Individual centres developed their own local solutions for dropping emergency gear to ditched crew. The Thornaby Bag This consisted of a strengthened fabric parachute bag using the kapok pads from a Mae West life jacket for flotation. The advantage of these bags was that all the components were readily available on the station. Individual bags… Continue reading Thornaby Bag, Bircham Barrel and Lindholme Gear adopted
Category: Timeline
Demand for greater North Sea ASR capability raised.
AOCinC Bomber Command (Air Chf Mshl Sir Edgar Ludlow-Hewitt) highlighted need for better ASR due to increased fights over North Sea as part of war plans being made. Although crews had dinghies they were not much use if they couldn’t be picked up and new launches were ordered.
First operational High Speed Launch for ASR Operations
Fifteen Speed Launches were ordered and allocated to Coastal Command and overseas stations. The first was allocated n August 1935. As the war developed and demand grew the RAF found themselves in competition with the Royal Navy for boatbuilding resources which slowed growth of the rescue capability. There is very good description of the birth… Continue reading First operational High Speed Launch for ASR Operations
Youngman’ dinghy, in three sizes in use
A circular dinghy stowed on the upper wing of aircraft and released on ditching for the crew to await rescue..Youngman dinghy
The first dinghy, Type ‘A’, introduced for flying boat crews
Type ‘A’ dinghy, with a capacity for three,introduced for use with flying boats. Over the next ten years it developed for use in emergencies..