No. 2 Initial Training School RAAF

AWM Photo 003191 Trainees at No. 2 ITS

Brief History

RAAF aircrew candidates began there training at an Initial Training School. Similar to the Army's basic training, detailed screening of candidates was carried out to allocate them for aircrew roles including Pilots, Navigators, Bomb Aimers, Wireless Operators and Air Gunners, before they were transferred to other schools either in Australia or in other Commonwealth countries to complete their training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

No. 2 Initial Training School was opened at Lindfield, New South Wales on 27 May 1940 with a strength of 17 airmen. 231 airmen arrived on 22 Jun 1940 to undertake training, and they graduated on 19 July. Training continued until the unit was disbanded during June 1945.

On 1 Jan 1942, the unit strength was 37 officers, 94 ground staff and 1491 trainees, with the increased number of trainees responding to the entry of Japan into the war from 8 Dec 1941. Extra courses, including ship and aircraft recognition, lecture technique and staff navigator, commenced during May 1942. The ship and aircraft recognition courses included students from the WAAAF, Army and United States Services.

On 11 Jun 1945, 537 aircrew students were posted from the School, and the unit was disbanded during the month.

Trainees

• Charles Douglas Pailthorpe DFC 22 Jul - 15 Dec 1940