No. 1 School of Military Aeronautics

It was formed in 1915 as an instructors college - but expanded in 1916 into a full RFC training school.

In December 1915 the RFC commandeered buildings belonging to the University of Reading, at first for the purpose of training flight instructors.

Practical classes were held in Upper Redlands Road and nearby playing fields.

[1][2] The school provided preliminary training for cadets and taught theoretical aspects of flight; including map reading, gunnery and mechanics.

In September 1917 technical training was consolidated at Halton Camp, although Coley Park appears to have remained open for the rest of the war.