RAF AIR-SEA RESCUE DUMB BARGE ‘CUCKOO’

Chrissie Walters talks about her 1/24 scale scratch built 'Cuckoo'. During World War 2, sixteen Air Sea Rescue Dumb Barges – called the ‘Cuckoo’ were built and moored along the English coastline Imperial War Museum information: The British Air Sea Rescue Float consist of a boat-shaped hull painted bright red and orange. They are not manned or armed, but are designed to hold up to six men, and are equipped with signal apparatus, bunks, cooking stove, clothing and food. The stern of the float is sloped down from the hatch to the water to enable a man to climb aboard with the least difficulty. The slope is fitted with a grid and bars extending below the water line and acts as a foot and hand hold, the raised sides of the float affording some shelter to those lying or resting on the grid. In addition, ladders, extending below the water line are fitted either side of the bow and strong hand-rails lead aft to the hatch. Inside the float are full instructions for the crews to follow to ensure a speedy rescue. W/T is fitted, there are distress signals, flags, a lamp and whistle. One or more of these methods of signalling should be set going as soon as possible and a keen lookout kept. There are complete changes of dry clothing, food, drink, books and games, also cutlery, plate and drinking mugs.

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