Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

Maintenance Units Nos 101 - 179

Prior to 1938 the RAF operated a number of support units tasked with the storage, servicing and repair of equipment but as the RAF expanded, the number needed increased and it was decided to adopt an standard nomenclature for these units, the term selected being 'Maintenance Unit' (MU).  Some existing units were redesignated whilst new ones would be formed in the forthcoming years.  Each MU was generally tasked with a specific role but a few were often responsible for a variety of tasks.

No 101 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 10 October 1938 from No 1 Ammunition and Petrol Depot at Tura.  (El Ma'sara).  In August the sub-site in the caves at Tura was redesignated no 111 MU and by 1 September 1941 it was at Helwan.  By 15 November it was at Massawa, where it remained until disbanding on 1 March 1947.

Sub sites: -

** became No 3 (Middle East) Ammunition Depot 25 Jun 1942

No 102 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1938 from the ASU, RAF Depot at RAF Aboukir, before moving to Abu Sueir on 1 January 1939.  At Abu Sueir it operated a Training Flight of seven Ansons and a Target Towing Flight comprising six Gordons.  By April 1941 it was an Aircraft Repair and Universal Equipment Depot but in June it became just an Aircraft Depot and disbanded on 1 February 1942. 

It reformed on 1 July 1943 at Amriya as a Repairable Equipment Depot, disbanding on 31 August 1946. 

It reformed again on 15 January 1948 at Benina, under the control of AHQ Malta, in order to arrange for storage and accommodation of equipment at Berka I airfield consequent on the re-deployment from Palestine, to the following policy: -

1. to arrange for storage and rack accommodation, and initial reception and storage of equipment.

2. Accommodation and feeding to done by the Army at Berka I

3. Other RAF domestic and day-to-day matters to be provided by RAF Benina.

It disbanded on 31 August before reforming at Berka 1, finally disbanding on 31 December 1948, the buildings being handed over to the Army.

No 103 Maintenance Unit

On 12 November 1939 part of the the Aircraft Depot, Middle East at Aboukir was dispersed to Abu Sueir where it was absorbed into No 102 MU.  The remaining element at Aboukir was redesignated No 103 MU as a Third Line Servicing Unit (Aircraft, Marine craft & MT) under the control of RAF Middle East.  In June 1941 it was functioning as both an Aircraft Repair Depot and an Universal Equipment Depot, at which point it was decided to reorganise it as purely an Aircraft Depot.  By July 1942 it had come under the control of No 206 Group and by October comprised an Aircraft and Engine Repair Section and a Signals Repair and General Engineering Section.  It disbanded on 31 October 1946. 

It reformed on 1 May 1955 as a Third Line Servicing Unit for MEAF under the control of No 205 Group at Abyab.  It relocated to Akrotiri on 15 November 1955, Limassol in 1969 and then back to Akrotiri, date unknown, where it disbanded on 13 January 1975.

Sub sites: -

Commanding Officers: -

23 Oct 1962                Wg Cdr W J Pope

18 Apr 1955                Wg Cdr R Stone

xx xxx xxxx

 1 Apt 1969                 Wg Cdr J H Eaton-Shore

No 104 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 9 May 1941 under the control of No 203 Group at Geraif West, although its original location was due to have been Summit.  It operated a detachment at Port Sudan by 1 September 1941 and disbanded on 10 May 1943.

It reformed on 16 November 1943 as an Aircraft & MT Reserve Pool (Levant) under the control of AHQ Levant in the Aleppo area.  It relocated to Muqeibila on 20 March 1944 and then Aqir on 13 October 1945, where it disbanded on 15 December 1945.

It reformed, once again, on 2 February 1954 under the control of AHQ Iraq at Habbaniya to provide the following services for the Iraq formation: -

1. Servicing beyond unit capacity, including inspection, repair and the embodiment of modifications and STIs for: -

   1. Aircraft and aircraft components, including engine accessories

   2. Armament equipment

   3. Instrument and electrical equipment

   4. Safety equipment

   5. Mechanical Transport, including engines and components

2. Salvage and repair on site of category 3 and 4 aircraft within the AHQ Iraq area of responsibility.

3. General engineering facilities for the Iraq formation including RAF Station Habbaniya.

Control was transferred to AHQ Levant on 1 May 1955 and it disbanded on 1 July 1956.

No 105 Maintenance Unit

This commenced forming in December 1940 as a stores distribution unit, with an explosives group, under the control of RAF Middle East for deployment to Moshi, Tanganyika.  However, it was initially located at Addis Ababa by 19 June 1941, where it dealt with the disposal of enemy equipment captured in Abyssinia.   On 1 September 1941, where it absorbed No 11 Air Depot, SAAF, and b y 7 October 1941 had moved to Nairobi.  Here it was under the administrative control of AHQ East Africa and the technical control of HQ No 206 Group.  It moved to Thika on 6 June 1942 and was redeuced to 'number only' basis on 1 December 1946, its commitments being transferred to detachments of RAF Eastleigh at Thika and Gil Gil.

