No. 53 Operational Training Unit | |
|---|---|
 55 Sgt. W.M. Krebs photographed in the cockpit of Spitfire Mk 1A P9375 in 53 OTU RAF, Heston | |
| Active | 1941 – 1945 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Type | Operational Training Unit |
| Role | Pilot Training |
| Nickname(s) | 53 OTU |
| Engagements | World War Two |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Supermarine Spitfire |
No. 53 Operational Training Unit RAF was an Operational Training Unit of the Royal Air Force, formed in 1941 to train Spitfire pilots, and disbanded in 1945.
History
[edit]53 OTU RAF was an Operational Training Unit of the Royal Air Force. It was formed at RAF Heston in February 1941 to train Spitfire pilots for Fighter Command.[1] In July 1941 it moved to RAF Llandow in Wales, and in May 1943 to RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey in Lincolnshire. Pilots trained initially on Miles Master aircraft and later on Spitfires.
Had a German invasion of England taken place, 53 OTU RAF would have become No's 553 and 554 Squadron, operating from RAF Church Fenton.[1]
When WW2 ended in Europe, No 53 OTU was disbanded at Kirton-in-Lindsey on 15 May 1945.[1][2]
Commanding Officers
[edit]- March 1943 Wing Commander P H Hamley
- 18 May 1943 Group Captain G C Tomlinson
- 24 November 1943 Group Captain J G Hawtrey
- 18 January 1945 Group Captain M H Rhys[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d 53 OTU at www.rafweb.org Retrieved 9 May 2022
- ^ 53 OTU at nationalarchives.gov.uk Retrieved 9 May 2022
External links
[edit]- 53 OTU at nationalarchives.gov.uk Retrieved 9 May 2022
- 53 OTU at aircrewremembered.com Retrieved 9 May 2022
- 53 OTU at www.rafweb.org Retrieved 9 May 2022
