We wish to thank the Ross Family for granting permission to allow you to view the images found here whose father, the photographer, was stationed at Drone Hill circa 1939. These images provide a wonderful insight of the Chain Home Radar Station at Drone Hill. We also acknowledge and recognise the hard work, skill and expertise of restoring the images from negatives. Without that work they may have never been seen. Thank you. There are some interesting colourised images of Coldingham depicting the bank and Finch's or Inch's garage (not sure from the sign), well worth a view.
Chain Home was a ring of coastal early warning radar stations built by the Royal Air Force (RAF) before and during the Second World War to detect and track aircraft.
Chain Home proved important during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Chain Home systems could detect enemy aircraft while they were forming over France, giving RAF commanders ample time to marshal their aircraft in the path of the raid. This had the effect of multiplying the effectiveness of the RAF to the point that it was as if they had three times as many fighters, allowing them to defeat frequently larger German forces. The Chain Home network was continually expanded, with over 40 stations operational by the war's end, including mobile versions for use overseas.
By linking together data from neighbouring Chain Home stations, as well as by switching in different aerial arrays, it was possible to identify the bearing (compass heading) on which contacts were heading, as well as the speed and height they were flying at.
The systems were wound down after the war
To find out more about Chain Home Radar, Drone Hill, follow the link below.