List of conversion units of the Royal Air Force

{{Short description|None}} {{more footnotes needed|date=June 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}} {{Use British English|date=January 2017}} [[File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|thumb|upright=1.14|Ensign of the Royal Air Force]] '''Conversion units''' and '''operational conversion units''' (OCUs) were training units of the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF).

==History== With the introduction of new heavy bombers, the four-engined [[Short Stirling]], [[Avro Lancaster]], and [[Handley Page Halifax]], the Royal Air Force introduced heavy conversion units (HCU). These HCUs began forming in late 1941, to qualify crews trained on medium bombers to operate the heavy bombers before final posting to the operational squadrons. Some of the HCUs were involved in bombing operations over Germany.

After the end of the [[Second World War]], the role of the HCUs was taken over by the [[operational conversion unit]]s (OCUs). Although the units had nominal bases, different flights and individual aircraft usually were detached nearer the operational bases.

RAF OCUs are training units that prepare aircrew for operations on a particular type or types of aircraft or roles. Some OCUs have a [[Shadow squadron|shadow, or reserve, squadron]] designation, which is used if the unit has a war role.

==Current RAF OCUs== '''F-35 Lightning''' – [[RAF Marham]] *[[No. 207 Squadron RAF|207 Squadron]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2023 |title=207 Squadron {{!}} Royal Air Force |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/207-squadron/}}</ref> '''Typhoon''' – [[RAF Coningsby]] *[[No. 29 Squadron RAF|29 Squadron]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-20 |title=No 29 Squadron |url=https://www.keymilitary.com/article/no-29-squadron |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=www.keymilitary.com |language=en}}</ref> '''Support helicopter''' ('''[[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|Puma]]''' and '''[[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|Chinook]]''') – [[RAF Benson]] *[[No. 28 Squadron RAF|28 Squadron]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2023 |title=28 Squadron {{!}} Royal Air Force |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/28-squadron/}}</ref> '''Air Mobility''' ([[Airbus A400M Atlas|'''Atlas''']] and [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|'''C-17''']]) – [[RAF Brize Norton]] *[[No. 24 Squadron RAF|24 Squadron]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2023 |title=XXIV Squadron {{!}} Royal Air Force |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/xxiv-squadron/}}</ref> '''ISR''' ('''[[Boeing E-7 Wedgetail|Wedgetail]], [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|Poseidon]]''') – [[RAF Lossiemouth]] *[[No. 42 Squadron RAF|42 Squadron]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2023 |title=42 Squadron {{!}} Royal Air Force |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/number-42-squadron-reforms-at-raf-lossiemouth/}}</ref> '''ISR''' ('''[[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|Reaper]], [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|Protector]], [[Boeing RC-135|Rivet Joint]]''' and '''[[Shadow R1|Shadow]]''') – [[RAF Waddington]] *[[No. 54 Squadron RAF|54 Squadron]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2023 |title=54 Squadron {{!}} Royal Air Force |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/54-squadron/}}</ref>

Some aircraft types operated by a single squadron, which includes most transport aircraft, and most ISTAR aircraft, are not big enough to need a dedicated OCU squadron for their training requirements; they may only have a few at any time. Therefore, smaller squadrons also incorporate training facilities to allow them to process aircrew onto their aircraft type. Some roles, such as ISTAR, require more rear crew for the aircraft, such as [[weapon systems officer]]s (WSOs) and weapon systems operators (WSOps) – their training can be more generalised, and this is carried out by [[No. 54 Squadron RAF|54 Squadron]] at [[RAF Waddington]]. This reduces the training requirement on the individual ISTAR squadrons, by providing aircrew who require only aircraft conversion training when they reach their squadrons.

Pilots are trained directly onto their aircraft type by the frontline squadrons using training "flights". An example of this is the OCU flight of [[No. 24 Squadron RAF|24 Squadron]], which trains new Atlas and C-17 aircrew onto the aircraft.

OCUs are monitored by the RAF's [[Central Flying School]] to maintain training standards. Training is delivered by qualified flying instructors (QFIs) and qualified weapons instructors, and frontline squadrons also have qualified individuals to deliver continual and refresher training after the OCU. OCUs generally also provide training for those aircrew selected to become QFIs on an aircraft type – an example would be the now disbanded [[No. 208 Squadron RAF|208(R) Squadron]], which previously trained aircrew for the now disbanded [[No. 100 Squadron RAF|100 Squadron]], QFIs for 208(R), and provided refresher training for aircrew joining the RAF aerobatic team, the [[Red Arrows]], on the [[Hawk T.1]]. {{Clear}}

