WW2 Royal Air Force Group Portrait with Twin-Engined Aircraft.
Official RAF Photograph, dated 20 July 1945 Gelatine silver print
This original wartime Royal Air Force group portrait depicts approximately forty RAF officers, aircrew and other personnel assembled in front of a twin-engined RAF aircraft. The identity of the aircraft has not been conclusively established, although it is believed to have been used in the training of aircrew during the latter stages of the Second World War.
The photograph is an original official Royal Air Force print on Air Ministry “Crown Copyright Reserved” photographic paper. The reverse bears an official RAF photographic stamp dated 20 July 1945, together with the instruction: “For further copies of this photograph quote Neg. No. G.493.” It is not known whether the stamped date records when the photograph was taken or when this particular print was produced and issued.
Also written on the reverse is the contemporary handwritten notation “10. A.N.S.”, together with approximately thirty surnames identifying many of the personnel depicted. Among the less common recorded surnames are Murtha, Poutney, Sommerville, Gadsby and Bloodworth. As no identifying key survives, it has not been possible to associate individual names with specific men in the photograph.
The precise meaning of the handwritten notation has not been confirmed, although it may relate to an RAF Air Navigation School. As the annotation forms part of the photograph’s provenance rather than the official printed record, it should be regarded as a contemporary note rather than conclusive evidence of the unit represented.
This well-preserved original print provides an important record of Royal Air Force personnel during 1945 and is enhanced by its surviving contemporary annotations, which preserve valuable evidence for future historical research. It remains an excellent example of an official wartime RAF group photograph, retaining both its original Air Ministry markings and valuable contemporary inscriptions.
Reverse: Official Royal Air Force photographic stamp dated 20 July 1945, Air Ministry Crown Copyright Reserved watermark, negative reference G.493, and contemporary handwritten annotations identifying many of the personnel.
Collection: Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum (Virtual Collection).
Can You Help?
Research into this photograph is continuing, and further information would be greatly appreciated.
If you recognise any of the personnel, can identify the aircraft or location, explain the handwritten notation “10. A.N.S.”, or know anything about the official RAF negative reference G.493, please get in touch.
The reverse of the photograph records approximately thirty surnames, including Murtha, Poutney, Sommerville, Gadsby and Bloodworth, but no key survives linking the names to individual men.
Any information—however small—could help identify the personnel, establish the unit, and add to the historical record of this original Royal Air Force photograph.
