Initial Training Wings

This section will give brief histories of those ground training units providing recruit or initial training of airmen/airwomen: -

This was formed on 30 January 1967 at Topcliffe and disbanded on in February 1970 into No 6 FTS.

This was formed at RAF Halton to train new military personnel and comprises the Recruit Training Squadron (RTS) and Aviator Command Squadron (ACS). RTS delivers the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) with an annual throughput of approximately 2300 personnel, it also trains the Reserve Cadre through the BRTC Reserve course, whilst the ACS delivers the Direct-Entry Senior Non-Commissioned Officer course and Aviator Development Phase 3 training to RAF non-commissioned Aviators.

This was formed from the Cadet Wing at Denham on 1 July 1917 at 13 Eversfield Place, Hastings, moving to 6 West Ascent, St Leonards on Sea on 22 August and then to East Sandling Camp, Shorncliffe in October 1918, where it disbanded on 1 February 1919.

This was formed on 1 July 1917 at Hursley Park, Winchester, moving to 4 Carlisle Place, Hasting on 22 August and then to St Martin's Plain Camp, Shorncliffe on 29 October 1918, where it and disbanded on 15 May 1919.

This was formed on 1 August 1917 at Hursley Park, Winchester and disbanded on 10 September 1917.

It reformed from No 7 and 8 Cadet Wings on 18 September 1917 at Halton Park, moving to Hastings on 22 October and then to Dibgate Camp, Shorncliffe by 31 December 1918, where it and disbanded on 24 January 1919.

The nucleus of this unit was formed on 1 August 1917 at Denham, moving to 57 Warrior Square, Hastings on 23 January 1918 and disbanded before August.

This was formed on 10 September 1917 at South Farnborough and amalgated with No 8 Cadet Wing to form No 5 Cadet Wing on 18 September 1917.

It reformed on in July 1918 at Hastings, moving to Reading on 8 August and disbanded on in August 1919.

This was formed on 10 September 1917 at South Farnborough and amalgamated with No 7 Cadet Wing to form No 5 Cadet Wing on 18 September 1917.

It reformed on in July 1918 at West Sandling Camp, Shorncliffe and disbanded on 15 May 1919.

This was formed on 18 August 1940 at Cosford, moving to Wilmslow on 19 December 1940 in No 20 Group and then to St Athan in No 24 Group on 14 February 1942, where it disbanded in May 1944.

This was formed as No 1 ITS on 7 September 1939 at Cambridge with a capacity of 250 pupils and was redesignated No 1 ITW on 15 September 1939.

It reformed as the ITS from No 50 ITS on 21 May 1946 at Bridgnorth, with a capacity of 474, which was increased to 497 on 1 September 1946. It moved to North Coates on 2 January 1947 and disbanded on 15 October 1947.

It reformed in No 23 Group on 2 February 1948 at Wittering with a capacity of 350, as follows:-

	Initial Training - Pilots	Initial Training - Navigators
Duration of course (weeks)	22	22
Intake	30	28
Frequency of Intakes	3	4/5
Capacity	210	140

On 16 November 1949 it was split into two wings, No 1 remaining at Wittering, retaining its capacity of 350, whilst No 2 was located at Digby with a capacity of 200. By 17 February 1950, the two Wings were delivering the following courses: -

	No 1 Wing		No 2 Wing
	Pilots	Navigators	Pilots	Navigators
Duration of course (weeks)	22	22	22	22
Intake	37	25	37	25
Frequency of Intakes	3	6	9	6
Capacity	259	100	111	100

On 6 April 1950 both wings moved to Jurby, and from 24 May 1950, its training programme was revised as follows: -

It was transferred to No 54 Group on 1 May 1951, ceasing to be known as No 1 ITS on 24 July 1953 and officially disbanded on 10 September 1953.

It reformed as No 1 ITS from No 2 ITS on 1 October 1953 at Kirton-in-Lindsey in No 21 Group. It was transferred to No 54 Group on 24 June 1953 and absorbed the Air Crew Transit Unit on 23 October. On 1 January 1955 it was transferred to No 23 Group and then to No 25 Group on 1 January 1957, moving to South Cerney on 22 July 1957, where it was redesignated the Aircrew Officer Training School on 1 January 1967.

This was formed on 1 October 1950 at Digby in No 23 Group, to train National Service aircrew.

	Pilots From 8 Nov 1950	Navigators From 20 Dec 1950
Duration of course (weeks)	13	13
Intake	88	46
Frequency of Intakes	6	6
Capacity	176	92

Transferred to No 54 Group on 1 May 1951, it moved to Kirton-in-Lindsey on 15 August, absorbing No 4 ITS at the same time. On 15 January 1952 No 3 (Digby) Wing was formed from No 2 Aircrew Grading School and No 3 (Digby) Wing was transferred to No 3 ITS on 22 July 1952. Control was transferred to No 21 Group on 24 June 1952 and it was redesignated No 1 ITS on 1 October 1953.

	Pilots	Navigators
Duration of course (weeks)	24	24
Intake (to each of 4 Wings)	81	54
Frequency of Intakes	12	12
Capacity	648	432

Initially in No 23 Group, it transferred to No 54 Group on 1 May 1951 and in October No 4 Wing moved to Cosford to form No 5 ITS. This unit operated Chipmunks and gave ab initio training to prospective aircrew in order to determine which were suitable for pilot and navigator training. On 23 January 1952, No 3 (Digby) Wing formed when No 2 Aircrew Grading School was disbanded but disbanded on 19 March 1952. No 3 (Digby) Wing was reformed on 22 July 1952 from No 2 (Digby) Wing, No 2 ITS and the school disbanded on 24 March 1953.

This was formed from Nos 1 and 2 Squadrons, No 2 ITS on 3 May 1951 at Kirton-in-Lindsey in No 54 Group, to train National Service pilots and navigators was absorbed into No 2 ITS on 15 August 1951.

This was formed from No 4 Wing, No 3 ITS on 6 October 1951 at Cosford in No 54 Group and disbanded on 5 July 1952.

This was formed on 1 September 1943 at Ballah, the elementary element closing on 15 October 1944 disbanded on 30 April 1945.

This was formed at Jesus College Cambridge on 15 September 1939 by redesignating No 1 Initial Training School, its capacity being raised to 500 on 18 September. On 1 July 1940 it was redesignated No 2 ITW to prevent confusion with No 1 Receiving Wing.

