Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

Ground Defence Training Units etc

This section will give brief histories of those ground training units providing training to personnel involved in aspects of ground defence: -

Air Defence Missile Operations Training School

This was formed on 1 January 1960 at Watton under the control of No 12 Group and was redesignated the Surface-to-Air Operational Training School on 1 January 1961.

Air Landing School (India)

This was formed as the Parachute Training School (India) on 15 October 1941 at Willingdon Airport, New Delhi, but its title was changed to Air Landing School (India) on 8 January 1942 and was redesignated No 3 PTS on 26 February 1944.

RAF Anti-Aircraft Gunnery School

This was formed on 15 August 1945, by redesignating No 1 RAF Regiment School on it move from Hunmanby Moor to Nethertown.  It was transferred from the control of Technical Training Command to the Air Ministry on 1 February 1947, and moved to Watchet on 15 July 1947.  On 16 March 1948 it was transferred from No 22 Group, Technical Training Command to No 38 Group, Transport Command and was redesignated the RAF LAA Gunnery School on 1 January 1951.

No 1 Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp, Locking

This was probably opened on 7 February 1943, with its target towing flight being based at Weston Zoyland under the control of No 72 Group.  It was transferred to No 22 Group on 31 July 1943 with its  flying element having been separated and formed into  No 1625 (AAC) Flight in June.  It closed on 1 August 1944.

Officers Commanding: -

 7 Feb 1943                        Sqn Ldr A T Cannon

No 2 Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp, Langham

This was probably opened on 16 February 1943, with its target towing flight being based at Langham under the control of No 72 Group.  It was transferred to No 22 Group on 31 July 1943 with its  flying element having been separated and formed into  No 1626 (AAC) Flight in June.  It  closed on 31 March 1945.

Officers Commanding: -

16 Feb 1943                        Sqn Ldr H S Cardew

No 3 Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp, Felixstowe

This was probably opened on 16 March 1943, with its target towing flight being based at Ipswich, coming under the control of No 72 Group on 5 May.  It was transferred to No 22 Group on 31 July 1943 with its  flying element having been separated and formed into  No 1627 (AAC) Flight in June, and disbanded on 20 November 1944.

Officers Commanding: -

16 Mar 1943                        Flt Lt Standish

No 4 Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp, Towyn

This was probably opened around 1 April 1943, with its target towing flight being based at Towyn under the control of No 72 Group.  It was transferred to No 22 Group on 31 July 1943 with its  flying element having been separated and formed into  No 1628 (AAC) Flight in June.  It closed on 19 September 1945.

No 5 Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp, Filey/Anderby Creek

This was probably opened around March 1943, with its target towing flight being based at Hutton Cranswick but was absorbed into the Establishment of No 1 RAF Regiment School.

By September 1943, it had been re-opened at Anderby Creek with target facilities being provided by No 1629 (AAC) Flight in June.

No 6 Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp, Acklington

This was probably opened around 1 June 1943, with its target towing flight being based at Acklington under the control of No 72 Group.  It was transferred to No 22 Group on 31 July 1943 with its  flying element having been separated and formed into  No 1630 (AAC) Flight in June.  It closed on 20 November 1944.

No 7 Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp, Shoreham

This was probably opened around 21 April 1943, with its target towing flight being based at Shoreham under the control of No 72 Group.  It was transferred to No 22 Group on 31 July 1943 with its  flying element having been separated and formed into  No 1631 (AAC) Flight in June.  Its personnel were moved to Hunmanby Moor on 26 April 1944, and the site at Shoreham was closed on 1 August 1944.

No 8 Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp, Montrose

This was probably opened around 4 May 1943, with its target towing flight being based at Montrose under the control of No 72 Group.  It was transferred to No 22 Group on 31 July 1943 with its  flying element having been separated and formed into  No 1632 (AAC) Flight in June.  It closed on 1 August 1944.

