RAF Trimingham, Norfolk - Radar station
Author(s): Wayne D Cocroft
The Radar Station at Trimingham was established during the Second World War as a coast defence radar station. Its principal function was to detect German E-boats and low flying aircraft. It was also the site of an 'Oboe' station - a Precision Navigation Aid for bombers attacking targets in Europe. In the early 1950s the station was remodelled as part of the Rotor radar programme to upgrade Britain's radar defences. As part of this scheme new radars were installed and the control facilities were placed in a single level underground R1 type bunker entered from a bungalow-like guard room. The Rotor scheme was relatively short-lived, and the Radar Station was closed, probably during the early 1960s. Subsequently the former guardhouse was converted into a private dwelling. A reappraisaJ of air defences needs in the late 1980s, however, identified the necessity for a station at Trimingham and the site was re-occupied by the RAF. Initially it was laid out to accommodate a mobile Marconi Type 91 'Martello' radar. In the late-1990s as the result of a reassessment of Britain's post-Cold War defence requirements, the unit is being converted to have a static role with the construction permanent ground facilities and a Kevlon dome, to house the radar. The surviving buildings and other surface remains are all post-war in date. To the south of Mundesley Road the only survivals from the Rotor period are the modified guard house and the underground bunker. This part of the site is an active RAF station. To the north of the road five early 1950s radar plinths survive, including the building which housed the prototype Type 80 radar. Other remains in this field consist of concrete footings.
- Report Number:
- 133/1998
- Series:
- Other
- Pages:
- 11
- Keywords:
- Modern Second World War Cold War Radar Station