No 1 ITW was reformed in No 54 Group on 14 June 1941 by redesignating No 1 RW at Norcliffe Hotel, Babbacombe. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 800 PNB trainees for a course of 12 weeks duration. It eventually disbanding on 1 March 1944.

Although no formation date has been found for this unit it is assumed that it occurred prior to April 1940 when the first Elementary Flying Training School opened in Southern Rhodesia. It was located in an old Army camp at Hillside near Bulawayo and like its counterparts in the UK would have been where newly arrived trainee pilots and observers, would have undergone their initial ground schooling in Principles of Flight, navigation, Airframes, Engines, etc as well as ‘square bashing’, learning about Air Force Law and the myriad of other details needed for air force life.

Its peak pupil population reached 900 by the end of August 1944, but this gradually reduced as follows: -

A further draft of 200 was received by 9 February 1945 with further drafts of 200 thereafter at 7 week intervals.

Formed in 1940 at Paignton, Devon, it was redesignated No 4 ITW, with No 1 ITW in Cambridge being redesignated No 2 ITW sometime in late 1940 or early 1941. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 800 PNB trainees for a course of 12 weeks duration.

This unit formed in Hastings and St Leonards on Sea on 18 September 1939 with a capacity of 250 pupil VR pilots and direct entrant Air Observers, with its HQ at Marine Court, St Leonards on Sea. It moved to St James' Hotel, Victoria Parade in Torquay on 24 June 1940. It became an ITW for PNB candidates in 1942 (Pilot/Navigator/Bomb Aimer) and later also undertook the initial training of Flight Engineers. It disbanded by being redesignated No 21 ITW on 29 May 1943.

It briefly reformed in Torquay on 15 September 1943 to train PNB candidates but disbanded on 1 March 1944.

This was formed on 27 September 1939 at the Sackville Hotel, Bexhill in No 54 Group but moved to the Esplanade Hotel, Paignton in Devon on 1 July 1940. It later became an ITW specialising in training Air Gunners but then reverted to the training of Pilots/Navigators and Air Bombers. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 800 PNB trainees for a course of 12 weeks duration. It disbanded on 1 March 1944.

This formed at the Eversfield Hotel, Hastings on 13 November 1939 in No 54 Group, The first intake of 250 trainees arrived on 22 November with another 250 arriving a week later and a further 500 week commencing 9 December 1939. It moved to Torquay, with its HQ at Castle Chambers, Higher Union Street, on 24 June 1940, finally disbanding on 1 March 1944.

This was formed on 1 August 1940 at the Queen's Hotel, Aberystwyth in No 54 Group. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 800 PNB trainees for a course of 12 weeks duration and disbanded on 10 May 1944.

This was formed on 1 October 1940 at the Ballevista Hotel, Newquay in No 54 Group. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 800 PNB trainees for a course of 12 weeks duration.and disbanded on 10 May 1944 into No 40 ITW.

This was formed on 4 November 1940 at the Trebarwith Hotel, Newquay in No 54 Group. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 800 PNB trainees for a course of 12 weeks duration and disbanded on 25 May 1944.

This was formed on 14 June 1941 in No 54 Group at the Arden Hotel, Stratford-on-Avon. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 800 PNB trainees for a course of 12 weeks duration and disbanded on 25 May 1944.

This was formed on 13 December 1940 at the Grand Hotel, Scarborough in No 54 Group. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 800 PNB trainees for a course of 12 weeks duration and disbanded on 1 April 1944.

This was formed on 15 March 1941 at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Scarborough in No 54 Group and disbanded on 1 April 1944.

This was formed on 12 May 1941 at the Marine Hotel, St Andrews in No 54 Group. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 800 PNB trainees for a course of 12 weeks duration and disbanded on 21 May 1944.

This was formed on 1 June 1941 at the Grand Hotel, Torquay in No 54 Group, administered by RAF Torquay. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 600 PNB trainees plus 200 officres for a course of 12 weeks duration and disbanded on 1 March 1944.

This was formed as a self accounting unit at Marine Court in Hastings on 23 September 1941 in No 54 Group but moved to Bridlington in East Yorkshire on 16 January 1942. On 1 February 1943, two additional squadrons were added to the Establishment of RAF Bridlington for the instruction of 200 Flight Engineers each, but the instruction of these trainees was the responsibility of No 14 ITW. A re-organisation took place from 1 March 1943, with the capacity of No 14 ITW being raised to 1,800, comprising 1,200 Air Gunners and 600 Flight Engineers. On completion of their training at No 14 ITW, personnel were disposed of as follows: -

In June 1943 the capacity of the Wing was reduced from 1,800 to 1,300, now all Air Gunners. It was redesignated No 18 ITW on 25 March 1944.

No 18 ITW was re-numbered No 14 ITW at Bridgnorth in Shropshire on 25 March 1944 with a capacity of 800 on an 8 week course. It assumed responsibility for the initial service training of air gunners until it was disbanded there on 21 April 1944 with its tasking being reallocated to Nos 80, 81 and 82 ITWs.

This was formed on 23 September 1943 at Bridlington to train Wireless Operator/Air Gunners and was redesignated No 19 ITW on 26 February 1944, disbanding on 21 April 1944 into Nos 80, 81 and 82 ITWs.

No 19 ITW at Bridgnorth was re-numbered No 15 ITW on 25 March 1944 with a capacity of 800 on an 8 week course and disbanded on 21 April 1944 into No 70 ITW.

This was formed on 1 October 1943 at Whitley Bay and disbanded on 1 February 1944.

This was formed on 23 September 1941 at Belvedere House, Esplanade, Scarborough in No 54 Group, administered by No 10 ITW, Scarborough. By June 1943 it had a capacity of 800 PNB trainees for a course of 12 weeks duration and disbanded on 1 April 1944.

This was formed on 4 January 1943 at Bridgnorth to train WOp/AGs with capacity of 1,000 (125 per week for an eight week course), which was expanded to 1,080 in early 1943, but reduced to 800 on 24 May 1943. It was redesignated No 14 ITW on 25 March 1944.

No 14 ITW at Bridlington was re-numbered No 18 ITW on 25 March 1944, with a capacity of 800 on an 8 week course and disbanded on 21 April 1944 into No 70 ITW.

This was formed on 20 March 1943 at Bridgnorth in No 54 Group to train Wireless Operator/Air Gunners with a capacity of 1,000 (weekly intake of 125 on an eight week course), which was expanded to 1,080 in early 1943, but reduced to 800 on 24 May 1943

It was redesignated No 15 ITW on 26 February 1944 and on the same day No 15 ITW at Bridlington was re-numbered as No 19 ITW, with a capacity of 800 on an 8 week course disbanding on 21 April 1944 into No 70 ITW.

