List_of_Royal_Air_Force_units_&_establishments
There have been many units with various tasks in the Royal Air Force (RAF), and they are listed here. A unit is an administrative term for a body, which can be larger or smaller than a flight or squadron, is given a specific mission, but does not warrant the status of being formed as a formal flight or squadron.
Aircraft training units
- Argosy Conversion Unit RAF at RAF Benson (1961-63) became 'Argosy Flight' of No. 242 Operational Conversion Unit RAF [1]
- Belvedere Conversion Unit RAF at RAF Odiham (1964-66) [2]
- Belvedere Trials Unit RAF at RAF Odiham (1960-61) became No. 66 Squadron RAF [2]
- Canberra Trials and Tactical Evaluation Unit at RAF Akrotiri (1966-68) [3]
- Halifax Training Unit RAF part of No. 1332 (Transport) Heavy Conversion Unit RAF (-1946) [4]
- Harrier Conversion Team RAF (1969-70) became Harrier Conversion Unit RAF[5]
- As part of No. 233 Operational Conversion Unit RAF at RAF Wittering (1987-90) [5]
- Jaguar Conversion Team RAF at RAF Lossiemouth (1973-74) became Jaguar Operational Conversion Unit RAF [6]
- Jet Provost Trials Unit at RAF Tengah, Singapore[6]
- Tornado F.3 Operational Evaluation Unit RAF at RAF Coningsby (1987-??) [7]
- Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit RAF at RAF Honington/RAF Lossiemouth (1982-92) became No. 15 Squadron RAF [7]
- Twin Pioneer Conversion Unit RAF at RAF Odiham (1963-64) became Short Range Conversion Unit RAF [8]
- Typhoon Operational Evaluation Unit
- Victor (B.2) Trials Unit RAF at RAF Cottesmore (1961-62) became 'C' Flight of No. 232 Operational Conversion Unit RAF [8]
- Warwick Training Unit RAF at RAF Docking (1943) became Air Sea Rescue Training Unit RAF [9]
- Washington Conversion Unit RAF at RAF Marham (1950-53) [9]
- Wessex Intensive Flying Trials Unit RAF at RAF Odiham (1963-64) became No. 18 Squadron RAF [9]
Aircraft units
Main article: List of Royal Air Force ferry units
Airfields
More information airfield HQ, formed on ...
| airfield HQ | formed on | formed at | disbanded on | disbanded at | became | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 121 | No. 121 Wing RAF | [10] | ||||
| 122 | No. 122 Wing RAF | [10] | ||||
| 123 | No. 123 Wing RAF | [10] | ||||
| 124 | No. 124 Wing RAF | [10] | ||||
| 125 | No. 125 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 126 | No. 126 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 127 | No. 127 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 128 | No. 128 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 129 | No. 129 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 130 | No. 130 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 131 | No. 131 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 132 | No. 132 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 133 | No. 133 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 134 | No. 134 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 135 | No. 135 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 136 | No. 136 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 137 | No. 137 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 138 | No. 138 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 139 | No. 139 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 140 | No. 140 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 141 | No. 141 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 142 | No. 142 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 143 | No. 143 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 144 | No. 144 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 145 | No. 145 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 146 | No. 146 Wing RAF | [11] | ||||
| 147 | No. 147 Wing RAF | [12] | ||||
| 148 | No. 148 Wing RAF | [12] | ||||
| 149 | No. 149 Wing RAF | [12] | ||||
| 150 | No. 150 Wing RAF | [12] |
Close
Advanced flying units
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Anti-aircraft units
Main article: List of Anti-Aircraft units of the Royal Air Force
- No. 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit, IAFVR
- No. 2 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit, IAFVR
- No. 3 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit, IAFVR
- No. 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit, Indian Air Force
- No. 2 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit, Indian Air Force
- No. 3 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit, Indian Air Force
Armament practice and training units
To hone aircrew weapons skills armament practice camps and stations have been used and these are listed here.
Armament practice camp
More information unit, previous name ...
