Monument record 8506/1 - Daventry Radar Development

{3} Source: Fennessey, Sir E. (1997). Acoustic detection system for early warning of aircraft attack tested by Air Ministry's Directorate of Scientific Research in 1930s. By 1935 R.Watson Watt proposed use of reflected radio energy for aircraft detection. "On 26 February, in a field near Daventry, Watson Watt proved the practicality of his concept when he detected a Heyford bomber at a range of eight miles. RDF, later known as Radar, had shown the potential to ensure that the bomber would not 'always get through'". Subsequently developed with first 'Chain Home' (CH) stations operating in Sept 1938. 18 stations operational at the outbreak of war in Sept 1940.

{4} Some confusion over where he did the tests. This article says that it was in the fields of Staverton. See also 8506/1/1.

<1> Earl J. (Editor), 1995 - 1998, Defence Lines: Newsletter of The Defence of Britain Project, p.12 (unchecked) (Newsletter). SNN56039.

<2> RUMBOLD M., 1998, SMR Report Form, (unchecked) (SMR Report Form). SNN53869.

<3> Cadman G., 2014, 20th Century Military Archaeology in Northamptonshire: Logs 1, 2 & 3, p.5 (unchecked) (Report). SNN104868.

<4> Freeman S., 2002, The Man Who Saved Britain, (unchecked) (Article). SNN102284.

<5> Neale B.T., 1985, The First Operational Radar, (unchecked) (Extract). SNN106611.

<6> Neale B.T., 1991, Radar History Special Edition (Features Reprinted in Memory of The Late Bruce Neale), (unchecked) (Extract). SNN106612.

<7> RUMBOLD M., 2001, The Birth of Radar Memorial, (unchecked) (Photographs). SNN106865.

<8> Brosnan, A., 2010, Chronicle Insight: History Makes Tracks In A Van, (checked) (Newspaper cuttings). SNN107667.

Record last edited

Oct 17 2014 11:52AM