Welcome to the ASCMCS History Website

From the churning waters of the English Channel to the icy reaches of the North Atlantic, the men of the Royal Air Force’s Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft Section risked everything to bring their comrades home. Between 1918 and 1986, these unsung heroes; boat crews, engineers, and support personne formed a vital lifeline for airmen downed at sea, often operating in the most dangerous and unpredictable conditions imaginable. This site is dedicated to their extraordinary service, their daring missions, and the legacy of courage and camaraderie that continues to inspire.

This website, serves as a living archive for one of the RAF’s most remarkable yet often overlooked branches. The mission is to preserve their memory, educate new generations, and ensure that the role of Royal Air Force’s Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft Section in shaping modern rescue operations is never forgotten.