HC Deb 18 March 1953 vol 513 cc14-6W
Mr. G. R. Howard

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty to make a statement on the recent successful rescue operations carried out by the Royal Naval Air Service during the flood disaster in Holland.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

At the first news of the flood disasters, all available R.N. helicopters were ordered to stand by at immediate notice to help either in England or Holland. Some went to Kent, for use over the flooded areas in England. On 2nd and 3rd February, nine helicopters of No. 705 Squadron were sent, with their crews and mechanics from their base at the Royal Naval Air Station, Gosport, to Gilze-Rijen in Holland. These aircraft worked at full pitch for four days from the 4th to 7th February inclusive, during which period the nine pilots flew a total of 237 hours and rescued 752 people. Two pilots between them saved 257 people in one day.

From 8th February onwards, the squadron was held at immediate readiness to deal with the effects of any further flooding that might occur during the next series of spring tides and was. in fact, used then mainly for supply dropping. In a week the pilots flew a further 185 hours and rescued 58 people. In all, therefore, 422 hours were flown and 810 people saved (80 of whom were hoisted into the aircraft by winch).

During this latter period the squadron was privileged to fly Her Majesty Queen Juliana, Prince Bernhard and members of the Netherlands Government over the flooded areas. The squadron was released on 16th February but was unable to return to England until 19th February owing to fog. Before leaving Holland five helicopters visited the Royal Palace where the crews were thanked by Her Majesty and entertained by the Royal Family. Two helicopters were left behind to work with the Netherlands authorities for a further period; these have now returned.

The absence of any technical troubles during these intensive operations is a tribute both to the design of the aircraft and to the efficiency of their ground crews. The co-operation afforded to the squadron by the Netherlands authorities was of the highest order and it received every assistance and consideration during its stay. The nature of the work it was called upon to do provided much useful experience in the search and rescue role for which these aircraft are provided to the Fleet.