Within days of the Second World War starting, the unit moved to Gibraltar and took over a number of Swordfish floatplanes. Both types were involved in a series of clashes with the Vichy French Forces and these continued until 1941 when the first Catalinas arrived. After participating in the invasion of North Africa in the autumn of 1942, the unit moved to Lough Erne, Northern Ireland and began anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic before disbanding in August 1945

.

"THE 202 SQUADRON BOYS"
C1943

"THE 202 ELECTRICAL SECTION BOYS GIB 1943"
C1943

"THE ERKS LIVING QUARTERS - MINUS THE BED BUGS"
GIB C1943

"RE-FUELLING"
Notice the absence of nossles on the fuel pipes and the Large Funnels made from cut down 40 gal. Oil Drums covered with Chamois Leather to filter out any water. Gib C1943

"THE 202 SQUADRON GROUND STAFF CASTLE ARCHDALE" C1944
Note the Leigh Light under the Starboard Wing

"THE SLIPWAY CASTLE ARCHDALE"
2002

"CREW RETURNING AFTER A 17 HOUR PATROL"
The Dinghys were also used to ferry the ground crews to and from the aircraft for maintenance. If it was night we used a torch to flash Dah-Dit-Dit (D) and a Dinghy would come to fetch us ashore. (if we were lucky!)

OPERATIONS BOARD, CASTLE ARCHDALE
Note length of patrols

CASTLE ARCHDALE
The original Castle buiding. Note Special window for Flying Control Room top left