No. 54 Operational Training Unit RAF

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Brief History

Royal Air Force Operational Training Units (OTU) were training units that prepared aircrew for operations on a particular type or types of aircraft or roles. 54 Operational Training Unit (54 OTU) was formed in November 1940 at RAF Church Fenton in Yorkshire to train night fighter crews. Equipped with Blenheims, and Defiants as its main equipment, in June 1941 the Defiants were transferred to No 60 OTU and No 54 concentrated on twin engine training. The unit moved to Charterhall, Berwickshire in May 1942, Beaufighters having replaced the Blenheims in February. May 1944 saw the arrival of some Mosquitoes and the Beaufort radar trainers were gradually replaced by Wellingtons. By July 1945 the last Beaufighter had left and in November the unit moved to East Moor. Its final move came in June 1946 when it transferred to Leeming, where on 1 May 1947 it merged with No 13 OTU to form No 228 OCU.

Trainees

• Roy Joseph Smith 2 Aug - 15 Sep 1942