In July 1943, the squadron was a component of RAF Gibraltar but a detachment of its Swordfish (torpedo spotter reconnaissance) was based at Tafaraoui, Algeria and assigned to the Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF) for Operation Husky.

[1] From April 1944 the squadron, including a detachment of Wildcats and three Fulmar NF II night fighters,[2] were deployed on the escort carrier HMS Campania operating in the Arctic Ocean on convoy duty.

[5] Following a refit, HMS Eagle departed for the Mediterranean, where in June, four Gloster Sea Gladiator, a biplane fighter aircraft, were incorporated into the squadron's strength.

During this assignment, the squadron successfully engaged five Italian Destroyers located north of Massawa, resulting in the sinking of two vessels, the beaching of two others, and the subsequent scuttling of the remaining ship.

After completing its mission, 813 Naval Air Squadron re-joined the carrier and proceeded to sail via Cape Town, spending some time in the Atlantic.

[6] Upon its return home in late October 1941, the squadron established a temporary base at RNAS Machrihanish (HMS Landrail), Argyll and Bute, Scotland.

The squadron was temporarily reduced to six aircraft and were fortuitously stationed on land in Gibraltar when HMS Eagle was sunk on 11 August, although four Hawker Sea Hurricane that were on board were lost.

[6] The squadron's capacity was increased twofold in a span of ten days, enabling it to provide assistance for the North African landings, including a flight assigned to Algeria.

[8] In November 1943, 813 Naval Air Squadron was reformed at RNAS Donibristle (HMS Merlin), Fife, Scotland, incorporating nine new Fairey Swordfish II aircraft.

These aircraft, along with the Fairey Swordfish, were deployed aboard HMS Campania in April for the purpose of escorting convoys in the Atlantic and North Russian regions.

[12] The squadron sailed home again in March 1955, to join HMS Eagle in June for visits to the Mediterranean and Norway before disbanding on arrival at HMNB Devonport on 21 November.