A dedication service took place yesterday to commemorate an often overlooked, but none the less important branch of the RAF yesterday. 24 Air Sea Rescue Unit was based at RAF Gorleston throughout WWII, with high speed launches (some of which were, I gather powered by Merlins). During that time, the Unit rescued in excess of 700 personnel, in the main downed RAF aircrew but also including USAAF aircrew. MRAF Sir Michael Beetham (ex Bomber Command) was invited to unveil the newly made memorial in front of a large crowd, including veterans of the conflict, with representation from RAF Coltishall, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. The Guard of Honour was formed by ATC cadets from 221 (Great Yarmouth) Sqn, 469 (Lowestoft) Sqn and 2356 (Caister) Sqn and the Band of the RAF Regiment were the accompanying band. At 3.00pm precisely, the ceremony started with a flypast by the BBMF.
A great many personnel owed their lives to these gallant men who had to run the gauntlet of E-Boats and other assorted German Naval craft, in addition to being subject to air attacks. As can be seen from the attached photographs, it was also to remember the RAF Marine Branch, which finally disbanded in 1986 following contractorisation of the fleet.
This is a simple, but poignant testimony to those who gave their lives to save others. If you are in the Great Yarmouth area at any time and wish to visit the memorial, it can be found in Gorleston on Brush Quay (on the harbour bend,south side of the river) virtually outside the Pier Hotel.
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By: NickFenton - 19th August 2007 at 10:51
Guys,
I have been researching 1st July 1941 when High Speed Launch 108 from Gorleston was lost together with a Short Stirling, N6013 MG-A, from 7 Squadron and my Father’s Blenheim, V6258 XD-L, from 139 Squadron.
The Blenheim crew survived as did the crew of the HSL with the exception of the Wireless operator but all were taken as POW’s. The crew of the Stirling were lost.
I have a great deal of information about this but if anyone can add anything, including photo’s, please let me know.
Regards,
Nick
By: Arabella-Cox - 25th April 2005 at 11:58
I for one will never forget the heroism of these ASR bods, they saved my life and 19 of my colleagues in a ditching in 1960, the equivalent RAF Gan MCU guys ventured out in conditions that only the bravest of lifeboatmen do and I am sure the North Sea is no different to any other sea in the wildest of conditions.
If anyone visits that excellent museum on the Norfolk/Suffolk border at Bungay there is a room dedicated to these people of 24 MCU/ASR with much history attached, there is also a booklet on sale.
The Sea Shall Not Have them.
By: pimpernel - 25th April 2005 at 09:32
Myself and my Wife walked along the entrance to the harbour the other week and saw a small wall being built. We thought is was another imformation board. How wrong!
I did not know that an Air Sea Rescue Unit was based at RAF Gorleston but very pleased they will be remembered. It is a shame that so many years have passed before a fitting memorial to be erected.
I must have missed the entries in the local papers on my weekend visits otherwise I would have made an effort.
Thanks for posting Auster Fan.
BP.
By: Moggy C - 24th April 2005 at 23:36
Nice to see they they are not forgotten.
To a downed airman bobbing around the North Sea I guess they would seem to be the greatest heroes of the war.
Thanks for the post Ian.
Moggy
By: Manonthefence - 24th April 2005 at 22:23
Thanks AF
I really quite like the shot of the aircraft going past the mast, very poignant.
By: Snapper - 24th April 2005 at 21:59
Thanks Ian. I heard aboutit on nthe radio this morning – would have liked to have come. Good show, and thanks for posting the pics.
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April 24, 2005 at 8:36 pm