Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Photographic Reconnaissance Unit: National Memorial

09 November 2021 · 6 other contributors · 6,599 words

Opened by Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

Responding minister: Leo Docherty

Defence

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrew Bowie raised concerns about photographic reconnaissance unit: national memorial in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP expresses concern over lack of recognition for Royal Air Force's Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) members who served in World War II.
  • MP highlights that only 29% of 1,287 PRU members who flew operational sorties are confirmed survivors, with 12% missing without known graves.
  • MP requests government support for a national memorial to the PRU in an appropriate location in London.

Key requests to Government

The MP requests that the Minister meets with the campaign for a national memorial to the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) and supports efforts to establish such a memorial in an appropriate location in London.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

The MP expresses concern about the lack of recognition for the Royal Air Force's Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU), highlighting the bravery, heroism, and sacrifices made by PRU members during World War II. He mentions that only 29% of the identified 1,287 men who flew operational photo reconnaissance sorties have been confirmed to have survived the war, with 12% still missing without known graves. The high death rate and critical intelligence gathered by PRU are emphasised.

Other contributors (6)
  • Andrew Lewer Con Northampton South

    Expressed gratitude to the hon. Friend for mentioning George Pritchard, a resident of Duston in his constituency who served with the PRU at age 97. Supported the campaign for recognition of the PRU.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon praised the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) for its crucial role during World War II, noting that it took over 20 million images and suffered high casualties. He called for a national memorial to honour the PRU's sacrifices and highlighted the importance of remembrance during events like Remembrance Sunday.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    Paid a family tribute to his father who was on a minesweeper during D-Day, highlighting the courage of PRU pilots. Offered unstinting support for the hon. Friend's campaign.

  • Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South

    In response to the debate, Stephanie Peacock emphasised the vital role of aerial reconnaissance technology during World War II and highlighted the bravery of PRU pilots who faced extreme conditions without protection. She advocated for a national memorial to commemorate their efforts and praised local initiatives like an exhibition at Experience Barnsley that brought wartime experiences to life.

  • Stewart McDonald SNP Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

    Acknowledging the work of the former Member for Ochil and South Perthshire in raising the issue, Stewart McDonald expressed support for a national memorial to commemorate the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit's contribution during World War II. He highlighted that the PRU managed to gather over 20 million images despite high risks, with more than 500 casualties including 144 who have no known grave or marking.

  • Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife

    Thanked the hon. Gentleman for securing the debate and mentioned that the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit was based at Leuchars airfield from late 1942 to early 1944, advocating for recognition of all PRU personnel in the memorial.

Government Response

Leo Docherty

It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Davies. I am delighted to be here, answering for Her Majesty's Government. First, I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Andrew Bowie) on securing the debate and speaking so movingly about the remarkable and innovative role of the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit. I thank my right hon. Friend the Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois), my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton South (Andrew Lewer) and the hon. Members for Strangford (Jim Shannon), for Glasgow South (Stewart Malcolm McDonald), for North East Fife (Wendy Chamberlain) and for Barnsley East (Stephanie Peacock) for their collegiate and constructive contributions. I was particularly moved by the way that my hon. Friend referenced first George Pritchard, who is now 97 years old and living in good health in Northamptonshire. My hon. Friend also referred to Sandy Gunn's remarkable story of being shot down, rescued by Norwegians, imprisoned, escaping and brutally murdered by the Gestapo. This encapsulates the bravery of PRU members. The Ministry of Defence cannot finance or commission new memorials but is willing to meet with interested parties as soon as practical. The PRU grew from a single semi-civilian flight in 1939 to encompass ten squadrons, providing crucial intelligence throughout WWII. They located critical targets such as the German oil refineries and synthetic fuel facilities, which grounded the Luftwaffe. The PRU's pioneering capability was formalised in 2002 with the Tactical Imagery-Intelligence Wing (TIW) becoming the 1st ISR Wing in 2016. This demonstrates the ever-increasing close collaboration we have with our allies. The P-8A and E-7 Wedgetail will enhance our ISTAR capability at RAF Lossiemouth. Despite technological advancements, analysis methods refined during WWII remain pertinent today. Modern inheritors of PRU tradition include highly trained personnel in 1 ISR Wing. The debate has been a fitting tribute to the sacrifice made by those who have gone before us.

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