Sub sites: -

No 106 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 11 August 1941 as an Equipment Depot under the control of No 206 Group at El Khanka.  By October 1942 it comprised an Aircraft and Engine Repair Section and a Signals Repair and General Engineering Section, disbanding on 15 March 1947.

No 107 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from C Sqn, No 103 MU on 17 December 1940 as an Aircraft storage and/or equipment supply unit under the control of RAF Middle East at Geneifa.  In March 1941 its location was renamed Kasfareet, where it was reorganised on 14 December 1947, as follows: -

1. Universal Equipment Depot

2. Storage of Command engine reserves (see below) and repairable pool

3. Oxygen Production Section

4. Aircraft Storage Section (see below)

5. Parachute Storage Section

6. Repair and inspection of Lancaster, Dakota and Harvard aircraft transferred to to No 109 MU.

At the same time the following commitments were transferred to No 107 MU at Kasfareet: -

1. Storage of all types of reserve aircraft for use in the Command

2. Storage of 700 Aero Engines and 200 Power Plants

On 1 July 1950, its policy was revised as follows: -

1. Aircraft Storage

2. Supply of compressed gases including breathing oxygen, welding oxygen and compressed air as required in the Command, except Malta.

3. Command furniture reconditioning.

4. Armament repairs.

5. No 1 Mobile Oxygen Unit.

6. Grade 3 airfield and ATC Section, providing limited flying facilities (completely controlled by HQ, No 205 Group).

7. Servicing facilities in an emergency for RAF flying boats at Fanara.

8. Medical facilities for RAF Fanara.

10. Administration for: -

    1. No 1 AIS Test Centre.

    2. RAF Police Dog School.

11. Domestic and limited administrative services for AMDG Works Area, Egypt.

It was transferred to No 206 Group on 15 June 1952 and disbanded on 31 December 1955.

Sub sites: -

No 108 Maintenance Unit

This was formed by redesignating the Aircraft Storage Unit (Middle East) on 22 August 1941 at El Firdan, under the control of No 206 Group.  It relocated to Kilo 17 (absorbing the ARS and Ferry Pool of No 102 MU) on 1 October 1941, Beersheba on 2 July 1942 and then LG222/Kilo 17 on 10 March 1943, as a Repair Unit.  On 22 March 1943 it was reduced to the status of an Aircraft Repair Section but on 1 December it moved to El Firdan and reformed as an Aircraft Repair and Erection Unit.  It disbanded on 15 December 1945, its commitments being transferred as follows: -

Commanding Officers: -

 5 Nov 1942                Wg Cdr R R Holder

No 109 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 3 August 1941 as an Aircraft Storage Unit and Aircraft/Engine Repair Unit under the control of RAF Middle East at Cathago.  By September 1941 it had relocated to Wadi Gazouza before making further moves to Abu Sueir on 27 November 1942, Summit on 14 February 1942 and then LG237/Kilo 40 (Gebel Hamzi from 7 March 1943) on 23 February 1943.  Its actual fate is unknown but probably disbanded before 31 March 1943.

It reformed from 'B' Echelon, No 111 MU on 1 April 1943 under the control of No 206 Group, its functions being: -

1. repair of aero engines, turret and armament equipment and ancillary equipment etc.

2. the receipt of aero engine parts..

It moved to Fayid at some point and disbanded there on 1 July 1946.

It reformed, once again, on 15 July 1946 as an aircraft repair unit under the control of RAF Mediterranean and Middle East at Fayid South (renamed Shubra on 1 May 1947).  It was reclassified as a Technical MU on 14 December 1947, with the following functions: -

1. Aero Engine overhaul - Cheetah, Merlin and P & W 1830

2. Aircraft inspection and overhaul - Spitfire and Tempest

3. Ancillary Equipment Repair Section

4. General Engineering Section

At the same time the following commitments were transferred to No 107 MU at Kasfareet: -

1. Storage of all types of reserve aircraft for use in the Command

2. Storage of 700 Aero Engines and 200 Power Plants

On 1 November 1948 was renamed No 109 MU Abyad, and on 1 July 1950, its policy was revised as follows: -

1. Third and fourth line servicing (less storage) of: -

   1. aero engines throughout the Command

   2. aircraft of the Canal Zone and Cyprus including the Air Attaché Turkey (Ankara).

   3. radio and ancillary equipment

   4. instrument, electrical and associated equipment

2. Facilities for: -

   1. general engineering

   2. mobile repair and salvage of aircraft

3. Accounting, MT, domestic and administrative facilities for No 205 Group personnel and Command Radio Fitting Unit.

4. Administration of 84 Married Quarters.

5. Limited administrative facilities for: -

   1. married families hospital

   2. HQ No 4 Air Formation Signals Regiment

   3. No 71 Construction Troop, Royal Signals

   4. No 4 Technical Maintenance Troop, Royal Signals

   5. RAF Element of 3 Forces Broadcasting Station.

On 1 August 1950 the Office Machinery Repair Section moved to APFC, El Hamra.  No 109 MU disbanded  on 1 May 1955, by which time it was in No 205 Group.

Commanding Officers: -

xx Jun 1954                 Gp Capt A L Holland

No 110 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 5 July 1941 as an Aircraft Storage Unit under the control of AHQ Iraq at RAF Shaibah but was to be known as No 110 MU, Sadaira.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 October 1942 and it disbanded on 30 April 1943.

