Naval publicity short featuring the Sea Hawks of 806 NAS onboard HMS Centaur in the Mediterranean. The emphasis is on the aerobatic skill of the pilots rather than any more martial qualities.

The story begins with HMS Centaur steaming out of Malta for a day's flying practice. 806 Squadron FB.3s are brought up on the lift. The pilots, led by their CO, Lieutenant-Commander Chilton, board their aircraft. Sea Hawks are launched - the commentary points out that these are hydro-pneumatic catapults, now being replaced by steam (Centaur received hers in a refit 1956-1958). Aerial shots of aircraft being launched - the commentary draws attention to the bridle falling into the sea. Long aerial sequence showing the squadron demonstrating formation flying and aerobatics - in one shot a diamond four execute a loop, the camera aircraft manoeuvring in concert to keep the formation apparently static in the centre frame. Other feats include a formation roll and a four-aircraft parasol break, the wingmen rolling out and the leader doing an upward rle. A Sea Hawk piloted by Lieutenant John Kelly does an inverted low pass and rle over Hal Far airfield. The squadron reforms for the return to Centaur. Onboard the carrier firefighting equipment is tested and the fire rescue party get ready. Sea Hawks land on - Mirror Landing Gear is mentioned but the film concentrates on the more traditional activities of the Deck Landing Control Officer. Aircraft are struck down. Centaur enters Malta. "All around the harbour... the heritage of the past looks down on those who help defend the freedom of the present."

Notes

Summary: in 1953, 806 had been the first service squadron to fly the initial production variant of the Sea Hawk, the F.1, and was awarded the 1955 Boyd Trophy for pioneering the shipborne use of the Sea Hawk and for contributions to the investigation of the night strike rle. The Squadron had a tradition of formation flying, having served in 1948 as the RN Aerobatic Team. The DLCO's singlet, with the numbers 810 and 820 on its ace of clubs decoration, may indicate that this film was made before February-March 1955, when those two squadrons were still embarked on Centaur. 806 did not disembark until November, 1955