The RAF’s No. 2 School of Photography was established in August 1940 to meet the rapidly increasing need for more photographers and photographic technicians to aid with aerial reconnaissance during the Second World War. The School was based at the Blackpool Technical College and Palatine Secondary School in Blackpool. Training of women at the School began in 1941.
A newspaper article of the time stated: "Smart Photo Work By WAAF: When the Secretary of State for Air recently visited a large establishment of Technical Training Command his arrival and meeting with the A O C in C, Air Marshal Sir John Babington, were photographed by an RAF corporal. Sir Archibald Sinclair toured a big school of technical training and then went to an airmen's hospital. Here, again, he was photographed. He left the school at 12.20 hours. The exposed films were given to a dispatch rider, who tore off on his motor-cycle. Sir Archibald next visited Polish personnel under training and, following this, saw a march past by 2,000 airmen and Waafs. Then he visited a school of photography. As he left - at 13.25 hours - he was handed an envelope in which were mounted photographs of his arrival at the aerodrome and his inspection of the school and hospital. In one hour WAAF photographers who a few weeks ago were employed in civilian occupations had gone through the operations of developing, washing, fixing, drying, printing and mounting the photographs." This photograph is one of a set taken by Barnet Saidman, an RAF officer on the staff at the No. 2 School, and other colleagues, which was compiled into an album and presented to Squadron Leader W H Dunton, officer in charge of the No. 2 School. The album documents the training programme for the WAAF's at the No. 2 School, and is accompanied by written captions. The original album is held by the Defence School of Photography. A second set of prints was collected and presented within the album compiled by Knicky Chapman, who was herself on the staff at the No. 2 School.
This is part of the Volume: CHP01/07/01 Photograph Album Compiled by Knicky Chapman; within the Series: CHP01/07 Women's Auxiliary Air Force Second World War Photographs; within the Collection: CHP01 Knicky Chapman Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Saidman, Barnet: Royal Air Force
Military, Second World War
Our website works best with the latest version of the browsers below, unfortunately your browser is not supported. Using an old browser means that some parts of our website might not work correctly.