It reformed on 3 May 1943 as a Explosives Holding Depot under the control of Middle East Command at Fort St Lucien, Valetta, Malta with a detachment at Kalafrana.  Control was transferred to NWAAF on 22 September 1943.  It disbanded into No 143 MU with effect from 1 November 1943.

It reformed, once again, from the Aircraft Repair Section, No 113 MU on 29 December 1943 as an aircraft repair unit under the control of Middle East Command at Brindisi.  It relocated to Castel Benito at some point, where it was redesignated No 8 ARD, SAAF on 10 July 1945.

Sub sites: -

No 111 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from a sub-station of No 101 MU on 1 August 1941 as a control unit for dispersed ERS, GES and MT Spares elements in caves at Tura-El-Asment, under the control of No 213 Group.  On 24 October it was divided into 'A' and 'B' Echelons, with 'A' remaining at Tura and 'B' moving to the Boulac area.  By October 1942 it comprised an Aircraft and Engine Repair Section and a Signals Repair and General Engineering Section. 

'B' Echelon was redesignated No 109 MU on 1 April 1943 with 'A' Echelon reverting to the title No 111 MU, but now under the control of No 206 Group, its functions being: -

1. repair of aero engines, propellers, signals equipment and ancillary equipment etc, including tyre reclamation and repairs.

2. the receipt, storage and issue of equipment of all kinds other than explosives.

It disbanded on 16 March 1947.

No 112 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 5 November 1941 as a location for equipment removed from No 107 MU under the control of Middle East Command at Kilo 104.  Its fate is unknown but closed or disbanded by 31 May 1942.

It reformed on 1 June 1942 as an Equipment Dispersal Depot (later Equipment Holding Depot) under the control of No 206 Group at El Agud.  It operated a detachment at Abu Sueir until 1 October 1948 when it was transferred to No 107 MU.  'X' Section at Fort Agrud was placed into Care & Maintenance on 24 March 1949, followed by the MU on 31 March 1949 (to be capable of reopening at 3 months notice), which disbanded on 15 April 1950.

No 113 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1941 as an Aircraft Storage Unit (Fighters) under the control of Middle East Command at Hurghada on the Gulf of Suez.  It reduced to a cadre on 20 January 1943.

It was re-organised on 1 February 1943 with four sections located at the Fiat Works, Tripoli, Libya under the control of Middle East Command and three sections at Castel Benito as follows: -

• Tripoli

  • Aircraft Repair Section

  • Signals Repair Section

  • Armament Repair Section

  • Propeller Repair Section

• Castel Benito

  • Engine Repair Section

  • General Engineering Section

  • MT Repair Section

Control was transferred to No 214 Group on 1 May 1943, which was itself transferred from Middle East Command to NWAAF on 7 October 1943.  It relocated to the Naples area on 10 December 1943 and then Capodichino on 2 October 1944 and disbanded on 5 December 1945, with its outstanding commitments being assumed by No 159 MU.

It reformed, once again, from No 375 Repair Unit on 21 September 1945 as a repair unit under the control of RAF Middle East at Udine with a detachment at Graz.  It disbanded into No 357 MU on 27 January 1947.

It was formed at Nicosia for the final time (so far) on 1 January 1955 as a supply unit under the functionally controlled by HQ, MEAF and administratively controlled by HQ, MEAF, through AHQ Cyprus, with local administrative and technical services provided by RAF Station, Nicosia.  The MU was to be responsible for:-

1. Equipment supplies for all Royal Air Force Units based in Cyprus.

2. Equipment services and equipment accounting for the units at Royal Air Force, Nicosia,

3. Maintenance of reserve stock of No 40 Group range of equipment, scaled to a minimum of 9 months and a maximum of 15 months requirements.

4. Storage, maintenance and supply to RAF units in Cyprus of No 42 Group range of explosives and associated stores, scaled to a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 9 months requirements. Storage and maintenance of War and other reserves of explosives and associated stores, as directed by Headquarters, Middle East Air Force.

5. Storage, maintenance and supply to RAF units in Cyprus of POL and compressed gases, as directed by Headquarters, Middle East Air Force.

6. Maintenance of and accounting for Air Ministry Purchased Reserves of Aviation Fuels held at Larnaca, as directed by Headquarters, Middle East Air Force,

7. Provision of Aeronautical Inspection services covering equipment holdings,

8. Storage of formations reserves of aircraft and M.T.

10. Maintenance of equipment pack-up and MT positioned for "Alacrity".

11. Short term storage of unaccompanied baggage.

Functional control was transferred to AHQ Cyprus on 26 October 1955 and it disbanded on 30 April 1964.

Sub sites: -

Commanding Officers: -

 5 Oct 1960                 Wg Cdr F S R Johnson

No 114 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 12 November 1941 as an Aircraft Storage Unit (Fighters) under the control of Middle East Command at Gordon's Tree, Sudan.  It relocated to Wadi Seidna on 26 December 1941 and disbanded on 20 February 1943.

