Trafford

Joined the Metro-Vicker's Company as a Machine Operator in March 1939 and
became an Apprentice in October 1941.    Joined the RAFVR in March 1942 and
later promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant.    Killed in an aircraft
accident in England in July 1945.

His brother - Harold Bennett also died on active service.

Dinghy Drop - 279 Squadron RAF 1941-46, by Tom Docherty

"In September 1941 approval was given for the formation of two long-range
Air-Sea Rescue squadrons. This led to the formation of No 279 Squadron at
Bircham Newton in Norfolk, and it was initially equipped with Lockheed
Hudson Aircraft.

In the period leading up to the formation of the squadron there had been
much work done in relation to air-dropped survival equipment such as the
Lindholme Dinghy Dropping Gear, the Bircham Barrel and the Thornaby Bag.
These contained such items as water, food, first-aid kits and distress
signals. In addition, 279 was the first squadron to employ the airborne
lifeboat, which was carried beneath the bellies of the portly Hudson.

In January 1942 a practical boat, fitted with oars, sails and engines was
put into production with the intention of slinging it under the bomb bay of
the Hudson and to drop it by parachute! 

In October 1944 the Squadron was re-equipped with Warwick Mk I aircraft and
relocated to Thornaby in the NE of England. By now its Air Sea Rescue net
was cast wide and there were detachments at Tain, Fraserburgh, Wick and
Banff (all in northern Scotland) and Reykjavik!"