RAF Coastal Command order of battle during World War II facts for kids

The RAF Coastal Command was a very important part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. Their main job was to protect ships, find enemy submarines, and help rescue people at sea. This article will show you how Coastal Command was organized at different times during the war, like a team roster, listing which squadrons, planes, and bases were used.

Coastal Command: The Ocean's Guardians

The RAF Coastal Command was like the eyes and ears of the British military over the oceans. They flew planes to patrol the seas, looking for German U-boats (submarines) that were trying to sink supply ships. These supply ships were vital for bringing food, fuel, and equipment to Britain. Coastal Command also helped protect convoys (groups of ships traveling together) and carried out daring rescue missions for pilots and sailors in distress.

Their organization changed over time as the war went on and new challenges appeared. They had different "Groups," which were like big teams, each with specific jobs and led by senior officers like an Air Commodore or Air Vice Marshal.

At the Start of the War: September 1939

When World War II began on September 3, 1939, RAF Coastal Command was ready. They had several main groups, each with different types of planes and missions.

• No. 15 Group RAF (GR) was focused on General Reconnaissance, meaning they searched wide areas of the sea. It was led by Air Commodore R.G. Parry.

• No. 16 Group RAF (GR) also did general reconnaissance and was led by Air Commodore R.L.G. Marix.

• No. 17 Group RAF (T) was mainly for Training (T). This group made sure pilots and crews were ready for their missions. It was commanded by Air Commodore T.E.B. Howe.

• No. 18 Group RAF (GR) covered the northern areas for reconnaissance. Air Vice Marshal C.D. Breese was in charge.

Changes by November 1940

By late 1940, the war had intensified, especially the Battle of the Atlantic, where German U-boats were a huge threat. Coastal Command's structure adapted to meet these new challenges.

• No. 15 Group RAF (GR) continued its reconnaissance role. Air Commodore R.G. Parry was still in command.

• No. 16 Group RAF (GR) was now led by Air Vice Marshal J.H.S. Tyssen.

• No. 17 Group RAF (T) continued its vital training role. Air Commodore T.E.B. Howe was still in command.

• No. 18 Group RAF (GR) was still led by Air Vice Marshal C.D. Breese.

• No. 200 Group RAF (Coastal) was a new group, showing the expansion of Coastal Command's reach. Group Captain A.D. Rogers was its commander.

Mid-War Strength: February 1942

By early 1942, the Battle of the Atlantic was at its peak. Coastal Command was crucial in fighting the U-boat threat. They started using more powerful and longer-range aircraft like the Consolidated Liberator and Boeing Fortress.

• No. 15 Group RAF (GR) was now under Air Vice Marshal J.M. Robb.

• No. 16 Group RAF (GR) was led by Air Commodore I.T. Lloyd.

• No. 17 Group RAF (T) continued its training work. Air Commodore H.G. Smart was in charge.

• No. 18 Group RAF (GR) was commanded by Air Vice Marshal A. Durston.

• No. 19 Group RAF (GR) was a new addition, covering more areas for reconnaissance. Air Commodore G.R. Bromet was in command.

• AHQ Gibraltar and AHQ Iceland were Air Headquarters in key locations, showing how Coastal Command worked with allies and protected vital routes.
  • AHQ Gibraltar was led by Air Commodore S.P. Simpson.

• • AHQ Iceland was led by Air Commodore W.H. Primrose.

Peak of the Battle: February 1943

By early 1943, the Battle of the Atlantic was reaching its most intense phase. Coastal Command was at the forefront, using more advanced aircraft and working closely with the US Navy.

• No. 15 Group RAF was under Air Vice Marshal T.A. Langford-Sainsbury.

• No. 16 Group RAF was led by Air Vice Marshal B.E. Baker.

• No. 17 Group RAF continued its training. Air Commodore H.G. Smart was still in command.

• No. 18 Group RAF was led by Air Vice Marshal A.B. Ellwood.

• No. 19 Group RAF was led by Air Vice Marshal G.R. Bromet.

• AHQ Gibraltar was still under Air Commodore S.P. Simpson.

• AHQ Iceland was now led by Air Commodore K.B. Lloyd.

D-Day and Beyond: June 1944

By D-Day (June 6, 1944), when Allied forces invaded Normandy, Coastal Command was vital for protecting the invasion fleet and keeping the sea lanes clear. They also played a big role in air-sea rescue (ASR) missions.

• No. 15 Group RAF was under Air Vice Marshal Sir Leonard Slatter.

• No. 16 Group RAF was led by Air Vice Marshal F.L. Hopps.

• No. 17 Group RAF continued its training role. Air Commodore H.G. Smart was still in command.

• No. 18 Group RAF was led by Air Vice Marshal S.P. Simpson.

• No. 19 Group RAF was led by Air Vice Marshal B.E. Baker.

• No. 106 Group RAF was a new group focused on reconnaissance, led by Air Commodore J.N. Boothman.

• No. 247 Group RAF was also new, led by Air Vice Marshal G.R. Bromet.

• AHQ Gibraltar was now led by Air Vice Marshal W. Elliott.

• AHQ Iceland was led by Air Commodore C.G. Wigglesworth.

Coastal Command's dedication and constant adaptation were key to protecting vital shipping lanes and helping the Allies win the war.