A Naval Air Squadron from RNAS Culdrose has joined together to celebrate its 90th anniversary after attending a memorial service for aviators from the squadron who died nearly ten years ago. 

Personnel from the 824 Naval Air Squadron marked the anniversary with a celebration in the squadron’s hangar this week. 

A giant cake was cut by the youngest member of 824, 18-year-old Air Engineering Technician Ryan Sharman. 

Although celebrations were held on Friday, the anniversary is actually on Monday (April 3). However, due to most of the base squadrons being on Easter leave on that date, celebrations were moved for personnel to attend.

824 Naval Air Squadron is the training unit for the Royal Navy’s Merlin MK2 aircrew and engineers and is the best antisubmarine warfare force globally.

Commanding Officer Chris Jones highlighted the last 20 years of Merlin helicopter operations followed by a brief history of the squadron. He said: “The squadron had a distinguished history with battle honours from the Second World War through to the Falklands.

“You should all feel really proud to be a part of this institution in the Fleet Air Arm.”

The squadron also shares the same 90th anniversary with the frontline 820 Naval Air Squadron.

As reported in the Packet on March 21, members of 824 visited a memorial remembering four aviators from the squadron who were killed nearly 50 years ago on the coast of Cornwall. All the crew of XV702, who had been on a training flight, lost their lives in the crash.

Falmouth Packet: Members of 824 Naval Air Squadron visited a memorial remembering four aviators from the squadron who were killed nearly 50 years ago on the coast of Cornwall. (Image: RNAS Culdrose)Members of 824 Naval Air Squadron visited a memorial remembering four aviators from the squadron who were killed nearly 50 years ago on the coast of Cornwall. (Image: RNAS Culdrose) (Image: RNAS Culdrose)

Chief Petty Officer Dave Toseland said at the time: “Personally, it was a valuable and rewarding afternoon. While we were there, we placed four crosses with attached poppies and had a go at cleaning the plaque.

“All members of the team that visited the site were very professional in their behaviour and attitude and grateful to be given the opportunity to carry out this visit.”

One of the squadron’s Merlin helicopters also flew over the site as it returned from a training sortie.