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
| 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 | |
| No. 2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 October 1940 | RAF Catfoss | No. 17 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 3 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF | 27 November 1940 | RAF Chivenor | No. 17 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 4 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF | 16 March 1941 | RAF Stranraer | No. 17 Group RAF | Became 235 OCU in 1947. | |||
| No. 5 Operational Training Unit RAF | 15 March 1940 | RAF Aston Down | No. 12 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 5 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 August 1941 | RAF Chivenor | No. 17 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 6 Operational Training Unit RAF | 6 March 1940 | RAF Sutton Bridge | No. 11 Group RAF | Commanded by Squadron Leader Philip Campbell Pinkham No. 6 OTU was re-numbered in November 1940 to No. 56 OTU | |||
| No. 6 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 June 1941 | RAF Andover | No. 17 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 6 Operational Training Unit RAF | 19 July 1941 | RAF Thornaby | No. 17 Group RAF | ||||
| 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. | |||
| No. 7 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 April 1942 | RAF Limavady | No. 17 Group RAF | ||||
| 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 Moved to RAF Dyce February 1943 then to RAF Haverfordwest in early 1945. Became 237 OCU in 1947. | |||
| No. 9 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF | 7 June 1942 | RAF Aldergrove | No. 17 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 10 Operational Training Unit RAF | 8 April 1940 | RAF Abingdon | No. 6 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 11 Operational Training Unit RAF | 8 April 1940 | RAF Bassingbourn | No. 6 Group RAF | During 1942, it operated seven operational night bombing missions. | |||
| No. 12 Operational Training Unit RAF | 8 April 1940 | RAF Benson | No. 6 Group RAF | Absorbed No. 52 Squadron RAF on 8 April 1940. During 1942, 12 OTU carried out operational night bombing missions. | |||
| No. 13 Operational Training Unit RAF | 8 April 1940 | RAF Bicester | No. 6 Group RAF | Became 228 OCU in 1947. | |||
| No. 14 Operational Training Unit RAF | 8 April 1940 | RAF Cottesmore | No. 6 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 15 Operational Training Unit RAF] | 8 April 1940 | RAF Harwell | No. 6 Group RAF | In 1942, it carried out seven operational missions. | |||
| 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. | |||
| No. 16 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 January 1945 | RAF Upper Heyford | No. 92 Group RAF | ||||
| 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. | |||
| No. 18 Operational Training Unit RAF | 15 June 1940 | RAF Hucknall | No. 6 Group RAF | In 1942, it carried out six operational sorties. | |||
| 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. |
20 - 43 OTUs
| 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 | ||||
| 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. | |||
| No. 22 Operational Training Unit RAF | 14 April 1941 | RAF Wellesbourne Mountford | No. 6 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 23 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 April 1941 | RAF Pershore | No. 6 Group RAF | In 1942, carried out operational sorties. | |||
| No. 24 Operational Training Unit RAF | 15 March 1942 | RAF Honeybourne | No. 7 Group RAF | In 1942, carried out three operational sorties. | |||
| No. 25 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 March 1942 | RAF Finningley | No. 7 Group RAF | In 1942, carried out a number of operational raids. | |||
| No. 26 Operational Training Unit RAF | 15 January 1942 | RAF Wing | No. 7 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 27 Operational Training Unit RAF | 23 April 1941 | RAF Lichfield | No. 6 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 28 Operational Training Unit RAF | 16 May 1942 | RAF Wymeswold | No. 92 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 29 Operational Training Unit RAF | 21 April 1942 | RAF North Luffenham | No. 7 Group RAF | In 1942, carried out four operation sorties. | |||
| No. 30 Operational Training Unit RAF | 28 June 1942 | RAF Hixon | No. 93 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 31 Operational Training Unit RAF | 23 May 1941 | Debert, Canada | n/a | Carried out operational patrols in the Western Atlantic from Dartmouth. | |||
| 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. | |||
| No. 34 Operational Training Unit RAF | 8 April 1942 | UK | n/a | ||||
| No. 36 Operational Training Unit RAF | 24 February 1942 | UK | n/a | ||||
