Coastal Command Collection

Liberation of Europe: German Destroyer Aground off Ile De Batz. (Picture shows) A beached enemy destroyer was successfully attacked recently by rocket

Bristol Beaufighters peels away from a German escort vessel which blew up after receiving cannon and rocket fire, during a combined attack on an enemy convoy south-west of Heligoland by the North

Leigh Light a powerful carbon arc searchlight of 20 inches used for spotting U-boats on the surface at night fitted to a Liberator aircraft of Royal Air Force Coastal Command. Circa 1943

Survivors of a downed Wellington pictured just before their rescue in the Bay of Biscay. They are rescued by a Sunderland of RAF Coastal Command. 27th August 1944

A Short Sunderland of No. 10 Squadron takes off from the water after alighting to rescue 3 survivors from a Vickers Wellington of No

British Avro Anson of Coastal Command shooting down a German Dornier, World War II (colour litho)
6001953 British Avro Anson of Coastal Command shooting down a German Dornier, World War II (colour litho) by English School

Pilot of a Beaufort bomber, after an attack on the Prinz Eugen Heavy Cruiser, making his report to the Intelligence officer on his return from the attack. 18th May 1942

Map in the Operations Room at Coastal Command Headquarters. Picture taken during The Battle of Atlantic. Picture taken 18th September 1942

Volunteers of the Coastal Command. Left to right: Warrant Officer J. Stewart, Corporal J. Hawes, Sergeant R. Tilley, Aircraftman I.S. Solway, Flight Sergeant J.J. Plumber and Sergeant G. Mason

Depth charges straddling the U-boat U-266 during an attack by a Handley Page Halifax GR Mk II of No.58 Squadron in the Bay of Biscay, 15 May 1943

The crew of one of the 12 Beauforts of No 42 Squadron preparing to attack the German cruiser Prinz Eugen. The cruiser was attempting to return to Germany for repairs following being torpedoed earlier

The crew of one of the Beauforts of No 42 Squadron which attacked the German cruiser Prinz Eugen off the coast of Norway, seen here giving their report to the squadrons intelligence officer

Attack on a Norwegian fjord by R. A. F. Beaufighters. March 1945
Attack on a Norwegian fjord by R.A.F. Beaufighters. March 1945

A Short Sunderland of No. 10 Squadronon the water after alighting to rescue 3 survivors from a Vickers Wellington of No. 172 Squadron RAF

The end of this Ju88C of KG 40 was caught on the gun camera of Flight Lieutenant Joseph Singletons Mosquito II on 11 June 1943

Two rubber clad flight mechanics hold part of the breaching a gear, as a Catalina has been rolled back into the sea. Coastal Command training picture to show more of the preparation that goes into

The RAF is fighting in Greece and playing no small part in the successes against the Italian forces. An RAF Sunderland Flying Boat over the Isles of Greece. 28th December 1940

De Havilland Mosquito FB Mark VIs of No. 248 Squadron RAF seen here attacking a German M class minesweeper and two trawler auxiliaries in the mouth of the Gironde River off Royan, France

Aircraft Consolidated PYB Catalina Amphibian aircraft Aug 1993 flying at the Wroughton Airshow

The pilot of a British Coastal Command aircraft, c1940 (1943). From Coastal Command [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1943]

Members of the WaF serving in Coastal Command, c1940 (1943). Members of the Womens Auxiliary Air Force packing parachutes during World War II.From Coastal Command

The men and the aircraft, c1940 (1943). Members of the RAF relaxing during World War II. From Coastal Command. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1943]

British military intelligence officers of World War II, 1943. A good Intelligence Officer must have something of the qualities of Herodotus, Socrates and Voltaire. From Coastal Command

Members of the RAF ready for action during World War II, c1940 (1943). From Coastal Command. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1943]

Loading bombs on to an RAF aircraft during World War II, c1940 (1943). From Coastal Command. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1943]

Heavy bombs in the racks of a RAF Short Sunderland flying boat, c1940 (1943). From Coastal Command. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1943]

RAF Coastal Command radio operator on board his aircraft, c1940 (1943). From Coastal Command. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1943]

An RAF rigger serving breakfast at 6. 30 am, c1940 (1943)
An RAF rigger serving breakfast at 6.30 am, c1940 (1943). From Coastal Command. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1943]

RAF flight engineer on board an aircraft, c1940 (1943). The flight engineer watching his instrument board, which tells him how the engines are behaving. From Coastal Command

The midship gunners of an RAF flying boat alert at their stations, c1940 (1943). From Coastal Command. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1943]

British Naval and Air Force officers working at Area Combined Headquarters, c1940 (1943). The officers worked side by side in two offices fronting the plot on which every new movement in the Battle

The picture that sank a battleship, 1941 (1943). Artist: Michael Suckling
The picture that sank a battleship, 1941 (1943). A reconnaissance photograph taken by Spitfire pilot Flying Officer Michael Suckling showing the German battleship Bismarck moored in Grimstadfjord

Front cover of Coastal Command, 1943. Coastal Command was a booklet issued for the Air Ministry by the Ministry of Information

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"Coastal Command: Defenders of the Seas during World War II" In the turbulent waters of World War II, Coastal Command emerged as a formidable force, playing a crucial role in the liberation of Europe. With their unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of victory, they left an indelible mark on history. One iconic moment captures their bravery vividly - a German destroyer aground off Ile De Batz, its fate sealed by the unwavering assault from Coastal Command. Bristol Beaufighters peeled away from a German escort vessel that met its explosive demise, showcasing the sheer power and precision of these aircraft. Equipped with Leigh Light, an awe-inspiring 20-inch carbon arc searchlight used for spotting U-boats lurking beneath treacherous waves, Coastal Command struck fear into enemy hearts. Survivors trapped in downed Wellingtons were rescued just moments before succumbing to the unforgiving Bay of Biscay's clutches. No obstacle was too great for Coastal Command; even taking off from water became routine as Short Sunderlands gracefully soared into action after alighting to rescue those in peril. Their heroism knew no bounds. The skies witnessed countless aerial duels between British Avro Ansons and German Dorniers - battles fought with unparalleled courage and skill. These colorful lithographs immortalize these encounters forever etched in history. But it wasn't just about machines; it was about people too. The pilots who risked everything each time they took flight - their faces reflecting both determination and uncertainty amidst war's chaos. And let us not forget the brave members of WaF serving alongside them in Coastal Command – united by duty and camaraderie. Behind every successful mission stood intelligence officers tirelessly gathering vital information to guide operations towards victory. They worked hand-in-hand with RAF personnel readying themselves for action at any given moment during this tumultuous era. Amidst loading bombs onto RAF aircraft, the Coastal Command's unwavering spirit shone through.