Short Stirling & RAF Bomber Command Forum

Hello all

As per the squadron Identification codes (EG 61 squadron in which my Uncle served was QR-*), did the training units have the same?

In Log books, I have seen that my Uncle was with 1661 HCU and flew Stirlings denoted 'T' 'N' etc. and at No 5 LFS 'G' 'U' and 'Q' so I presume there were ID codes for these units too?

Ultimately, is it possible to trace the aircraft serial numbers for these ID codes in training units?
Would they be listed in ORB's?

Many thanks
Neil

Hi Neil and welcome to the forum.
1661 HCU was Winthorpe ( my father trained there ) ............... I'm about to head off to work, I will return tonight with some more details.
Cheers,
John

Thanks John,

Yes, I knew it was Winthorpe. The only crew picture I have is when they were there in front of 'N'

Logs record my Uncle being at 1661 from 4 Feb 1944 to 12 Mar 1944 and No 5 LFS 23 Mar 1944 to 1 Apr 1944

Many Thanks
Neil

I have Lancs at 5LFS as unit code RC and 1661as GP (Hals) and KB (Lancs).

HTH,

Richard

Hi Richard & Neil, here are a few photos of Lancs & Stirlings from Winthorpe.
This link from the forum. viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4&p=14219&hilit=winthorpe#p14219
Further to Richards' comment ..........

1661 HCU
_________________________________
Formed: 8 Aug 1942 as 9 Conversion Flt
Combined with : 44 CF, 49 CF on 7 Oct 1942
9 Conversion Flight
RAF Waddington :: 8 Aug 1942 - 7 Oct 1942
44 Conversion Flight
RAF Waddington :: 1 Jan 1942 - 7 Oct 1942
49 Conversion Flight
RAF Scampton :: 16 May 1942 - 7 Oct 1942
Disbanded: 24 Aug 1945
Unit was based at:
RAF Waddington :: 8 Aug 1942 - 7 Oct 1942
RAF Skellingthorpe :: 7 Oct 1942 - 1 Jan 1943
RAF Winthorpe :: Jan 1943 - 24 Aug 1945
Unit code: GP, KB
Aircraft operated:
Lancaster :: Aug 1942 -
Stirling Mk III :: Jan 1943 - Feb 1945
Halifax Mk II :: Oct 1942 - Aug 1945

I'll keep looking.
John

Thanks John and Richard

So, the Lancs in 42 were KB-
Question is, did the Stirlings inherit that if the Halifaxes were GP

Neil

Chaps

I've just got a second hand copy of 'Stirling Story' by Michael Bowyer.
There is an appendix with a database of all Stirlings produced!

Looking through briefly - it may take a while to find those my Uncle flew - it seems Stirlings assigned to 1661 HCU were using the GP identity
Example entry
LK537 - GP-N/1661 CU 9.3.44 FA 20.3.44 u/c collapsed landing Winthorpe, RIW Sebro 21.3.44 23 MU 23.7.44 1331 CU 1.10.44 SOC 22.5.45

Cheers
Neil