In a remarkable milestone for HMS Tern, a photograph has been successfully developed in the new darkroom at the Orkney airfield for the first time in 80 years. This significant event marks the revival of photographic practices that had not been utilised on-site for nearly a century.

We are excited to announce that, following the construction of our very own darkroom, we have successfully recreated the process that WRENS stationed at the airfield used during their wartime training. This initiative has been a goal for our volunteer, Nick Crohn, who has both an interest in and skill with traditional film camera technology.

Previously, Nick used a Leica IIIb camera to capture remarkable images of the airfield, but he had to develop and print those photos off-site. Now, with our new darkroom, he can replicate the development process airfield personnel used during the Second World War to process reconnaissance and other photographs crucial to the war effort.

Photo reconnaissance during World War II provided up to 80% of Allied wartime intelligence. This was achieved with specially modified, unarmed aircraft that photographed enemy territory from high altitudes. Planes such as the British Spitfire used by Photo-Recce Units and the de Havilland Mosquito were stripped of all guns and armour, then painted in special camouflage colours like PRU Blue to blend in with the sky.

By removing the weapons, the planes became lighter, allowing them to fly faster and higher—often reaching altitudes of up to 30,000 feet—to evade enemy interceptors. However, flying these specially adapted aircraft, capturing photographs, and returning safely to base required considerable skill. RAF Medmenham in Buckinghamshire was home to an elite team of photographic interpreters, including many women from the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). This team analysed millions of images at a central station in Buckinghamshire. The interpreters used stereoscopes to view pairs of overlapping photographs in 3D. This technique revealed enemy camouflage efforts, hidden bunkers, and fake installations, as well as the effects of any raid.

The House of Commons Library notes that the RAF photographic unit alone captured 20 million photographs during the conflict, which played a crucial role in tactical planning for major operations, such as D-Day and the advance across Europe.

The darkroom project has been made possible through funding from the Orkney Health Board Endowment Funds, which have awarded a grant to support a new analogue photography, heritage, science and wellbeing project at HMS Tern. The project aims to support mental wellbeing by giving participants time to slow down, focus, build confidence and connect with others. Led by the Birsay Heritage Trust, the project will use vintage film cameras, darkroom processes, and practical photography sessions to help young people and community groups explore Orkney’s wartime history in a creative, hands-on way.

The photograph shows Site Manager Lindsay holding the first print made from negative at the HMS Tern site for 80 years.

Quite an achievement for the volunteers.