No 9 Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp, Leysdown

A formation date for this Camp has not yet been found, but it was transferred to No 22 Group on 31 July 1943 with its  flying element having been separated and formed into  No 1633 (AAC) Flight in June.  Its fate is unknown.

75 mm Gun School

This was formed at Eastchurch in No 27 Group on 15 January 1942 to train ground defence personnel in the use of the 75 mm Gun.  Courses of two weeks duration began on 15 March with a fortnightly intake and peak of 48, however on 1 February 1942 it was redesignated the RAF Artillery School.

RAF Artillery School

This was formed at Eastchurch in No 20 Group on 1 February 1942 when it was decided to increase scope of its training to include the Smith Gun.  At the same time the trainee peak was raised to 130 and was transferred to No 72 Group on 12 October 1942.  It was probably disbanded into the RAF Regiment Depot at some point after this.

RAF Regiment Basic Training School

This was formed in No 22 Group on 13 August 1951 at Dumfries and was transferred to No 27 Group on 1 January 1953, and disbanded on 28 February 1955.

BAFO/2nd TAF Ground Combat Training School

This was formed on 20 May 1947 at Fassberg, moving to Uetersen on 30 August 1948 but returned to Fassberg on 5 January 1950.

It was redesignated 2nd TAF Ground Combat School on 1 September1951 and disbanded in No 2 Group on 25 October 1952.

No 1 Ground Combat Training School

This was formed at Kuala Lumper on 15 November 1947 under the control of AHQ Malaya, and disbanded on 19 April 1948.

No 2 Ground Combat Training School

This was formed at Kai Tak on 15 November 1947 under the control of AHQ Hong Kong, and disbanded on 19 April 1948.

No 3 Ground Combat Training School

This was formed at Katukurunda on 15 November 1947 to be located at Diyatalawa, under the control of AHQ Ceylon, and disbanded on 19 April 1948.

RAF Element, Camouflage School

This was formed at Kirkee on an unknown date and disbanded on 31 October 1945.

Combatant Training School

This was formed at Scampton for Nos 1 and 5 Groups on 8 October 1945.

Officers Commanding: -

8 Oct 1945                        Sqn Ldr J P Pugh

Defence Units for W/T 'Y' Stations

These were formed on 16 July 1940 to provide defence for te W/T 'Y' Stations at Streete, Beachy Head, Hawkinge and West Kingsdown and were placed in No 26 Group.  The unit were parented as follows: -

• Streete - RAF Mount Batten

• Beachy Head - RAF Kenley

• Hawkinge - RAF Hawkinge

• West Kingsdown - RAF Kidbrooke

No 1 Ground Gunners School

This was formed on 20 November 1939 at North Coates in No 25 Group to commence training on 4 December, with courses of 30 trainees beginning each week.  Its role being to train Ground Defence crews in:-

1. Defence against low flying aircraft.

2. Defence of Station and Landing Grounds against enemy raiding parties and sabotage parties, including defence against enemy parachutists.

3. Defence against enemy mechanised forces and the protection of our own convoys.

It moved to Ronaldsway on 1 July 1940 and on 25 February 1941 it began providing training Instructors for ground defence personnel on a course of six days duration, each course comprising 30 officers and 30 NCOs.

It was redesignated No 3 RAF Regiment School on 15 February 1942.

Ground Gunners School (Helwan)

This was formed on ? at Helwan and was absorbed into No 3 Middle East Training School of 23 March 1942.

Ground Observers School

This was formed at St Athan in No 20 Group between June 1942 and January 1943 and possibly disbanded in late 1944.

Joint Rapier Training Unit

This was formed on 1 April 1999 at Honington and disbanded on 31 March 2006.

Light Anti-Aircraft Gunnery School

This was formed from RAF Regiment School, Hunmanby Moor on 15 August 1945 at Nethertown, Cumberland, moving to Watchet on 15 July 1947 and disbanded on 10 February 1950.

