The RAF Air-Sea Rescue Service in the Second World War

Franks. At the start of WWII, there wasn't an efficient means to rescue airmen downed over water. The solution was the Supermarine Walrus, an amphibian airplane that could land on both sea and land. The Air Sea Rescue airmen did a magnificent job from 1941-45, rescuing hundreds of downed RAF and USAAF aircrew. It took a special type of airman to undertake these rescues - and another kind of courage. As the war in North Africa developed, Walrus aircraft were needed in the Mediterranean, and later on either side of the Italian coast. Walrus squadrons operated just as successfully in this theater as around Britain. Aircrew operating over any stretch of water could always count on the ASR boys coming to their aid. 144 pages, 170 photos, 7½"x 9½", softcover.