Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 42:09-42:35

Coastal Command belonged to the RAF

Coastal Command remained a Royal Air Force organization even though its maritime mission required close work with the Royal Navy.

Maritime Patrol AircraftRAF Coastal CommandRoyal Air ForceRoyal Navy
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Question

Was RAF Coastal Command controlled by the Royal Air Force or the Royal Navy?

Short answer

It was an RAF command that cooperated closely with the Royal Navy on maritime operations.

Notes

Coastal Command was controlled by the Royal Air Force, although it worked closely with the Royal Navy because its aircraft supported maritime patrol and naval operations. That cooperation did not erase competition inside the RAF over aircraft and priorities, especially where heavy bombers were concerned. Operational partnership and administrative ownership were different matters. The distinction also helps explain the wider institutional tension between naval requirements and RAF control.