It reformed on 1 March 1943 as an Equipment Holding Unit under the technical control of HQ, RAF Middle East at Zavia, Tripolitania but under the administrative control of AHQ Air Defences Eastern Mediterranean through No 210 Group.  It relocated to the San Rocco Caves, Naples on 11 December 1943 and then along the Foggia-Lucera Road as a MT Servicing Unit by on 21 January 1944.  Control was transferred to No 214 Group on 1 May 1943, which was itself transferred to NWAAF on 7 October 1943.  It disbanded on 15 September 1946.

It reformed, once again, from the Equipment Supply Depot, Aden on 1 December 1946 as an Equipment Supply depot at Steamer Point, Aden.  It disbanded on 1 September 1967.

Sub sites: -

Commanding Officers: -

xx Feb 1958                Wg Cdr A D Rutherford-Jones

xx xxx xxxx

18 Apr 1955                Wg Cdr J G Ireton

No 115 Maintenance Unit

This was formed in the UK before leaving on 9 November 1941 as a Stores Depot (later Equipment Holding Depot).  It disembarked at Basrah on 17 January 1942 and moved to Shaibah under the control of AHQ Iraq.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 October 1942 and it  moved to Habbaniya, with a detachment at Shaibah on 1 March 1945.  It was redesignated RAF Reserve Holding Depot, Habbaniya on 1 April 1958.

No 116 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 19 October 1941 by redesignating the Aircraft Assembly Unit at Takoradi as No 116 MU, under the control of AHQ West Africa .  On 21 January 1943 a Replacement Pool was formed to handle Spitfires, Hurricanes, Kittyhawks, Bostons and Baltimores, it disbanded on 30 August 1945.

It reformed on 1 July 1955 under the control of AHQ Levant at Mafraq and disbanded on 31 May 1957.

No 117 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from the Aircraft Assembly Unit, at Port Sudan on 19 October 1941 as No 117 MU under the control of Middle East Command, closing on 9 April.1943.  It reformed at Zuara (via No 21 PTC, Kasfareet) on 8 May 1943,follwed by further moves followed with a move to Aziza Main on 24 June 1943, and then to Sorman East on 21 July 1943 .  It was transferred from RAF Middle East to NWAAF on 7 October 1943, moving to Bari on 14 November 1943 and disbanded on 16 June 1944.

It reformed on 8 July 1944 as an Aircraft Storage Unit under the control of No 214 Group at Elmas.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 August 1944 and it disbanded on 7 November 1944.

It reformed, once again, from No 2 Transport Aircraft Repair Unit on 21 April 1945 as an Aircraft repair unit under the control of RAF Mediterranean & Middle East at Kabrit but disbanded almost a year later on 14 April 1946.

Sub sites: -

No 118 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 19 October 1941 by redesignating the Aircraft Assembly Unit at Basrah as No 118 MU, under the control of Middle East Command.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 October 1942, it disbanded on 30 April 1943.

It reformed from Advanced Detachment, No 144 MU on 25 October 1943 as a Repair and Servicing unit under the control of North West African Air Service Command at Catania.  Control was transferred to AHQ Malta on 1 November 1943 and later to No 214 Group.  It disbanded on 21 September 1944.

It was due to reform, once again, on 1 May 1945 as a MT Light Repair Unit under the control of No 221 Group at Monywa, but formed as No 17 MTLRU at Bilaspur instead.

No 119 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 19 October 1941 by redesignating the Aircraft Assembly Unit at Shaibah as No 119 MU, under the control of Middle East Command.  Some of the aircraft assembled here were subsequently flown to Russia.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 October 1942 and by 1 February 1945 it was operating a detachment at Abadan.  It disbanded on 1 July 1945.

It was due to reform on 20 August 1945 as a MT Light Repair Unit under the control of No 221 Group but formed as No 17 MTLRU at Bilaspur instead.

No 120 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 8 December 1941 as an Equipment Holding Unit under the control of AHQ Iraq at Sulaiman Beg, Iraq.  It relocated to Beit Ovid on 15 July 1942 as an Equipment Holding Depot under the control of RAF Palestine & Transjordan with a detachment at Rehovoth.  It relocated to Ras-el-Ein on 3 May 1943 and disbanded on 1 April 1948.

Sub sites: -

No 121 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from the Air Ammunition Park, Middle East on 1 June 1941 as an Air Ammunition Park under the control of Middle East Command at Fuka.  Being mobile its movements are listed below, as are it's various Dumps and Parks.  On 3 August 1942 it was redesignated No 121 Maintenance Unit (Air Ammunition Park) and between 23 November 1942 and 4 May 1943 it took over No 124 MU. Control was transferred to North West African Air Forces on 1 October 1943.  It disbanded on 30 July 1945.

Movements: -

No 122 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 23 June 1941 as an Air Ammunition Park, Sudan under the control of No 203 Group at Khartoum.  It was redesignated No 122 Air Ammunition Park on 16 September 1941.

It reformed on 16 September 1941 as an Air Ammunition Park under the control of AHQ Western Desert at No 101 MU, Helwan.  It relocated to Fayid on 29 May 1942, Ikingi-Mariut in November 1942, then Dhabir before moving to Lete on 26 December 1942.  Control was transferred to AHQ Egypt on 1 February 1942 and then to No 206 Group on 15 December 1944.  It disbanded on 15 March 1946.

