RAF trainees uncover stories from the past

The students visited Shropshire Archives after discovering old photograph albums dating from 1917 which depicted life at RAF Shawbury.

During the visit students were given a tour of the facilities by Shropshire Council's archive staff and learned about preserving and cataloguing photographs and papers.

Shropshire Archives holds more than six miles of material relating to Shropshire past and present.

Some of the items they hold include maps, photographs, newspapers, school records and census returns.

As a result of their visit, the students will now be able to establish an archive at RAF Shawbury and share some of the history with the people of Shropshire.

They group have now uncovered original photographs and memorabilia from a mission to fly around the world with a crew of nine and became the first British aircraft to fly round the globe. This year is the 70th anniversary of this event.

Among the photographs to be investigated include an image of a Sopwith Camel being tended to at RAF Shawbury in 1918, and another of a similar aircraft which had crashed in Ludlow during the same year. The students hope to piece together the details surrounding each picture for the archive.

Tina Woodward, Shropshire Council's deputy cabinet member with responsibility for culture, said: "I am pleased that staff at Shropshire Archives were able to share their expertise and experience with the group.

"We are working on a range of projects and activities to commemorate the centenary of the First World War and making accessible the role of RAF Shawbury is a key element of this."

Neil King, officer commanding of the Central Air Traffic Control School at RAF Shawbury, said: "The history of the Royal Air Force is very important, not only nationally but also at the local level, especially considering that many Shropshire people have, and continue to, support the services.

"This project offers a great opportunity for these young trainees to understand and appreciate some of the challenges faced by the young people of yesteryear, especially those who trained at Shawbury during the First World War."

Squadron leader Kim Leach, the corporate engagement and relations officer, said the RAF base has now recruited a volunteer archivist to help build on the work carried out by students.

She said: "All of our students have to undertake a community project as part of their training at RAF Shawbury.

"This project has been a great opportunity for the students to engage with the archive staff and also to preserve an important piece of history for RAF Shawbury."

"RAF Shawbury is also pleased to announce that we have recruited volunteer archivist Anne McMillan who will be able to build on the important work done by the students and help to preserve this part of Shropshire's history for future generations."