Lee-on-Solent Commissioned as HMS Daedalus (24 May 1939)

1939

On 24 May 1939, RAF Coastal Command headquarters relocated from Lee-on-the-Solent to Plymouth, and the aerodrome was transferred from RAF control to the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, being commissioned as HMS Daedalus, a shore establishment using the traditional naval ship designation. The transition occurred in the final months before World War II commenced. The name Daedalus honoured the mythical Greek craftsman skilled in mechanical invention, following Royal Navy tradition of naming shore establishments after classical figures and reflecting the innovative aviation operations the facility would support. HMS Daedalus immediately became home to naval air squadrons equipped with Swordfish biplane torpedo bombers and Skua fighters, aircraft types specializing in anti-shipping and naval support operations. The Naval command structure imposed different operational priorities than the RAF, emphasizing close support for naval operations, anti-shipping strikes, and defence against enemy naval aircraft. The transition coincided with Britain's declaration of war on Nazi Germany on 3 September 1939. Naval aviation immediately assumed expanded operational tempo. Swordfish squadrons conducted anti-shipping patrols, searching for German commerce raiders and warships. Skua fighters provided combat air patrol and fleet defence. HMS Daedalus became heavily engaged in operational flying within weeks of the war's commencement. The aerodrome's location on the south coast made it ideal for operations against German shipping and warships operating in the Channel and approaches. The facility received expanded personnel and aircraft allocations throughout 1939 and 1940.

Context

In 1939, Britain was rapidly reorganizing its air defences in anticipation of war with Nazi Germany. The Fleet Air Arm was expanding significantly to counter the threat of German naval and air power. The transfer of Lee-on-the-Solent from RAF to Naval control reflected strategic judgements about optimal basing for naval aviation operations.

Impact

The transfer to naval control marked Lee-on-the-Solent's transformation into a major naval aviation base, with strategic responsibility for anti-shipping operations in the English Channel and approaches. The station would play critical roles during the Battle of Britain and subsequent naval campaigns.