No. 1 Operational Training Unit RAAF

This article is about No. 1 Operational Training Unit RAAF. For No. 1 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF, see No. 1 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF.

No. 1 Operational Training Unit RAAF
Formal portrait of six rows of men military uniforms, seated or standing in front of a building
Members of two training courses conducted at No. 1 Operational Training Unit in 1942
Active1941–45
CountryAustralia
BranchRoyal Australian Air Force
RoleOperational training
Part ofSouthern Area Command
Garrison/HQNhill, Victoria (1941–42)
Bairnsdale, Victoria (1942–43)
East Sale, Victoria (1943–45)
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Bill Garing (1943–44)

No. 1 Operational Training Unit (No. 1 OTU) was an operational conversion unit of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II. Formed in December 1941 at Nhill, Victoria, it relocated to Bairnsdale in mid-1942, and then to East Sale the following year. No. 1 OTU's primary role was to train aircrew for multi-engined aircraft operations. At its peak of activity in August 1944, it was operating over 130 aircraft, the most numerous being Bristol Beauforts. Its aircraft and personnel also conducted transport missions in New Guinea and maritime patrols in southern Australian waters. Following the end of hostilities, the unit was disbanded in December 1945.