The Radar Site at Worth Matravers

The fundamental principles which would lead to the development of the system we know today as radar, were proven as early as 1885 by the German scientist, Heinrich Hertz. Over the next 30 years, scientists in other countries became engaged in work on the system to develop a method of detecting aircraft. In the 1930s the Germans led the field, but scientists in Britain, such as Robert Watson-Watt, were not far behind.

RADAR

By 1935, Watson-Watt’s work produced a method whereby a target could be plotted on a cathode-ray oscilloscope. From this, and with war approaching, a series of special stations, known as ‘Chain Home’, were constructed. These could detect aircraft approaching the coast. The term ‘RADAR’ was first used in America in 1940 as a simple way of describing the method of using Radio Detection and Ranging, with work continuing to improve the system.  

The Chain Home apparatus was deployed around Britain’s coast on structures resembling miniature Eiffel Towers connected to control stations. However, its reliability was only some 60% out to a range of 70 miles. The system needed to be improved and made more powerful, for which secret locations were established, where this vitally important work could be conducted. One of these sites was at Worth Matravers in Dorset, on an isolated stretch of coast around St Aldhelm’s Head.

Top secret

In May 1940, it was decided to create a secret research establishment to experiment with new ideas to improve existing radar technology and increase its range and power. That is how 200 personnel descended on the remote village with its uninterrupted line of sight, south, towards German-occupied France. The undulating hills allowed several Chain Home masts up to 360ft in height to be constructed, well away from any source of possible interference.

The area was divided into five separate sites known as A to E, with an airstrip to handle light aircraft. Complete secrecy was imposed on the location, and a camp was constructed with huts for the personnel and other buildings for the equipment. It was connected by a road network.

The three sites furthest inland, and the most northerly located on the camp, were A, D, and E, where Home Chain towers were erected. Several hundred yards south, lay Site C, which was reached by a single track that also led to the airfield. Continuing further south, and right on the cliff edge, was Site D, which also had radar scanning equipment connected to the Chain Home system.

Relocation

For two years the site conducted secret experiments, with the personnel level at the camp increasing to over 2,000. Then, in May 1942, the site was evacuated. The relocation came three months after the British had mounted a daring raid against a German radar site at Bruneval on the French coast, on the night of 27/28 February 1942. The raid, codenamed ‘Operation Biting’, discovered the secrets of German radar technology and was a complete success.

Fearing a reprisal raid, the British relocated to Malvern in Worcestershire, over 150 miles north, and well away from the coast. The site at Worth Matravers was abandoned, and over the years the site was dismantled and became all but forgotten. The fields are empty, and nothing remains, except for some twisted metal and bits of concrete to indicate what had once been on site.

The Memorial

On 27 October 2001, a group of enthusiasts and military historians, together with supporters, unveiled a memorial to the part played in the war at the site, commemorating the men and women who worked there. It takes the form of a ‘stylised’ radar dish formed from bands of curved metal, which are mounted on a stone plinth. There are memorial plaques and something of the history to inform visitors.

Location and directions

For the military enthusiast, the village of Worth Matravers remains a site to explore and a chance to connect with the history surrounding the defence of the country during the war. There is only one route leading to the site, which is a turning off the B3069, between Kingston and Langton Matravers. Follow the road, which is unclassified, and it leads into the village. Continue past the car park on your right and the Square and Compass pub on your left, until you reach a ‘T’ junction. Turn right and follow the road until you reach Renscombe Farm and you can go no further. Look left towards the car park, which places you in what was once the centre of the camp. The roads are narrow and winding but there are passing places.

Stand in the car park by the stone wall and face the sea, which is directly south. Then, look west across the open fields, which was once Site ‘A’. On the other side of the track was Site ‘B’, and to the north lay Site ‘E’. Even from this aspect, it is possible to appreciate why the location was chosen. Now comes the long walk, but it is well worth the effort.

Continue along the track from the car park towards the sea. Cars are not allowed down the route, except for access to the holiday cottages. After several hundred yards, there is a well-defined footpath on your left and the skeletal remains of a former farm building. This is the site that once served as the airstrip. On the opposite side of the track, the open field is where Site ‘C’ was located. Again, it is the open sprawl which conveys the reason for it being used as a secret radar base.

Continue down the track until you see the Coast Guard station and the stone building of St Aldhelm’s Chapel. Look to the left and the radar memorial stands on its own. Information boards are attached to the wall of the Coast Guard building and there are some plaques on the memorial itself. Look in the grass around the memorial to find the concrete foundations and metal anchor points that served to support one of the Chain Home radars.

Worth it

It may seem like a lot of effort to see very little, but military enthusiasts, especially those who have ever walked around an otherwise empty battlefield, will understand the rewards of the experience. In that respect, it is worth the visit and helps in understanding a part of the war that was once top secret.  When planning your trip, it may help to first visit www.purbeckradar.org.uk