Supporting a National Memorial for the Unsung WWII Heroes of the Photographic Reconnaissance Units
- Adam Jogee MP
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
During the Second World War, brave pilots and navigators flew unarmed and unarmoured aircraft deep into enemy territory to gather critical intelligence. They served in the Photographic Reconnaissance Units (PRU)—and their work helped shape the course of the war.
Flying solo missions in Spitfires and Mosquitos, the PRU captured more than 26 million aerial photographs across all theatres of operation. The intelligence they gathered supported some of the most critical decisions of the Allied war effort—helping to plan D-Day, track German battleships like the Bismarck and Tirpitz, and locate launch sites for the V1 and V2 rockets.
Despite their enormous contribution—and a casualty rate approaching fifty percent—there is no national memorial dedicated to the men of the PRU. That’s why I’m proud to support the Spitfire AA810 Project and their campaign to establish a permanent memorial in central London.
This is a national campaign with a very local resonance.
Among those who served in the PRU were Flight Officer Royston Stanley Bailey, who was born in Wolstanton, and Sergeant Albert John Morgan, who lived in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Albert Morgan was just 22 years old when he was tragically killed in a mid-air collision over Malta in 1943. He had studied at Newcastle High School, worked in the Town Clerk’s department at Stoke-on-Trent Corporation, and was engaged to be married. His story—and Royston’s—remind us that behind every mission and every photograph was a young life, often cut short.
I am delighted to support this fantastic campaign. Royston Bailey and Albert Morgan served admirably under exceptionally difficult conditions. It is right that we remember their courage—and the sacrifice of so many others in the PRU—with a national memorial.
If you knew Royston, Albert, or anyone else who served in the PRU, please visit www.spitfireaa810.co.uk or contact Tony Hoskins at tony@spitfireaa810.co.uk to share your stories.