This was formed on 31 May 1943 at Bridlington in No 54 Group with a capacity of 925 (840 Wireless Operator/Air Gunners and 85 Wireless Operator Mechanic/Air Gunners). It moved to Usworth on 6 November 1943 and by 1 April 1944 it capacity had been reduced to 800 on an 8 week course, disbanding on 20 April 1944.

This was formed from No 3 ITW on 31 May 1943 at the Torquay with a capacity of 924 (860 Wireless Operator/Air Gunners and 84 Wireless Operator Mechanic/Air Gunners) It moved to Usworth on 15 September 1943 and then to Bridlington on 6 November, with a capacity of 800 Flight Engineers on an 8 week course, disbanding on 21 April 1944 into No 70 ITW.

This was formed on 1 October 1943 at Filey Bay, moving to Stormy Down on 27 November 1944, where its capacity was reduced from 800 to 630 on a 24 week course. On 5 April 1946 its capacity was reduced to 130 and the following day it moved to Bridgnorth, where its capacity was reduced to 90 on 23 May 1946 and disbanded on 1 August 1946.

This was formed from Nos 7 and 8 ITWs on 10 May 1944 at the Newquay in No 54 Group with a capacity of 1,150 for course of 8 week's duration.

It moved to Stormy Down on 21 August 1944, where its capacity was reduced to 850 and disbanded on 27 November 1944.

This was formed from No 2 ITW on 26 February 1944 at Cambridge and disbanded on 17 May 1944.

This was formed on 1 June 1944 at Bridgnorth taking over the accommodation of the recently disbanded No 82 ITW. It had a capacity of 1,250 for an eight week course, which was reduced to 1,150 on 27 November 1944 and then to 200 on 25 December 1944. It was redesignated No 1 ITS on 21 May 1946.

This was planned to be formed on 26 February 1944 at Bridgnorth, but this was cancelled

This was formed on 26 February 1944 at Usworth, moving to Bridgnorth on 31 March 1945 disbanded on 6 May 1945 into No 50 ITW.

This was formed from Nos 18, 19 and 21 ITWs on 21 April 1944 at Bridlington in No 54 Group, with a capacity of 1,800 for course of 6 week's duration. Its capacity was reduced to 1,200 on 14 August 1944 and further reduced to 750 on 1 October, but was disbanded on 21 October 1944.

This was planned to be formed on 26 February 1944 at Bridlington but this was cancelled

This was formed from Nos 14 and 15 ITWs and the EAGS on 21 April 1944 at Bridgnorth in No 54 Group, with a capacity of 1,200 for course of 6 week's duration, which was reduced to 600 on 16 November 1944 but was disbanded on 27 November 1944.

This was formed from Nos 14 and 15 ITWs and the EAGS on 21 April 1944 at Bridgnorth in No 54 Group, with a capacity of 1,000 for course of 6 week's duration, but on 31 May 1944 this capacity was increased to 1,300. On 1 July 1944 the training capacity was reduced to 1,000 and then to 600 on 14 August 1944, it disbanded on 6 October 1944.

This was formed from Nos 14 and 15 ITWs and the EAGS on 21 April 1944 at Bridgnorth in No 54 Group, with a capacity of 1,800 for course of 6 week's duration and disbanded on 31 May 1944.

This was formed on 10 May 1944 at Cranage in No 54 Group, with a capacity of 1,100 for course of 6 week's duration, which was reduced to 900 on 1 September 1944 and disbanded on 28 October 1944.

This was planned to be formed on 26 February 1944 at Newquay but this was cancelled

This was formed from the Polish Squadron No 12 ITW (St Andrews) on 25 July 1942 at Brighton, where it became part of the Air Crew Disposal Wing, moving to Croughton on 21 May 1944 disbanded on 1 November 1945.

This was formed on 1 April 1943 at Abbey Lodge, Regents Park, London, controlling a number of centres around the country and disbanded on 2 March 1945. The purpose of the centres was to train airman considered suitable for aircrew training except for the fact that they fell below the requisite educational standard. After three weeks at the ACRC, the airmen would be posted to a PACT Centre for a six months educational course.

This was formed on 8 March 1943 at Regent Road, Edinburgh, parented by HQ, No 17 Group. On 1 January 1944 it took over No 12 Centre at Learmouth Terrace as a satellite and

Regent Road disbanded on 15 September 1944, followed by Learmouth Terrace on 1 January 1945.

This was formed on 15 March 1943 at Wandsworth and Battersea, parented by ACRC, No 54 Group with a capacity of 200, which was increased to 300 on 20 September 1943 and disbanded on 5 August 1944.

This was formed on 22 March 1943 at Tooting, parented by ACRC, No 54 Group. On 1 January 1944 it took over No 4 Centre at Borough as a satellite and disbanded on 5 August 1944.

This was formed on 29 March 1943 at Borough Polytechnic, Borough Road, SE and Norwood Technical Institute, Knight Hill, SE27 parented by ACRC, No 54 Group. On 1 January 1944 Borough Polytechnic was reduced to satellite status to No 3 Centre, Balham and Norwood Technical Institute was transferred to No 5 Centre as a satellite.

his was formed on 5 April 1943 at Wadsworth Technical Institute, SW18, parented by ACRC, No 54 Group. On 1 January 1944 it took over Norwood Technical Institute from No 4 Centre as a satellite. It disbanded on 5 August 1944.

Location	Parent Unit	Comments
Technical College, Cardiff	No 14 Balloon Centre (later No 953 Sqn) No 52 MU from 23 Jan 1944
Technical College, Newport	No 14 Balloon Centre (later No 953 Sqn) No 7 MT Company from 1 Feb 1944
Mining and Technical Institute, Neath	No 958 Sqn No 7 MT Company from 1 Feb 1944	Closed down - 9 Sep 1944
Technical College, Swansea	No 958 Sqn No 7 MT Company from 1 Feb 1944

It disbanded on 6 November 1944.

This was formed on 19 April 1943 at King's College University, Aberdeen, parented by RAF Dyce.