| unit | previous name | formed at | formed | aircraft | disbanded | disbanded at | history |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 Armament Practice Camp | No. 15 Group Armament Practice Camp | RAF Aldergrove | 5 November 1941 | Westland Lysander II/III/IIIA Fairey Battle Miles Master Miles Martinet de Havilland Dominie I | 1 September 1945 | RAF Aldergrove | |
| No. 2 Armament Practice Camp | No. 16 Group Armament Practice Camp | RAF Thorney Island | 5 November 1941 | Westland Lysander III/IIIA Miles Martinet | 1 September 1945 | RAF Bradwell Bay | Absorbed by the Armament Practice Station, Spilsby. |
| No. 3 Armament Practice Camp | No. 18 Group Armament Practice Camp | RAF Leuchars | 5 November 1941 | Westland Lysander II/III/IIIA Fairey Battle Miles Martinet | 1 September 1945 | RAF Leuchars | |
| No. 4 Armament Practice Camp | No. 19 Group Armament Practice Camp | RAF Carew Cheriton | 5 November 1941 | Westland Lysander IIIA Fairey Battle Miles Master II Miles Martinet I | 1 September 1945 | RAF Talbenny |
Close
- No. 11 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 12 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 13 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 14 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 15 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 16 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 17 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 18 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 20 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 21 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 22 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 23 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 24 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 25 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 26 Armament Practice Camp
- No. 27 Armament Practice Camp
- Armament Practice Camp, Butterworth
- Armament Practice Camp (Middle East Air Force)
- Armament Practice Camp, Sylt
- Fighter Command Missile Armament Practice Camp
- No. 15 Group Armament Practice Camp
- No. 16 Group Armament Practice Camp
- No. 18 Group Armament Practice Camp
- No. 19 Group Armament Practice Camp
- Middle East Air Force Armament Practice Camp
Armament practice station
- Armament Practice Station RAF, Lübeck
- Armament Practice Station RAF, Spilsby
- Armament Practice Station RAF, Sylt
- No. 1 Armament Practice Station RAF
- No. 2 Armament Practice Station RAF
- No. 3 Armament Practice Station RAF
Armament training camp
- No. 1 Armament Training Camp RAF, Kuantan
- No. 1 Armament Training Camp RAF
- No. 2 Armament Training Camp RAF
- No. 3 Armament Training Camp RAF
- No. 4 Armament Training Camp RAF
- No. 5 Armament Training Camp RAF
- No. 6 Armament Training Camp RAF
- No. 7 Armament Training Camp RAF
- No. 8 Armament Training Camp RAF
- Temporary Armament Training Camp RAF, Aldergrove
- Temporary Armament Training Camp RAF, Flimstone
- Temporary Armament Training Camp RAF, Leuchars
- Temporary Armament Training Camp RAF, North Coates Fitties
Armament training station
- No. 1 Armament Training Station RAF
- No. 1 Armament Training Station (France) RAF
- No. 2 Armament Training Station RAF
- No. 3 Armament Training Station RAF
- No. 4 Armament Training Station RAF
- No. 5 Armament Training Station RAF
- No. 6 Armament Training Station RAF
- No. 7 Armament Training Station RAF
- No. 8 Armament Training Station RAF
- No. 9 Armament Training Station RAF
- Temporary Armament Training Station RAF, Leuchars
- Temporary Armament Training Station RAF, North Coates Fitties
- No. 1 Armament Training Unit RAF
Bases
More information Base, Formed On ...
| Base | Formed On | Formed At | Disbanded On | Disbanded At | Became | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 71 Base | [17] | ||||
| 12 | Disbanded | [17] | ||||
| 13 | Disbanded | [17] | ||||
| 14 | Disbanded | [17] | ||||
| 15 | Disbanded | [17] | ||||
| 31 | 73 Base | [17] | ||||
| 32 | Disbanded | [17] | ||||
| 33 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 41 | 74 Base | [18] | ||||
| 42 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 43 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 44 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 51 | 75 Base | [18] | ||||
| 52 | 15 Base | [18] | ||||
| 53 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 54 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 55 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 56 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 61 (RCAF) | 76 Base | [18] | ||||
| 62 (RCAF) (Beaver) | RCAF Control | [18] | ||||
| 63 (RCAF) | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 64 (RCAF) | RCAF Control | [18] | ||||
| 71 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 72 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 73 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 74 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 75 | Disbanded | [18] | ||||
| 76 (RCAF) | Disbanded | [18] |
Close
Beach units
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Beam approach beacon system
Main article: List of Beam approach beacon system units
Command level units
- Bomber Command Development Unit RAF (1954-68) became Strike Command Development Unit RAF [19]
- Bomber Command Experimental Unit RAF (-1942) became Bombing Trials Unit RAF [20]
- Coastal Command Development Unit RAF (1940-45) became Air-Sea Warfare Development Unit RAF [21]
- Coastal Command Fighter Affiliation Training Unit RAF (1945-46) [22]
- Coastal Command Fighter Circus RAF (1944-45) became Coastal Command Fighter Affiliation Training Unit RAF [22]
- Fighter Command Trials Unit RAF (1966-67) [23]
- Home Command Examining Unit RAF (1951-59) [24]
- Transport Command Aircrew Examining Unit RAF (1945-46) became Transport Command Examining Unit RAF [25]
- Transport Command Development Unit RAF (1945-50) became Air Transport Development Flight RAF [25]
- Transport Command Examining Unit RAF (1946-64) became Transport Command Examining Staff RAF [25]
Communications
Main article: List of Royal Air Force Communication units
Conversion units
Main article: List of Royal Air Force Conversion Units
The RAF have now granted all OCUs Reserve squadron status.[26]
- Operational conversion units (OCU)
Numbered operational conversion units (OCU)
- Numbered conversion units
- No. 5 Heavy Bomber Conversion Unit RAF, Lydda
