World War Two Archives - Page 21 of 38

Hawker Sea Fury in Dutch Service

Hawker Sea Fury in Dutch Service

The Netherlands purchased ten Hawker Sea Fury F.50s (equivalent to the Fleet Air Arm’s F.X) in 1946. These operated from the Royal Netherlands Navy aircraft carrier HNLMS Karel Doorman QH1 (ex-HMS Nairana) as 860 Squadron. As the ship operated in conjunction with the Royal Navy, it was common to have Dutch Sea Furies on British ships.

In 1947, the Sea Furies operated from Karel Doorman against insurgents in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia). In 1948 this aircraft carrier was returned to Britain and replaced by the Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Venerable (R63). Once in Dutch service it was renamed HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81.

In January 1950 an order for twelve Sea Fury FB.50s (equivalent to the Fleet Air Arm’ FB.11) was placed with Hawker. In addition a licence was purchased, and Dutch manufactured aircraft brought the total operated to 48. In June 1956, No. 860 Squadron transferred its aircraft to No. 3 Squadron and the role ship board fighter was taken over by the Hawker Sea Hawk.

Hawker Sea Fury in Egyptian Service

Royal Egyptian Air Force Hawker Sea Fury

Hawker Sea Fury in Egyptian Service

The Royal Egyptian Air Force received 12 single seat Sea Furies in 1950-51. This was followed by the F.2/43 prototype NX798 G-AKRY. At least two Iraqi Furies were also presented to Egypt.

The Hawker F2-43 prototype, carrying the British civil registration G-AKRY, in England prior to its sales promotion flight to Egypt.

Hawker Fury F.Mk I G-AKRY at Luqa, Malta, during its sales promotion flight to Egypt. — The Hawker F2-43 prototype, carrying the British civil registration G-AKRY, in England prior to its sales promotion flight to Egypt.

Italian Heavy Cruiser Fiume

Italian Heavy Cruiser Fiume

Fiume was the second of the Zara-class heavy cruisers built for the Italian Regia Marina (along with her sisters Zara, Pola and Gorizia). She was launched on 27 April 1930 and commissioned on 23 November 1931.

During the Second World War, Fiume was engaged with convoy escort and intercepting British convoys. She participated in the Battle of Calabria (July 1940) and the Battle of Cape Spartivento (November 1940). During the Battle of Cape Matapan, Fiume, Zara and four destroyers were ordered to protect Pola which had been disabled by a torpedo. During the night, they were surprised by a force of three British battleships (HMS Warspite, Valiant and Barham). All three heavy cruisers and two of the destroyers were sunk.