Throughout 1942, the Fulmar was being gradually replaced as a naval fighter by single-seat aircraft that had been adapted from land fighters, such as the British-built Hawker Sea Hurricane and Supermarine Seafire or the American-built Grumman Martlet. The Fulmar was to figure prominently in the Mediterranean during 1941 and 1942 as the Fleet Air Arm's primary fighter for most of the convoys fought through to Malta during those years. 16 Fulmars were present on HMS "Victorious" during the penultimate Operation Pedestal which was to be their last major carrier borne operation. The type continued to be operated, providing useful service as a night convoy escort and intruder, it was also used to train crews for the newer and more advanced Fairey Barracuda. Following their withdrawal from the fighter role, Fulmars were routinely used to conduct long-range reconnaissance missions. Dearmed Fulmars would also see service in Africa as communications and despatch aircraft.