Hubbry Logo
List of Royal Air Force Operational Training UnitsList of Royal Air Force Operational Training UnitsMain
Open search
List of Royal Air Force Operational Training Units
Community hub
List of Royal Air Force Operational Training Units
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
List of Royal Air Force Operational Training Units
List of Royal Air Force Operational Training Units
List of Royal Air Force Operational Training Units
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Royal Air Force Operational Training Units (OTUs) were training units that prepared aircrew for operations on a particular type or types of aircraft or roles.

1 - 19 OTUs

[edit]
Name Formed on Formed at Group RLG's used Aircraft Disbanded on Notes
No. 1 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 1 April 1940 RAF Silloth No. 17 Group RAF RAF Speke
RAF Prestwick
RAF Kirkbride
RAF Longtown
RAF Thornaby
RAF Beaulieu
RAF Aldergrove		 Lockheed Hudson
Avro Anson
Bristol Blenheim
Bristol Beaufort
Boeing Fortress
Handley Page Halifax
Consolidated Liberator
Westland Lysander
Miles Martinet		 19 October 1943 [1]
No. 2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 1 October 1940 RAF Catfoss No. 17 Group RAF [1]
No. 3 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 27 November 1940 RAF Chivenor No. 17 Group RAF [1]
No. 4 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 16 March 1941 RAF Stranraer No. 17 Group RAF Became 235 OCU in 1947.[1]
No. 5 Operational Training Unit RAF 15 March 1940 RAF Aston Down No. 12 Group RAF [1]
No. 5 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 1 August 1941 RAF Chivenor No. 17 Group RAF [1]
No. 6 Operational Training Unit RAF 6 March 1940 RAF Sutton Bridge No. 11 Group RAF Commanded by Squadron Leader Philip Campbell Pinkham[2][3] No. 6 OTU was re-numbered in November 1940 to No. 56 OTU[2][3]
No. 6 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 June 1941 RAF Andover No. 17 Group RAF [1]
No. 6 Operational Training Unit RAF 19 July 1941 RAF Thornaby No. 17 Group RAF [1]
No. 7 Operational Training Unit RAF 15 June 1940 RAF Hawarden No. 13 Group RAF During the Battle of Britain in September 1940, it flew operational flights over north west England, claiming three enemy aircraft shot down.
It became No. 57 OTU on 1 November 1940.[1]
No. 7 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 1 April 1942 RAF Limavady No. 17 Group RAF [1]
No. 8 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 18 May 1942 RAF Fraserburgh No. 17 Group RAF Formed by merging the Photographic Reconnaissance Conversion Flight of 3 School of General Reconnaissance
and 'K' (Photographic Reconnaissance Advanced Training) Flight of 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit [4] Moved to RAF Dyce February 1943 then to RAF Haverfordwest in early 1945.[5] Became 237 OCU in 1947.[6][1]
No. 9 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 7 June 1942 RAF Aldergrove No. 17 Group RAF [1]
No. 10 Operational Training Unit RAF 8 April 1940 RAF Abingdon No. 6 Group RAF [1]
No. 11 Operational Training Unit RAF 8 April 1940 RAF Bassingbourn No. 6 Group RAF During 1942, it operated seven operational night bombing missions.[1]
No. 12 Operational Training Unit RAF 8 April 1940 RAF Benson No. 6 Group RAF Absorbed No. 52 Squadron RAF on 8 April 1940.[7] During 1942, 12 OTU carried out operational night bombing missions.[1]
No. 13 Operational Training Unit RAF 8 April 1940 RAF Bicester No. 6 Group RAF Became 228 OCU in 1947.[1]
No. 14 Operational Training Unit RAF 8 April 1940 RAF Cottesmore No. 6 Group RAF [1]
No. 15 Operational Training Unit RAF] 8 April 1940 RAF Harwell No. 6 Group RAF In 1942, it carried out seven operational missions.[1]
No. 16 Operational Training Unit RAF 8 April 1940 RAF Upper Heyford No. 6 Group RAF In 1942, it carried out a number of operational sorties.[1]
No. 16 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 January 1945 RAF Upper Heyford No. 92 Group RAF [1]
No. 17 Operational Training Unit RAF 8 April 1940 RAF Upwood No. 6 Group RAF Became No. 201 Advanced Flying School RAF in March 1947.[1]
No. 18 Operational Training Unit RAF 15 June 1940 RAF Hucknall No. 6 Group RAF In 1942, it carried out six operational sorties.[1]
No. 19 Operational Training Unit RAF 27 May 1940 RAF Kinloss No. 6 Group RAF In June 1942, twelve Whitleys took part in a raid against Bremen.[1]

