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Aviation History
1941
1941 - 1182.PDF
362 (Above) Captain ot the rescue launch gets directions by radio from sea-searching aircraft and (right) quickly plots his course to the spot indicated. the marine section of the Coastal Command, now work together in one co-ordinated rescue service, and the method of operation has a simplicity that makes for swift efficiency. Fast rescue launches belonging to the R.A.F. and the Royal Navy are stationed at control points established at suitable intervals around the entire coast-line. These con- trols, together with all local police stations in the coastal regions, are in direct telephonic communication with neigh- bouring aerodromes, where special flights of aircraft are kept in readiness for carrying out sea searches. The modus operandi is simply this. If a police-nan or a member of a Royal Observer Corps post sees an aeroplane or an airman come down in the sea he immediately tele- phones the aerodrome in his area. Sometimes, of course, the first report of such a happening may come to the police or an R.O.C. post from a civilian or some member of the Services who happens to have witnessed the incident some miles off shore, but the process is the same from then on- wards. The aerodrome immediately sends out aircraft, carrying emergency supplies, to locate the airmen or wrecked sailors and also telephones the control point, giving all available directions. If circumstances suggest it, a life- boat or coastguard station may also be advised of the situation and will act accordingly. The result is that, with- in a few minutes of the incident having been spotted, fast launches are ploughing their way at top speed in the direc- tion of the scene ; by which time, also, the searching aircraft will probably have located the victim and will at once radio the crews of the rescue boats, giving his exact position. Sometimes, of course, the presence of surface craft—a destroyer, submar- (Left) Nearing floating survivor, he scans sea and sky to spot his comrade and possible enemies above. FOR THOSi INf PERIL ON THE I (Continued) ine or perhaps a convoy—will be known to be reasonably near to the wrecked airman, in which case the authorities (who know the exact position of all such craft at any given moment) will wireless a request for rescue direct to this craft and thus save precious time. Incidentally, everyone living on or near the coast can, if and when the occasion presents itself, play a helpful part in the operating of this rescue organisation. They may see an aircraft fall into the sea some miles off shore ; they may see an airman descending into the water by parachute, or notice a collapsible dinghy some distance out. If they do they should note the time and their own exact position on the shore in relation to what they have seen out on the water and then telephone the police or call at the nearest police station with their information. This will ensure the rescue machinery being set promptly in motion. Forty-Knot Launches Obviously success or failure in rescue may often depend upon the speed with which the surface craft can reach the victim and the rescue launches of the R.A.F. are specially designed and equipped for this urgent duty. Propelled by three Napier aero engines of 500 h.p., they are 63ft. long and have a top speed of 40 knots and a range of some 500 miles on full throttle. Their equipment includes special nets resembling multiple rope-ladders by means of which injured or exhausted men can be helped on board, life- belts, first-aid outfits, emergency provisions in waterproof bags, and bunks and blankets for wounded or seriously distressed men The Admiralty rescue launches and other craft intended for the same purpose are all very similar in design, high speed being their chief characteristic. Yet another development in the rescue of airmen from the sea is the providing of all fighter pilots with a newly designed one-man collapsible rubber dinghy. Previously only fce bomber could find room for a collapsible dinghy. i fighter pilot had to rely on his " Mae West " life- Now, however, every fighter pilot carries, in a compartment in his parachute pack, the new one rubber dinghy which, when deflated, folds into s IPj of less th^n 2 sq. ft., and forms part of the cushion bji which he sits in the cockpit. and \
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