| No. 41 Operational Training Unit RAF | 20 September 1941 | RAF Old Sarum | No. 70 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 42 Operational Training Unit RAF | 18 July 1941 | RAF Andover | No. 70 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 43 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 October 1942 | RAF Larkhill | No. 70 Group RAF | Became No. 227 Operational Conversion Unit RAF. |
51 - 63 OTUs
| 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 | ||||
| No. 52 Operational Training Unit RAF | 25 March 1941 | RAF Debden | No. 81 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 53 Operational Training Unit RAF | 18 February 1941 | RAF Heston | No. 81 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 54 Operational Training Unit RAF | 25 November 1940 | RAF Church Fenton | No. 12 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 55 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 November 1940 | RAF Aston Down | No. 10 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 55 Operational Training Unit RAF | 18 December 1944 | RAF Aston Down | No. 12 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 56 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 November 1940 | RAF Sutton Bridge | No. 81 Group RAF | Previously No. 6 OTU. Became No. 1 Combat Training Wing RAF, then No. 1 Tactical Exercise Unit RAF | |||
| No. 56 Operational Training Unit RAF | 15 December 1944 | RAF Milfield | No. 12 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 57 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 November 1940 | RAF Hawarden | No. 10 Group RAF | ||||
| 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 | |||
| No. 58 Operational Training Unit RAF | 12 March 1945 | RAF Poulton | No. 12 Group RAF | Disbanded | |||
| No. 59 Operational Training Unit RAF | 16 December 1940 | RAF Turnhouse | No. 13 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 59 Operational Training Unit RAF | 26 February 1945 | RAF Acklington | n/a | ||||
| 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. | |||
| No. 60 Operational Training Unit RAF | 17 May 1943 | RAF High Ercall | No. 9 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 61 Operational Training Unit RAF | 9 June 1941 | RAF Heston | No. 81 Group RAF | Became No. 203 Advanced Flying School RAF | |||
| No. 62 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 June 1942 | RAF Usworth | No. 81 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 63 Operational Training Unit RAF | 7 September 1943 | RAF Honiley | No. 9 Group RAF |
70 - 86 OTUs
| 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 | ||||
| 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) | |||
| No. 72 Operational Training Unit RAF | 10 November 1941 | RAF Cathargo | n/a | ||||
| No. 73 Operational Training Unit RAF | 30 November 1941 | RAF Sheikh Othman | No. 207 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 74 Operational Training Unit RAF | 18 October 1941 | RAF Aqir | No. 203 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 75 Operational Training Unit RAF | 8 December 1942 | RAF Gianaclis | No. 203 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 76 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 October 1943 | RAF Aqir | n/a | ||||
| No. 77 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 April 1944 | RAF Qastina | No. 203 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 78 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 February 1944 | RAF Ein Shemer | n/a | ||||
| No. 79 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 February 1944 | RAF Nicosia | n/a | ||||
| No. 80 (French) Operational Training Unit RAF | 23 April 1945 | RAF Morpeth | No. 12 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 81 Operational Training Unit RAF | 10 July 1942 | RAF Ashbourne | No. 93 Group RAF | Became No. 1380 (Transport) Conversion Unit RAF | |||
| No. 82 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 June 1943 | RAF Ossington | No. 93 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 83 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 August 1943 | RAF Childs Ercall | No. 93 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 84 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1 September 1943 | RAF Desborough | No. 92 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 85 Operational Training Unit RAF | 15 June 1944 | RAF Husbands Bosworth | No. 92 Group RAF | ||||
| No. 86 Operational Training Unit RAF | 15 June 1944 | RAF Gamston | No. 93 Group RAF |
101 - 152 OTUs
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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) |
| 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 | |
| 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 |
See also
| Royal Air Force
Army Air Corps
| Fleet Air Arm
Others
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