20 - 43 OTUs

[edit]
Name Formed on Formed at Group RLG's used Aircraft Disbanded on Notes
No. 20 Operational Training Unit RAF 27 May 1940 RAF Lossiemouth No. 6 Group RAF [1]
No. 21 Operational Training Unit RAF 21 January 1941 RAF Moreton-in-Marsh No. 6 Group RAF In 1942, it carried out a number of operational sorties. Became No. 202 Advanced Flying School RAF in March 1947.[1]
No. 22 Operational Training Unit RAF 14 April 1941 RAF Wellesbourne Mountford No. 6 Group RAF [1]
No. 23 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 April 1941 RAF Pershore No. 6 Group RAF In 1942, carried out operational sorties.[1]
No. 24 Operational Training Unit RAF 15 March 1942 RAF Honeybourne No. 7 Group RAF In 1942, carried out three operational sorties.[1]
No. 25 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 March 1942 RAF Finningley No. 7 Group RAF In 1942, carried out a number of operational raids.[1]
No. 26 Operational Training Unit RAF 15 January 1942 RAF Wing No. 7 Group RAF [1]
No. 27 Operational Training Unit RAF 23 April 1941 RAF Lichfield No. 6 Group RAF [1]
No. 28 Operational Training Unit RAF 16 May 1942 RAF Wymeswold No. 92 Group RAF [1]
No. 29 Operational Training Unit RAF 21 April 1942 RAF North Luffenham No. 7 Group RAF In 1942, carried out four operation sorties.[1]
No. 30 Operational Training Unit RAF 28 June 1942 RAF Hixon No. 93 Group RAF [1]
No. 31 Operational Training Unit RAF 23 May 1941 Debert, Canada n/a Carried out operational patrols in the Western Atlantic from Dartmouth.[1]
No. 32 Operational Training Unit RAF 20 July 1941 West Kirby, Liverpool, UK n/a Declared an operational squadron to protect the Canadian coast from Japanese raids and re-designated No. 32 Operational Squadron on 15 December 1941.
Reverted to an Operational Training Unit on 29 December 1941. Re-designated No. 6 Operational Training Unit RCAF in June 1944.[1]
No. 34 Operational Training Unit RAF 8 April 1942 UK n/a [1]
No. 36 Operational Training Unit RAF 24 February 1942 UK n/a [1]
No. 41 Operational Training Unit RAF 20 September 1941 RAF Old Sarum No. 70 Group RAF [1]
No. 42 Operational Training Unit RAF 18 July 1941 RAF Andover No. 70 Group RAF [1]
No. 43 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 October 1942 RAF Larkhill No. 70 Group RAF [1] Became No. 227 Operational Conversion Unit RAF.[8][9]

