ITWs Initial Training Wings

yes, the process didn't seem to take long.... from the AGS, the next step would be around a month at OTU Operational Training Unit, where they'd make up a crew and learn to fly and fight. Next step was an HCU Heavy Conversion Unit which was in effect a novice bomber squadron, Jack and his crew spent 3 months there, before being posted to their first front line squadron, which was 103 at Elsham Wolds

Thanks again. This is all very helpful. I know about OTUs as my father was stationed at 26 OTU, Wing in Buckinghamshire, from early 1942 until the end of the war. I have heard a lot about the training of the bomber crews! I believe that air gunners had to be trained wireless operators as well, and I think that Andy must have been flying either as a wireless operator or a rear gunner before being assigned to the Lancaster as the Mid Upper Gunner as he had already flown in Wellingtons, although I suppose that that could have been as part of his training.

This from
www.raf-lichfield.co.uk/GroundUnits.htm

AIR 29/634 Initial Training Wings: No 12 St Andrews 1941 May - 1944 Apr

Hope it helps

Regards Ian

AIR 29/634 Initial Training Wings: No. 12 St Andrews May 1941 - Apr 1944.

Doh, Ian beat me to it.

P wrote:

AIR 29/634 Initial Training Wings: No. 12 St Andrews May 1941 - Apr 1944.

Doh, Ian beat me to it.

Cheers Paul,
It may be the first and only time though i was lucky

Regards Ian

According to one record, billeting was in the Grand Hotel, lectures being held in St. Andrews University.

www.no-50-and-no-61-squadrons-associatio...789463826/mickey.pdf

No. 54 Group Sunningdale was responsible for the Initial Training Wings. In July 1942 they were:
54 Group also controlled: .
Source: SD161. By 1944 most of the above had changed significantly LINK