Dinghy Drop

September 1941 approval was given for the formation of two long-range Air-Sea Rescue squadrons. No 279 Squadron was formed at Bircham Newton in Norfolk. In the period leading up to the formation of the squadron there had been much work done in relation to air-dropped survival equipment such as the Lindholme Dinghy Dropping Gear, the Bircham Barrel and the Thornaby Bag. These contained such items as water, food, first-aid kits and distress signals. 279 was the first squadron to employ the airborn