51 - 63 OTUs

[edit]
RAF 20 Operational Training Unit memorial, located at Bogs of Mayne (former RAF Elgin), Morayshire, Scotland.
Name Formed on Formed at Group RLG's used Aircraft Disbanded on Notes
No. 51 Operational Training Unit RAF 26 July 1941 RAF Debden No. 81 Group RAF [1]
No. 52 Operational Training Unit RAF 25 March 1941 RAF Debden No. 81 Group RAF [1]
No. 53 Operational Training Unit RAF 18 February 1941 RAF Heston No. 81 Group RAF [1]
No. 54 Operational Training Unit RAF 25 November 1940 RAF Church Fenton No. 12 Group RAF [1]
No. 55 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 November 1940 RAF Aston Down No. 10 Group RAF [1]
No. 55 Operational Training Unit RAF 18 December 1944 RAF Aston Down No. 12 Group RAF [1]
No. 56 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 November 1940 RAF Sutton Bridge No. 81 Group RAF Previously No. 6 OTU.[2][3] Became No. 1 Combat Training Wing RAF, then No. 1 Tactical Exercise Unit RAF[1]
No. 56 Operational Training Unit RAF 15 December 1944 RAF Milfield No. 12 Group RAF [1]
No. 57 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 November 1940 RAF Hawarden No. 10 Group RAF [1]
No. 58 Operational Training Unit RAF 2 December 1940 RAF Grangemouth No. 10 Group RAF Became No. 2 Combat Training Wing RAF, then No. 2 Tactical Exercise Unit RAF[1]
No. 58 Operational Training Unit RAF 12 March 1945 RAF Poulton No. 12 Group RAF Disbanded[1]
No. 59 Operational Training Unit RAF 16 December 1940 RAF Turnhouse No. 13 Group RAF [1]
No. 59 Operational Training Unit RAF 26 February 1945 RAF Acklington n/a [1]
No. 60 Operational Training Unit RAF 28 April 1941 RAF Leconfield No. 81 Group RAF In November 1942, it was renumbered 132 OTU. No. 60 OTU was re-formed in May 1943.[1]
No. 60 Operational Training Unit RAF 17 May 1943 RAF High Ercall No. 9 Group RAF [1]
No. 61 Operational Training Unit RAF 9 June 1941 RAF Heston No. 81 Group RAF Became No. 203 Advanced Flying School RAF[1]
No. 62 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 June 1942 RAF Usworth No. 81 Group RAF [1]
No. 63 Operational Training Unit RAF 7 September 1943 RAF Honiley No. 9 Group RAF [1]

70 - 86 OTUs

[edit]
Name Formed on Formed at Group RLG's used Aircraft Disbanded on Notes
No. 70 (Middle East) Operational Training Unit RAF 10 December 1940 RAF Ismailia n/a [1]
No. 71 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 June 1941 RAF Ismailia No. 202 Group RAF From June to September 1941 it provided night defence of the Canal Zone (Suez Canal)[10]
No. 72 Operational Training Unit RAF 10 November 1941 RAF Cathargo n/a [1]
No. 73 Operational Training Unit RAF 30 November 1941 RAF Sheikh Othman No. 207 Group RAF [1]
No. 74 Operational Training Unit RAF 18 October 1941 RAF Aqir No. 203 Group RAF [1]
No. 75 Operational Training Unit RAF 8 December 1942 RAF Gianaclis No. 203 Group RAF [1]
No. 76 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 October 1943 RAF Aqir n/a [1]
No. 77 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 April 1944 RAF Qastina No. 203 Group RAF [1]
No. 78 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 February 1944 RAF Ein Shemer n/a [1]
No. 79 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 February 1944 RAF Nicosia n/a [1]
No. 80 (French) Operational Training Unit RAF 23 April 1945 RAF Morpeth No. 12 Group RAF [1]
No. 81 Operational Training Unit RAF 10 July 1942 RAF Ashbourne No. 93 Group RAF Became No. 1380 (Transport) Conversion Unit RAF[1]
No. 82 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 June 1943 RAF Ossington No. 93 Group RAF [1]
No. 83 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 August 1943 RAF Childs Ercall No. 93 Group RAF [1]
No. 84 Operational Training Unit RAF 1 September 1943 RAF Desborough No. 92 Group RAF [1]
No. 85 Operational Training Unit RAF 15 June 1944 RAF Husbands Bosworth No. 92 Group RAF [1]
No. 86 Operational Training Unit RAF 15 June 1944 RAF Gamston No. 93 Group RAF [1]

