Thames Amateur Radio Group was active on the 8th of September 2013 from the Essex village of Canewdon, as part of a 75th Anniversary commemoration.
Here is a short video montage of the day’s activities, which were a part of the Canewdon Village Fete 2013:
Chain Home Towers
In 1938, work was completed on RAF Canewdon Chain Home RADAR Station Number 22 – A series of steel and wooden towers that made up a vital part of Britain’s World War II RADAR defense.
The towers were demolished in the 1950s, but some of the site’s defenses remain, and the Thames Amateur Radio Group was permitted to make use of one of the remaining pillboxes as an antenna site for operations with people of Canewdon.
One of the original Chain Home towers remains, and can be found at BAE Systems in Great Baddow. The tower has been used in recent months by members of Chelmsford ARS under the G100RSGB callsign, which has been moving around the country as part of the RSGB’s Centenary celebration.
Andy Tyler G1GKN has an extensive knowledge of the Chain Home Towers, and has spoken passionately about Chain Home at radio club meetings in the past. Andy was on-site throughout the day with a model of the tower, a presentation, and a collection of facts and photos about this important piece of British heritage.
GB75CR Operations
Thames Amateur Radio Group, which celebrates its first birthday this month, was active throughout the day on both HF and 2 metres from the group’s gazebo.
Many good contacts were made, and it was also a chance for members of the public to learn more about amateur radio and try their hand at sending a guest message. In-keeping with the military theme of the day, the antenna placed atop the pillbox was an ex-Navy minesweeper HF vertical, which performed very well throughout the day.
RAF Canewdon
The anniversary event was put on alongside the village’s annual fete, and was organised by the RAF Marham Veterans Group. Visitors to the event were treated to a flyover by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, which was a truly awe-inspiring sight, flying low over the event.
The day’s events drew to an end with a Sunset Ceremony and the unveiling of a memorial plaque to commemorate RAF Canewdon Chain Home Command RADAR Station No. 22
Related Links
- Thames Amateur Radio Group Club Profile
- Amateur Radio Clubs in Essex
