Ref Number: 00441
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RAF Ventnor was operational at the end of January 1939.
Ref Number: 00441
The selected location for the primary transmitter was St. Boniface Down, situated at an elevation of approximately 750 feet above sea level, making it the highest point on the island. Ventnor was selected as one of the primary sites by the Air Ministry for the establishment of Britain’s chain of early warning defensive radar installations.
In 1938, an assessment was conducted to identify a suitable location for the establishment of one of the newly proposed radar stations, afterwards referred to as Chain Home (CH). These stations played a pivotal role in the creation of an interconnected network of radar facilities along the eastern and southern shores of Britain.
According to several reports, the first setup was characterised by a rather haphazard nature, involving the utilisation of experimental transmitters and receivers that were put within makeshift structures. In January 1939, after to the installation of 240 transmitters in the preceding year, the station transitioned to a “intermediate” operating level. In September 1939, Ventnor was prepared to commence operations at its maximum capacity.
In the initial months of 1940, the German High Command gradually recognised the imperative of neutralising radar activity wherever feasible. On the 12th of August 1940, Ventnor had an assault by a squadron of 15 Junkers 88 aircraft, which proceeded to release a total of 72 high explosive bombs during the mid-day hours. This attack resulted in significant damage to the area. Through valiant endeavours, the system was restored to an operational state, purportedly within a span of one hour, but with a restricted range of services. Nevertheless, a subsequent aerial attack conducted by six Junkers Ju 87 aircraft led to the deployment of fifteen explosive devices into the station, ultimately resulting in its cessation of broadcasting. Consequently, this critical disruption rendered an essential location within the Chain Home system inoperable, exacerbating the existing requirement for its functionality.
The process of repairing the station spanned many months, ultimately resulting in its restoration and resumption of broadcasting in November 1940. Notably, an additional power source was incorporated, namely a 1 megawatt curtain array positioned between two towers measuring 365 feet in height. This new configuration became operational in May 1941.
Subsequent to the detonation of the station, the Air Ministry promptly sent a portable station to the island, establishing it at Bembridge. Consequently, the island had operational broadcasting capabilities by August 23rd. Nevertheless, it was recognised that despite the implementation of the alternative mobile solution, there was a significant amount of idle time during the installation and optimisation process, rendering them ineffective for operational purposes. The Air Ministry then put out a proposal for the development of many contingency or auxiliary sets of equipment, accompanied by swiftly deployable mobile platforms. The decision was made at Ventnor to establish a concealed reserve, situated adjacent to the southern perimeter fence. This reserve comprised subterranean transmitters and receiver blocks.
Additionally, a supplementary reserve station was constructed and implemented adjacent to the shoreline at St. Lawrence as a reconfigured contingency option. In 1941, the primary facility located in Ventnor commenced its use as an experimental hub for a range of novel designs and innovative advancements. Additional details on the many types and designs of radar installations that were created at Ventnor may be accessed in the Resources section.
In the month of March 1945, Ventnor radar assumed a vital role in providing aerial coverage for the assembly of the D-Day assault vessels, totaling 1,600, arranged in a remarkable diamond formation. Following the invasion, the station saw a gradual decline within a few months. However, certain modern functioning systems remained operational for a number of years subsequent to the war.
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