101 - 152 OTUs

[edit]
Name Formed on Formed at Group RLG's used Aircraft Disbanded on Notes
No. 101 (Glider) Operational Training Unit RAF 1 January 1942 RAF Kidlington No. 70 Group RAF RAF Kiddington (Glympton)
RAF Slade Farm		 General Aircraft Hotspur 13 July 1942 Became No. 4 Glider Training School RAF[1]
No. 102 (Glider) Operational Training Unit RAF 10 February 1942 RAF Kidlington No. 70 Group RAF RAF Kiddington (Glympton)
RAF Slade Farm		 Hawker Hector
Hawker Hind
Hotspur		 30 June 1942 Became No. 5 Glider Training School RAF[1]
No. 104 (Transport) Operational Training Unit RAF 12 March 1943 RAF Nutts Corner No. 44 Group RAF RAF Toome
RAF Maghaberry
RAF Mullaghmore		 Vickers Wellington 5 February 1944 [1]
No. 105 (Transport) Operational Training Unit RAF 5 April 1943 RAF Bramcote No. 44 Group RAF RAF Nuneaton
RAF Bitteswell
RAF Crosby-on-Eden		 Wellington
Douglas Dakota		 10 August 1945 Became No. 1381 (Transport) Conversion Unit RAF[1]
No. 107 (Transport) Operational Training Unit RAF 3 May 1944 RAF Leicester East No. 46 Group RAF RAF Ringway
RAF Melton Mowbray
RAF Zeals		 Dakota
Airspeed Horsa
Airspeed Oxford
Waco Hadrian		 12 March 1945 Became No. 1333 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF[1]
No. 108 (Transport) Operational Training Unit RAF 10 October 1944 RAF Wymeswold No. 44 Group RAF RAF Castle Donington Dakota
Oxford
Horsa		 10 August 1945 Became No. 1382 (Transport) Conversion Unit RAF[1]
No. 109 (Transport) Operational Training Unit RAF 1 August 1944 RAF Crosby-on-Eden No. 44 Group RAF RAF Down Ampney
RAF Blakehill Farm		 Dakota
Oxford
Horsa		 10 August 1945 Became No. 1383 (Transport) Conversion Unit RAF[1]
No. 111 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 20 August 1942 RAF Oakes Field No. 17 Group RAF Windsor Field
RAF Lossiemouth
RAF Milltown		 North American B-25 Mitchell
Consolidated B-24 Liberator
Wellington		 21 May 1946 [1]
No. 131 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 20 July 1942 RAF Killadeas No. 15 Group RAF RAF Lough Erne
RAF Boa Island		 Consolidated Catalina
Short Sunderland
Oxford
Miles Martinet
Hawker Hurricane		 28 June 1945 [1]
No. 132 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF 24 November 1942 RAF East Fortune No. 17 Group RAF RAF Macmerry Bristol Blenheim
Bristol Beaufighter
Oxford
Bristol Beaufort
Westland Lysander
de Havilland Mosquito		 15 May 1946 [1]
No. 151 (Fighter) Operational Training Unit RAF 28 July 1942 RAF Risalpur No. 227 Group RAF RAF Ambala Curtiss Mohawk
North American Harvard
Hurricane
Vultee Vengeance		 1 April 1946 Absorbed into Advanced Flying School (India)[1]
No. 152 (Bomber) Operational Training Unit RAF 22 October 1942 RAF Peshawar No. 227 Group RAF Harvard
Vengeance		 12 March 1944 Disbanded into No. 151 (F) OTU[1]
No. 1 Operational Training Unit, India 1 April 1942 RAF Risalpur No. 1 (Indian) Group RAF Mohawk
Harvard
Hurricane		 28 July 1942 Became No. 151 (F) OTU[1]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

List of Royal Air Force Operational Training Units

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Operational Training Units (OTUs) were specialized formations established during the Second World War to provide the final stage of advanced training for , transitioning qualified pilots and other personnel from basic and service flying schools to operational readiness for front-line combat duties on specific aircraft types and roles. These units focused on developing practical skills essential for wartime operations, including night flying, navigation, multi-crew coordination, and tactics tailored to environments such as desert, tropical, or European theaters. The OTU system evolved from earlier Group Pool squadrons, with the official designation adopted in April 1940 to meet the escalating demands of the war, particularly within Bomber Command and Fighter Command. By May 1940, additional groups like No. 7 Group were formed to expand capacity, and units were often relocated or restructured to adapt to new introductions, such as four-engine heavy bombers, which led to the creation of complementary Heavy Conversion Units (HCUs) in 1942. OTU courses typically lasted 8 to 12 weeks and involved 30 to 70 flying hours depending on the command and type, building on prior that totaled up to 320 hours over 18 months to two years; incorporated synthetic aids like Link trainers to simulate combat conditions. OTUs played a critical role in sustaining RAF operations across multiple fronts, preparing crews for assignments in northwest , the , and beyond, with most units disbanding between 1945 and 1946 as hostilities ceased. Notable examples include No. 1 (Coastal) OTU at for maritime roles and No. 70 OTU in for desert operations, reflecting the RAF's global training footprint. The list of these units documents their formations, locations, and contributions, highlighting the RAF's systematic approach to building an effective air force during the conflict.

