Dates: 1918 - 1986

From 1918 to 1986 the Marine Branch of the Royal Air Force supplied waterborne support, rescue facilities and services for the Royal Air Force throughout the world.

Inaugurated as the Marine Craft Section just eleven days after the Royal Air Force itself was founded, it initially provided back-up for the flying boats but it also developed a rescue service which during and after the second world war became the largest in the world. During the war years alone over 13,000 lives were saved by the crews of the high speed rescue launches who faced enemy action and all weathers to uphold their pledge of "The Sea Shall Not Have Them".

The launches were involved in many major actions; at Dunkirk five seaplane tenders were deployed rescuing 500 troops from the beaches; at Dieppe 14 launches were in action three of which were destroyed by enemy action and 93 launches were involved in the supporting maritime landing operations on D Day. Launches also supported operations in the Middle East, Malta and Italy and also in the Far East, India, Burma, Malaya and Ceylon. The launches also carried out clandestine operations in Greece, Turkey and occupied Europe. Post-war, amongst other duties, the branch was involved in secret submarine location work, surveys and anti-terrorist patrols. By 1986 the more versatile helicopter had taken over the rescue work and finally the branch was privatized its few remaining maritime activities being taken over by civilian contractors. courtesy of Air Sea Rescue & Marine Craft section Club.

Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving Air Sea Rescue

" I am seeking any members of the Air Sea Rescue boats based at Newhaven in 1943, Serial numbers 2548 and 177, who rescued an American airman named Paul Chabala from a B.17 Serial No. 42-3004 possibly with the unofficial name of "Lucky Strike" It crashed on the 6th Sept’1943 in the English ..."

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" Hi there. Have you been in touch with the Air Sea Rescue Club ?  I am a member but of 1970’s era. There are still a great many Ex War time Mariners from the R A F still very active. Please get in touch if you would like their Web Site. Fair winds Robbie Cozens Ex M B C 1971 / 1983 "

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" I am trying to locate anyone that was with 209 Squadron Air Sea Rescue / Marine Branch between 1939 and 1948 that knew my late father Flt Sgt Noel Richard (Tommy) Thompson wireless Operator / Air Gunner. He served East Africa, Malta, Italy, Singapore. Have got fingers crossed as there are still a few of his old squadron still around. Thanks for any help. [Noel and FRiend.jpg]"

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" When I was working in the Off Mess at RAF Northolt I overheard a pilot who flew Air Sea Rescue from Lossiemouth telling a story about a bad winter in Scotland with snow drifts up to 18ft. They were flying missions to drop bales of feed to stranded animals. They also had instructions to be on the ..."

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" Evening all,I have been absent since Friday,and can’t trawl back on all the posts since then. It has been another great day,and we had a long walk along the cliffs,called into a pub and had a couple of pints of shandy,now that is living . There was a load of silly bugge*rs jumping off the ..."

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