707 Squadron

Aug 1945 saw 707 Squadron at RNAS Worthy Down (HMS Kestrel) as a test pilot training squadron, with a detatchment at RNAS Burscough (HMS Ringtail) conducting radar trials. Re-formed 9 Dec 1964 at RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk) as a Commando Advanced Flying Training Unit with Wessex from the recently disbanded 700(V) Squadron and personnel from 847 Squadron which had recently handed back its Whirlwinds. In May 1966, 707 Squadron had 13 Wessex HU.5 and in Mar 1967 was involved in the clean-up operations when the Liberian oil tanker, Torrey Canyon hit the Seven Stones off Lands End. In May 1972 it had moved to RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron).

At Yeovilton, it took on a Search and Rescue commitment and between Jul and Dec 1974 operated the Red Dragon Flight whilst His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales  was undergoing type conversion to the Wessex HU.5. In Apr 1982, 707 Squadron embarked for the South Atlantic and made up the nucleus of the reforming 848 Squadron. The unit side codes changed at this time from W- to Z-.  The Sea King HC.4 began to arrive in Oct 1983 and its Wessex were transferred to 771 Squadron from Apr 1985 but before they had all left, one example was detached to assist in the final pre-commissioning trials of the recently launched HMS Ark Royal. It again formed the core of 848 Squadron for its 1991 Gulf War deployment. Between Oct 1993 and Mar 1994 a 3 aircraft Z Flight was detatched to RAF Aldergrove (EGAA). It disbanded in Feb 1995, when it again formed the core of a new 848 Squadron.