9 FTS December 1940-April 1941

[keith A]

I know 9 FTS was at Cranwell and at Hullavington but when did it move from one to the other?

Also can anyone confirm the aircraft flown at 9 FTS from December 1940-April 1941. I assume Miles Master I, but sources indicate both Tiger Moths and Harvards.

regards

Keith

[Alex Smart]

Hello Keith,
"Flying Training and Support Units since 1912" by Ray Sturtivant & John Hamlin has the following on page 137.
"No.9 Flying Trading School
(1) Formed 2.3.36 in 23 Group at THORNABY with Harts, Audaxes and Hinds;
9.7.37 HULLAVINGTON, where received Oxfords and Battles;
Became No.9 Service Flying Training School with establishment 31 Harvard*, 44 Anson; ( armament training detts( Advanced Training Squadron ) at WARMWELL 21.10.39 - 4.11.39;
PORTHCAWL/STORMY DOWN 6.12.39 - 12.39 & 4.40;
PENRHOS 25.1.40 - 10.2.40;
5.40 established 45 Harvard*, 63 Anson;
7.40 became a Group 1 ( single engined ) school and dropped twin-engined training role RLGs at BADOWN FARM 29.7.40 - 14.2.42 ( night flying );
LEIGHTERTON from 3.3.40;
LONG NEWTON c. 9.40 - 11.40.
CASTLE COMBE 1.5.41 - 14.2.42
9.40 establishment 108 Hart/Master;
2.41 establishment 56+28 Master, 16+8 Hurricane;
Redesignated No.9 ( Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit 14.2.42.[* Insufficient Harvard's available, so used Hart,Audax and Fury instead ].
Aircraft
Hart(K6462; Hind (K5517); Oxford I (L4585 11 ); Anson I ( K8791); Battle (L4938); Audax (K3711); Fury (K8220 3 ); Tutor ( K3405).
Support Aircraft
Gauntlet (K5316); Gladiator (K6131); Don't ( L2416); Moth(X5127); Blenheim I ( L1428); Hurricane I ( P2617).
(2) Reformed 1.12.51 in 23 Group as No.9 Advanced Flying Training School at WELLESBOURNE MOUNTFORD to train National Service pilots with 57 Oxford ( RLGs at GAYDON 9.52 - 10.53;
CHIPPING WARDEN 11.9.52 - 1.10.53;
LONG MARSTON 1.10.53 - 31.3.54;
18.53 became No.9 FTS;
Disbanded 1.5.54.
Aircraft
Oxford (LX349 M-C); Harvard T.2b ( KF290 M-E); Chipmunk T.10 (WP974 M-P).
Codes
M,O and P with individual letters on Oxfords.
(3) Reformed 1.7.54 ex No.10 FTS as No 9 FTS at MERRYFIELD ( RLG at DUNKESWELL 1.7.54 - 1.12.54;
Disbanded 16.2.55.
Aircraft
Vampire FB5,T,11 ( XD554).

Hope this is of some use.
Alex