No 279 Squadron’s Hudsons eventually became operational with lifeboats in January 1943. The lifeboats were well provided with signalling aids plus sufficient food, drink and comforts, including waterproof suits and first aid kit, to cover seven day’s requirements for a crew of seven. To assist the survivors on their voyage, a compass and charts were provided along with appropriate materials and tools to effect repairs. All of this equipment was stowed in the boat’s lockers, together with petrol, oil, sails, masts and rigging together with instructions to enable survivors with little sailing experience to operate the boat and navigate safely.
There were the inevitable teething troubles but the majority of
these had been resolved by the late spring, by which time No 279 Sqn was well provided with airborne lifeboats.