No 123 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 6 June 1941 as an Air Ammunition Park under the control of RAF Palestine & Transjordan at Aqir.  Its movements and location of its dumps/park are re shown below.  On 13 Jul 1944 it was transferred to HQ Balkan Air Force on disembarking at Taranto.  It was transferred to Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Forces on 1 Jul 1945 and disbanded on 12 September 1945.

Movements: -

Dumps/Parks: -

No 124 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 1 August 1941 as an Air Ammunition Park under the control of RAF Middle East at Helwan.  It was transferred from Middle East Command to North West African Air Forces on 15 September 1943 and disbanded on 30 March 1946.

Movements: -

No 125 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 17 January 1942 as an Air Ammunition Park under the control of No 214 Group at Basrah.  It transferred to the Middle East on 20 October 1943, joining No 218 Group on 15 April 1944, disbanding on 1 April 1945.

Movements: -

No 126 Maintenance Unit

This was formed in the UK and departed on 9 November 1941, arriving at Zubair on 17 January 1942 via Basrah, as an explosives storage unit.  It was redesignated No 126 Maintenance Unit (Air Ammunition Park) on 3 August 1942 and became a mobile unit, its movements being shown in the table below.  During its existence it operated a number of Parks and these are shown in the second table.  Control was transferred to the Central Mediterranean Force under AHQ Desert Air Force on 2 July 1944.  At some point it was placed on Care and Maintenance and disbanded at Rivolto on 12 June 1947.

Movements: -

No 127 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 15 July 1942 as a Base Ammunition Park under the control of AHQ Iraq at Zubair, initially attached to No 126 MU.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 October 1942.  By February 1945 it was operating a detachment at Habbaniya and disbanded on 1 May 1945.

No 128 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 25 April 1942 as an Air Ammunition Park under the control of Middle East Command at Abu Sultan.  On 1 April 1950 its policy was revised as follows: -

1. Provisioning of explosives and ancillary equipment for the Command

2. Receipt, inspection, storage and issue of 32,000 - 37,000 tons of explosives.

3. Rectification, servicing and AIS inspection and proof of 32,000 - 37,000 tons of explosives.

4. Disposal of obsolete bombs.

5. Modification of explosives as directed by HQ MEAF.

6. Breaking down, salvage or repair of explosives returned from user units.

7. Belting of ammunition of all calibres for Operational and Training commitments of the Command.

8. Practice bomb and rocket head container filling for Training commitments.

10. Storage (under cover) maintenance and issue of 1,500 tons of drummed aero engine oil.

On 1 August 1950 this policy was revised as follows: -

1. Provisioning of explosives and ancillary equipment for the Command

2. Receipt, inspection, storage and issue of 40,000 - 45,000 tons of explosives.

3. Rectification, servicing and AIS inspection and proof of 40,000 - 45,000 tons of explosives as directed by HQ MEAF

4. Disposal of obsolete bombs.

5. Breaking down, salvage or repair of explosives returned from user units.

6. Modification of explosives as directed by HQ MEAF.

7. Belting of ammunition of all calibres for Operational and Training commitments of the Command.

8. Practice bomb and rocket head container filling for Training commitments.

10. Provisioning for aircraft engine lubricating oils

11. Storage (under cover) maintenance and issue of 1,500 tons of drummed aero engine oil.

It disbanded on 1 October 1955.

No 129 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 4 (Middle East) Ammunition Depot on 1 September 1942 as an Air Ammunition Park under the control of Middle East Command at Gaza.  As well as explosives this MU also stored a quantity of POL.  It disbanded on 10 December 1944.

No 130 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 10 January 1944 as an Advanced Aircraft Depot under the control of No 206 Group at Group HQ, Heliopolis (with elements forming at No 103 and 106 MUs).  It disbanded on 29 February 1944.

It had reformed by May 1946 at Zemun, Belgrade, but no further details have been found, it's fate is unknown.

No 131 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 9 March 1942 from the Aircraft, Engine and MT Repair Sections at Khormaksar under the control of Aden Command.  By October 1942 it comprised Aircraft Repair and General Engineering Sections and disbanded on 1 November 1945.

It reformed on 1 November 1958 under the control of Middle East Air Force at Khormaksar, disbanding on 31 August 1965.

Commanding Officers: -

 1 May 1961                Wg Cdr F G Dummer

21 Apr 1963                Wg Cdr J F B Stoner

No 132 Maintenance Unit

A Small Aircraft Reception Party was formed on 20 September 1941 under the control of RAF Middle East at Kilo 8, which was redesignated No 132 MU as an Aircraft Storage Unit on 1 June 1942.  It relocated to LG219 from Gaza on 28 October 1942, but when it had arrived at Gaza is unknown.  Further moves followed, firstly to Helwan on 29 July 1943, El Firdan on 31 March 1945 and then Ismailia on 31 October 1945.  However, it disbanded as No 132 Aircraft Storage Unit on 15 October 1946.

