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RAF test launches in Douglas harbour

https://youtu.be/ZpQZMRMQBU0

Date(s): 1930-1950

Creator(s): Royston, J. Walter

Scope & Content: Shot of a signboard that reads "Royal Air force Marine Craft Section". There were two RAF rescue launches based in Douglas harbour during the war which had fast motorboats to pick up pilots who crashed into the sea. At first they were stored in a boathouse in the harbour but after an incident in which they couldn’t launch because of the state of the tide and someone drowned, one or the other was permanently moored in the harbour mouth.

The first sequence sees them leaving the harbour and going out to sea and back. New crew come aboard, one wears a shoulder patch which looks like 440 Squadron, and they go out to sea. They rescue a group in a dinghy. Coming back into the harbour a Steam Packet vessel is visible, possibly SS Victoria.

Vessel 195 then goes out to a rescue.

Administration / Biographical History: Original film processed and re-graded by Charles Guard, 2021.

Language: eng

Collection: Film Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: FA 0718/3

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