Overview

Purpose and Formation

Operational Training Units (OTUs) of the Royal Air Force were specialized formations designed to equip qualified aircrews with the advanced skills necessary for frontline combat operations, including aircraft handling, tactical maneuvers, and mission-specific procedures beyond the scope of basic and advanced flying instruction. These units emphasized crew coordination, long-range navigation, instrument flying, and simulated combat scenarios to prepare pilots, navigators, and other personnel for the demands of wartime roles in multi-engined bombers, , and other operational types. The establishment of OTUs was driven by the urgent need to address high aircrew attrition rates and operational inefficiencies observed in the early months of , such as navigation errors and inadequate preparation that contributed to significant losses during initial Bomber Command raids in 1939-1940. In response, the RAF formalized OTUs primarily in 1940, evolving them from earlier Group Pool Squadrons created in 1939; the first dedicated units were stood up in April 1940 under Bomber and Coastal Commands to rapidly expand the pool of combat-ready personnel amid intensifying operations. A core policy of the OTUs was to deliver type-specific training tailored to command requirements—for instance, focusing on heavy bombers for Bomber Command or anti-submarine tactics for Coastal Command—while maintaining separation from operational squadrons to avoid diverting resources from active missions. This approach distinguished OTUs from Service Flying Training Schools (SFTSs), which handled general proficiency, by prioritizing realistic operational simulations and crew integration to enhance survival rates and mission effectiveness.

Organization and Training Role

Operational Training Units (OTUs) in the Royal Air Force were structured hierarchically, with each unit typically commanded by a station commander holding the rank of or , responsible for overall administration, training oversight, and coordination with higher command levels. Under this leadership, OTUs were divided into squadrons or flights specializing in various types and operational roles, such as navigation training, gunnery practice, or multi-engined conversion, allowing for targeted instruction tailored to command-specific needs. Support staff included experienced instructors, , and auxiliary personnel drawn from operational backgrounds to ensure realistic training scenarios. The training syllabus at OTUs emphasized practical operational skills over theoretical basics, typically spanning 8 to 12 weeks to foster crew coordination and combat readiness; durations and intake sizes varied by command and aircraft type, with 12-24 crews per intake every 2-4 weeks for many Bomber Command units. Core elements included , night operations, bombing and navigation exercises, air combat maneuvers, and role-specific tactics like for Coastal Command crews. Courses involved progressive phases, starting with individual aircraft handling and advancing to squadron-strength simulations, with intakes of 12 to 24 crews occurring every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain a steady output of qualified personnel. This structure prioritized team integration, as from prior schools were matched into permanent crews during OTU phases to simulate real mission dynamics. OTUs were integrated directly into the RAF's command framework, assigned to specific operational commands—such as Bomber Command under No. 91 Group, Coastal Command via No. 17 Group, or Fighter Command—to align training with frontline requirements. Graduates from earlier training establishments, like Service Flying Training Schools, entered OTUs for advanced preparation before deployment to active squadrons, ensuring a seamless pipeline from basic instruction to combat roles. This integration allowed commands to standardize outputs, with OTUs located near operational bases to facilitate joint exercises and rapid crew allocation. Resources for OTUs included second-line aircraft suited to training demands, such as Wellingtons for Bomber Command simulations or Lockheed Hudsons for Coastal reconnaissance, often supplemented by satellite airfields for dispersed operations. Staffing drew heavily on seasoned operational personnel as instructors, minimizing the drain on frontline units while providing authentic expertise; ground support was similarly augmented by maintenance echelons to sustain intensive flying schedules. These allocations reflected wartime priorities, balancing training volume with resource constraints to support expanding RAF operations.

