The first Barracudas saw operational service for the first time on 10th January 1943 with 827 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) and were deployed in the North Atlantic. A total of 24 front-line FAA squadrons were eventually equipped with the Barracuda. It's primary role was to function as a torpedo bomber, however, by the time it entered service, there was little-to-none Axis surface shipping in the North Atlantic, so, in the practice, it acted as a dive bomber. The next year, 1944, the Barracuda Mk.II was accompanied by the radar-equipped Barracuda Mk.III which were used to conduct anti-submarine operations.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) operated the Barracuda Mk.II too. During 1943 the first RAF's Barracudas were assigned to the No.567 Squadron, based at RAF Detling, in Kent. During 1944 identical models went to various squadrons, including No.667 Squadron at RAF Gosport, in Hampshire, No.679 Squadron at RAF Ipswich, in Suffolk and No.691 Squadron at RAF Roborough, in Devon. However, between March and July 1945 every RAF's Barracuda was withdrawn from service.
Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairey_Barracuda
2. https://www.valka.cz/Fairey-Barracuda-Mk-II-t8638
3. Hall Park Books - Warpaint 35 - Fairey Barracuda
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