpedo bomber
- Vought Corsair, an American fighter aircraft
Air Group Commanders
List of commanding officers of the 2nd Carrier Air Group, with date of appointment:
- Lieutenant Colonel P.P. Nelson-Gracie, RM, 4 July 1945
- disbanded - 31 October 1945
See also
- List of Fleet Air Arm groups
- List of aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy
- List of aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm
- List of Fleet Air Arm aircraft in World War II