==List of conversion units== {|class="wikitable" ! Unit ! width="130" | Dates ! Aircraft ! Base ! Notes |-valign="top" |[[No. 226 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|226 OCU]] |Aug 46–Aug 49 Sep 49–Jun 55 Jun 63–Sep 74 Oct 74–Sep 91 |[[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]], [[Bristol Beaufighter|Beaufighter X]] [[de Havilland Hornet|Hornet F.1]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III/TT.35]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[de Havilland Vampire|Vampire F.1/FB.5/T.11]] [[Gloster Meteor|Meteor F.3/F.4/T.7/F.8/FR.9]] [[Hawker Tempest|Tempest II]] [[Miles Martinet|Martinet I]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire XIV/XVI/XVIII/XIX/F.22]] [[Gloster Javelin|Javelin T.3]] [[English Electric Lightning|Lightning F.1/F.1A/F.3/T.4/T.5]] [[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar GR.1/T.2]] |[[RAF Molesworth]] [[RAF Bentwaters]] [[RAF Driffield]] [[RAF Stradishall]] [[RAF Middleton St. George]] [[RAF Coltishall]] [[RAF Lossiemouth]] |Formed at Molesworth by re-designating [[No. 1335 (Meteor) Conversion Unit RAF|1335 (Meteor) CU]]. Disbanded at Driffield to become [[No. 203 Advanced Flying School RAF|203 AFS]]. Re-formed at Stradishall by renaming 203 AFS. Re-formed at Middleton St. George by merging the [[Lightning Conversion Squadron RAF]] and the [[Fighter Command Instrument Rating Squadron RAF]]. Disbanded at Coltishall. Immediately re-formed at Lossiemouth by re-designating the Jaguar Operational Conversion Unit RAF. Disbanded at Lossiemouth to become [[No. 16 Squadron RAF|16 (Reserve) Sqn]] |-valign="top" |[[No. 227 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|227 OCU]] [[No. 227 (Air Observation Post) Conversion Unit RAF|227 (AOP) CU]] |May 47–Dec 47 Dec 47–May 50 | [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[Taylorcraft Auster|Auster V]] [[Taylorcraft Auster|Auster VI]] [[Taylorcraft Auster|Auster T.7]] [[Taylorcraft Auster|Auster A.2/45]] [[North American T-6 Texan|Harvard IIB]] | [[RAF Andover]] [[RAF Middle Wallop]] |Formed by re-designation of [[No. 43 OTU]] Became the [[AAC Middle Wallop|Air Observation Post School RAF]]. |-valign="top" |[[No. 228 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|228 OCU]] |May 47–Sep 61 May 65–Dec 66 Aug 68–Jul 92 |[[Miles Martinet|Martinet I]] [[Miles Master|Master II]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[Bristol Brigand|Brigand B.1/T.4/T.5]] [[Hawker Tempest|Tempest V]] [[Bristol Buckmaster|Buckmaster T.1]] [[Vickers Wellington|Wellington XVIII]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III/VI/NF.30/TT.35/NF.36]] [[Boulton Paul Balliol|Balliol T.2]] [[Vickers Valetta|Valetta C.1/T.3/T.4]] [[Percival Prentice|Prentice T.1]] [[de Havilland Vampire|Vampire T.11]] [[Gloster Meteor|Meteor F.4/T.7/NF.11/NF.12/NF.14]] [[Avro Anson|Anson XIX]] [[de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk|Chipmunk T.10]] [[Gloster Javelin|Javelin T.3/FAW.5/FAW.7/FAW.9]] [[English Electric Canberra|Canberra T.4/T.11]] [[F-4 Phantom II|Phantom FGR.2]] [[Hunting-Percival Jet Provost|Jet Provost T.4]] |[[RAF Leeming]] [[RAF Leuchars]] [[RAF Coningsby]] |Formed by merging [[No. 13 OTU]] and [[No. 54 OTU]] Became [[No. 64 Squadron RAF|64 (R) Sqn]] |-valign="top" |229 OCU |Dec 50–Sep 74 Nov 84–Jul 92 |[[de Havilland Vampire|Vampire FB.5/T.11]] [[Gloster Meteor|Meteor T.7/F.8/TT.8]] [[Hawker Hunter|Hunter F.1/F.4/F.6/T.7/FGA.9/FR.10]] [[Hawker Tempest|Tempest V]] [[Bristol Beaufighter|Beaufighter X]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I/II]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III/TT.35]] [[Miles Martinet|Martinet I]] [[Avro Anson|Anson T.21/T.22]] [[F-86 Sabre|Sabre F.2/F.4]] [[de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk|Chipmunk T.10]] [[Hunting-Percival Jet Provost|Jet Provost T.3A]] [[Panavia Tornado|Tornado F.2(T)/F.3]] | [[RAF Leuchars]] [[RAF Chivenor]] [[RAF Brawdy]] [[RAF Coningsby]] |Formed from 'B' and 'D' Flights of [[No. 226 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|226 OCU]]. Reformed 1957 at Chivenor Disbanded 2 September 1974 at Chivenor when relocated to Brawdy to become the [[Tactical Weapons Unit RAF]] Reformed at Coningsby in 1984 and designated [[No. 65 Squadron RAF|65 (Shadow) Squadron]] from 31 December 1986 Became [[No. 56 Squadron RAF|56 (R) Sqn]]. |-valign="top" |[[No. 230 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|230 OCU]] |Mar 47–Oct 52 Aug 53–Feb 55 May 56–Aug 81 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/III]] [[Avro Lincoln|Lincoln B.2]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III/B.35/NF.36]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth]] [[Avro Anson|Anson XIX]] [[Avro Vulcan|Vulcan B.1/B.2]] [[Handley Page Hastings|Hastings T.5]] [[English Electric Canberra|Canberra T.4]] | [[RAF Lindholme]] [[RAF Scampton]] [[RAF Upwood]] [[RAF Waddington]] [[RAF Finningley]] [[RAF Scampton]] |Formed by re-designting No. 1653 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF Disbanded 15 October 1952 to become the [[Reserve Training Squadron RAF]] Became the [[Lincoln Conversion Flight RAF]] at Upwood 1 February 1955. |-valign="top" |[[No. 231 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|231 OCU]] |Mar 47–Dec 49 Dec 51–Dec 90 May 1991–Apr 93 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/III]] [[Avro Anson|Anson XII/XIX/T.22]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III/VI/XVI/PR.34/PR.34A/B.35]] [[de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk|Chipmunk T.10]] [[Gloster Meteor|Meteor T.7/PR.10]] [[English Electric Canberra|Canberra B.2/PR.3/T.4]] |[[RAF Coningsby]] [[RAF Waddington]] [[RAF Bassingbourn]] [[RAF Cottesmore]] [[RAF Marham]] [[RAF Wyton]] |Formed by re-designating [[No. 16 Operational Training Unit RAF]] re-formed at Bassingbourn by re-designation of 237 OCU Disbanded at Wyton, 15 December 1990, to become the [[Canberra Standardisation and Training Flight]] Re-formed at Wyton 13 May 1990 from the [[Canberra Standardisation and Training Flight]] |-valign="top" |[[No. 232 