The Carriers › HMS Glorious
HMS Glorious
1938–1939 · No. 802 Squadron, Mediterranean Fleet
War was declared in September 1939 with Bill aboard HMS Glorious, flying Gladiators with No. 802 Squadron in the Mediterranean Fleet. Two weeks later he was promoted to Lieutenant.
His years afloat in 1938 and 1939 gave him much of his naval flying experience. Vice-Admiral A. L. Lyster, who commanded Glorious in the late 1930s, was in charge of the Home Fleet by 1943.
“When you want manoeuvrability combined with high speed and rate of climb, come along with me in a Sea Gladiator.”
In a letter home, November 1939