- No. 21 Heavy Glider Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 22 Heavy Glider Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 23 Heavy Glider Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1330 Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1331 Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1331 Heavy Transport Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1332 (Transport) Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1332 Heavy Transport Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1333 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1334 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1335 (Meteor) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1336 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1336 Transport Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1380 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1380 Transport Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1381 (Transport) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1382 (Transport) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1383 (Transport) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1384 (Heavy Transport) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1385 (Heavy Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1584 (Heavy Bomber) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1651 Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1651 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1652 Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1653 Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1653 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1654 Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1654 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1655 Mosquito Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1657 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1660 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1662 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1663 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1664 Heavy Conversion Unit RCAF
- No. 1664 (Royal Canadian Air Force) Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1665 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1665 (Heavy Transport) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1666 Heavy Conversion Unit RCAF
- No. 1666 (Royal Canadian Air Force) Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1667 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1668 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1669 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1670 (Thunderbolt) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1671 Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1672 (Mosquito) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1673 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1674 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1675 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1678 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1699 (Bomber Support) Conversion Unit RAF
- No. 1699 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
- Other conversion units
Establishments
- Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (1924-1992) became Aircraft and Armament Evaluation Establishment [27]
- Aeroplane Experimental Establishment (Home) (1920-24) became Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment [27]
- Aeroplane Experimental Station (1917-20) became Aeroplane Experimental Establishment (Home) [27]
- Aircraft and Armament Evaluation Establishment (1992-96) became Test and Evaluation Centre [28]
- Air Fighting Development Establishment (1934-40) became Air Fighting Development Unit [29]
- Air Warfare Centre (1993-) [30]
- Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment (1942-50) [30]
- Central Fighter Establishment (1944-66) [31]
- Central Photographic Establishment (1946-50)[32]
- Central Servicing Development Establishment (1950-) [33]
- Central Signals Establishment (1946-65) [33]
- Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment[34] (CBDE)
- Chemical Defence Establishment[34]
- Chemical Defence Experimental Establishment[34]
- Chemical Warfare Experimental Station[34] (CWES)
- Fighter Experimental Establishment (1941) became Telecommunications Flying Unit [23]
- Home Aircraft Depot (1926-39) became RAF Henlow[35]
- Inland Area Aircraft Depot (1920-26) became Home Aircraft Depot[36]
- Instrument Design Establishment (1919-20) became Instrument Design Establishment (Home) [37]
- Instrument Design Establishment (Home) (1920-22) [37]
- Joint Warfare Establishment (1963-) [38]
- Long-Range Weapons Establishment (1944-45) became Coastal Command Anti U-Boat Devices School RAF [39]
- Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment (1924-58) [40]
- Microbiological Research Establishment[34]
- Propellants, Explosives and Rocket Motor Establishment (PERME Westcott & PERME Waltham Abbey)
- Radio Warfare Establishment (1945-46) became Central Signals Establishment [41]
- Rocket Propulsion Establishment[citation needed]
- Royal Air Force (Cadet) College (1919-20) became Royal Air Force College [42]
- Royal Air Force Base, Calshot (1922-35) became RAF Calshot [42]
- Royal Air Force Base, Gosport (1921-35) became RAF Station, Gosport Training Squadron [42]
- Royal Air Force Station, Gosport Training Squadron (1935-??) [42]
- Royal Air Force Base, Leuchars (1920-25) became Royal Air Force Training Base Leuchars [42]
- Royal Air Force College (1920-39, 1946-) [43]
- RAF College of Air Warfare (1962-74) [43]
- Royal Air Force Flying College (1949-62) became RAF College of Air Warfare [44]
- Royal Air Force Institute of Aviation Medicine (1950-) [45]
- Royal Air Force Seaplane Establishment (1919) became School of Naval Co-operation [46]
- Royal Air Force Technical College (1947-65) [46]
- Royal Air Force Training Base, Leuchars (1925-35) became No. 1 Flying Training School RAF [42]
- Royal Aircraft Establishment (1918-88) became Royal Aerospace Establishment [46]
- Royal Aircraft Factory[citation needed]
- Strike Command Air to Air Missile Establishment (1968-??) [47]
- Telecommunications Research Establishment[citation needed]
- Test and Evaluation Establishment (1992-) [7]
- Testing Squadron (1916-17) became Aeroplane Experimental Station [7]
- Tri-National Tornado Training Establishment (1981-) [8]
- Visual Inter-Service Training and Research Establishment (1946-52?)[48]
- War Department Experimental Ground[34]
- Winter Research Establishment (1945-??) became Winterisation Experimental Establishment [49]
- Winterisation Experimental Establishment (??-1949) [49]
- Wireless Experimental Establishment (1917-18) became Wireless Telegraphy Establishment [50]
Ferry units
Further information: List of Royal Air Force Ferry units
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Ferry units
Ferry crew pools Ferry pilots pools
Ferry pools |
Ferry training units
Other ferry units
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Foreign air arms
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In Rhodesia, the Rhodesian Air Unit of the Territorial Forces, active 1935-39, became the Rhodesian Air Unit,[52] and then the Southern Rhodesian Air Force (1939-40).[52] The SRAF was absorbed into the RAF proper in April 1940 and re-designated No. 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF. Later the Rhodesian Air Training Group RAF [52] was created.
