 | Fleet Air Arm |
| Fleet Air Arm |
The Royal Australian Navy first became involved in naval aviation during World War 1 when aircraft were operated from the gun turret-launching platforms of RAN cruisers operating with the Royal Navy.
In 1917 HMAS Brisbane was temporarily outfitted with a Sopwith Baby to assist in the hunt for a German raider. Late that same year the battle cruiser HMAS Australia became the first Australian ship to launch an aircraft from her deck by operating a Sopwith Pup. After carrying out trials, Australia operated with two aircraft, a Sopwith 1½ Strutter for reconnaissance and a Sopwith Camel fighter.
HMAS Sydney became the first light cruiser to be fitted with a rotatable launching ramp, and she also operated a Camel aircraft.
After the war, in 1929, a purpose-built seaplane carrier, HMAS Albatross [pictured], was commissioned. She was initially to carry Fairey FIIID aircraft but these were replaced by the Supermarine Seagull III. However, operating expenses were high and in 1933 the ship was placed in reserve - and was finally sold to the Royal Navy in 1938.
During World War 2, RAN cruisers carried aircraft flown and maintained by RAAF personnel with the RAN providing the observers.
When the British Pacific Fleet came to Australia in the latter part of the war, about 12 RAAF pilots volunteered to transfer to the Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RANVR), and these men subsequently served aboard RN aircraft carriers and at RN air stations established in Australia.
For more history, see 1947 - 1970s or return to Fleet Air Arm History page.