RAF LAA Gunnery School

This was formed on 1 January 1951 at Watchet in No 38 Group, Transport Command by redesignating the RAF AA Gunnery School and at the same time it was transferred to No 22 Group, Technical Training Command.   It was transferred to No 27 Group on 1 January 1953, and disbanded on 18 February 1957.

Maintenance Command Ground Combat Training School

This was formed on 10 March 1952 at Aston Down in No 41 Group, and was redesignated Maintenance Command Ground Defence School on 15 August 1952.

Maintenance Command Ground Defence School

This was formed on 15 August 1952. at Aston Down in No 41 Group by renaming the Maintenance Command Ground Combat Training School.  It moved to Lichfield in No 41 Group on 7 January 1954 and to Calshot in No 40 Group on 1 May 1957.

It must have disbanded at some point as it was reformed at Bicester on 2 July 1962, no further details at present.

No 4 Middle East Training School

This was formed on 1 May 1942 at Kabrit in No 205 Group, its functions being: -

1. To train parachutists and airborne troops

2. To develop all special equipment for airborne forces.

It moved to Ramat David on 20 March 1943, where  it was transferred to No 203 Group on 10 May and disbanded on 30 April 1944.

Northern Ireland Training School

This formed in 1943 at Kirkistown to provide training for Station personnel in combatant and defence duties as follows: -

1. Officers and NCOs in general defence

2. Selected personnel as part-time instructors

3. Specialist training in use of weapons and vehicles

4. Refresher course for personnel already trained as part-time instructors

An AA School was also operated at Ballykelly, and disbanded on 4 January 1946.

No 1 PAC Unit

This unit formed on 10 May 1940 at the RAE Section, Exeter to undertake training on its operational equipment prior to moving to Uxbridge to be kitted out.  Originally destined for Norway, this move was cancelled following its capitulation and instead the unit operated detachments around the country for the defence of factories, aerodromes, etc.  On 13 June 1940, No 1 PAC Pool was formed under the control of HQ No 1 PAC Unit and at some point this HQ and Pool moved to Uxbridge, leaving the training element at Exeter.  It was redesignated PAC School on 1 September when it was joined by the training element from Exeter.

No 1 PAC Pool

This unit formed on 13 June 1940 at Exeter under the control of HQ No 1 PAC Unit,  Its purpose was to hold a pool of trained personnel available for deployment at various locations as required.  Airmen deployed to non RAF locations, such as factories, would remain on the strength of the Pool.  It moved to Uxbridge at some point and was absorbed into the PAC School when it was formed on 1 September 1940.

No 11 PAC Unit

This unit formed in the UK and despatched to the Middle East in 1941, no further details

No 12 PAC Unit

This unit formed in the UK as a non-mobile unit and despatched to the Middle East in 1941, no further details

No 13 PAC Unit

This unit formed in the UK as a non-mobile unit and despatched to the Middle East in 1941, no further details

No 14 PAC Unit

This unit formed in the UK as a non-mobile unit and despatched to the Middle East in 1941, no further details

No 15 PAC Unit

This unit formed in the UK as a non-mobile unit and despatched to the Middle East in 1941, no further details

No 16 PAC Unit

This unit formed in the UK as a non-mobile unit and despatched to the Middle East in 1941, no further details

No 17 PAC Unit

This unit formed in the UK as a non-mobile unit and despatched to the Middle East in 1941, no further details

PAC School

This was possibly formed in June 1940 around the same time as No 1 PAC Pool was formed, both under the control of No 1 PAC Unit.  It seems that the HQ, No 1 PAC Unit and No 1 PAC Pool  had moved to Uxbridge at some point, leaving PAC School.  On 1 September the training element also moved to Uxbridge at which point No 1 PAC Unit, No 1 PAC Pool and the training element were combined to form the PAC School, being administered by RAF Uxbridge.  Personnel where accommodated at Uxbridge but were bussed daily to the airfield at Denham for practical training.  As well as training the school took over the installation and maintenance duties of No 1 PAC Unit and the personnel holding duties of No 1 PAC Pool.