Location	Capacity	Parent Unit	Comments
South Staffs High School of Commerce and Technical College, Walfrum Street, Wolverhampton	50	No 6 Balloon Centre	Closed - 17 Nov 1944
Technical College, Bradford Place, Walsall	50	No 6 Balloon Centre	Closed - 17 Nov 1944
The Technical Institute, London Road, Hinckley, Staffs	50	No 6 Balloon Centre	Closed - 17 Nov 1944
County Mining and Technical College, Cannock, (ex No 18 Centre)	100	No 6 Balloon Centre	Transferred to No 8 Centre - 1 Jan 1944 Closed - 19 Jan 1945

This was formed on 17 May 1943 at Bradford Technical College, Great Horton Road, Bradford with a capacity of 125 parented by RAF Harrogate. On 9 December 1943 it took over the satellite at the Technical College, Bell Street, Wakefield from No 16 PACT Centre, with a capacity of 50.

Wakefield disbanded on 13 October 1944, followed by Bradford on 24 November 1944.

Location	Capacity	Parent Unit	Comments
Manchester High School of Commerce, Princess Street, Manchester	100	RAF Heaton Park	Disbanded on 8 December 1944.
Royal Technical College, Salford, Lancashire	50	RAF Heaton Park	Disbanded on 19 January 1945.
Municipal Technical College, St Helen's, Lancashire	50	RAF Heaton Park	Transferred to No 19 PACT Centre - 9 Dec 1943

Location	Capacity	Parent Unit	Comments
South West Essex Technical College, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17	100	ACRC	Capacity increased to 150 - 26 Jun 1944
South East Essex Technical College, Longbridge Road, Dagenham, Essex	100	ACRC	Closed down on 26 Nov 1943

With the closing of the Dagenham satellite, the training capacity of the Centre was reduced from 200 to 100.

This was formed on 7 June 1943 at 4 Learmouth Terrace, Edinburgh with a capacity of 200, parented by No 929 Squadron. On 1 January 1944 it was reduced to satellite status to No 1 Centre, Regent Road, Edinburgh.

Location	Capacity	Parent Unit	Comments
Ealing Technical College, Warwick Road, London W5	50	ACRC	Closed 16 Jun 1944
Hendon Technical Institute, The Burroughs, London, NW4	50	ACRC	Upgraded to Parent status - 5 Aug 1944, closed - 21 Dec 1944
North Western Polytechnic, Prince of Wales Road, London, NW5 (ex No 21 Centre)	100	ACRC	Transferred to No 13 Centre - 1 Jan 1944, disbanded on 5 Aug 1944.

Location	Capacity	Parent Unit	Comments
North Gloucestershire Technical College, Cheltenham	75 100 from 5 Feb 1944	RAF Innsworth	Closed - 12 Jan 1945
Stroud and District Technical College, Stroud	50	RAF Innsworth	Closed - 12 Jan 1945
The Victoria Institute, Worcester	50	No 24 Group (Unit), Worcester	Upgraded to No 23 PACT Centre - 1 July 1944

A satellite site was opened on 16 August 1943 at Worcester as shown above. It disbanded on 12 January 1945.

This was formed on 5 July 1943 at the College of Commerce, Brunswick Avenue, Hull, with a capacity of 100, parented by No 942/3 Squadron and was closed down on 23 June 1944.

This was formed on 5 July 1943 at the College of Technology, Howard Street, Rotherham, parented by No 939/40 Squadron. Its initial capacity was for 50 but this was increased to 100 on 6 September 1943. Satellites were subsequently as shown below as follows: -

Location	Date opened	Capacity	Parent Unit	Comments
College of Technology, Howard Street, Rotherham	5 Jul 1943	100	No 939/40 Squadron	Closed - 12 Jan 1945
County Technical College, Worksop	4 Sep 1943	50	No 939/40 Squadron	Closed - 13 Oct 1944
Technical College, Bell Street, Wakefield	11 Oct 1943	50	No 939/40 Squadron	Transferred to No 9 PACT Centre - 9 Dec 1943

This was formed in Dudley (parent site) and three other satellite sites as follows: -

Location	Date opened	Date Closed	Capacity	Parent Unit
Technical College, The Broadway, Dudley	26 Jul 1943	12 Jan 1945	50	No 6 Balloon Centre, Wythall
Technical College, Crochetts Lane, Smethwick	19 Jul 1943	1 Jan 1945	50	No 6 Balloon Centre, Wythall
Technical School, Oldbury	2 Aug 1943	9 Feb 1945	50	No 6 Balloon Centre, Wythall
Technical School, Halesowen	2 Aug 1943	9 Feb 1945	50	No 6 Balloon Centre, Wythall

This was formed on 2 August 1943 at the County Mining and Technical College, Cannock, parented by No 6 SoTT with a capacity of 100. On 1 January 1944 it was reduced to satellite status and transferred to No 8 Centre, Walsall.

This was formed on 7 August 1943 at the College of Commerce, 79 Titherbarn Street, Liverpool , parented by No 3 Embarkation Unit, Liverpool with a capacity of 100. On 9 December 1943, it took over the satellite at the Municipal Technical College, St Helen's, Lancashire from No 10 PACT Centre, with a capacity of 50.

St Helen's disbanded on 1 December 1944, followed by Liverpool on 26 January 1945.

This was formed on 7 August 1943 at the Technical College, Lincoln , parented by RAF Waddington with a capacity of 50, later increased to 100 and was closed down on 14 July 1944.

This was formed on 13 September 1943 at North Western Polytechnic, Prince of Wales Road, London, NW5 with a capacity of 100 and parented by the ACRC, Regent's Park. On 1 January 1944 it was reduced to satellite status and transferred to No 13 Centre, Ealing.

This was due to form on 1 July 1944 at The Technical Institute, London Road, Hinckley, Staffs, a satellite of No 8 PACT Centre, Walsall but was subsequently cancelled.

This was formed on 1 July 1944 at The Victoria Institute, Worcester, a satellite of No 14 PACT Centre, Walsall with a capacity of 100 and disbanded on 2 February 1945.

This was formed on 20 November 1940 at Norcliffe Hotel, Babbacombe and was redesignated No 1 Initial Training Wing on 14 June 1941

This was formed on 20 November 1940 at Stratford-upon-Avon in No 54 Group to initially have a pupil population of 600. It was redesignated No 9 Initial Training Wing on 14 July 1941.

This was formed on 26 August 1946 at Padgate by redesignating the Reception Unit at the station and on 1 December 1946 its capacity was increased from 1,400 to 2,000, no further details at present.

This was formed on 26 August 1946 at Cardington with a capacity of 700, no further details at present.