Main article: List of Royal Air Force Maintenance units
Main article: List of Royal Air Force Operational Training Units
OTUs were created during World War II to take the pressure off operational squadrons, which previously would have had training Flights. Post war, they became OCUs.
Coastal
- 1 (Coastal), 2 (Coastal), 3 (Coastal), 4 (Coastal), 8 (Coastal), 9 (Coastal), 111 (Coastal), 131 (Coastal) & 132 (Coastal).
Normal
- 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 41, 42, 43, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 & 86.
Other
- 70 (Middle East)
- 80 (French)
- 101 (Glider)
- 102 (Glider)
- 104 (Transport)
- 105 (Transport)
- 107 (Transport)
- 108 (Transport)
- 109 (Transport)
- 151 (Fighter)
- 152 (Fighter)
- No. 1 Operational Training Unit, India
Numbered other units
- 'Q' Unit RAF (1920) [55]
- 'Z' Unit, British Somaliland RAF (1919-20)[57]
- No. 1 Air Sea Rescue Unit (North Africa) RAF (1943) became No. 1 Air Sea Rescue Flight (North Africa) RAF[58]
- No. 1 British Airways Repair Unit (Middle East) RAF (1943-44) became No. 168 Maintenance Unit RAF[20]
- No. 2 British Airways Repair Unit (Middle East) RAF (1943-44)[51]
- No. 1 Camouflage Unit RAF (1939-44) [3]
- No. 2 Camouflage Unit RAF (1939-40) became Photographic Development Unit RAF[3]
- No. 1 Civilian Fighter Control Co-operation Unit RAF (1957-61)[59]
- No. 2 Civilian Fighter Control Co-operation Unit RAF (1957-61)[59]
- No. 3 Civilian Fighter Control Co-operation Unit RAF (1957-61)[59]
- No. 1 Coast Artillery Co-operation Unit RAF (1937-41 & 1942-43)[59]
- No. 1 Engine Consumption Unit RAF (1942) became No. 1 Engine Control Demonstration Unit RAF[60]
- No. 1 Engine Control Demonstration Unit RAF (1942-45)[60]
- No. 1 Fighter Support Training Unit RAF (1946)[61]
- No. 3 Fighter Support Training Unit RAF (1945-46) became No. 1 Fighter Support Training Unit RAF[61]
- No. 1 General Reconnaissance Unit RAF (1939-44)[62]
- No. 2 General Reconnaissance Unit RAF (1940)[62]
- No. 3 General Reconnaissance Unit RAF (1940)[62]
- No. 1 Grading Unit (Airwork) RAF (1952-53)[63]
- No. 2 Grading Unit (Airwork) RAF (1952-53)[63]
- No. 1 Practice Flying Unit RAF (1940) [55]
- No. 1 Royal Air Force Film Production Unit RAF (1944-47) became Film Production Unit Library RAF [43]
- No. 1 Tactical Exercise Unit RAF (1944) [64]
- No. 2 Tactical Exercise Unit RAF (1943-44) [64]
- No. 3 Tactical Exercise Unit RAF (1944) became No. 55 OTU [64]
- No. 4 Tactical Exercise Unit RAF (1944) became No. 3 Tactical Exercise Unit RAF [64]
- No. 1 Tactical Weapons Unit RAF (1978-92) [64]
- No. 2 Tactical Weapons Unit RAF (1978-81 & 1981-92) became No. 7 FTS [64]
- No. 1 Torpedo Training Unit RAF (1943-44 & 1945-47) [7]
- No. 2 Torpedo Training Unit RAF (1942-43) [65]
- No. 2 Aircraft Delivery Unit RAF (1942-44) became No. 2 Ferry Unit RAF [28]
- No. 3 Aircraft Delivery Unit RAF (1943-44) became No. 3 Ferry Unit RAF [28]
- No. 4 Aircraft Delivery Unit RAF (1943-44) became No. 4 Ferry Unit RAF [28]
- No. 2 Group Support Unit RAF (1944-45) became No. 2 Group Disbandment Centre RAF [66]
- No. 83 Group Support Unit RAF (1944-45) became No. 83 Group Disbandment Centre RAF [67]
- No. 84 Group Support Unit RAF (1944-45) became No. 84 Group Disbandment Centre RAF [68]
- No. 88 Group Support Unit RAF (1945) [68]
- No. 11 (Landplane) Preparation and Modification Unit RAF (1945-46) [54]
- No. 12 (Flying Boat) Preparation and Modification Unit RAF (RAF Calshot) (1945-46) [69]
- No. 201 Crew Training Unit RAF (1947) became No. 201 Advanced Flying School RAF [70]
- No. 202 Crew Training Unit RAF (1947) became No. 202 Advanced Flying School RAF [70]
- No. 204 Crew Training Unit RAF (1947) became No. 204 Advanced Flying School RAF [70]
