Monument record TQ 92 SE 27 - Rye radar station

The Rotor programme was developed to advance the wartime radar technology in detecting and locating fast-flying jets. It was approved by the Air Council in June 1950. The first phase of the programme, Rotor 1, was to technically restore existing Chain Home, centrimetric early warning, Chain Home Extra Low and Ground Controlled Interception stations and put them under the control of RAF Fighter Command. There were three main components to the Rotor stations: the technical site, including the radars, operation blocks and other installations; the domestic site, where personnel were accommodated; and the stand-by set house, a reserve power supply. The domestic site for Rye radar station was located at TQ 975 246. (1-3)

Aerial photography from 1954 shows a number of buildings surviving at the site, though it is unclear if the air raid shelter at the eastern end of the site remains. (4)

From 1982 the site has been used as a Philippine Craft Centre. It was previously a Royal Air Force camp for radar staff and anti-aircraft gunners, and a Royal Air Force dog training camp until 1950. (5)

<1> Cocroft, Wayne D; Thomas, Roger J C, 2003, Cold War: Building for Nuclear Confrontation 1946-1989 (Bibliographic reference). SKE58760.

<2> C.S. Dobinson, 2000, Twentieth century fortifications in England. Volume XI.1. The Cold War (text) (Bibliographic reference). SKE58761.

<3> C.S. Dobinson, 2000, Twentieth century fortifications in England. Volume XI.2. The Cold War (Appendices) (Bibliographic reference). SKE58762.

<4> Michael J. Anderton, 2000, Twentieth Century Military Recording Project: Cold War Rotor Stations (Bibliographic reference). SKE58763.

<5> Peter Higginbotham, Higginbotham, Peter. 2000. The Workhouse. (Website). SKE53741.