No 133 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 2 April 1942 as an Aircraft Repair Depot under the control of RAF Middle East at Eastleigh, Nairobi.  By October 1942 it comprised Aircraft and Engine Repair and General Engineering Sections and disbanded on 15 December 1945 with it commitments being assumed by the Servicing Wing, RAF Eastleigh.

No 134 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from Aircraft Repair Depot, Iraq on 24 March 1942 as an Aircraft Repair Depot under the control of AHQ Iraq at Habbaniya.  It disbanded on 1 May 1942.

It reformed on 1 May 1942 as a manufacturing centre for anti-tank mine containers under the control of AHQ Iraq at Ahwaz.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 October 1942 and it disbanded on 30 November 1942.

It reformed, once again, on 2 April 1943 as a major equipment repair unit under the control of AHQ Iraq at Habbaniya, disbanding on 10 February 1949, its commitments being transferred to the Technical Wing, RAF Habbaniya.

No 135 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from the Aircraft Storage Unit, Luxor on 6 June 1942 as an Aircraft Storage Unit (capable of handling 50 Medium and 20 Heavy Bombers) under the control of No 206 Group at Luxor.  It relocated to LG213 on 15 November 1942* and then to  LG237, the advance party arriving on 24 February 1943. 

On 1 April 1943 it reformed at Gebel Hamzi in No 206 Group, absorbing No 1 Aircraft Replacement Pool, being reorganised into two flights: -

1. Storage capacity for 150 single engined aircraft.

2. Storage capacity for 180 twin engined aircraft.

It disbanded on 1 March 1947.

No 136 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 1 (Middle East) Advanced Aircraft Depot on 25 May 1942 as an Advanced Aircraft Depot under the control of Middle East Command at Burg-El-Arab, being redesignated No 136 MU (Mobile Aircraft Depot) on 3 August 1942.  It disbanded at Aqir on 30 August 1942.

It reformed on 1 March 1943 as an Aircraft Repair and Salvage Unit at Berka Main probably under the technical control of HQ RAF Middle East and administrative control of AHQ Air Defences Eastern Mediterranean.  It was split up up on 24 August 1944 to form No 372 RSU, No 373 ASP and a static No 136 MU.  Control was transferred to No 206 Group on 15 December 1944 and it disbanded on 15 March 1946.

Sub-sites: -

No 137 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 3 (Middle East) Advanced Aircraft Depot/Air Depot, Iraq on 25 May 1942 as a Maintenance Aircraft Depot under the control of No 218 Group at Ishkandariya.  It became No 137 Advanced Aircraft Depot and disbanded on 30 April 1943.

It reformed on 2 November 1943 as a Repair Depot under the control of AHQ Malta at Kalafrana, Malta.  It relocated to Safi in August 1946, where it disbanded on 1 October 1947 but reformed the same day under a new establishment, having transferred its equipment holding commitment to No 397 MU, its revised commitments being: -

1. Major inspection and categories 'AC' and 'B' repairs of aircraft for the garrison force in Malta.

2. Categories 'AC' and 'B' repairs of aircraft in transit through Malta.

3. Major inspection and categories 'AC' and 'B' repairs of aircraft established on units in Cyrenaica, Tripolitania, and aircraft in transit through those area at the discretion of the Chief Engineer, Malta.

4. Complete overhaul of MT vehicles in Malta of of units in Tripolitania and Cyrenaica.

5. GSS requirements for Malta and the staging posts at Castel Benito, Benina, El Adem and Elmas.

6. Limited aircraft storage

7. Provide general engineering facilities for Units in Malta Command.

8. Minor inspections, Unit repairs and engine changes for No 73 Squadron (Spitfire F21), 16 UE.  320 flying hours per month.

It disbanded on 1 July 1955.

No 138 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from the Aircraft Factory, Teheran on 1 April 1942 as a Repair Depot (General Engineering) under the control of AHQ Iraq & Persia at Doshan Tappeh, near Teheran.  Its functions were: -

1. To provide facilities for repair of airframes, engines and such technical equipment and MT as may be decided oupon from time to time.

2. To manufacture components as ma be directed by HQ RAF Middle East.

3. To give facilities for Army work including repairs to MT.

4. To undertake work on behalf of American erecting centres on aircraft being supplied to the Government of the USSR under the Russo-American Lease/Lend Agreement.

5. To undertake work on behalf of the Government of Persia, repairs to aircraft up to a maximum of 30 airframes and 50 aero-engines per annum.  Spares particular to type will be provided by the Persian Government up to this maximum.

Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 October 1942 and it disbanded on 1 October 1945.

No 139 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from Aircraft Repair Depot, Khartoum on 6 June 1942 as an Aircraft Repair Depot under the control of RAF Middle East at Khartoum.  By October 1942 it comprised an Aircraft Repair, Engine Repair and General Engineering Sections.  It was reduced to number plate basis on 15 February 1943 and disbanded on 15 December 1945 with it commitments being assumed by the Servicing Wing, RAF Khartoum.

No 140 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 1 (Middle East) Ammunition Depot on 1 September 1942 as an Explosives and Petrol Holding Depot under the control of RAF Middle East at Khataba.  It disbanded on 1 August 1944.