- 2nd Tactical Air Force Air Sea Rescue Unit RAF (1955-61) [71]
- 2nd Tactical Air Force Development Unit RAF (1953) became No. 1323 (Canberra) Flight RAF [71]
- 2nd Tactical Air Force Support Unit RAF (1954) [64]
Other units
- Advanced Flying Training Unit RAF (1943-45) became Tactical and Weapon Development Unit RAF [72]
- Advanced Flying Unit RAF, Sétif (1943-44) [72]
- Air Combat Development Unit (Middle East) RAF (????) [73]
- Air Defence Co-operation Unit RAF (1942) became No. 26 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF [73]
- Air Defence Unit RAF, Tanganyika (1939) [73]
- Air Fighting Development Unit RAF (1940-44) became Air Fighting Development Squadron RAF [29]
- Air Fighting Training Unit RAF (1943-44) [74]
- Air Gunnery Training Unit RAF (1943-44) [75]
- Air Ministry Servicing Development Unit RAF (1947-50) became Central Servicing Development Establishment RAF [76]
- Air Movements Development Unit RAF (1958-65) became Air Transport Development Unit RAF [76]
- Air Photographic Development Unit RAF (1947-50) [77]
- Air Transport Development Centre (India) RAF (1944-??) became RAF Element, Air Transport Development Centre]] [30]
- Air Transport Development Unit RAF (1965-67) became Joint Air Transport Establishment [30]
- Air Transport Tactical Development Unit RAF (1944-45) became Transport Command Development Unit RAF [30]
- Air Sea Rescue Training Unit RAF (1943-44) [58]
- Air/Sea Warfare Development Unit (ACSEA) RAF (1944-45) [58]
- Air-Sea Warfare Development Unit RAF (1945-70) [58]
- Airborne Forces Research Centre RAF [30]
- Airborne Forces Tactical Development Unit RAF (1943-44) became Air Transport Tactical Development Unit RAF [30]
- Aircraft Delivery Unit RAF (1941-42) became No. 1 Aircraft Delivery Unit RAF [28]
- Aircraft Torpedo Development Unit RAF (1943-58) [78]
- Aircrew Testing and Grading Unit RAF (1945) became Transport Command Aircrew Examining Unit RAF [78]
- Airwork Grading Unit RAF (1952) became No.1 and No. 2 Grading Units (Airwork) [78]
- Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF (1936-37) became No. 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF [79]
- Armament and Instrument Experimental Unit RAF (1946-55) became Armament and Instrument Experimental Establishment [1]
- Armament Experimental Station RAF (1917-20) [1]
- Army Co-operation Development Unit RAF (????) [80]
- Beam Approach Development Unit RAF (1942-43) became 'A' Flight, Signals Development Unit RAF [2]
- Blind Approach Training and Development Unit RAF (1939-40) became Wireless Intelligence Development Unit RAF [81]
- Blind Landing Experimental Unit (1945-49) became Bomb Ballistic and Blind Landing Experimental Unit RAF [82]
- Bomb Ballistic and Blind Landing Experimental Unit RAF (1949-50) became Armament and Instrument Experimental Unit RAF [82]
- Bomb Ballistic Unit RAF (1944-49) became Bomb Ballistic and Blind Landing Experimental Unit RAF [82]
- Bomber Development Unit RAF (1940-41) [19]
- Bomber Support Development Unit RAF (1944-45) became Radio Warfare Establishment RAF [19]
- Bombing Development Unit RAF (1942-45) [20]
- Bombing Trials Unit RAF (1942-55) [20]
- British Airways Repair Unit (Middle East) (1942-43) became No. 1 British Airways Reapir Unit (Middle East) RAF [20]
- Central Interpretation Unit
- Civilian Fighter Control Co-operation Unit RAF (1952-57) [59]
- Coast Defence Development Unit RAF (-1935) became Coastal Defence Development Unit RAF [22]
- Electronic Warfare and Avionics Unit RAF (1976-93) became Electronic Warfare Operational Support Establishment RAF [83]
- Enemy Aircraft Storage and Servicing Unit RAF (1945-46) [60]
- Engine Consumption Unit RAF (1942) became No. 1 Engine Consumption Unit RAF [60]
