Radar Research and Development Establishment facts for kids
The Radar Research and Development Establishment, often called RRDE, was a special group in the United Kingdom. It was run by the government's Ministry of Supply, which was in charge of getting supplies for the military. The RRDE's main job was to study and create radar technology for the British Army.
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What Was the Radar Research and Development Establishment?
The Radar Research and Development Establishment, or RRDE, was a very important organization. It focused on developing radar, which is a technology that uses radio waves to find objects. Think of it like a bat using sound to "see" in the dark. Radar helps detect planes, ships, and other things, especially during wartime. The RRDE made sure the British Army had the best radar tools.
Early Beginnings: Where Did It Start?
The story of the RRDE began a long time ago. One part of it came from the Searchlight Experimental Establishment. This group moved to RAF Biggin Hill in 1924. Another part was called the "Army Cell." This group worked at Bawdsey Manor. They researched radar right alongside scientists from the Air Ministry, who were working on radar for the air force.
In 1941, these different army groups joined together. They moved to Christchurch, Dorset. When they moved, they got a new name: the Air Defence Research and Development Establishment.
Moving and Merging: A New Home and Name
The group moved again in May 1942. This time, they went to a place inland called Malvern, Worcestershire. Here, they were renamed once more, becoming the RRDE.
Their friends from the Air Ministry, who had also moved to the Dorset area, joined them in Malvern. The Air Ministry group was called the Telecommunications Research Establishment (TRE). Over the next few months, both groups worked together in Malvern.
Becoming the Royal Radar Establishment
The RRDE kept its name until 1953. In that year, it joined forces with the TRE. They merged to create one big organization called the Radar Research Establishment. This new group was even more powerful.
In 1957, something very special happened. Elizabeth II, the Queen, gave the Radar Research Establishment a new, grander name. It became the Royal Radar Establishment. This showed how important their work was for the country.
