Title:AIR SEA RESCUE EXERCISE IN ADRIATIC [Allocated Title]
Film Number:AAY 241
Other titles:
Summary: Unedited rushes shot off Yugoslav island of Vis demonstrate Royal Air Force 253 Air Sea Rescue Unit launch in action.
Description: I. Miami Class ASR launch 2537 leaves small port on island of Vis and speeds across Adriatic. Race to presumed rescue area is filmed from onboard 2537 and another launch travelling at high speed. 11 March 1945, roll 41.
II. Pilot in dinghy after presumed ditching waits to be rescued. ASR launch approaches dinghy sitting in dye-marked sea (for aerial detection) and pilot and dinghy are pulled aboard. "Rescued" pilot is given restorative drink and shakes hands with crew before stepping ashore and departing in a Dodge truck. Launch ties up with rope attached to bollard. Steering wheel turned at different speeds. 12 March 1945, roll 42.
III. Miami Class ASR launch 2537 moored beside 2543 leaves small port on island of Vis and speeds across Adriatic. RAF commander in khaki uniform (to prevent Yugoslavs mistaking British servicemen for German) scans sea with binoculars. Scrambling net is lowered overboard. 13 March 1945, roll 43.
IV. ASR launch 2537 leaves quayside at Vis and heads out to sea. It is seen (in long shot) returning. 14 March 1944, roll 44.