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|232 OCU]] |Feb 55–Jun 65 Feb 70–Apr 86 | [[Vickers Valiant|Valiant B.1]] [[Handley Page Victor|Victor B.1/B.1A/B.2/SR.2/K.2]] [[English Electric Canberra|Canberra T.4]] | [[RAF Gaydon]] [[RAF Marham]] |At Gaydon, 30 June 1965, the Victor element became the [[Tanker Training Flight RAF]] Re-formed at Marham 6 February 1970 by amalgamating the Victor (B.2) Training Flight RAF and the Victor Training Unit RAF. |-valign="top" |233 OCU |Sep 52–Sep 57 Oct 70–Sep 92 |[[de Havilland Vampire|Vampire FB.5/FB.9/T.11]] [[Boulton Paul Balliol|Balliol T.2]] [[Gloster Meteor|Meteor T.7/F.8]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III/PR.34A/TT.35]] [[Hawker Tempest|Tempest V]] [[de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk|Chipmunk T.10]] [[Hawker Hunter|Hunter F.1]] [[Hawker-Siddeley Harrier|Harrier GR.1/GR.1A/GR.3/GR.3A Harrier T.2/T.4/T.4A/GR.5]] |[[RAF Pembrey]]<ref>{{cite book |url= http://www.rafjever.org/pod004.htm |title=I'll Call You Pod |first=Ken |last=Senar |work=rafjever.org |year=2008 |access-date=22 September 2014}}</ref> [[RAF Wittering]] |Became [[No. 20 Squadron RAF|20 (R) Sqn]] |-valign="top" |[[No. 235 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|235 OCU]] |Jul 47–Oct 53 |[[Short Sunderland|Sunderland V]] [[Short Seaford]] |[[RAF Calshot]] |Became the [[Flying Boat Training Squadron RAF]] |-valign="top" |[[No. 236 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|236 OCU]] |Jul 47–Sep 56 Jul 70–Sep 92 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I/II]] [[Bristol Beaufighter|Beaufighter X]] [[Avro Shackleton|Shackleton GR.1/MR.1A]] [[P2V Neptune|Neptune MR.1]] [[Miles Martinet|Martinet I]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire XVI]] [[de Havilland Vampire|Vampire FB.5]] [[Avro Anson|Anson XI/XIX]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito TT.35]] [[Bristol Brigand|Brigand T.5]] [[Bristol Buckmaster|Buckmaster T.1]] [[Hawker Siddeley Nimrod|Nimrod MR1 & MR2]] |[[RAF Kinloss]] [[RAF St Mawgan]] |Formed by re-designating [[No. 6 OTU]] |-valign="top" |[[No. 237 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|237 OCU]] |Jul 47–Dec 51 Oct 56–Jan 58 Mar 71–Oct 91 |[[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III/PR.34/PR.34A]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire XVI/XIX]] [[T-6 Texan|Harvard IIB]] [[Gloster Meteor|Meteor T.7/PR.10]] [[English Electric Canberra|Canberra PR.3/T.4]] [[Hawker Hunter|Hunter F.6/T.7/T.7A/T.7B/T.8C]] [[Hawker-Siddeley Buccaneer|Buccaneer S.2A/S.2B]] |[[RAF Benson]] [[RAF Bassingbourn]] [[RAF Wyton]] [[RAF Honington]] [[RAF Lossiemouth]] |Formed by re-designating [[No. 8 OTU]] Became [[No. 231 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|231 OCU]] at Bassingbourn. Re-formed at Wyton, 1956, by re-designating 'C' Squadron of 231 OCU. Re-absorbed by 231 OCU January 1958. |-valign="top" |238 OCU |1 Jun 52–Mar 58 |[[Bristol Buckmaster|Buckmaster T.1]] [[Bristol Brigand|Brigand T.4/T.5]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito TT.35]] [[Boulton Paul Balliol|Balliol T.2]] [[Gloster Meteor|Meteor NF.12/NF.14]] [[Vickers Valetta|Valetta C.1/T.3]] |[[RAF Colerne]] [[RAF North Luffenham]] |Formed by re-designating the Airborne Interception School RAF |-valign="top" |[[No. 240 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|240 OCU]] |Jan 48–Apr 51 Dec 71–Oct 93 |[[Avro Anson|Anson I/X/XII/XIX]] [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota IV]] [[Handley Page Hastings|Hastings MET.1]] [[Vickers Valetta|Valetta C.1]] [[Westland Wessex|Wessex HC.2]]{{sfn|Green|1976|p=13}} [[Aerospatiale Puma|Puma HC.1]]{{sfn|Green|1976|p=13}} [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|Chinook HC.1]] |[[RAF North Luffenham]] [[RAF Odiham]] |Formed by merging [[No. 1333 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF|1333 (TS)CU]] with [[No. 1382 (Transport) Conversion Unit RAF|1382 (T)CU]] |-valign="top" |[[No. 242 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|241 OCU]] |Jan 48–Apr 51 Jul 70–Oct 93 |[[Avro York|York C.1]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax IX]] [[Handley Page Hastings|Hastings C.1]] [[Vickers Valetta|Valetta C.1]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[Avro Anson|Anson XI/XII]] [[Bristol Britannia|Brittania C.1/C.2]] [[Hawker Siddeley Andover|Andover C.1]] [[Short Belfast|Belfast C.1]] [[BAC VC10|VC10 C.1]] [[Lockheed Tristar|Tristar C.1]] [[BAe 146]] |[[RAF Dishforth]] [[RAF Brize Norton]] |Formed by re-designating No. 1332 Heavy Transport Conversion Unit RAF Became [[No. 55 Squadron RAF|No. 55 (Reserve) Squadron RAF]] |-valign="top" |[[No. 242 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|242 OCU]] |Apr 51–Jul 92 |[[Vickers Valetta|Valetta C.1]] [[Handley Page Hastings|Hastings C.1/MET.1/C.1A]] [[Blackburn Beverley|Beverley C.1]] [[Armstrong Whitworth AW.660 Argosy|Argosy C.1]] [[Hawker Siddeley Andover|Andover C.1]] [[C-130 Hercules|Hercules C.1/C.1K/C.1P/C.3]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[Avro Anson|Anson XII]] [[de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk|Chipmunk T.10]] |[[RAF Dishforth]] [[RAF Thorney Island ]] [[RAF Lyneham]] |Became [[No. 57 Squadron RAF|57 (R) Sqn]] |-valign="top" |1330 CU |Jun 44–Mar 46 | [[North American T-6 Texan|Harvard IIA]] [[Martin Baltimore|Baltimore IV/V]] [[Vultee Vengeance|Vengeance IV]] [[Lockheed Hudson|Hudson IIIA]] [[Beechcraft Model 18|Expeditor I]] [[Martin B-26 Marauder|Marauder II/III]] [[B-34 Ventura|Ventura V]] [[F6F Hellcat|Hellcat II]] [[Bristol Beaufighter|Beaufighter X]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[P-51 Mustang|Mustang IVA]] [[Avro Anson|Anson I]] [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota I/III]] [[Douglas DC-2]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III/IV]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] | [[RAF Bilbeis]] |[[No. 1 (Middle East) Check and Conversion Unit RAF]] re-designated. |-valign="top" |1331 CU 1331 HTCU |Sep 44–Jan 46 Dec 46–Jan 48 | [[North American T-6 Texan|Harvard