RAF Bawdsey, Radar station and air base in Suffolk, England
RAF Bawdsey is a former radar station and air force base in Suffolk with eight tall masts arranged for transmission and reception of radar signals. The transmitter block now serves as a museum that displays the history of detection technology and its development.
The Air Ministry established RAF Bawdsey in 1936 as Britain's first operational radar station under Robert Watson-Watt's direction. The site played a key role in tracking enemy aircraft during the war and became a center for radar research.
The site preserves the story of radar development and shows how this technology brought together military personnel and scientists during World War II. The exhibits tell of the people who worked here and their contributions to the war effort.
The site is quite large and takes time to explore, so plan for several hours when visiting. Most visitors focus on the museum building, but the masts and outdoor areas also offer interesting perspectives worth seeing.
During the 1950s, the station received an underground control center with living quarters designed to maintain operations during potential nuclear strikes. This defensive measure shows how threats and requirements for military facilities changed during the Cold War.
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