Based on the Supermarine Commercial Amphibian which achieved second place in an Air Ministry competition in 1920, the Supermarine Seal II prototype first flew on 21 May 1921. The designation Seal II is presumed to come from the Commercial Amphibian which was briefly named Seal before it crashed and was written off.
Testing by the RAF of the Seal II resulted in several changes, including a more powerful engine and relocation of the fuel tanks to the upper wing. Two additional prototypes were ordered, but were renamed Seagull before delivery. See these pages for photos and a brief history of the resulting Seagull IISeagull III and Seagull V (which became the Supermarine Walrus).
The Seal II and one of the prototypes were sold to the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service for evaluation.
Supermarine SealSupermarine SealSupermarine SealSupermarine SealSupermarine SealSupermarine SealSupermarine SealSupermarine Seal
The Supermarine Seagull V was initially developed as a private venture in response to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) request for an observation seaplane to be catapult-launched from cruisers. The Seagull V resembled the proceeding Supermarine Seagull III in general layout. Although construction commenced in 1930, the aircraft was delayed by more pressing projects and the first Seagull V did not fly until June 1933.
The prototypes was initially marked as N-1 but this was later changed to N-2 (as there was already an aircraft with this registration). The Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment at Felixstowe undertook trials on behalf of the RAAF from Royal Navy ships (HMS Valiant and HMS Repulse).
The RAAF ordered 24 Seagull Vs which were delivered in 1935 and 1936. They were used as spotter aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy cruisers and land bases. Post-World War Two, several Seagulls were sold into the civilian market where they operated into the 1960s. The primary civilian operator was Amphibious Airways of Rabaul, which operated four aircraft.
The RAF also ordered the aircraft, but renamed it the Walrus.
Supermarine Seagull V prototype under constructionSupermarine Seagull V prototype as originally marked as N1Supermarine Seagull V Prototype now marked N2
A2-1
Supermarine Seagull V A2-1 being craned onto HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-1 on HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1 being launched from HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull V A2-1 on HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1 after accident
A2-2
Supermarine Seagull V A2-2 over HMAS SydneyWeymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.Weymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.HMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-2) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-2) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-2) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraft
A2-3
Supermarine Seagull V A2-3 registered as VH-BGP
A2-4
Supermarine Seagull V A2-4Supermarine Seagull V A2-4 at Williamtown Feb 1946Supermarine Seagull V A2-4 registered as VH-ALB for Amphibious Air Charters 28 September 1964Supermarine Seagull V VH-ALB of Amphibious Charters ex-A2-4Wreck of Supermarine Seagull V A2-4 registered as VH-ALB
A2-5
Supermarine Seagull V A2-5 on HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull V A2-5
A2-6
Supermarine Seagull V A2-6 being launchedSupermarine Seagull V A2-6Supermarine Seagull V A2-6 YQ-JSupermarine Seagull V A2-6
A2-7
Supermarine Seagull V A2-7 being loaded onto HMAS Sydney in 1939
A2-8
Supermarine Seagull V A2-8A line-up of Supermarine Seagull V amphibians with A2-8 at the frontSupermarine Seagull V A2-8 at Point Cook
A2-9
A2-10
A2-11
A2-12
A line-up of Supermarine Seagull V amphibians with A2-12 at the front
A2-13
Supermarine Seagull V A2-13
A2-14
A2-15
A2-16
Supermarine Seagull V A2-16 being launchedSupermarine Seagull V A2-16
A2-17
A2-18
A2-19
A2-20
Supermarine Seagull V A2-20Supermarine Seagull V A2-20Supermarine Seagull V A2-20
A2-21
Supermarine Seagull V A2-21 on HMAS SydneyHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraft
A2-22
Supermarine Seagull V A2-22 at Rathmines NSW 1941Supermarine Seagull V A2-22
A2-23
A2-24
Supermarine Seagull V A2-24 on HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-24 being catapulted from HMAS Australia
Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft prepared for take-off from its catapultSupermarine Seagull V A2-5 on HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft being launched from its catapult
Supermarine Seagull V A2-7 being loaded onto HMAS Sydney in 1939Weymouth, England. Sep 1935 Supermarine Seagul V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being prepared for hoisting aboard HMAS SydneyWeymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.Weymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.RAAF Seagull V aircraft, serial A2-18, on HMAS Sydney (II)circa 1938-39, a Supermarine Seagull Mk.V (A2-9)Supermarine Seagull V A2-21 on HMAS SydneyA Supermarine Walrus being recovered by HMAS Sydney C. 1941.HMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraft
An improved version of the Supermarine Seagull II, the Seagull III was specifically built for the Royal Australian Navy for operations from the seaplane tender HMAS Albatross. Compared to the Mk II, the Mk III had a more powerful engine ( a Napier Lion V while the Mk. II had a Lion III). The first six aircraft arrived in January 1926, with a further three arriving the following year.
The Seagulls were operated by No. 101 Flight RAAF, and initially worked with HMAS Moresby during 1926 and 1927, assisting in the photographic survey of the Great Barrier Reef. From February 1929 to April 1933, six of the Seagulls served on board HMAS Albatross, where they served as spotting, shadowing and reconnaissance aircraft. They were transferred to HMAS Canberra and HMAS Australia when Albatross became held in reserve in 1932. The Seagull IIIs were withdrawn from active service or scrapped in 1936; they were superseded by the Supermarine Seagull V.