IIB]] [[Vultee Vengeance|Vengeance IA/II/IV]] [[Bristol Beaufighter|Beaufighter VI/X]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire VIII]] [[North American P-51 Mustang|Mustang IV]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[Bristol Blenheim|Blenheim V]] [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt|Thunderbolt I/II]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[Vickers Wellington|Wellington XVI]] [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator III/VI]] | [[RAF Mauripur]] [[RAF Risalpur]] [[RAF Syerston]] |Formed by re-designating [[Check and Conversion Flight RAF]]. |-valign="top" |1332 (T)HCU 1332 HTCU |Sep 44–May 47 May 47–Jan 48 |[[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator III/V /VI/VII/IX]] [[Avro York|York C.1]] [[Short Stirling|Stirling III]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax VII/IX]] [[C-54 Skymaster|Skymaster C.1]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] |[[RAF Longtown]] [[RAF Dishforth]] |Became [[No. 241 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|241 OCU]]. |-valign="top" |1333 (TS)CU 1333 TSCU |Mar 45–Jul 46 Jul 46–Jan 48 |[[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota III/IV]] [[Airspeed Horsa|Horsa I/II]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax VII/IX]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Miles Magister]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth]] [[Percival Proctor|Proctor IV]] [[Taylorcraft Auster|Auster III]] |[[RAF Leicester East]] [[RAF North Luffenham]] |Formed by re-designating [[No. 107 OTU]] Merged with [[No. 1382 (Transport) Conversion Unit RAF|1382 (T)CU]] to become [[No. 240 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|240 OCU]]. |-valign="top" |1334 (TS)CU |Apr 45–Mar 45 |[[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota III/IV]] |RAF Gujrat [[RAF Baroda]] | |-valign="top" |1335 (M)CU |Mar 45–Aug 46 |[[Gloster Meteor|Meteor F.1/F.3]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Miles Martinet|Martinet I]] |[[RAF Colerne]] [[RAF Molesworth]] |Became [[No. 226 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|226 OCU]] |-valign="top" |1336 (TS)CU 1336 TCU |Jun 45–Mar 46 |[[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota III]] |[[RAF Welford]] | |-valign="top" |1380 (TS)CU 1380 TCU |Aug 45–Jan 46 |[[Vickers Wellington|Wellington X]] [[Avro Anson|Anson I]] [[Percival Proctor|Proctor II]] |[[RAF Tilstock]] |Formed by re-designating [[No. 81 OTU]] |-valign="top" |1381 (T)CU |Aug 45–Feb 48 |[[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota III/IV]] [[Vickers Wellington]] Mk. X [[Miles Magister]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] |[[RAF Bramcote]] [[RAF Dishforth]] |Formed by re-designating No. 105 (Transport) Operational Training Unit at Bramcote.<ref name="CT">{{cite web|url=http://www.controltowers.co.uk/B/Bramcote.htm |title=RAF Bramcote – RN HMS Gamecock – airfield |publisher=Control Towers|access-date=2 May 2012}}</ref> |-valign="top" |1382 (T)CU |Aug 45–Jan 48 |[[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[Miles Magister]] [[C-47 Skytrain|Dakota III/IV]] |[[RAF Wymeswold]] [[RAF North Luffenham]] |Formed by re-designating [[No. 108 OTU]] Merged with [[No. 1333 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF|1330 (TS)CU]] to form [[No. 240 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|240 OCU]]. |-valign="top" |1383 (T)CU |Aug 45–Aug 46 |[[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax VII]] |[[RAF Crosby-on-Eden]] |Formed by re-designating [[No. 109 OTU]] |-valign="top" |1384 (HT)CU |Nov 45–Jun 46 |[[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota I]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[Avro York|York C.1]] |[[RAF Ossington]] [[RAF Wethersfield]] |Formed by re-designating [[No. 6 Lancaster Finishing School RAF]] |-valign="top" |1385 (HTS)CU |Apr 46–Jun 46 |[[Short Stirling|Stirling V]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax VII]] [[Airspeed Horsa|Horsa II]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] |[[RAF Wethersfield]] |Absorbed by [[No. 1333 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit RAF|1333 (TS)CU]] |-valign="top" |1584 (HB)CU |Nov 43–Feb 44 |[[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator III]] |[[Kolar, Karnataka|RAF Kolar]] [[Salboni|RAF Salbani]] |Formed by re-designating No. 1584 (Heavy Bomber Conversion) Flight RAF. Became 1673 HCU. |-valign="top" |1651 CU 1651 HCU |Jan 42–July 44 May 44–Mar 45 Mar 45–Jul 45 |[[Short Stirling|Stirling I/III]] [[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[Bristol Beaufighter|Beaufighter X]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax II]] |[[RAF Waterbeach]] [[RAF Wratting Common]] [[RAF Woolfox Lodge]] |During 1942 it flew 49 operational sorties for [[RAF Bomber Command]] with a loss of five aircraft. Formed by merging [[No. 26 Conversion Flight RAF]] and [[No. 106 Conversion Flight RAF]]. Absorbed [[No. 15 Squadron Conversion Flight RAF]] and [[No. 24 Squadron Conversion Flight RAF]]. |-valign="top" |1652 CU 1652 HCU |Jan 42–Jun 45 |[[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax I/II/III/V]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC/IV]] |[[RAF Marston Moor]] [[RAF Bentwaters]] |During 1942 it flew 42 operational sorties for [[RAF Bomber Command]] with a loss of three aircraft. Formed by merging [[No. 28 Conversion Flight RAF]] and [[No. 109 Conversion Flight RAF]]. Absorbed [[No. 35 Squadron Conversion Flight RAF]] |-valign="top" |1653 CU 1653 HCU |Jan 42–Oct 42 Nov 43–Nov 46 |[[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator II]] [[Short Stirling|Stirling I/III]] [[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/III]] [[Bristol Blenheim|Blenheim IV]] [[B-34 Ventura|Ventura I]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito XIX]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[Bristol Beaufighter|Beaufighter VI]] |[[RAF Polebrook]] [[RAF Burn]] [[RAF Chedburgh]] [[RAF Lindholme]] [[RAF North Luffenham]] |Formed by re-designating [[No. 108 