Q&A ยท 2:18:55-2:19:12

Why was Coastal Command outside the Fleet Air Arm?

Inter-service politics and the 1918 settlement kept land-based maritime aviation under RAF control.

Question

Why was RAF Coastal Command not part of the Fleet Air Arm?

Short answer

Because the RAF and Air Ministry retained it under the 1918 settlement, with some admirals accepting that division.

Notes

Air Ministry pressure and naval acceptance during the creation of the independent RAF left Coastal Command outside the Fleet Air Arm. Maritime aviation could therefore serve naval missions without being controlled or adequately championed by the Navy.