Units by Command

Coastal Command OTUs

The Operational Training Units (OTUs) of were specialized formations established during to prepare aircrews for , , convoy escort duties, and missions, utilizing optimized for over-water operations. These units played a critical role in countering threats and supporting naval operations in the Atlantic and beyond, training pilots, navigators, and other personnel on twin-engine and multi-engine platforms. No. 1 (Coastal) OTU was formed on 1 April 1940 at and focused on training Coastal Command landplane crews in general reconnaissance roles; it moved to RAF Thornaby on 23 March 1943 and disbanded on 19 October 1943, having operated Ansons, Hudsons, Blenheims, Beauforts, Liberators, Fortresses, and Halifaxes. No. 2 (Coastal) OTU formed on 1 October 1940 at RAF Catfoss, with relief landing grounds at , Sherburn-in-Elmet, Hutton Cranswick, and Lissett, and specialized in training twin-engine fighter and strike crews for Coastal Command squadrons in home defense, the , and theaters; it disbanded on 15 February 1944 after operating Blenheims, Ansons, and Beaufighters from June 1941 onward. No. 3 (Coastal) OTU was established on 27 November 1940 at RAF Chivenor for Wellington and Whitley crew training, relocating to RAF Cranwell on 29 July 1941 and then to RAF Haverfordwest in June 1943; it disbanded on 4 January 1944, having used Wellingtons, Whitleys, Beauforts, and Ansons, with Beaufort operations later transferred to No. 5 OTU. No. 4 (Coastal) OTU formed on 16 March 1941 at RAF Stranraer to train flying boat crews, moving to Invergordon in June 1941 (renamed Alness in February 1943) and then to Pembroke Dock in August 1946; it specialized in maritime patrol with Singapore IIIs, Stranraers, Catalinas, Lerwicks, and Sunderlands (focusing on the latter after October 1943) before disbanding on 31 July 1947 and redesignating as No. 235 OCU. No. 5 (Coastal) OTU was reformed on 1 August 1941 at under No. 17 Group, Coastal Command, for training in coastal and fighter-bomber roles; it moved to Turnberry in May 1942, Long Kesh in December 1942, and back to Turnberry in February 1944, operating Beauforts, Ansons, Oxfords, , Beaufighters, Warwicks, and others, and disbanded on 1 August 1945. No. 6 (Coastal) OTU was formed on 31 May 1941 at RAF Andover for general reconnaissance crew training, relocating to Thornaby on 19 July 1941, on 10 March 1943, and Kinloss on 18 July 1945; it operated Blenheims, , Ansons, Oxfords, , Warwicks, and Lancasters, including Polish and Czech flights, until disbanding on 31 July 1947 and becoming No. 236 OCU. No. 7 (Coastal) OTU formed on 1 April 1942 at RAF Limavady to train crews in anti-submarine and torpedo roles (the latter until August 1943), moving to in January 1944; it disbanded on 16 May 1944 and redesignated as No. 4 Refresher Flying Unit. No. 8 (Coastal) OTU was established on 18 May 1942 at for photographic reconnaissance training, with subsequent moves to Dyce in February 1943, in January 1945, Mount Farm on 21 June 1945, Chalgrove in July 1946, and Benson in October 1946; it operated PR Spitfires and Mosquitos, including operational sorties over from September to December 1944, before disbanding on 31 July 1947 and redesignating as No. 237 OCU. No. 9 (Coastal) OTU formed on 7 June 1942 at RAF Aldergrove to train long-range fighter crews for Coastal Command and North African operations, relocating to Crosby-on-Eden on 15 September 1942; it used Beaufighters, Beauforts, and Oxfords until disbanding on 11 August 1944.

