No. 5 Operational Training Unit RAAF | |
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![]() Graduates of No. 12 Course at No. 5 OTU in 1943 | |
Active | 1942–47 1970–71 |
Country | Australia |
Branch | Royal Australian Air Force |
Role | Operational training |
Garrison/HQ | Forest Hill, New South Wales (1942–43) Tocumwal, New South Wales (1943–44) Williamtown, New South Wales (1944–47, 1970–71) |
Engagements | World War II |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Dick Cresswell (1947) |
Aircraft flown | |
Bomber | Bristol Beaufort Douglas Boston de Havilland Mosquito |
Fighter | Bristol Beaufighter P-51 Mustang CAC Sabre |
Trainer | Airspeed Oxford CAC Wirraway de Havilland Vampire Macchi MB-326 |
No. 5 Operational Training Unit was an operational training unit (OTU) of the Royal Australian Air Force. It was formed at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, in October 1942 to train pilots and navigators for service in World War II. The unit was initially equipped with Bristol Beauforts and Beaufighters, and later received Douglas Bostons and de Havilland Mosquitos, among other types. No. 5 OTU was transferred to Tocumwal in October 1943, and then to Williamtown in mid-1944. It was reorganised as a fighter conversion unit flying P-51 Mustangs and CAC Wirraways in February 1946, and disbanded in July 1947.
No. 5 OTU was re-raised at Williamtown in April 1970 as a jet fighter conversion unit, equipped with CAC Sabres, de Havilland Vampires, and Macchi MB-326s. It ceased operations in July the following year, when the Sabre was retired from service.
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