No 141 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 3 (Middle East) Ammunition Depot on 1 September 1942 as an Air Ammunition Park under the control of RAF Middle East at Quena.  Various moves followed began on 11 April 1943 when it arrived at No 22 PTC, Almaza in transit to Tripoli as an Advanced Ammunition and POL Depot.  Control was transferred to No 214 Group on 1 May 1943 and by 24 June it had arrived in Tripoli.  No 214 Group was transferred to NWAAF on 7 October 1943, taking No 141 MU with it.  On 2 November 1943 it moved across the Mediterranean to Caserta, with further moves to San Nicandro on 10 July 1944, Tressnti on 23 October 1944 and then Bitetto on 7 January 1946.  However by the time it disbanded on 29 June 1946, it appears to have returned to San Nicandro.

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No 142 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 5 (Middle East) Ammunition Depot on 1 September 1942 as an Explosives Holding Unit under the control of RAF Middle East at Acre and was redesignated No 142 MU on 25 September.  Various moves followed beginning with one to Naharia by 2 March 1943, back to Acre by 5 July, Caesar's Camp, Aleppo on 21 January 1944 and then back to Acre by December 1944, where it remained until 15 January 1946.  It returned to Naharia in early 1946 but relocated to Fort Agrund on 30 May, where it disbanded on 15 September 1946.

No 143 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1942 as Equipment Depot, Malta under the control of AHQ Malta at Hamrun but was redesignated No  143 (Equipment) MU on 6 February 1943.  Control was transferred to NWAAF on 22 September 1943 and on 1 November it absorbed No 110 MU becoming an explosives and fuel storage unit.  Also on 1 November 1943 it the personnel No 52 Embarkation Unit as 'Port Detachment (No 52 EU)', but by 24 January 1944 this had been changed to RAF Port Detachment, Malta.  It relocated to Kalafrana, with a detachment at Fort St Lucien on 8 April 1945 and disbanded on 30 April 1945.

No 144 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 106 Repair and Salvage Unit on 20 March 1943 as a Repair and Salvage unit under the control of Eastern Air Command at Maison Blanche, with a detachment at Catania, disbanding on 24 October 1943.

Officers Commanding: -

xx xxx xxxx                Gp Capt E H McDonald (KIA 14 Nov 1944)

It reformed on 25 October 1943 as a repair and overhaul centre for aircraft, engines and MT under the control of North West African Air Service Command at Maison Blanche.  The advance detachment at Catania became No 118 MU on 25 October 1943 and 'A' Detachment was formed at Elmas on 10 April 1945.  It was replaced No 1 French Technical Liaison Unit and disbanded on 31 December 1945.

No 145 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 19 March 1943 as an Aircraft Receipts & Acceptance unit, initially for Spitfire and Hurricanes, later being reclassified as a Single Engined Erection Depot, under the control of Eastern Air Command at Cazes Airport, Casablanca.  It disbanded on 25 March 1945 to form No 3 French Technical Liaison Unit.

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No 146 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 27 May 1943 as an Air Ammunition Park under the control of North West African Air Forces at Hussein Dey.  It relocated to Sidi Tabet on 19 June 1943, Crescia on 14 June 1944 and then Draria on 27 October 1944.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 January 1944 and disbanded on 15 April 1945

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No 148 Maintenance Unit

This was formed as a MT Light Repair Unit under the control of BAFSEA but was redesignated No 18 MTLRU on 10 July 1945.

No 149 Maintenance Unit

This was formed as a MT Light Repair Unit under the control of BAFSEA but was redesignated No 19 MTLRU on 10 July 1945.

No 151 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from the Engineering and Equipment Wings, Aircraft Depot Far East on 1 June 1941 as an aircraft and engine erection, repair and overhaul unit under the control of RAF Far East at Seletar.  It relocated to Java on 10 February 1942 and was ordered to disband on 16 February.  It was captured by the Japanese and was officially disbanded at Mingaladon with effect from 28 March 1942.

No 152 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 12 May 1941 as a Universal Equipment Depot under the control of RAF Far East at Bajit Panjang.  It never actually became operational and was officially disbanded at Mingladon with effect from 28 March 1942.

No 153 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 1 June 1941 as a small Universal Equipment Depot under the control of RAF Far East at Singapore.  It relocated to Kuala Lumper (advance party 2 June) on 16 June 1941, replacing SHQ RAF Kuala Lumper.  In August 1941 an Engine Repair Section and General Engineering Section was added to its establishment.  It was captured by the Japanese, being officially disbanded at Mingaladon with effect from 28 March 1942.

No 154 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 28 July 1941 as a Temporary MU under the control of RAF Far East at Mingaladon, being redesignated No 154 MU on 26 August, at Meiktila before moving to Lashio on 12 March, and was officially disbanded on 16 June 1942.

No 155 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 7 (North Africa) Aircraft Repair Unit on 22 May 1943 as an Aircraft and Engine Repair Unit under the control of North West African Air Forces at Setif.  It later became a Twin Engined Repair Depot with control being transferred to No 218 Group on 1 January 1944.  It disbanded on 31 March 1945.