Supermarine Seagull A9-1
Supermarine Seagull III A9-1 just after being builtSupermarine Seagull III A9-1 just after being builtSupermarine Seagull III A9-1 just after being builtSupermarine Seagull III A9-1
Supermarine Seagull A9-2
Supermarine Seagull III A9-2 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAFSupermarine Seagull III A9-2Supermarine Seagull III A9-2 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF being lowered onto the deck of HMAS AlbatrossSupermarine Seagull III A9-2
Supermarine Seagull A9-3
Supermarine Seagull III A9-3Supermarine Seagull III A9-3 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF being hoisted out of the water and aboard HMAS AlbatrossSupermarine Seagull III A9-3 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF being lowered onto the deckSupermarine Seagull III A9-3
Supermarine Seagull A9-4
Supermarine Seagull III A9-4Supermarine Seagull III A9-4Supermarine Seagull III A9-4Supermarine Seagull III A9-4 being recovered
Supermarine Seagull A9-5
Supermarine Seagull III A9-5 being hoisted aboard HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull III A9-5 being hoisted aboard HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull III A9-5 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF which has just landed on the water and is about to be hoisted aboardSupermarine Seagull III A9-5 of101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF next to HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull III A9-5
Supermarine Seagull A9-6
Supermarine Seagull III A9-6Supermarine Seagull III A9-6Supermarine Seagull III A9-6Supermarine Seagull III A9-6Supermarine Seagull III A9-6 New Guinea. c. 1930Supermarine Seagull flying boat A9-6 being winched over the side from HMAS AlbatrossSupermarine Seagull III A9-6 damaged aboard HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull III A9-6 aboard HMAS Australia after being dropped from the craneSupermarine Seagull III A9-6 damaged aboard HMAS Australia
Supermarine Seagull A9-7
Supermarine Seagull A9-8
Supermarine Seagull III A9-8A Supermarine Seagull III of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF is about to be lowered into the hold. A9-8 in the backgroundSeveral Supermarine Seagull III A9-8 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF lined up on the top deck Supermarine Seagull III A9-8 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF is about to be hoisted aboard HMAS Albatross
Supermarine Seagull A9-9
Supermarine Seagull III A9-9 on HMAS Australia 21 Sep 1932Supermarine Seagull III A9-9Supermarine Seagull III A9-9 next to HMAS Australia
Supermarine Seagull Unidentified
Supermarine Seagull IIISupermarine Seagull IIISupermarine Seagull III flying boat taking off from North West Bay, TasmaniaSupermarine Seagull IIISupermarine Seagull IIISupermarine Seagull III on Survey flight
Supermarine Seagull III Amphibians Operating From HMAS Albatross
With its wings folded back, a Supermarine Seagull III of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF is about to be lowered into the holdSupermarine Seagull III A9-2 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF being lowered onto the deck of HMAS AlbatrossSupermarine Seagull III A9-3 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF being lowered onto the deckSupermarine Seagull III A9-3 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF being hoisted out of the water and aboard HMAS AlbatrossSupermarine Seagull III of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAFSeveral Supermarine Seagull III seaplanes of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF lined up on the top deckA Supermarine Seagull III seaplane of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAFSeveral Supermarine Seagull III seaplanes of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF Being Lowered into the HangerSupermarine Seagull III on HMAS AlbatrossA Supermarine Seagull III seaplane of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF is lowered into the hold of HMAS AlbatrossSupermarine Seagull flying boat A9-6 being winched over the side from HMAS AlbatrossSupermarine Seagull flying boat being brought up on to the deck of HMAS AlbatrossSupermarine Seagull III Aboard HMAS AlbatrossSupermarine Seagull III A9-5 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF which has just landed on the water and is about to be hoisted aboardSupermarine Seagull III of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAFSupermarine Seagull III of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF Supermarine Seagull III A9-8 of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF is about to be hoisted aboard HMAS AlbatrossTwo Supermarine Seagull III seaplanes of No. 101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF being hoisted out of the waterSupermarine Seagull III on the water next to HMAS AlbatrossHMAS Albatross
Supermarine Seagull III Amphibians Operating From HMAS Australia
Supermarine Seagull III on HMAS Australia 21 Sep 1932Supermarine Seagull III on HMAS Australia 21 Sep 1932Supermarine Seagull III on HMAS Australia 21 Sep 1932Supermarine Seagull III on HMAS Australia 21 Sep 1932Supermarine Seagull III A9-9 on HMAS Australia 21 Sep 1932Supermarine Seagull III A9-9 next to HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull III A9-6 damaged aboard HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull III A9-6 damaged aboard HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull III A9-6 aboard HMAS Australia after being dropped from the crane
Supermarine Seagull III Amphibians Operating From HMAS Canberra
Seagull Amphibian 24 September 1921Supermarine Seagull III A9-5 of101 Fleet Co-operation Flight RAAF next to HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull III A9-5 being hoisted aboard HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull III A9-5 being hoisted aboard HMAS CanberraHMAS Canberra and her Supermarine Seagull IIIHMAS Canberra, with HMAS Stalwart alongside, in January 1930 with Supermarine Seagull IIIs
