No. 1657 Conversion Unit RAF
From Our Contribution
 Short Stirling code XT-M of No. 1657 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF | |
Brief History
With the introduction of new heavy bombers, the four-engined Short Stirling, Avro Lancaster, and Handley Page Halifax, the Royal Air Force introduced heavy conversion units (HCU). These HCUs began forming in late 1941, to qualify crews trained on medium bombers to operate the heavy bombers before final posting to the operational squadrons. Some of the HCUs were involved in bombing operations over Germany.
No. 1657 Conversion Unit was formed at RAF Stradishell in October 1942 and trained crews on Stirling, Lancaster, Tomahawk, Oxford and Hurricane aircraft until December 1944 when it was disbanded.
Trainees
- † Thomas Douglas (Dougie) Ellis 29 Jul - 27 Aug 1943
Notes