Bomber Command OTUs

The Operational Training Units (OTUs) under played a pivotal role in preparing aircrews for strategic night bombing operations during the , focusing on the integration of pilots, navigators, bombardiers, and gunners into cohesive crews capable of handling multi-engined heavy bombers such as the and . These units emphasized practical in navigation, bombing accuracy, and formation flying under simulated combat conditions, addressing the high attrition rates in Bomber Command squadrons by producing operational-ready personnel for long-range missions against German targets. Formed primarily in 1940 as part of the expansion following the outbreak of war, the OTUs operated from bases across the , transitioning aircraft types as Bomber Command re-equipped from medium to heavy bombers, and contributing to the command's ability to sustain large-scale raids by the war's end. No. 10 OTU was formed on 6 April 1940 at and trained crews on Whitleys and later s for night bombing and navigation exercises, disbanding on 10 September 1946. No. 11 OTU formed on 8 April 1940 at , specializing in crew integration and tactics before disbanding on 18 September 1945. No. 12 OTU, established on 8 April 1940 at , initially used Battles before transitioning to for tactics training, and disbanded on 22 June 1945. No. 13 OTU formed on 8 April 1940 at RAF Bicester, beginning with Blenheims for training and later incorporating Mosquitos for and intruder roles after shifting to Fighter Command in 1943, before disbanding on 1 May 1947. No. 14 OTU, formed on 8 April 1940 at , trained on Hampdens and s, including adaptations for torpedo and mine-laying operations, and disbanded on 24 June 1945. No. 15 OTU was formed on 8 April 1940 at RAF Harwell, focusing on Wellington crews for night bombing operations, and disbanded on 15 March 1944. No. 16 OTU formed on 4 April 1940 at , utilizing Hampdens, Wellingtons, and later Mosquitos for advanced navigation and bomber crew training, before disbanding on 1 May 1947. No. 17 OTU, established on 8 April 1940 at , trained initial bomber crews on Blenheims and Wellingtons, disbanding on 15 March 1947. No. 19 OTU formed on 27 May 1940 at , operating Whitleys and Wellingtons from a northern base for night operations, and disbanded on 26 June 1945. No. 20 OTU was formed on 27 May 1940 at , concentrating on heavy conversion and long-range mission training, before disbanding on 17 July 1945. No. 21 OTU formed on 21 January 1941 at RAF Moreton-in-Marsh, training on Wellingtons and Stirlings for heavy bomber operations, and disbanded on 15 March 1947. No. 22 OTU, established on 14 April 1941 at RAF Wellesbourne Mountford, focused on Wellington crew preparation for frontline Bomber Command squadrons, disbanding on 24 July 1945. No. 23 OTU formed on 1 April 1941 at RAF Pershore, providing Wellington-based training for operational readiness, and disbanded on 15 March 1944. No. 24 OTU formed on 15 April 1941 at RAF Honeybourne, training on Whitleys and Wellingtons, and disbanded on 24 July 1945. No. 25 OTU formed on 1 March 1941 at , specializing in Hampdens, Manchesters, and Wellingtons, and disbanded on 31 January 1943. No. 26 OTU established on 15 January 1942 at RAF Wing, focusing on Wellingtons, and disbanded on 15 July 1946. No. 27 OTU formed on 23 April 1941 at RAF Lichfield, training Wellington crews, and disbanded on 22 June 1945. No. 28 OTU formed on 16 May 1942 at , operating s, and disbanded on 15 October 1944. No. 29 OTU formed on 21 April 1941 at , training on s, and disbanded on 22 June 1945. No. 30 OTU formed on 28 June 1942 at RAF Hixon, providing Wellington crew training, and disbanded on 22 June 1945.

Fighter and Specialized OTUs

The Fighter and Specialized Operational Training Units (OTUs) of the Royal Air Force played a critical role in preparing pilots for air-to-air combat and non-standard operational roles during , particularly under Fighter Command's early structure. In 1940, as the intensified, Nos. 5, 6, and 7 OTUs were briefly assigned to Fighter Command to accelerate the conversion of pilots to frontline types such as the Hawker Hurricane and , addressing urgent shortages in operational readiness before their reassignment to other commands. These units focused on rapid tactical familiarization rather than extended syllabus, reflecting the command's emphasis on immediate deployment. No. 5 OTU was formed on 15 March 1940 at RAF Aston Down as part of No. 12 Group's pool within Fighter Command, initially equipped with Gladiators and Blenheims before transitioning to Hurricanes for training. It was redesignated No. 55 OTU on 1 November 1940, continuing Hurricane operations until the unit was disbanded temporarily. Reformed on 1 August 1941 at , No. 5 OTU shifted toward coastal and roles, training crews on Bristol Beauforts and Bristol Beaufighters for ground attack and anti-shipping missions, and it disbanded on 1 August 1945. No. 41 OTU formed on 20 September 1941 at for army cooperation and fighter training, operating Lysanders, Tomahawks, Mustangs, Hurricanes, Spitfires, and others, with moves to and Chilbolton, and disbanded on 26 April 1945. No. 52 OTU established on 25 March 1941 at , training on Hurricanes and Spitfires, moving to Aston Down and Charmy Down, and redesignated as Fighter Leaders on 22 January 1944. No. 53 OTU formed on 18 February 1941 at , specializing in Spitfire pilots, with locations including Kirton-in-Lindsey, and disbanded on 15 May 1945. No. 61 OTU formed on 9 June 1941 at , training on Spitfires, Mustangs, and Gladiators, and redesignated No. 203 Advanced Flying on 1 July 1947. A unique specialized formation was No. 18 (Polish) OTU, established in July 1940 at RAF Hucknall to train exiled Polish for integration into RAF operations, staffed primarily by Polish personnel and utilizing Fairey Battles and Wellingtons for and multi-role instruction. This unit supported the in exile by providing culturally attuned training, enabling graduates to crew national squadrons in Bomber Command, and it disbanded on 30 January 1945 as wartime needs evolved. Training in these fighter and specialized OTUs emphasized dogfighting maneuvers, interception tactics, and adaptations for ground attack, with courses typically lasting 2-4 weeks to prioritize combat proficiency over the longer multi-month programs in bomber units. This condensed approach, often involving as few as 10-20 hours on type during peak crises, ensured pilots could quickly master , gunnery, and evasive techniques essential for frontline survival.

