{{Short description|Operational Training Unit of the Royal Air Force}} {{Infobox military unit |unit_name= No. 53 Operational Training Unit<BR>90px | image= Sgt.-Kreb-823x322.jpg | image_size = 250 |caption= 55 Sgt. W.M. Krebs photographed in the cockpit of Spitfire Mk 1A P9375 in 53 OTU RAF, Heston |dates= 1941 – 1945 |country= {{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom |allegiance= |branch= {{air force|UK}} |type= Operational Training Unit |role= Pilot Training |size= |command_structure= |garrison= |garrison_label= |nickname= 53 OTU |patron= |motto= |colors= |colors_label= |march= |mascot= |equipment= |equipment_label= |battles= World War Two |anniversaries= |decorations= |battle_honours= |battle_honours_label= |disbanded= |flying_hours= |website= <!-- Commanders --> |commander1= |commander1_label= |commander2= |commander2_label= |commander3= |commander3_label= |commander4= |commander4_label= |notable_commanders= <!-- Insignia --> |identification_symbol= |identification_symbol_label= |identification_symbol_2= |identification_symbol_2_label= |identification_symbol_3= |identification_symbol_3_label= |identification_symbol_4= |identification_symbol_4_label= <!-- Aircraft --> |aircraft_attack= |aircraft_bomber= |aircraft_electronic= |aircraft_fighter=Supermarine Spitfire |aircraft_helicopter= |aircraft_helicopter_attack= |aircraft_helicopter_cargo= |aircraft_helicopter_multirole= |aircraft_helicopter_observation= |aircraft_helicopter_transport= |aircraft_helicopter_trainer= |aircraft_helicopter_utility= |aircraft_interceptor= |aircraft_patrol= |aircraft_recon= |aircraft_trainer= |aircraft_transport= |aircraft_tanker= }} '''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== 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.<ref name="rafweb">[https://www.rafweb.org/Organsation/OTU_3.htm 53 OTU at www.rafweb.org] Retrieved 9 May 2022</ref> 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.<ref name="rafweb"/>
When WW2 ended in Europe, No 53 OTU was disbanded at Kirton-in-Lindsey on 15 May 1945.<ref name="rafweb"/><ref>[https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C7161026 53 OTU at nationalarchives.gov.uk] Retrieved 9 May 2022</ref>
== Commanding Officers == * 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<ref name="rafweb"/>
==See also== *List of Royal Air Force Operational Training Units
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *[https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C7161026 53 OTU at nationalarchives.gov.uk] Retrieved 9 May 2022 *[http://aircrewremembered.com/carruthers-donald.html 53 OTU at aircrewremembered.com] Retrieved 9 May 2022 *[https://www.rafweb.org/Organsation/OTU_3.htm 53 OTU at www.rafweb.org] Retrieved 9 May 2022
{{RAF Operational Training units}}
Category:Operational training units of the Royal Air Force Category:Military units and formations established in 1941 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1945