- Experimental Air Ambulance Service RAF (1925-26) [84]
- Experimental Co-operation Unit RAF (1938) [84]
- Far East Tactical Development Unit RAF (1943-45) [84]
- Fast Jet and Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit
- Fighter Armament Trials Unit RAF (1946-56) [85]
- Fighter Interception Development Unit RAF (1944) [23]
- Fighter Interception Unit (1940-44) became Fighter Interception Development Unit RAF [23]
- Fleet Requirements Unit RAF (1938-39) [61]
- Floatplane Training Unit RAF (1939) became Floatplane Training Squadron RAF [86]
- Flying Boat Practice Camp RAF (1932) [69]
- GEE (TR1335) Training Unit RAF (1941-42) became No. 1418 GEE (TR1335) Trials Flight RAF [62]
- Glider Exercise Unit RAF (1941) became Glider Exercise Squadron RAF [87]
- Glider Pilot Exercise Unit RAF (1942-43) became Operational and Refresher Training Unit RAF [87]
- Glider Training Unit RAF (1942) [88]
- Gransden Lodge Navigation Training Unit RAF (1943) became Navigation Training Unit RAF [89]
- Gremlin Task Force – Japanese aircraft and crew transport operations[90] (1945-46) [63]
- Ground Attack Training Unit RAF (1945) became Tactical and Weapon Development Unit RAF [63]
- Gunnery Research Unit RAF (1940-45) [91]
- Instant Readiness Reserve Unit RAF (1979-81) became Lightning Augmentation Flight RAF [37]
- Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit
- Joint Air Transport Evaluation Unit
- Joint Concealment Centre (Royal Air Force Component) RAF (1952-58) [6]
- Joint Experimental Helicopter Unit RAF (1955-60) became No. 225 Squadron RAF [6]
- Joint Forward Air Controller Training and Standards Unit
- Jungle Target Research Unit RAF (1944-45) [6]
- Long-Range Development Unit RAF (1938) [39]
- Loran Training Unit RAF (1944-45) became Coastal Command Anti U-Boat Devices School RAF [39]
- Majunga Detachment Support Unit RAF (-1971) became No. 204 Squadron RAF [92]
- Marine Aircraft Experimental Unit RAF (1920-24) became Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment RAF [93]
- Merchant Ship Fighter Unit (1941-43) [93]
- Middle East Advanced Crew Training Unit RAF (1942-??) [94]
- Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit
- Missing Research and Enquiry Service (1944–1949)[95]
- Mobile Catering Support Unit RAF
- Navigation Training Unit RAF (1943-46) [89]
- Night Ground Attack Trials Unit RAF (1952-??) [89]
- Operational and Refresher Training Unit RAF (1943-46) became No. 1385 (Heavy Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF [14]
- Overseas Experimental Unit RAF (1960-66) [96]
- Parachute Test Unit RAF (1950-55) [97]
- Photographic Development Unit RAF (1940) became Photographic Reconnaissance Unit RAF [97]
- Photographic Reconnaissance Development Unit RAF (1943-47) became Air Photographic Development Unit RAF [97]
- Photographic Reconnaissance Unit RAF (1940) became No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit RAF [97]
- Pilot Refresher Training Unit RAF (1942) became Refresher Flying Training School RAF [15]
- Pilotless Aircraft Unit RAF (1940-46) [15]
- Radar Research Flying Unit RAF (1955-77) became Radar Research Squadron RAF [98]
- Radio Engineering Unit RAF (1950-??) [99]
- Research and Development Unit RAF (1943-46) [41]
- Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – 'The Red Arrows' (1965-) [52]
- Royal Air Force Element, Allied Tactical Air Intelligence Unit, Southeast Asia (1943-46) [43]
- Royal Air Force Element, Helicopter Development Unit (1961-65) became Short-Range Transport Development Unit RAF [43]
- Royal Air Force Film Production Unit (1941-44) became No. 1 Royal Air Force Film Production Unit [43]
- Royal Air Force Film Unit (1944-??) [43]