Post-War Developments

Transition to Operational Conversion Units

Following the end of , the Royal Air Force underwent a significant contraction, leading to the disbandment of most Operational Training Units (OTUs) between 1945 and 1947 as wartime expansion demands diminished. Units such as Nos. 24, 27, 29, 30, 41, 42, 51, 53, 55, 57, 58, 59, and 60 OTU were dissolved in 1945, while others like No. 10 OTU followed in September 1946 and No. 56 OTU in February 1946. Exceptions included coastal-focused units Nos. 4, 6, and 8 OTU, which persisted until their disbandment on 31 July 1947 to support ongoing and anti-submarine roles amid . In the late , surviving OTUs were restructured and renamed as Operational Conversion Units (OCUs) to align with peacetime operations, emphasizing transition to advanced aircraft types including early jets. For instance, elements from No. 5 OTU, a fighter training unit, contributed personnel and expertise to emerging fighter OCUs, while No. 4 OTU became No. 235 OCU, No. 6 OTU became No. 236 OCU, and No. 8 OTU became No. 237 OCU, all effective 31 July 1947. Similarly, No. 13 OTU merged with No. 54 OTU on 1 May 1947 to form No. 228 OCU, and No. 16 OTU transferred assets to No. 231 OCU upon its disbandment on 1 May 1947; No. 43 OTU was redesignated No. 227 OCU on 7 May 1947. This evolution marked a key shift from the mass crew formation and operational readiness training of wartime OTUs to specialized type-specific conversion in OCUs, tailored for smaller, professional forces. No. 13 OTU's proficiency in de Havilland Mosquito operations, for example, directly informed post-war pathfinder and reconnaissance roles through its integration into No. 228 OCU. Between 1946 and 1947, coastal OTUs were adapted for empire defense duties, such as patrols in the and . However, escalating tensions prioritized jet-era standardization, culminating in full OCU implementation across commands by 1950 to focus on rapid aircraft type transitions.

Legacy and Successors

The Operational Training Units (OTUs) of the Royal Air Force played a pivotal role in shaping modern by professionalizing the preparation of multi- teams for complex operational environments, emphasizing integrated coordination and simulated mission rehearsals that became foundational to subsequent RAF practices. This approach, refined during , reduced accidents and increased output, establishing standards for doctrinal alignment between and operational requirements that influenced allied air forces, including early frameworks for standardized proficiency. Post-war, the OTU system evolved directly into Operational Conversion Units (OCUs), which inherited the mission of type-specific operational readiness; for instance, No. 236 OCU was established in 1947 at to train crews on heavy bombers like the , continuing the multi-crew focus of wartime OTUs. Modern equivalents include units such as No. 45 Squadron at , which handles advanced multi-engine training under the (UKMFTS) established in 2016, preserving the OTU legacy in contemporary RAF syllabus design through integrated simulator and operational preparation as of 2025. The effectiveness of OTU training is illustrated by notable alumni who achieved high-impact operational success, including graduates from No. 10 OTU who contributed to critical missions like the Dambusters raid () in 1943, where skilled crews breached German dams, demonstrating the units' role in producing combat-ready leaders. Records of OTUs are preserved in the UK , primarily in series AIR 27 and AIR 29, containing Operations Record Books that detail daily activities, training outcomes, and unit histories for research and commemoration. Veteran associations, such as the International Bomber Command Centre, maintain digital archives of personal stories and documents from OTU personnel, ensuring the historical significance of these units endures through public access and educational programs.
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.