The Origins and Development of Radar in the Royal Navy, 1935–45 with Particular Reference to Decimetric Gunnery Equipments

Abstract

Pioneering Naval interest in radio communications at the turn of the century — ships equipped for ‘Wireless Telegraphy’ in World War 1. Experimental section initially established in HMS Vernon — transferred to HM Signal School in 1919 — work on all forms of signalling, including possibilities of Infra Red. In 1928 L. S. Alder took out a provisional patent for Naval radar, but this was never implemented. By 1935 Signal School well established in Training and Experimental Departments — Naval Officers and Civilians work closely together. Early radiolocation experiments against aircraft targets by Watson-Watt disclosed to senior Admiralty representatives — consequent establishment of small, secret group in Signal School, for investigations using metric wavelengths for Naval applications. Valve Section in Signal School provided high-power sources for all British metric radar requirements. Attempt by Watson-Watt to gain control of Admiralty radar research — rejected by Admiralty. Results achieved in first Naval research unimpressive, leading to major reorganisation of effort in 1937 under C. E. Horton, with a small increase in staff and resources. Successful trials of 7.5-m equipment at sea in 1938 led to equipping Sheffield and Rodney before the war. Further developments on improved sets in 1939 for longrange air warning, and low-level warning on aircraft and ships.