- Search and Rescue Training Unit
- Special Duties (Radio) Development Unit RAF (1944) became Bomber Support Development Unit RAF [100]
- Special Installation Unit RAF (1942-46) [101]
- Staff Pilot Training Unit RAF (1942 & 1943-45) [102]
- Strike Attack Operational Evaluation Unit (SAOEU) (1987-) [47]
- Strike Command Development Unit RAF (1968) [19]
- Survival and Rescue Training Unit (1945-49) [71]
- Tactical and Weapon Development Unit (India) RAF (1945) [64]
- Tactical Weapons Unit RAF (1974-78) became No. 1 Tactical Weapons Unit RAF [64]
- Target Towing Section, Shallufa RAF (1953-54) [103]
- Telecommunications Flying Unit RAF (1941-55) became Radar Research Flying Unit RAF [103]
- Torpedo Development Section RAF (-1939) [7]
- Torpedo Development Unit RAF (1939-43) became Aircraft Torpedo Development Unit RAF [7]
- Torpedo Training Unit RAF (1936-43) became No. 1 Torpedo Training Unit RAF [7]
- Transport Support Practice Camp (BAFO) RAF (1948) [25]
- Transport Support Practice Camp RAF (1947-48) [25]
- Transport Support Training Unit RAF (1944-45) became No. 1334 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF [8]
- Tropical Experimental Unit RAF (1947-60) became Overseas Experimental Unit RAF [8]
- Wireless Development Unit RAF (1939) became Station Flight, Perth [49]
- Wireless Intelligence Development Unit RAF (1940) became No. 109 Squadron RAF [50]
- Wireless Testing Park (1916-17) became Wireless Experimental Establishment [50]
Pools
- No. 1 (Middle East) Pilots and Aircrew Pool RAF (1942) became Middle East Advanced Crew Training Unit RAF [104]
- No. 2 (Middle East) Pilots and Aircrew Pool RAF (1942) [104]
- No. 1 Group Pool RAF (1939-40) became No. 12 OTU [63]
- No. 2 Group Pool RAF (1939-40) became No. 13 OTU [66]
- No. 3 Group Pool RAF (1939-40) became No. 15 OTU [66]
- No. 4 Group Pool RAF (1939-40) became No. 10 OTU [66]
- No. 5 Group Pool RAF (1939-40) became No. 16 OTU [105]
- No. 11 Group Pool RAF (1939-40) became No. 6 OTU [105]
- No. 12 Group Pool RAF (1939-40) became No. 5 OTU [106]
- Pupil Pilots Pool RAF (1943-47) [55]
- No. 1 Pupil Pilots Pool RAF (1941-43) [55]
- No. 2 Pupil Pilots Pool RAF (1941-43) [55]
- No. 3 Pupil Pilots Pool RAF (1941-43) became Pupil Pilots Pool RAF [55]
- Aircrew Transit Pool RAF (1943-44) became No. 3 Refresher Flying Unit RAF [78]
- Pilots and Aircrew Pool RAF (1941-42) became No. 1 (Middle East) Pilots and Aircrew Pool RAF [16]
- Pilots Reinforcement and Reserve Pool RAF (1940) became Reinforcement and Reserve Pool RAF [16]
- Pool of Pilots, Joyce Green RAF (1919) [55]
- Pool of Pilots, Manston RAF (1918) became Pool of Pilots, Joyce Green RAF [55]
- Pilot Training Unit and Reinforcement Pool RAF (1939-40) [15]
- Reinforcement and Reserve Pool RAF (1940) became Training Unit and Reserve Pool RAF [16]
- Training Unit and Reserve Pool RAF (1940) became No. 70 OTU [25]
Photographic reconnaissance
- No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit RAF (1940-42 & 1982-92) [97]
- No. 2 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit RAF (1941-43) became No. 680 Squadron RAF [15]
- No. 3 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit RAF (India) (1942-43) became No. 681 Squadron RAF [15]
- No. 3 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit RAF (1940-41 & 1941-42) became 3 PRU RAF (India) [15]
- No. 4 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit RAF (1941-43) became No. 682 Squadron RAF [15]
- No. 5 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit RAF (1942) became 3 PRU RAF (India) [15]
- 1 (Pilots) & 2 (Pilots)
- 1, Planned but cancelled, 2, Planned but cancelled, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9.
Sectors
More information sector, formed on ...