This was formed on 9 September 1946 at Burtonwood with a capacity of 500. On 2 April 1948 it moved to Cardington and transferred from No 28 Group to No 22 Group, disbanding on 1 June 1948, its commitments being taken over by No 2 Reception Unit.

This was formed in 1946 at Aldergrove with a weekly intake of 100 and a peak capacity of 400. On 1 February 1948 its weekly intake was reduced to 50 with a peak capacity of 200. It was disbanded on 1 July 1949, with its commitment being assumed by RAF Station, Aldergrove.

A formation date for this has not been found, but in 1921 was located at the HQ of the Deputy Inspector, 4 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2, controlling: -

A formation date for this has not been found, but in 1921 was located at the HQ of the Deputy Inspector, Crown Buildings, James Watt Street, Birmingham, controlling: -

A formation date for this has not been found, but in 1921 was located at the HQ of the Deputy Inspector, 11 St Anne Street, Liverpool, controlling: -

A formation date for this has not been found, but in 1921 was located at the HQ of the Deputy Inspector, 298 Bath Street, Glasgow, controlling: -

A formation date for this has not been found, but in 1921 was located at the HQ of the Deputy Inspector, 15 Old Town Street, Plymouth, controlling: -

This was probably formed in 1919 at 82 Regent Quay, Aberdeen, and probably closed in 1921.

This was probably formed in 1919 at 3 Grand Central Hotel, Royal Avenue, and probably closed in 1921.

This was probably formed in 1919 at Crown Building, James Watt Street, Birmingham, and closed on 31 October 1924. It was re-opened on 6 April 1925, closing again on 22 January 1926. No further details at present.

This was probably formed in 1919 at The Drill Hall, Gloucester Road, no further details at present.

This was opened on 6 October 1923 at 135 Victoria Street, Bristol, later moving to 4 Colston Street, and closed on 28 March 1924

This was probably formed in 1919 at the City Hall, moving to 1 Fitzalan Road, no further details at present.

This was probably formed in 1919 at 2 Military Road, no further details at present.

This was probably formed in 1919 at 39 South Bridge, no further details at present.

A formation date for this Depot has not been found, but was located at 250 St Vincent Street, Glasgow and became self accounting on 20 May 1920. It possibly became the HQ of the Scottish Recruiting Area and moved to 298 Bath Street, Glasgow, but ceased being self-accounting on 1 October 1921 and ceased to exist on 28 February 1923.

This was probably formed in 1919 at 45 Beverley Road, no further details at present.

This was probably formed in 1919 at 69 Clarendon Road, no further details at present.

This was probably formed in 1919 at 3 De Montford Square, and probably closed in 1921.

This was probably formed in 1919 at St George's Schools, Oldham Road, no further details at present.

This was probably formed in 1919 at the Drill Hall, Bright Street, and probably closed in 1921.

This was probably formed in 1919 at 2 Regent Terrace, but closed by the end of 1922 as it was reformed on 1 January 1923 at 'Dene House', Ellison Place, Newcastle-on-Tyne and closed again on 31 October 1924. It was re-opened on 6 April 1925, but closed on 30 June 1926. No further details at present.

This was probably formed in 1919 at 39 Exchange Street, no further details at present.

This was probably formed in 1919 at 26 Broad Street, Trinity Square, no further details at present.

This was probably formed in 1919 at White Hart Road Barracks, no further details at present.

This was probably formed in 1919 at McIlroy's Building, Oxford Chambers, and probably closed in 1921.

This was probably formed in 1919 at Hamilton House, Commercial Road, no further details at present.

This was formed from No 1 RAF Depot on 7 September 1939 at Uxbridge and was redesignated No 1 Recruits Centre on 4 January 1940.

This was formed from No 2 RAF Depot on 7 September 1939 at Cardington and was redesignated No 2 Recruits Centre on 4 January 1940.

This was formed from No 3 RAF Depot on 7 September 1939 at Padgate and was redesignated No 3 Recruits Centre on 4 January 1940

This was formed on 12 October 1939 at Bridgnorth with a single Wing to train 2.000 recruits. A second Wing was added in November and was it redesignated No 4 Recruits Centre on 4 January 1940

This was formed on 2 December 1939 at Morecombe and was redesignated No 7 Recruits Centre on 4 January 1940

This was formed on 17 June 1939 at Brittaniic Court Flats, Shore Road, South Shore, Blackpool and was attached to No 3 SoTT for all accounting purposes.

This was formed in September 1938 at Finningley and was redesignated a Recruit Sub-Receiving Centre on 14 September 1939

This was formed on 1 June 1938 at Grantham but moved to RAF Usworth on 28 September.

This was formed on 22 August 1938 at Upwood and was redesignated a Recruit Sub-Receiving Centre on 14 September 1939

This was formed on 29 August 1938 at Dishforth and was redesignated a Recruit Sub-Receiving Centre on 14 September 1939

This was formed on 10 August 1938 at Driffield and was closed down on 5 May 1939, but re-opened on 2 June 1939, closing again on 1 September.

This was formed on 19 October 1938 at South Cerney and was redesignated a Recruit Sub-Receiving Centre on 14 September 1939

This was formed in June 1939 at Sealand to take an intake of 600 personnel to be housed in accommodation planned for the use of personnel of a planned Repair Depot.

This was formed on 11 September 1939 at North Coates and was redesignated a Recruit Sub-Receiving Centre on 14 September 1939

This was formed on 11 September 1939 at Sutton Bridge and was redesignated a Recruit Sub-Receiving Centre on 14 September 1939.

This was formed on 16 September 1939 at Catfoss and was redesignated No 1 Recruit Training Pool on 18 September 1939

This was formed on 11 July 1938 at Grantham moving to RAF Usworth on 28 September, but on 5 May 1939 it moved to Padgate and was absorbed into No 3 RAF Depot. It re-opened in June 1939.

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Depot on 14 September 1939 at Dishforth and was redesignated No 7 Recruit Training Pool on 22 September 1939

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Depot on 14 September 1939 at Finningley and was redesignated No 5 Recruit Training Pool on 28 September 1939

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Depot on 14 September 1939 at North Coates and was redesignated No 2 Recruit Training Pool on 22 September 1939

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Depot on 14 September 1939 at South Cerney and was redesignated No 8 Recruit Training Pool on 22 September 1939

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Depot on 14 September 1939 at Sutton Bridge and was redesignated No 3 Recruit Training Pool on 22 September 1939

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Depot on 14 September 1939 at Upwood and was redesignated No 6 Recruit Training Pool on 23 September 1939

This was formed on 18 September 1939 at Catfoss to accommodate up to 360 recruits, and disbanded on 8 June 1940

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Receiving Depot on 30 September 1939 at North Coates to accommodate up to 700 recruits, and was redesignated No 9 Recruits Centre on 8 January 1940

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Receiving Depot on 23 September 1939 at Sutton Bridge, to accommodate up to 360 recruits, and disbanded on 29 October 1939.

