The Oral History Research Unit at Bournemouth University, through The Centre for History of Defence Electronics, tracks the history of radar through text and oral recollections in its Radar Recollections story. Of particular interest is the section devoted to Worth Matravers and the vital part it played in thwarting the very real danger of invasion by Germany.

During the 1930s there was an uneasy peace in Britain. Relations with Germany were difficult and there was an understanding that if war did come then the “bomber” would be the main offensive weapon that would be used against Britain. The real need was for some method of early warning that would reduce the potency of such an enemy attack. The great achievement of the British scientists was to synthesise radar related discoveries made over a 60 year period, in at least 7 countries, into one practical, precise technology.

From 1935 onwards British scientists worked to discover a technology that would provide a means of “early warning” in the event of attack from the air. Initial radar work was done in various places in Britain but eventually it was decided to move the researchers to Worth Matravers in Dorset. A farm was chosen as the ideal location and purpose-built accommodation was provided for the developmental work.