¹During World War II, the RAAF established several
operational training units (OTUs) to convert recently graduated pilots from
advanced trainers to combat aircraft, and to add fighting techniques to the
flying skills they had already learned. No. 2 (Fighter) Operational
Training Unit (No. 2 OTU) was formed on the 6th April 1942
at Port Pirie, South Australia.
Its inaugural commanding officer was Wing Commander Peter
Jeffrey, a fighter ace who had led No. 3 Squadron in North
Africa. Jeffrey had recently brought on line Nos. 75 and 76
Squadrons, two of the first three fighter units raised to help defend northern
Australia as the Japanese advanced toward New Guinea.
CAC Wirraway |
His team of instructors at No. 2 OTU included
fellow aces from the North African campaign, Clive Caldwell and Wilf
Arthur. Largely equipped with CAC Wirraways and Fairey Battles,
the unit's complement was augmented by P-40 Kittyhawks, Vultee
Vengeances, Avro Ansons, CAC Boomerangs, Supermarine Spitfires and Airspeed
Oxfords after it relocated
to RAAF Station Mildura, Victoria, its permanent base, on the 14th
of May 1942.
Sources:
¹ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._2_Operational_Conversion_Unit_RAAF
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