Admiralty Signals and Radar Establishment facts for kids
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| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1917 |
| Preceding Department |
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| Dissolved | 1959 |
| Superseding agency |
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| Jurisdiction | Government of the United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | Haslemere, England |
| Parent Department | Admiralty |
The Admiralty Signal and Radar Establishment (ASRE) was a special group that did research for the Royal Navy in Britain. It was created in 1917 and helped develop important communication and radar technologies.
This group had a few different names over the years. It started as the Experimental Department. Later, it was called the Admiralty Signal Establishment (ASE). Finally, it became the ASRE.
The ASRE worked until 1959. Then, it joined with another group called the Admiralty Gunnery Establishment. Together, they formed a new organization called the Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment (ASWE). The main office for the ASRE was in Haslemere, England.
Contents
History of the ASRE
The Admiralty Signal and Radar Establishment began its journey in 1917. It was first known as the Admiralty Experimental Department. This department was set up at HM Signal School in Portsmouth.
Its main job was to bring together all the research work. This research had been happening since 1896 on special ships. These ships were called HMS Defiance and HMS Vernon.
Why did the ASRE move?
During World War II, there was a worry in 1940. The Signal School in Portsmouth was at risk from German air attacks, known as Luftwaffe bombing. A big attack in the autumn of 1940 made it clear that they needed to move.
So, in April 1941, the Experimental Department got a new name. It became the Admiralty Signal Establishment (ASE). This new group, like the ones before it, mainly focused on communications.
Where did the ASRE go?
New buildings were found for the ASE at Lythe Hill House in Haslemere. By August 1941, the ASE became its own separate research center. Basil Willett was in charge as the Captain Superintendent.
In July 1943, a group from the USA visited. They came to talk about important new technologies like radar and communications. Famous scientists and leaders, including Henry Tizard and George Thomson, were part of these discussions.
How did the ASRE change?
During World War II, technology advanced very quickly. This meant that more research was needed in many different areas. So, in 1948, all these research fields were brought together. They formed one big group: the Admiralty Signal and Radar Establishment in Portsmouth.
Finally, in 1959, the ASRE joined forces with another group. This was the Admiralty Gunnery Establishment (AGE). Together, they created the Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment (ASWE).
Timeline of Names
Here's how the organization's name changed over the years:
- Admiralty Experimental Department (1917-1941)
- Admiralty Signal Establishment (1941-1948)
- Admiralty Signal and Radar Establishment, Portsmouth (1948-1959)
- Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment (ASWE), Portsdown, Portsmouth (1959-1984)