It reformed on 29 October 1939 at Hawkinge to accommodate 600 trainees and disbanded on 15 February 1940

This was formed on 14 September 1939 at Martlesham Heath, to accommodate up to 670 recruits, and disbanded on 4 December 1939 with its staff and remaining recruits being transferred to No 8 RTP at RAF Manston.

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Receiving Depot on 26 September 1939 at Finningley, to accommodate up to 264 recruits, under the control of No 24 Group and disbanded on 7 March 1940

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Receiving Depot on 27 September 1939 at Upwood, to accommodate up to 408 recruits, under the control of No 24 Group and disbanded on 15 May 1940

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Receiving Depot on 28 September 1939 at Dishforth and disbanded on 17 October 1939

It reformed on 13 November 1939 at Felixstowe to accommodate 600 trainees and disbanded on 17 May 1940

This was formed from Recruit Sub-Receiving Depot on 22 September 1939 at South Cerney and disbanded on 31 October 1939

It reformed on 13 November 1939 at Manston, to accommodate up to 500 recruits, this being increased to 1,200 on 4 December to compensate for the closure of No 4 RTP at Martlesham Heath. It was redesignated No 8 Recruits Centre on 9 January 1940.

This was formed on 4 January 1940 at Uxbridge as part of the reformed No 1 RAF Depot, moving to the Wessex Hotel in Gloucester on 3 December 1940 and then to 31 Victoria Road, Penarth in No 24 Group on 20 January 1941. On 13 November 1942 it was transferred to No 20 Group, moving to Melksham on 8 March 1945, where from 14 June 1945 its training capacity was 2,000 (no reception).

This was formed from No 2 Recruit Receiving Centre on 4 January 1940 at Cardington under the control of No 27 Group. It was transferred to No 20 Group on 11 November 1942 and in October 1943 was reorganised into 1 Wing with a peak population of 1,000. Until 1 December 1943 it was shown on the Establishment of RAF Cardington, but on this date it became an independent unit in No 22 Group. It now comprised: -

It closed on 28 August 1944 but reopened on 4 October 1944 at Cardington, with the following capacity: -

General Service Training	720
Recruits Reception	300
Recruits Training	1,000
Total	2,020

The reception facilities were closed down on 14 June 1945, it with a training capacity was 1,000 and it disbanded on 1 November 1948

This was formed from No 3 Recruit Receiving Centre on 4 January 1940 at Padgate under the control of No 24 Group and was absorbed into No 15 RC on 9 September 1941. However, in October 1943 it is shown as being reorganised into 3 Wings with a peak population of 3,000.

It reformed on 25 June 1945 at Padgate, with a reception capacity of 1,000 and a training capacity was 3,000. On 25 July 1945 the reception capacity was increased to 2,000 and on 22 October to 3,000, but the training capacity was decreased to 2,000.

This was formed from No 4 Recruit Receiving Centre on 4 January 1940 at Bridgnorth under the control of No 20 Group. It was transferred to No 24 Group on 13 May 1941 and disbanded on before March 1942

It reformed on 25 June 1945 at Wilmslow, with a training capacity was 3,000 (no reception), which was reduced to 2,000 on 18 November 1946 and was redesignated No 4 School of Recruit Training on 1 November 1948

This was formed on 25 April 1940 at Saughall Massie (later renamed West Kirby) with staff from No 1 Personnel Despatch Centre and operated in this role under the control of No 20 Group. It ceased to function as a Recruit Centre on 20 February 1941 and assumed the functions of a Personnel Despatch Centre, taking over the role of No 1 PDC. At the same date one Wing (1,000 personnel) was transferred to Weston-super-Mare to form a fourth Wing at No 5 SoTT, Locking. It was later transferred to No 24 Group and on 3 March No 1 Wing moved to Skegness.

It reformed on 1 September 1946 at West Kirby, with a trainee capacity of 4,000, and was redesignated No 5 School of Recruit Training on 1 November 1948

This was formed on 11 April 1940 at Wilmslow (originally known as Stockport). It ceased to function as a Recruit Centre on 20 February 1941 and assumed the functions of a Personnel Despatch Centre, to increase the capacity at No 2 PDC, Wilmslow to 4,000.

It was redesignated No 2 Personnel Despatch Centre on 17 September 1941 but is also supposed to have merged with No 15 Recruits Centre at Blackpool on 1 September 1941

It reformed on 17 August 1946 at Innsworth, with a capacity of 2,000, and disbanded on 20 December 1947

This was formed from No 7 Recruit Receiving Centre on 2 December 1939 at Morecombe and closed on 17 May 1942.

It reformed on 1 October 1946 at Bridgnorth with a peak capacity of 1,000 trainees, which was increased to 3,000 on 1 November 1946 and was redesignated No 7 School of Recruit Training on 1 November 1948.

This was formed from No 8 Recruit Training Pool on 9 January 1940 at Manston and disbanded on 8 June 1940

It reformed on 18 January 1941 at 36 Guthrie Point, Arbroath in No 20 Group, comprising a Receiving Wing for 400 and two Training Wings of 1,000 each. 1n October 1943 was reorganised into 1 Wing with a peak population of 1,000 and disbanded on 23 April 1945

This was formed from No 2 Recruit Training Pool on 8 January 1940 at North Coates and disbanded on 30 April 1940

It was reformed as a Recruit Training Centre at Blackpool on 17 June 1940 but was redesignated No 9 Recruits Centre on 27 June 1940 and disbanded on 15 January 1943.

This was formed from on 11 July 1940 at Blackpool under the control of No 20 Group. Its task was to provide Morse training and Buzzer Instruction as well as General Service Training to recruits prior to being posted to Wireless Schools for training as Wireless Operators, each of its five Wings being planned to handle 2,000 recruits at a time. The first intake of 1,000 arrived on 12 July with a further 1,000 arriving the following week, followed by further weekly intakes of 1,000 until the planned five Wings were complete. It was transferred to No 27 Group by April 1941 but in August 1941 was placed in No 20 Group, although No 27 Group remained responsible for inspecting the Morse training carried out by the unit.

