In Pictures: The Central Interpretation Unit in WW2

An article by Taylor Downing in the November issue of History Today carries a fascinating insight into a little-known part of Britain's intelligence efforts during the Second World War.

Based at RAF Medmenham, a country house on the banks of the Thames, the Central Interpretation Unit (CIU) was established in April 1941. According to some estimates aerial analysis contributed up to 80% of Britain's wartime intelligence, and the bulk of the work was done at Medmenham. While the code-breakers at Bletchley Park are justly famed for their work, the CIU's operations in the war, which included guiding the Dam Busters' raids, has gone largely unsung, until now.

Click on the picture above for a photo slideshow of life at Medmenham during the war, and make sure to read the full article in the November issue, out October 20th. More images can also be seen at the Medmenham Collection.