RAF Shawbury 1994 Revisited

Warning! Do not enter active military establishments or private land without strict prior permission.
These pictures were taken in 1994. many of the buildings have had a new roof since the war or been adapted in other ways. In some cases the building has now gone. A description of its wartime use and design number and year are included where known.
A great station which I have many personal memories of. A happy and very attractive station. An RAF Station with great history and each time it goes through a metamorphosis, it comes back better and stronger. Over 100 years of history here.
If you would like more information on 2nd world war architecture at airfields, you may be interested in purchasing my books. They are available on ebay, just search "British Airfield Buildings" or contact me Graham Buchan Innes at
[e-mail]
If you would like copies of the jpegs, please ask.

[@scopex2749]

I served 5 years here as an airframe tech on Gazelles in the 80's. I met my first wife here (a WRAF). In those days we were in barracks OUTSIDE the fence which were called something like the 'Z blocks' or some such due to their shapr from the air like a stretched 'Z'. There was Tedder (WRAF) Dowding (transit block) my block (completely forgotten the name as its now demolished and Trenchard I think. They demolished these lovely old barracks no idea why - EXCEPT we were 'outside the fence' and if they called a 'TACEVEL' everyone legged it into Shrewsbury that was outside - to avoid playing 'war'. The main gates were shut so everyone inside was trapped! I met many members of the Royal family here including our Dear Queen, Princess Margaret, Princess Diana and Charles. The stories this base holds - in WW2 I believe Lancasters few from here doing Navigator training. I learnt to fly the Gazzelle as well whilst here and flew with the CFI many times. He recommended me for pilot training at Cranwell and promotion to officer as he said 'i was a natural pilot'! Those were the days promoted from the ranks! Sadly I declined his offer as I was about to marry my WRAF fiancee and she didnt want me away for 3 years! ( I didnt know at the time I could have taken her with me but she would have had to leave service, a lower rank then could not be married to an officer.) Many many happy memories here I still miss the place. I am nearing retirement now but i now fly myself taking pilot training I also wanted to buy a Gazelle when they were retired but couldnt afford it :( One of my mates however DID buy one and still flies it! Thank You for the memories! Per Ardua Ad Astra.

[@GrahamInnes1]

Yes a great station .

[@maxwellfan55]

Once again thank you for these wonderful photo's. I was brought up on stations like these from1955 to early 70's, seeing these photos invokes deep nostalgia of so many good times past with Dad in the RAF, who joined up during WW2. With so many service buildings constructed to a pattern, particularly the sick quarters and officers mess (like a grand hotel!) this station could be any one of them, and they were always so tidy and disciplined, like we see here. The black/white painted curb stones were everywhere, one can imagine all the unfortunate 'erks on jankers painting them on hands and knees under the watchful eye of a sergeant, or worst still, the SWO.

[@GrahamInnes1]

Glad you are enjoying them, it is so laborious scanning in old prints but I suppose if I'm doing them, it might as well be now.

[@gmanderson2009]

I worked for the CFI, 1990-93, as Fg Wg Adj. Great unit.

[@GrahamInnes1]

Yes I loved it there too. I was there trade training (ATC) in 1975.