On 16 August 1943 it ceased carrying out Recruits Disciplinary training and was reorganised to conduct initial Wireless Operator Training to airmen who had already completed their course at a Recruit Centre and was redesignated No 13 Radio School

This was formed from on 10 February 1941 at the Seacroft Hotel, Skegness under the control of No 24 Group with a capacity of 2,000 (2 Wings) to replace No 6 RC, which ceased to function as a recruit centre on 20 February. About a month later it was expanded by the addition of another Wing, raising its capacity to 3,000. It was transferred to No 20 Group at some point and then to No 27 Group on 11 November 1942 and in October 1943 was reorganised into 3 Wing with a peak population of 3,000, which was increased to 4,000 on 1 May 1944 but reduced to 2,000 on 28 August 1944. It disbanded on 26 October 1944

It reformed in No 22 Group on 23 July 1945 at Deenethorpe, with a capacity of 2,000 and disbanded on 24 May 1946.

This was formed from on 10 March 1941 at Somerset House, Bath Road, Bournemouth under the control of No 24 Group, comprising 3 Wings to take 1,000 recruits each, but this was almost immediately increased to 4 Wings raising its capacity to 4,000. It was absorbed into No 3 Personnel Reception Centre on 16 February 1942

It reformed in No 22 Group on 23 July 1945 at Kimbolton, with a capacity of 2,000 and disbanded on 3 May 1946.

This was formed in No 22 Group on 29 August 1945 at Greenham Common with a capacity of 2,000 and disbanded on 20 April 1946

This was formed from on 29 April 1941 at Weston-super-Mare under the control of No 24 Group and disbanded on 8 April 1943

It reformed in No 22 Group on 27 August 1945 at Hereford with a capacity of 2,000, moving to Melton Mowbray on 15 February 1946, and disbanded on 17 September 1946

Graduation Photo courtesy of Andrew Cummings (Max Martin's (5th from right, back row) grandfather)

This was formed on 1 August 1941 at Blackpool in No 20 Group, under the administrative control of RAF Blackpool. It was to have a peak capacity of 6,000 personnel under training and disbanded on 29 March 1943

It reformed from No 4 (Recruit) Wing, No 5 School of Technical Training, West Kirby on 8 October 1945 at Compton Bassett, with a capacity of 2,000, which was increased to 3,000 on 18 November 1946, and disbanded on 26 June 1947.

This was formed from on 28 April 1941 at Royal Hotel, Great Yarmouth under the control of No 24 Group. It was transferred to No 27 Group on 26 May 1941 and then to No 20 Group on 11 November 1942, disbanding on 15 March 1943

It reformed on 11 October 1945 at Sudbury, with a capacity of 2,000 and disbanded on 24 May 1946

This was formed from on 7 April 1941 at Bridlington under the control of No 20 Group and disbanded on ?

It reformed on 11 October 1945 at Rattlesden, with a capacity of 2,000 and disbanded on 20 April 1946

This was formed on 26 May 1941 at Coatham Hotel, Redcar, also operating in Saltburn, under the control of No 20 Group and disbanded on 15 March 1943 on the formation of RAF Station Redcar.

It reformed on 10 October 1945 at Debach, with a capacity of 2,000. It moved to Leiston on 30 October and disbanded on 24 May 1946

This was formed on 12 October 1945 at Metfield, with a capacity of 2,000 under the control of No 24 Group and disbanded on 20 April 1946

This was formed on 2 June 1941 at The Crescent Hotel, Filey under the control of No 20 Group. On 5 September 1941 it commenced providing training for RAF ground defence personnel in the use of rifle, bayonet, grenade, Thompson sub machine gun and Lewis gun in a four week course with a weekly intake of 450 to a peak of 1,800. It was absorbed into No 1 RAF Regiment School, Filey on 14 November 1942.

This was formed on 20 July 1942 at Blackpool under the control of No 20 Group, administered by RAF Blackpool and disbanded on 31 October 1942

This was formed on 7 July 1941 at Whitley Bay under the control of No 20 Group. On 5 September 1941 it commenced providing training for RAF ground defence personnel in the use of rifle, bayonet, grenade, Thompson sub machine gun and Lewis gun in a four week course with a weekly intake of 750 to a peak of 3,000. It was redesignated No 2 RAF Regiment School on 1 February 1942

It reformed from on 22 February 1943 at Newtownards under the control of No 20 Group as a reception centre for recruits from Eire, with a weekly intake of 50 up to a capacity of 250. It moved to Long Kesh on 23 March 1944 with a capacity of 400, then to Aldergrove on 23 June 1947, where it and was redesignated No 4 Reception Unit on 18 August 1947

This was formed from No 2 (WAAF) Depot on 30 November 1942 at Innsworth under the control of No 20 Group, with a capacity of 1,000 trainees. On 30 June 1943 the capacity was reduced to 1,000 and it was transferred to No 28 Group on 1 August 1943, disbanding on 10 September 1943

This was formed from No 3 (WAAF) Depot on 30 November 1942 at Morecombe. It moved to Wilmslow on 24 February 1943, where it was reduced to a 1 Wing basis, comprising 3 Training Flights and 1 Holding Flight, each with a capacity of 300. On 10 September, it was reorganised to carry out Reception for 400 to a peak of 1,400 (including a Holding Flight of 200). At some point its capacity was raised above these figures and then on 13 March 1944 was raised again to: -

	Former Policy		New Policy
	Intake	Peak	Intake	Peak
Reception	400	500	500	600
Training	400	1400	500	1700
		1900		2300

Its training capacity was reduced to 200 after this point but on 14 June 1945 its capacity was raised to 1,000 (reception and training) but then reduced to 750. On 1 December 1946 the capacity was again revised to 1,500 as follows: -

This was formed, possibly on 15 December 1944, as part of the establishment of RAF Saharanpur, or had been formed earlier and was added to the establishment on that date. Its function was to provide training to Anglo-Indian or domiciled European recruits prior to their enlistment in the RAF.

This was formed on 14 August 1919 at Uxbridge and was redesignated RAF Depot on 23 December 1919

This was formed in No 22 Group on 10 December 1948 at Melksham. It moved to Henlow 1 July 1949 and then to Cardington on 1 September 1951, where it disbanded on 5 June 1953.