| sector | formed on | formed at | disbanded on | disbanded at | became | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 (Northern) | April 1963 | RAF Leconfield | April 1968 | RAF Boulmer | Sector South | [107] |
| 12 (East Anglia) | April 1963 | RAF Horsham St Faith | April 1968 | Neatishead | Sector North | [107] |
| 13 (Scotland) | April 1963 | RAF Boulmer | March 1965 | RAF Boulmer | Disbanded into 11 Sector | [107] |
| 15 | May 1944 | RAF Ford | July 1944 | Martragny | Disbanded | [107] |
| 17 (Fighter) | May 1944 | RAF Kenley | July 1944 | Crepon | Disbanded | [107] |
| 18 (Fighter) | May 1944 | RAF Chailey | July 1944 | RAF Chailey | Disbanded | [108] |
| 19 (Fighter) | May 1944 | RAF Appledram | July 1944 | RAF Appledram | Disbanded | [108] |
| 20 (Fighter) | May 1944 | RAF Thorney Island | July 1944 | RAF Thorney Island | Disbanded | [108] |
| 21 (Base Defence) | May 1944 | RAF Sopley Park | July 1944 | RAF Ibsley | Disbanded | [108] |
| 22 (Fighter) | May 1944 | RAF Hurn | July 1944 | Le Fresnoy | Disbanded | [108] |
| 24 (Base Defence) | May 1944 | RAF Wartling | March 1945 | St Denis Westrem | Disbanded into 85 Group Unit | [108] |
| 25 (Base Defence) | May 1944 | RAF Hornchurch | March 1945 | Everburg | Disbanded into 85 Group Operations Room | [108] |
| North | April 1968 | RAF Neatishead | January 1992 | RAF Neatishead | Disbanded | [107] |
| South | April 1968 | RAF Boulmer | January 1992 | RAF Boulmer | Disbanded | [107] |
| Caledonian Sector HQ RAF | October 1951 | RAF Barnton Quarry | November 1957 | RAF Barnton Quarry | Disbanded | [109] |
| Eastern Sector HQ RAF | July 1946 | RAF Horsham St Faith | July 1958 | RAF Coltishall | Disbanded | [110] |
| Essex Sector HQ RAF | October 1945 | RAF North Weald | June 1946 | RAF North Weald | Metropolitan Sector HQ | [111] |
| Fighter Sector Z RAF | September 1943 | Amriya | October 1943 | Amriya | No. 335 Wing | [112] |
| Fighter Sector HQ Digby RAF | July 1945 | RAF Blankney | November 1945 | RAF Blankney | Lincolnshire Sector HQ | [113] |
| Fighter Sector HQ Exeter RAF | January 1945 | RAF Exeter | November 1945 | RAF Exeter | Western Sector HQ | [114] |
| Lincolnshire Sector HQ RAF | November 1945 | RAF Blankney | July 1946 | RAF Blankney | Eastern Sector HQ | [113] |
| Metropolitan Sector HQ RAF | May 1946 | RAF North Weald | November 1957 | RAF North Weald | Disbanded | [115] |
| Norfolk Sector HQ RAF | August 1945 | RAF Horsham St Faith | July 1946 | RAF Horsham St Faith | Eastern Sector HQ | [116] |
| Northern Sector HQ RAF | December 1950 | RAF Linton-On-Ouse | November 1957 | RAF Church Fenton | Disbanded | [116] |
| Scottish Sector HQ RAF | November 1949 | RAF Turnhouse | October 1951 | RAF Leuchars | Station Flight, Caledonian Sector | [107] |
| Southern Sector HQ RAF | January 1946 | RAF Nether Wallop | November 1957 | RAF Rudloe Manor | Disbanded | [117] |
| South Eastern Sector HQ RAF | November 1945 | RAF Biggin Hill | June 1946 | RAF North Weald | Metropolitan Sector | [117] |
| Western Sector HQ RAF | November 1945 | RAF Exeter | July 1946 | RAF Exeter | Southern Sector HQ | [114] |
| Yorkshire Sector HQ RAF | November 1945 | RAF Church Fenton | December 1950 | RAF Patrington | Northern Sector HQ | [118] |
Close
Signals units
- 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 26, 33, 50, 54, 59, 71, 81, 90 & 91.
- 101, 112, 117, 123, 144 & 146.
- 235, 244, 264, 271, 276 & 280.
- 303, 336, 367, 388 & 399.
- 405, 409, 425, 432, 444, 469 & 487.
- 500, 585 & 591.
- 615 & 646.
- 719, 721, 724 & 751.
- 815, 840 & 889.
- 926, 962, 966 & 993.
- 1001.
- Signals Development Unit RAF
- Signals Flying Unit RAF
Citations
- "RAF - Operational Conversion Units". Archived from the original on 22 February 2015. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
- "Ministry of Defence | About Defence | What we do | Health and Safety | Porton Down Volunteers | Porton Down - A Brief History". Archived from the original on 8 December 2010. Retrieved 12 December 2010.
- Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 192.
- Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 194.
- Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 308.
- "Flight 6 December 1945 p612". flightglobal.com. Archived from the original on 30 April 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
Bibliography
- Halley, James J. (1988). The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth 1918–1988. Air Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 0-85130-164-9.
- Jefford, C.G. (2001) [1988]. RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912 (2nd ed.). Airlife Publishing. ISBN 1-85310-053-6.
- Lake, Alan (1999). Flying Units of the RAF. Airlife Publishing. ISBN 1-84037-086-6.
- Sturtivant, R; Hamlin, J; Halley, J (1997). Royal Air Force flying training and support units. UK: Air-Britain (Historians). ISBN 0-85130-252-1.