No. 5 Operational Training Unit RAAF

No. 5 Operational Training Unit RAAF
Formal portrait of six rows of men military uniforms, seated or standing in front of a building
Graduates of No. 12 Course at No. 5 OTU in 1943
Active1942–47
1970–71
CountryAustralia
BranchRoyal Australian Air Force
RoleOperational training
Garrison/HQForest Hill, New South Wales (1942–43)
Tocumwal, New South Wales (1943–44)
Williamtown, New South Wales (1944–47, 1970–71)
EngagementsWorld War II
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Dick Cresswell (1947)
Aircraft flown
BomberBristol Beaufort
Douglas Boston
de Havilland Mosquito
FighterBristol Beaufighter
P-51 Mustang
CAC Sabre
TrainerAirspeed 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.