Jill sent this email message on Sep 8 2022.
- My name is Jill and I live on Coningham Road in Shinfield Park.
- I found your details on the RAF Shinfield Park webpage and wondered if you could help me?
- I am trying to find historical aerial images/ground pictures of my house - 16 Coningham Road.
- I have searched the website that you maintain and can see the image of the aerial view of the camp - but this does not include the residential areas.
- Have you any suggestions how I might access any historic images of the RAF accommodation - Coningham Road in particular ?
Webmaster Andre replied:
- I am sorry to disappoint you but the only images of the camp I have are those shown on the website, which were originally sent to me by ex-colleagues who served with me. I have no idea how you might obtain an aerial map of the time showing the residential area. However, your house (No. 16) is shown on the MPBW site plan https://rafshinfieldpark.com/download/rafsp-mpbw-site-plan-large.pdf ... but not quite the same as an aerial view! Incidentally, I was in married quarters for about 6 months in Anson Crescent; I can't remember the number, but it was an end-terrace house.
- I have copied in my friend Greg North, who was the originator of the aerial view and site pics, to see whether he can suggest any way forward for you.
- I hope you are successful in your quest!
Greg North supplied the following information:
- Many moons ago the government aerial mapped the UK, I believe. This project was carried out by RAF Canberra aircraft.
- I suggest you approach:
- The curator of the RAF museum
- The curator of Reading museum
- Your parish council
- I assume that you have checked out Google Street View that goes back c15 years.
- You have obviously googled websites like Zoopla.
- I can send you a copy of the RAF Shinfield Park handbook if you like.
- The Reading museum had the old RAF SP PABX system, so I am sure they will have other information.
- The Shinfield History Society might be worth contacting, Keith Freeman is my contact there.
- You are obviously aware that your house was one of the station officers quarters, I tried to buy one when the MOD disposed of them.
- I hope that is of some use to you.
- Kind regards,
