Royal Navy School of Photography - Felpham

As you stroll through Felpham village, do you wonder what secrets lay hidden? In recent years we have found references too many things, but one story was quite intriguing. Do you know where the Royal Navy School of Photography was situated?

During the 2nd World War it would appear that the Admiralty acquired a number of empty properties on the Summerley estate. Around the area of Second, Third, Fourth Ave, Limmer Lane and the Strand appeared to be the centre of the activity.

From the information we have received over recent years meals were taken at a home in Limmer Lane and homes on Second Ave., were then used for accommodation. One home was occupied by 40 students, their furniture consisted of bunk beds and the chairs and tables were of basic Admiralty issue.

The students attended a four month course during 1944 in which time they qualified and carried out air photography for Royal Navy use.

Primarily the full courses were held at Cowdrey Park or RAF Ford. The students used an Avro Anson aircraft and took turns in going into the nose cone where the F24 Camera was mounted on a cradle for their use.

One of the students recalled that they were paid 21s. per week and they were paid fortnightly. On arrival at Bognor Regis Railway station they were instructed to march to the school, a distance of approx. 5 miles. There was a mobile WRVS canteen which visited during the weekends to allow them to purchase chocolate bars and stationery; this supplemented their meals which were cooked by Wrens.

He could also remember being on one duty that involved peeling the potatoes for the school, although they had a machine to complete this task.

Traveling away from Felpham was of course strictly forbidden most of their leisure activities were held around the homes but occasionally they went to either the Fox or Thatch for refreshment.

Today’s occupants of these premises today are possibly unaware of their wartime use, except in some circumstances where they had large air raid shelters, which are still in their gardens today.

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