Graham Pitchfork profiles three Sea Fury pilots, including one who managed two very different ‘tours’ on the type
Men Behind the Sea Fury
Burma recieved 21 Sea Furies between 1957 and 1958
For several months in 1952, 801 Squadron had not been embarked on a carrier, and a number of new pilots had arrived. Shore-based at Hal Far, Malta, the unit was due to join HMS Glory, heading for Korea.
One of 801’s pilots, Lt Alan ‘Spiv’ Leahy, was an experienced air warfare instructor who had been with the squadron since August 1952. Their priority was to practise deck landings and undergo a concentrated period of weapon training. The unit’s Sea Furies were capable fighters and carried out air defence exercises under the control of Malta Radar.
