Formed:
??
Disbanded:
May 1958
Unit was based
at:
Boston ::
During the war 1109 MCU's parent unit was RAF
Coningsby. In addition to Air Sea Rescue, 1109 MCU was
responsible for patrolling the danger area of the Wash sea ranges.
1109 MCU consisted of a "Top
Site"on the dock, comprising a large shed for carpenters and fitters
and ops/radio
room
for the duty watch.
In early WWII 1109 MCU was equipped with
2 x 43ft RSL, numbers 1642 and 1649. These were heavier than the previous
41.5 ft RSL broad beam STs and the site's winches were not strong enough
to lift them up the slipway. When required the 43 ft were slipped at
a private slipway in King's Lynn.
There were as few
as 24 personnel assigned
to 1109 MCU and according to some limited anecdotal evidence it could
be a quiet place. During one 11 month period there was a single ASR callout. Typical patrols began with the journey down the River Witham, out to
the Wash to patrol the danger areas near the bombing
ranges. Landing times at the River Witham's mouth had to be judged carefully
because if the tide was out there would be great difficulties in getting
launches over the bar.
1109 MCU Boston finally closed in May 1958.
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