Conversion Flight RAF]] Became [[No. 230 Operational Conversion Unit RAF]] in March 1947. |-valign="top" |1654 CU 1654 HCU |May 42–Jul 42 Jul 42–Sep 45 |[[Avro Manchester|Manchester I]] [[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax II/V]] [[Short Stirling|Stirling III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] |[[RAF Swinderby]] [[RAF Wigsley]] |During 1942 it flew 12 operational sorties with a loss of two aircraft. |-valign="top" |1655 MCU |Aug 42–May 43 |[[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III/IV/XVI/B.20/B.25]] [[Bristol Blenheim|Blenheim IV]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] |[[RAF Horsham St. Faith]] [[RAF Upper Heyford]] [[RAF Marham]] |Became [[No. 1655 Mosquito Training Unit RAF]] at [[RAF Finmere]] Eventually absorbed by [[No. 16 Operational Training Unit RAF]] |-valign="top" |1656 HCU |Oct 42–Nov 45 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/III]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax II/V]] [[Avro Manchester|Manchester I]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire IIa/Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] |[[RAF Lindholme]] |Formed by merging 103 and 460 Squadron Conversion Fights. |-valign="top" |1657 HCU |Oct 42–Dec 44 |[[Short Stirling|Stirling I/III/IV]] [[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/II]] [[Curtiss P-40 Warhawk|Tomahawk IIB]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] |[[RAF Stradishall]] |Formed by merging 7, 101 and 149 Squadron Conversion Fights. |-valign="top" |1658 HCU |Oct 42–Apr 45 |[[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax I/II/III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] |[[RAF Riccall]] |Formed by merging 10, 76 and 78 Squadron Conversion Fights. |-valign="top" |1659 HCU |Oct 42–Mar 43 Mar 43–Sep 45 |[[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax I/II/III]] [[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire IIa/Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth]] |[[RAF Leeming]] [[RAF Topcliffe]] |Formed by merging 405 and 408 Squadron Conversion Fights. Trained [[Canadians|Canadian]] aircrew. |-valign="top" |1660 HCU |Oct 42–Nov 46 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/II/III]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax II]] [[Avro Manchester|Manchester I]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito XIX]] [[Short Stirling|Stirling I/III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vc]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[Westland Lysander|Lysander I]] [[de Havilland Puss Moth]] |[[RAF Swinderby]] |Formed by merging 61, 97, 106 and 7 Squadron Conversion Fights. Absorbed by No. 1653 Heavy Conversion Unit. |-valign="top" |1661 HCU |Nov 42–Aug 45 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/II]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax II/V]] [[Avro Manchester|Manchester I]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito XIII]] [[Short Stirling|Stirling III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] |[[RAF Winthorpe]] |Formed by merging 9, 44 and 49 Squadron Conversion Fights. [[Short Stirling]]s replaced the planned re-equipment with [[Handley Page Halifax]]s.<ref>{{cite book |first=Jonathan |last=Falconer |title=RAF bomber airfields of World War 2 |year=1975 |location=Shepperton |publisher=Ian Allan }}</ref> |-valign="top" |1662 HCU |Jan 43–Apr 45 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/II]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax I/II/III/V]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] |[[RAF Blyton]] | |-valign="top" |1663 HCU |Mar 43–May 45 |[[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax I/II/III/V]] [[Short Stirling|Stirling I]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] |[[RAF Rufforth]] | |-valign="top" |1664 HCU 1664 (RCAF)HCU |May 43–Apr 44 Apr 44–Apr 45 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/III]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax II/III/V]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] |[[RAF Croft]] [[RAF Dishforth]] |The unit had the Canadian name ''Caribou''. |-valign="top" |1665 HCU 1665 (HT)CU |Apr 43–Jun 43 Jun 43–Jan 44 Jan 44–Aug 45 Aug 45–Jul 46 |[[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax III/V/VI/VII]] [[Short Stirling|Stirling I/III/IV]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire IIa/Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane X]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito VI]] [[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I]] |[[RAF Mepal]] [[RAF Woolfox Lodge]] [[RAF Tilstock]] [[RAF Saltby]] [[RAF Marston Moor]] [[RAF Linton-on-Ouse]] |Re-designated as No. 1665 (HT)CU on 10 August 1945 |-valign="top" |1666 HCU 1666 (RCAF)HCU |Jun 43–Oct 43 Oct 43–Aug 45 |[[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax II/III/V]] [[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/II/III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire IIa/Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] |[[RAF Dalton]] [[RAF Wombleton]] |The unit had the Canadian name ''Mohawk''. |-valign="top" |1667 HCU |Jun 43–Oct 43 Oct 43–Feb 44 Feb 44–Nov 45 |[[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax II/V]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford II]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/III]] |[[RAF Lindholme]] [[RAF Faldingworth]] [[RAF Sandtoft]] | |-valign="top" |1668 HCU |Aug 43–Nov 43 Jul 44–Mar 46 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/II/III/X]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito XIX]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[Bristol Beaufighter|Beaufighter VI]] |[[RAF Balderton]] [[RAF Bottesford]] |Disbanded November 1943, re-formed July 1944. |-valign="top" |1669 HCU |Aug 44–Mar 45 |[[Handley Page Halifax]] [[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster I/III]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfire Vb]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] |[[RAF Langar]] | |-valign="top" |1670 (T)CU |Jun 44–Jan 45 |[[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt|Thunderbolt]] [[North American T-6 Texan|Harvard IIB]] |[[Yelahanka Air Force Station|RAF Yelahanka]] |Became [[No. 8 Refresher Flying Unit RAF]] |-valign="top" |1671 CU |Feb 44–Jun 44 |[[Bristol Beaufighter|Beaufighter VI]] |[[RAF Baigachi]] |Formed from [[AI Mk VIII Conversion Flight RAF]] |-valign="top" |1672 (M)CU |Feb 44–Aug 45 |[[Bristol Blenheim|Blenheim V]] [[de Havilland Mosquito|Mosquito III]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] |[[Yelahanka Air Force Station|RAF Yelahanka]] | |-valign="top" |1673 HCU |Feb 44–Apr 44 Apr 44–Nov 44 |[[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator III]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[Avro Anson|Anson I]] |[[Salboni|RAF Salbani]] [[Kolar, Karnataka|RAF Kolar]] |Formed by re-designating No. 1584 (Heavy Bomber) Conversion Unit RAF. |-valign="top" |1674 HCU |Oct 43–Nov 45 |[[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator III/V/VI/VIII]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax II]] [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress|Fortress I/II/IIA]] [[Vickers Wellington|Wellington XIII]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I/II]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIC]] [[Miles Martinet|Martinet I]] |[[RAF Aldergrove]] various bases in Northern Ireland [[RAF Lossiemouth]] | |-valign="top" |1675 HCU |Oct 43–Aug 44 Aug 44–Oct 45 |[[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator II]] [[North American T-6 Texan|Harvard IIA]] [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricane IIB]] [[Fairchild 24|Argus II]] |[[RAF Lydda]] [[RAF Abu Sueir]] |Formed by re-designating No. 5 Heavy Bomber Conversion Unit RAF, Lydda |-valign="top" |1678 HCU |Sep 43–Jun 44 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster II]] |[[RAF Foulsham]] [[RAF Waterbeach]] | |-valign="top" |1679 HCF |May 43–Jan 44 |[[Avro Lancaster|Lancaster II]] |[[RAF East Moor]] [[RAF Wombleton]] |Merged into No. 1666 HCU |-valign="top" |1699 (BS)CU 1699 HCU |Oct 44–Jun 45 |[[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress|Fortress II/III]] [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator VI]] [[Avro Lancastrian|Lancastrian II]] |[[RAF Oulton]] [[RAF Full Sutton]] |Became the Lancastrian Flight of [[No. 231 Squadron RAF]] |-valign="top" |All-Weather OCU |?–? |[[Avro Anson|Anson T.21]] [[de Havilland Vampire|Vampire T.11]] [[Gloster Meteor|Meteor T.7/F.8/NF.12/NF.14]] |nomadic | |-valign="top" |Argosy CU |Nov 61–Apr 63 |[[Armstrong Whitworth AW.660 Argosy|Argosy C.1]] |[[RAF Benson]] |Became the Argosy Flight of [[No. 242 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|242 OCU]] |-valign="top" |Belvedere CU |Aug 64–Aug 68 |[[Bristol Belvedere|Belvedere HC.1]] |[[RAF Odiham]] |Absorbed by the [[Short Range Conversion Unit RAF]] |-valign="top" |Short Range CU |Aug 64–Jul 67 |[[Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer|Twin Pioneer CC.2]] [[Westland Wessex|Wessex HC.2]] [[Taylorcraft Auster|Auster AOP.9]] |[[RAF Odiham]] |Became the Helicopter Operational Conversion Flight RAF |-valign="top" |Jaguar OCU |Jun 74–Sep 74 |[[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar GR.1/T.2]] |[[RAF Lossiemouth]] |Formed from Jaguar Conversion Team RAF. Became [[No. 226 Operational Conversion Unit RAF|226 OCU]] |-valign="top" |5 Heavy Bomber Conversion Unit |?–? |[[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator]] |[[RAF Lydda]], RCAF Boundary Bay and RCAF Abbotsford] |Became No. 1675 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF. In April 1944 RCAF Boundary Bay No. 5 Operational Training Unit (for Heavy Conversion) established when 17 B-24 Liberators were scheduled to arrive fresh from American factories that first month. However, only sixteen would actually be delivered. By Sept 30th 1944 RCAF 5 O.T.U. reported B-24 Liberators; Abbotsford 24, Boundary Bay 14, total 38. B-25 Mitchells; Boundary Bay only total 35. Bolingbrokes; Boundary Bay only total 5. P-40 Kittyhawks; Boundary Bay only 8. Norseman; Boundary Bay only 1. Total aircraft on Unit strength 87 |-valign="top" |Heavy Bomber Conversion Unit, Salbani |Sep 42–Jul 43 |[[Consolidated B-24 Liberator|Liberator III]] |RAF [[Salbani]] |Became No. 1584 (Heavy Bomber) Conversion Unit RAF – see above. |-valign="top" |Heavy Glider Conversion Unit |Jul 42–Oct 44 |[[Armstrong-Whitworth Whitley|Whitley V]] [[Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle|Albemarle I/GT.I/ST.II/ST.V]] [[Airspeed Horsa|Horsa I/II]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I/II]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth II]] [[Miles Magister]] |[[RAF Shrewton]] [[RAF Brize Norton]] |Became No. 21 Heavy Glider Conversion Unit RAF |-valign="top" |21 HGCU |Oct 44–Dec 47 |[[Armstrong-Whitworth Whitley|Whitley V]] [[Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle|Albemarle GT.VI]] [[Airspeed Horsa|Horsa I/II]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[de Havilland Tiger Moth|Tiger Moth I]] [[Miles Magister]] [[General Aircraft Hotspur|Hotspur II/III]] [[CG-4 Hadrian|Hadrian I]] [[Short Stirling|Stirling IV]] [[Handley Page Halifax|Halifax III/VII]] [[Miles Master|Master II]] |[[RAF Brize Norton]] [[RAF North Luffenham]] |Formed by re-designation of the Heavy Glider Conversion Unit RAF |-valign="top" |22 HGCU |Oct 44–Dec 47 |[[Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle|Albemarle GT.I/ST.II/ST.V/GT.VI]] [[Airspeed Horsa|Horsa I/II]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[CG-4 Hadrian|Hadrian I]] |[[RAF Keevil]] [[RAF Blakehill Farm]] |Formed by re-designation of an element of the Heavy Glider Conversion Unit RAF |-valign="top" |23 HGCU |Oct 44–Dec 45 |[[Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle|Albemarle GT.I/ST.V/ST.VI]] [[Airspeed Horsa|Horsa I/II]] [[Airspeed Oxford|Oxford I]] [[CG-4 Hadrian|Hadrian I]] [[Percival Proctor|Proctor III]] |[[RAF Peplow]] |Formed by elements of No. 83 Operation Training Unit the Heavy Glider Conversion Unit RAF |- |}

