No. 81 Group (81 Gp) was a group within the Royal Air Force's Fighter Command during the Second World War and the post-war era, which disbanded at the end of March 1958. It was initially formed during December 1940, lasting almost two and a half years before disbanding in April 1943. It reformed at the start of 1952.

History

No. 81 Group was formed on 16 December 1940 at RAF Sealand, as part of Fighter Command, to control the Operational Training Units. On 19 February 1941 the group headquarters moved to Tallow Hall in Worcester, and then on 22 December 1941 it was based at Avening Court in Gloucestershire. It was disbanded on 15 April 1943 when all controlled units were moved to No. 9 Group. The group was reformed on 1 January 1952 at RAF Watnall, in Nottinghamshire to control all training units within Fighter Command. On 16 May 1952 it moved to RAF Rudloe Manor, in Wiltshire. It was finally disbanded on 31 March 1958.

Organisation

1 January 1941

The group was organised as follows;

1 May 1942

The group was organised as follows;

1 March 1943

The group was organised as follows;

1 April 1953

The group was organised as follows;

Air Officers Commanding

1940 to 1943

1952 to 1958

Citations