This was formed from No 2 Recruits Centre on 1 November 1948 at Cardington and disbanded on 4 October 1950.

This was formed from No 3 Recruits Centre on 1 November 1948 at Padgate and disbanded on 31 March 1957.

This was formed from No 4 Recruits Centre on 1 November 1948 at Wilmslow and disbanded on 31 March 1957.

This was formed from No 5 Recruits Centre on 1 November 1948 at West Kirby and disbanded on 1 November 1958.

This was formed from No 7 Recruits Centre on 1 November 1948 at Bridgnorth. It moved to Innsworth on 28 February 1963 and then to Swinderby on 20 March 1964. No 2 Wing was formed at Hemswell on 1 April 1965, closing on 17 June 1967 and it was redesignated the School of RAF Recruit Training on 5 October 1970.

This was formed in No 22 Group on 12 July 1950 at Kirkham, comprising one Wing to train National Service airmen and disbanded on 15 May 1952.

This was formed on 14 August 1950 in No 22 Group at Weeton and disbanded on 7 July 1952.

This was formed on 16 August 1950 in No 22 Group at Melksham and disbanded on 24 August 1953.

This was formed in No 22 Group on 20 September 1950 at Hednesford and on 1 October 1951 an additional Wing was formed by transferring the personnel of No 12 SoRT Cosford on its disbandment. It disbanded on 3 December 1956.

This was formed in No 22 Group on 20 September 1950 at Cosford and disbanded on 1 October 1951, personnel being transferred to Hednesford as an additional Wing of No 11 SoRT.

This was formed in No 22 Group on 20 September 1950 at Innsworth and disbanded on 24 November 1952.

This was formed from No 7 School of Recruit Training on 5 October 1970 at Swinderby, moving to Halton in 1993 and remains in existence.

This was formed as a Belgian Air Force Unit on 1 August 1942 at Goring-on-Thames, to provide preliminary training to Belgians that would be useful to them prior to joining the RAF for aircrew duties, with a capacity of 100 pupils. On 28 October 1943 it was brought into the RAF and redesignated the Belgian Air Force Depot.

This was formed by redesignating the Belgian Aeronautical Depot at Goring-on-Thames on 28 October 1943 when it was brought into the RAF. It was planned to have a capacity of 250 but was initially limited to 120 (including staff) and comprised three main sections: -

On 1 January 1944 the sections shown above were transferred to the RAF (Belgian) Initial Training School at Snitterfield and it was re-organised into a non-effective pool and a disposal section with a total capacity of 100 (20 officer, 20 Senior NCOs and 20 other ranks). At the same time it was transferred from No 54 Group to HQ (Unit), Flying Training Command. From 10 May 1944 its capacity was increased to 104 (30 officer, 30 Senior NCOs and 10 other ranks and 34 Staff).

It was transferred to Technical Training Command on 13 November 1944 and was redesignated No 30 (Belgian) Rest and Leave Camp on 14 December 1944.

This was formed on 1 January 1944 at Snitterfield in No 54 Group, administered by RAF Church Lawford with a capacity of 250, taking over the role previously fulfilled by the RAF (Belgian) Depot, namely: -

This was formed from the RAF (Belgian) Initial Training School on 13 October 1944 at Snailwell in No 28 Group with a pupil population of approximately 400. The recruit reception element moved to Bottisham on 9 June 1945 and it was transferred to Belgium on 18 April 1946.

This was formed from the RAF Reserve Depot on 28 November 1918 at Blandford, moving to Halton on 23 March 1919 and was probably redesignated the Recruits Training Depot on an unknown date.

It reformed from the Recruits Training Depot on 12 December 1919 at Halton. moving to Uxbridge on 6 April 1920 and was redesignated No 1 RAF Depot on 1 September 1937.

This was formed from the RAF Depot on 1 September 1937 at Uxbridge. and was redesignated No 1 Recruit Receiving Centre on 7 September 1939.

It reformed from the RAF Depot on 4 January 1940 at Uxbridge and was redesignated RAF Station Uxbridge on 25 November 1942.

This was formed on 27 May 1937 at Henlow. moving to Cardington on 30 September 1937 and was redesignated No 2 Recruit Receiving Centre on 7 September 1939.

This was formed on 3 April 1939 at Padgate, with a third Wing opening in June 1939 and a fourth Wing in August. It was redesignated No 3 Recruit Receiving Centre on 7 September 1939.

This was formed from the Civilian Intake Section, RAF Depot on 1 September 1924 at West Drayton.

This was formed on 1 April 1918 at Blandford and was redesignated the RAF Depot on 28 November 1918.

This was formed from No 3 PTC on 30 October 1939 at West Drayton. It moved to the Grand Hotel (HQ), Pannal Ash College and Ashville College in Harrogate on 18 September 1940, the move being completed on 23 September and was redesignated No 1 WAAF Depot on 1 January 1941.

It reformed on an unknown date at Hawkinge in Technical Training Command and functional control was transferred to the Air Ministry on 1 October 1947, but returned to TTC on 1 June 1948.

It was redesignated the WRAF Depot on 1 February 1949, no further details at present.

This was formed on 1 April 1943 at Lydda to train locally recruited WAAF personnel under the operational control of HQ RAF Middle East and administrative control of AHQ Levant. Trainees were accepted up to a maximum of 100 per fortnight with two 4 week courses running concurrently. As well as training Airwomen, the Depot also provided a three week officer course for: -

This was formed from the WAAF Depot on 30 December 1940 at Harrogate in No 20 Group with a weekly intake of 300 recruits. It moved to Bridgnorth on 30 May 1941, in No 24 Group, where it absorbed No 3 WAAF Depot, which was in the process of forming. Its weekly intake was set at 1,150 up to a maximum capacity of 2,800. It disbanded on 30 September 1942.

This was formed on 30 December 1940 at Innsworth in No 24 Group and from 10 February 1941 the weekly intake was increased to 400 recruits and from 15 April 1941 to 750.

Formation commenced at Bridgnorth on 16 May 1941 but on 30 May it was absorbed into No 1 WAAF Depot, which had moved to Bridgnorth from Harrogate.

It reformed on 1 October 1941 at the Clarendon Hotel, Morecombe in No 20 Group with a capacity of 5,400 trainees and was redesignated No 31 (WAAF) Recruit Centre on 30 November 1942.

This was formed from No 31 (WAAF) Recruit Centre on 1 November 1948 at Wilmslow and was redesignated No 31 WRAF Recruit Training School on 1 February 1949.