==Additional== {{columns-list|colwidth=30em| * No. 26 Conversion Flight RAF * No. 28 Conversion Flight RAF * No. 106 Conversion Flight RAF * No. 107 Conversion Flight RAF * No. 108 Conversion Flight RAF * No. 2 Tactical Air Force Sabre Conversion Flight RAF * Bassett Conversion Flight RAF * Blenheim Conversion Flight RAF * Halifax Conversion Flight RAF * Check and Conversion Flight RAF * Halifax Conversion Flight RAF * [[Helicopter Operational Conversion Flight RAF]] * Hornet Conversion Flight RAF * Lancaster Conversion Flight RAF * Lincoln Conversion Flight RAF * Mosquito Conversion Flight RAF * Phantom Conversion Flight RAF * Photographic Reconnaissance Conversion Flight RAF * Sabre Conversion Flight RAF }}

== See also == {{Col-begin}} {{Col-break}} '''Royal Air Force'''

**[[List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons]] **[[List of Royal Air Force aircraft independent flights]] **[[List of Royal Air Force Glider units]] **[[List of Royal Air Force Operational Training Units]] **[[List of Royal Air Force schools]] **[[List of Royal Air Force units & establishments]] **[[List of RAF squadron codes]] **[[List of RAF Regiment units]] **[[List of Battle of Britain squadrons]] **[[List of wings of the Royal Air Force]]