PAC Establishment

This was formed on 24 October 1940 at Denham, although personnel lived and messed at Uxbridge, by renaming the PAC School and continued to carry out the same functions.  It was under the operational control of the Deputy Directorate of Home Operations but under HQ Technical Training Command for administration and training.  It became a self-accounting unit in June 1941 and was transferred to No 27 Group between 1 -10 July 1941.

Parachute Jumping Training Unit

Originally destined for service in Norway, this was formed on 5 January 1949 at Hildesheim in No 2 Group to provide continuation parachute jumping training within BAFO at a rate of 2,200 jumps per month with a maximum of 400 jumps per day.  It closed on 22 October 1949.

No 1 Parachute School

This was formed from No 1 Parachute and Glider Training School on 10 June 1950 at Abingdon and on 10 July 1950, its training commitment was: -

From 1 November 1950, its course organisation was revised as follows: -

It was redesignated No 1 Parachute Training School on 1 November 1953.

Parachute Training Centre

This was formed on 21 June 1940 at Ringway in No 22 Group and was redesignated the Central Landing School on 31 August 1940.

Parachute Training School

This was formed from the Parachute Training Squadron on 15 February 1942 at Ringway in No 70 Group and was transferred to No 38 Group on 1 November 1943.  Its function was to train Army and other personnel in the approved technique of parachute jumping, flight control and landing, up to the standard required for operational jumping.  Its capacity was 1,000 British and 100 Allied paratroopers per month.  It was also responsible for training  RAF Parachute Jumping Instructors and any 'Specials' requited, the latter probably referring to SOE agents, etc.  The PTS also had the following responsibilities: -

1. To assist in the compilation of a standard Training Syllabus for Paratroops.  Any alterations in technique which appeared necessary as the result of operational experience, and which effect training, was submitted by Squadrons through HQ No 38 Group to PTS Ringway, and by Army Units through Commander, Airborne Troops through HQ, No 38 Group.  The consequent amendments to the Training Syllabus and/orTo ass Training Manuals were submitted to the Air Ministry through HQ, No 38 Group.

2. To assist in the working out of a standard Parachute Drill for each type of aircraft, within the limitations laid down in the clearances issued by DOR and MAP.

3. To assist in the preparation of Training Films, Instructional Manuals, Statistics and Reports.

4. To assist in the preparation of specifications for special Synthetic Ground Training apparatus and their deign where desirable.

5. The training of Parachute Instructors to an approved standard for other schools.

6. To submit, through HQ, No 38 Group, technical and other recommendations relating to Parachuting subjects as the result of practical experience and suggestions put up by the staff.

7. To assist in the training of Air Crews in the technique of dropping Paratroops.

8. To provide, as necessary RAF Instructors for attachment to the Parachute Brigades to assist in the supervision of their Synthetic Ground Training and Practical Parachute Training, with a view to maintaining a high standard in aircraft drill and parachuting proficiency in the Brigades.

By early 1944 the training capacity of the school had reduced to 750 but on 1 April 1944 it was temporarily increased to 1,000.  It was redesignated No 1 PTS on 18 July 1944.

No 1 Parachute Training School

This was formed by redesignating the Parachute Training School on 18 July 1944.  On 28 March 1946 it moved to Upper Heyford, where it and was redesignated No 1 Parachute and Glider Training School on 3 December 1947.

It reformed from No 1 Parachute School on 1 November 1953 at Abingdon, moving to it present home at Brize Norton on 3 May 1976 and remains in existence.

No 3 Parachute Training School

This was formed from the Air Landing School (India) and the Air Navigation School on 26 February 1944 at Chaklala in No 229 Group, being transferred to BAFSEA on 1 April 1945 and then to No 1 (Indian) Group on 1 March 1947, finally being disbanded in November 1947.

