RDF to RADAR - my parents’ contribution to Hitler’s downfall and how I came to be! Talk
Patch, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
With war clouds looming in the 1930s, there seemed to be no defence against fast moving airborne invaders. As a matter of urgency scientists were tasked with addressing this problem and early experiments with radio waves demonstrated that they could be used to detect aircraft by reflection.
Thus was born what we now called RADAR (Radio Direction and Ranging) but at that time, to disguise its real purpose, was referred to as ‘RDF’. It was, never the less, still a secret capability not fully disclosed to the public until VJ day, 17 August 1945.
This talk highlights the roles played by two of the many hundreds of RAF personnel who helped deliver this initially primitive capability to a level that ensured that a German invasion was thwarted and then provided the means to take the fight to the ‘Fatherland’ through the precision bombing of Hitler’s war machine.
Timings
- Wednesday 16 September:
- 1900
Location & directions
Patch, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Book your place for this event via the Chelmsford Heritage Open Days website - weblink below.
- Booking website:
- https://www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk
- Booking opens:
- 31 Jul 2026 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 15 Sep 2026 12:00 AM
Additional information
- Max number of people:
- 50
- Estimated duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