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No 156 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 6 (North Africa) Aircraft Repair Unit on 22 May 1943 as a Twin-Engined Aircraft Repair unit under the control of North West African Air Forces at Blida.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 January 1944.  It was replaced by No 2 French Technical Liaison Unit and disbanded on 10 January 1946. 

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No 157 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 1 (Middle East) Aircraft Repair Unit on 11 May 1943 as an Aircraft Modification & Repair unit under the control of RAF Middle East at Helwan.  It disbanded into No 107 MU on 15 April 1944.

No 158 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 2 (Middle East) Aircraft Repair Unit on 11 May 1943 as an Aircraft Modification & Repair unit under the control of RAF Middle East at Helwan.  It disbanded into No 132 MU on 15 April 1944.

No 159 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 3 (Middle East) Aircraft Repair Unit on 11 May 1943 as an Aircraft repair unit under the control of No 214 Group at Mellaha.  It relocated to Gioia on 13 November 1943, Brindisi on 10 January 1944 and then Capodichino on 7 May 1944.  It disbanded on 15 November 1946.

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No 160 Maintenance Unit

This had been on a 'number only' basis, when it reformed on 5 September 1943 as an Aircraft and Engine Repair Depot under the control of AHQ Levant at Aqir.  It was the main repair depot for all aircraft operated by the OTUs in the Middle East, comprising an ARS, ERS and GES, with the ERS being located at Ramlah and disbanded on 14 December 1947.  Its commitments were transferred as follws: -

• MedME Command Oxygen Production Section to No 107 MU.

• Equipment holding commitment to No 107 MU.

• Technical commitment to No 109 MU.

No 161 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 5 (Middle East) Aircraft Repair Unit on 11 May 1943 as an Aircraft repair unit under the control of Middle East Command at Fayid.  It renamed No 2 Transport Aircraft Repair Unit on 1 March 1944.

No 162 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 1 May 1943 in the UK as an Aircraft Storage Unit for service with HQ North West African Air Forces.  It disembarked and proceeded to Fort de L'Eau on 26 June 1943 to act as an ASU  with a capacity of 100 twin-engined aircraft and Spitfires and Hurricanes.  It relocated to Hussein Dey, where it was attached to No 351 MU, on 16 July and ten to Setif on 3 August.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 January 1944 and it moved to Blida, leaving a detachment at Setif (until September), on 1 August 1944.  It disbanded on 10 August 1945.

No 163 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 8 July 1943 as an Aircraft Storage Unit under the control of North West African Air Forces at Ras-el-Ma to handle single-engined aircraft only.  It relocated to Oujda on 20 September 1943 and then Blida on 22 May 1944.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 January 1944 and it disbanded into No 162 MU on 16 June 1944.

No 164 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from Nos 133 & 134 Air Stores Parks on 16 June 1943 as an Advanced Universal Equipment Holding Unit under the control of North West African Air Forces at La Marsa.  It relocated to Tunis on 1 May 1944, where it disbanded on 1 July 1944.

No 165 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 6 (Middle East) Ammunition Depot on 1 July 1943 as a Explosives Holding Unit under the control of Middle East Command at Kajiado, with a satellite at Gilgil.  It was reduced to number plate basis on 15 June and absorbed into No 105 MU.

No 166 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 8 November 1943 as a Repair Depot (plus Equipment Holding Section) for No 79 OTU under the control of AHQ Levant at Nicosia/Lakatamia.  It was absorbed into RAF Nicosia on 1 September 1945.

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No 167 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 113 Repair and Salvage Unit on 15 September 1943 as a major repair centre for Wellingtons under the control of North West African Air Forces at Sidi Ahmed.  Control was transferred to No 218 Group on 1 January 1944 and it disbanded on 21 April 1944.

No 168 Maintenance Unit

This was formed from No 1 British Airways Repair Unit on 1 March 1944 as an Aircraft Repair Section under the control of No 206 Group at Heliopolis.  It disbanded on 31 October 1946.

No 176 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1941 as a small Equipment Holding Unit for units in Sierra Leone and Gambia under the control of AHQ West Africa at Hastings, Sierra Leone.  A detachment was located at Bathurst until April 1943 when it closed. It relocated to Kossoh Town by 1 September 1943 and disbanded on 1 September 1945, possibly at Jui.

No 177 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 30 June 1942 as an Aircraft Assembly Unit (Fighters) under the control of AHQ West Africa at Apapa.  It was capable of handling 75 single-engined fighters per month and disbanded in July 1943.

No 178 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 6 June 1943 as an Equipment Holding Unit under the control of AHQ West Africa at Takoradi to supply RAF and French units in the Gold Coast and Nigeria.  It disbanded on 15 September 1945, being replaced by No 386 MU.

No 179 Maintenance Unit

This was formed on 6 May 1943 as a repair and overhaul centre for engines from aircraft, marine craft and MT under the control of AHQ West Africa at Oshodi, Lagos.  It also had the following subsidiary sections: -

• Armament Repair Section

• Gun Turret Repair Section

• Electrical and W/T Repair Section

• Propeller Repair Section

• Instrument Repair Section

It disbanded on 28 November 1943.

This page was last updated on 18/02/25

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