No 4 Parachute Training School

This was formed on 2 May 1944 at Gioia del Colle in No 214 Group to train up to 350 parachutists per month, but was soon transferred to HQ Balkan Air Force and then to MACAF on 10 October 1944   It disbanded on 30 April 1945.

Parachute Training School (India)

This was formed on 22 September 1941 at Willingdon, Delhi but on 8 January 1942 it was redesignated Air Landing School (India).

Parachute Training School (Middle East)

This was formed in early/mid 1942.

Parachute Training Squadron

This was formed on 22 October 1940 at Ringway, within the CLE and disbanded on 15 February 1942 into the Parachute Training School.

Rapier Training Unit

This was formed on 1 April 1984 at West Raynham, moving to Honington in 1994, where it was redesignated the Joint Rapier Training Unit on 1 April 1999 and disbanded on 31 March 2006.

RAF Central School of Aircraft Recognition

This was formed on in April 1951 at Bentley Priory, Stanmore, moving to Uxbridge on 15 September 1954 and then to West Malling on 11 November 1957, where it disbanded on 20 March 1959.

RAF Regiment Battle Camp - Fighter Command

This was formed at Hazlemere under the control of No 11 Group on 10 December 1942 and later moved to Great Sampford as the RAF Regiment Battle School and disbanded on 8 September 1944.

RAF Regiment Battle School

This formed in No 22 Group at Youlbery House, Boars Hill, Oxford on 8 October 1945 with a capacity of 120, no further details at present.

It reformed in June 1946 at Wombleton and disbanded on 15 September 1947 on being absorbed into the RAF Regiment Central School.

RAF Regiment Central School

This formed on 15 September 1947 in No 22 Group at Catterick from No 1 RAF Regiment Depot and Catterick and the RAF Regiment Battle School at Wombleton, the Commandant at Catterick being responsible for the units at both stations.  On 1 August 1949 it was redesignated the RAF Regiment Depot.

RAF Regiment Depot/No 1 RAF Regiment Depot

Formation commenced on 17 February 1942 at Londonthorpe Road, Grantham, when it was placed in No 20 Group. Control of training matters was the responsibility of the AMT through  HQ Technical Training Command.  However, until accommodation at Belton was completed the HQ of the Depot was located at Butlin's Camp, Filey.  The SHQ commenced to function at Grantham on 1 May 1942 and the Depot transferred from Filey to Grantham on 17 May, although course in progress at Filey were completed there.  It was transferred to No 72 Group on 12 October 1942.

In January 1944, together with No 1 RAF Regiment School, it was reorganised to deliver the following courses as follows: -

RAF Regiment Depot (ACSEA)

A formation date has not been found for this unit at Secunderabad but it disbanded on 1 June 1946.

RAF Regiment (Malaya) Depot

A formation date has not been found for this unit at Sembawang but it moved to Changi on 16 August 1949 under the functional control of HQ FEAF and administrative control of AHQ Singapore.  On 11 November 1957 administrative control was transferred to HQ, No 224 Group, and it disbanded on 1 September 1958 on being amalgamated with the RAF Regiment (Malaya) Wing.

RAF Regiment Instructors' Unit (Middle East)

This was formed on 1 November 1944 at Ismailia under the control of AHQ Egypt to provide training in ground defence of Station personnel in Egypt and Cyrenaica.

It was redesignated RAF Regiment Instructors' School on 1 October 1947 at Shallufa.

RAF Regiment Instructors' School (Middle East)

This was formed on 1 October 1947 at Shallufa under the control of HQ MedME, administered by No 205 Group, its functions being: -

1. To train personnel of the RAF and RAF Regiment as Instructors in ground combat training.

2. To maintain, supervise and provide RAF Regiment Instructors in ground combat and weapon training throughout MedME Command.

3. To provide adequate training facilities, including rifle and mortar ranges, assault and grenade courses, etc.

4. To provide adequate ground combat training course for RAF personnel, including supernumerary RAF police.

5. To provide general and specialist training for RAF Regiment personnel such as was previously provided by the ME School of Infantry.

