Royal Navy Personnel on USS Saratoga CV-3: A WWII Naval Cooperation Story

Introduction

During World War II, the USS Saratoga CV-3, one of the vital carriers in the U.S. Navy, was transferred to the Royal Navy's Eastern Fleet in 1944. This transfer marked a significant period of cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom. While the primary focus was on joint operations and the exchange of naval techniques, it raises the question of whether Royal Navy personnel served aboard the Saratoga.

Cooperation and Visits

The cooperation between the U.S. and British navies during World War II was extensive. The transfer of the Saratoga to the Royal Navy's Eastern Fleet was part of this larger effort. While there might have been some official visits and social events, the concept of Royal Navy personnel serving on the Saratoga in a crew capacity was not common. According to the 1945 ship's history provided by the author's grandfather, Thomas Upton Sisson II, there is no evidence that any Royal Navy personnel served aboard the Saratoga in a full-time capacity.

Official Visits and Reconnaissance

There were, however, official visits and reconnaissance missions. For instance, Royal Navy officers would visit the ship for formal inspections and briefings. These visits were primarily to observe and learn, not for ongoing service. One such example was a Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Barracuda landing on the Saratoga, noted for its primitive appearance when compared to the American planes. This incident highlights the diverse interactions between the two navies.

Joint Operations and Training

The primary purpose of the Saratoga's visit to the Eastern Fleet was to train the Royal Navy carrier crew in efficient operations for launching and recovering aircraft. In one notable incident, a pilot from the Saratoga was shot down but was then rescued by an RN submarine. This demonstrates the close collaboration and mutual support between the two forces. The skipper of the RN submarine, Shoemaker, had a suitably pirate appearance with a beard and a "jolly roger" flag, as did his parrot (presumably off-camera).

Specific Roles of British Personnel

There is evidence to suggest that British personnel did serve on the Saratoga, but in limited, specialized roles. Radio communication and landing signaler roles were key, as these positions were crucial for the efficient operation of the carrier. These British personnel were not meant to become full members of the ship's service company. Instead, their role was to learn from the U.S. procedures and ultimately train their RN colleagues.

Conclusion

The transfer of the USS Saratoga to the Royal Navy's Eastern Fleet in 1944 was a significant moment in naval history. While there were numerous interactions, official visits, and even some specialized roles filled by British personnel, there is no evidence of full-time Royal Navy service aboard the Saratoga. This cooperation laid the groundwork for the seamless integration and joint operations that were so crucial during World War II.