{{Col-break}} '''Army Air Corps''' *[[List of Army Air Corps aircraft units (United Kingdom)|List of Army Air Corps aircraft units]] *'''Fleet Air Arm''' **[[List of Fleet Air Arm aircraft squadrons]] **[[List of Fleet Air Arm groups]] **[[List of aircraft units of the Royal Navy]] **[[List of aircraft wings of the Royal Navy]] *Others **[[List of Air Training Corps squadrons]] **[[University Air Squadron]] **[[Air Experience Flight]] **[[Volunteer Gliding Squadron]]

==References==

===Citations=== {{Reflist}}

===Bibliography=== {{Commons category|Royal Air Force Conversion Units}} {{Refbegin}} *{{cite book |last1=Green |first1=W|last2=Swanborough|first2=G |title=Royal Air Force Yearbook 1976 |year=1976 |publisher= Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund |location= [[Bromley]] |ref= {{harvid|Green|1976}} }} * {{cite book |last=Jefford |first=C.G. |title=RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912 |location=Shrewsbury |publisher=Airlife Publishing |year=1998 |isbn=1-84037-141-2}} * {{cite book |last1=Sturtivant |first1=Ray |first2=John F. |last2=Hamlin |title=RAF Flying Training And Support Units since 1912 |location=Tonbridge, Kent, UK |publisher=Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd.|year=2007 |isbn=978-0-85130-365-9 }} * {{cite book |last=Lake |first=Alan |title=Flying Units of the RAF |publisher=Airlife Publishing |location=Shrewsbury |year=1999 |isbn=1-84037-086-6 }} {{Refend}}

[[Category:Conversion units of the Royal Air Force| ]] [[Category:Lists of Royal Air Force units and formations|Con]]