By 22 July 1948 was delivering the following courses: -

At some point it moved to El Hamra, returning to Shallufa on 20 January 1952 and disbanded on 22 March 1953.

RAF Regiment Reinforcement Depot

This was formed on 27 August 1944 at Hadera under the operational control of HQ RAF Middle East, administered by AHQ Levant.

Its fate is currently unknown.

RAF Regiment Reinforcement Pool

This was formed from the Forward Echelon of the RAF Regiment Depot (ACSEA) on 9 June 1945 at Rangoon, Burma. Its functions were to: -

1. a centre for immediate replacement of RAF Regiment personnel in the Southern Burma area

2. a centre for the accommodation temporarily non-effective RAF Regiment personnel in the Southern Burma area.

3. a holding centre for certain items of specialist RAF Regiment equipment.

Its fate is currently unknown.

No 1 RAF Regiment School

This was formed on 15 February 1942 at Filey Camp (renamed Hunmanby Moor in March 1944) and was transferred to No 72 Group on 12 October 1942.  In January 1943 an AA Gunnery Section was formed  with its allocation of Martinets being located at RAF Hutton Cranswick and Ground to Air firing being conducted at Bempton Cliff.  It was transferred to No 22 Group on 31 July 1943 with its  flying element having been separated and formed into  No 1634 (AAC) Flight in June. 

In January 1944, together with the RAF Regiment Depot, it was reorganised to deliver the following courses as follows: -

However, the programme shown above was cancelled the following month and replaced by this: -

On 11 March 1944 the training programme was further increased as follows: -

However, from 12 May 1944 the peak capacities shown in the previous table were cancelled with peak capacities being run at 120 offices and 1,050 airmen.

On 28 August 1944 its training capacity of 2,000 was reduced to 1,000 plus 300 reception.  It moved to Nethertown on 15 August 1945, where it was redesignated RAF Anti-Aircraft Gunnery School.

No 2 RAF Regiment School

This was formed on 1 February 1942 at Whitley Bay and was transferred to No 72 Group on 12 October 1942.  It closed on 25 January 1943, its functions being taken over by the newly formed RAF Whitley Bay.

No 3 RAF Regiment School

This was formed from No 1 Ground Gunners School on 15 February 1942 at Ronaldsway, Isle of Man, moving to Douglas by 31 August and was transferred to No 72 Group on 12 October 1942.  It closed in February 1943, re-opening almost immediately at Filey as No 1 RAF Regiment School.

No 2 RAF Regiment Sub-Depot

This was formed in No 22 Group on 1 September 1945 at Barkston Heath with a capacity of 1,250, and disbanded on 31 July 1946.

No 3 RAF Regiment Sub-Depot

This was formed in No 22 Group on 1 September 1945 at Folkingham with a capacity of 2,450, and disbanded on 10 December 1946, its commitments being transferred to RAF Wombleton.

No 4 RAF Regiment Sub-Depot

This was formed in No 22 Group on 1 September 1945 at North Witham with a capacity of 2,500, and disbanded on 5 June 1946.

RAF Regiment Training Centre (Egypt)

This was formed at Shallufa on 27 May 1943 in No 203 Group with a capacity to train approximately 32 officers and 767 other ranks but disbanded on 30 September 1943.

RAF Regiment Wing

A formation date for this unit has not been found but was at Locking when it was transferred from No 24 Group to No 72 Group on 12 October 1942.

Surface-to-Air Missile Operational Training School

This was formed from the Air Defence Missile Operations Training School on 1 January 1961 at Watton in No 12 Group and disbanded on 21 January 1964.

It reformed on 1 October 1963 at North Coates in No 12 (East Anglian) Sector, but was transferred to the control of HQ Fighter Command on 1 April 1964, and disbanded on 17 August 1964 on being amalgamated with No 25 Squadron.

This entry was last updated on 07/04/25

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