Both Britain and Germany deployed Refuge Floats for airmen in the North Sea and Channel. How many lives were saved is unclear. Examples still exist – see the notes.
RAF Rescue Float
More information: RAF Boats 1918 – 1986 and a 3D view at Scottish Maritime Museum
German Air Sea Rescue Buoy – Lobster Pot
More information:
- Good article here on Luftwaffe Rescue Buoys
- Youtube Inside a WWII Rescue Buoy: Exploring the Last Secret “Floating Hotel” – German Buoy.
- Some of our Lobster Pots are missing and Rescue buoy (Luftwaffe)
- Video, see 8 minutes in: The Secret German Bases Dropped into the English Channel – WW2 Survival Buoys
First Published 15Feb2024, Updated 29Aug2024