Seeking World War II Era Dowding System Operators

Heads up everybody. The Association of Royal Air Force Fighter Control Officers is looking to get in touch with all operators, male or female, of the Royal Air Force's World War II era (1939-1945) warning system known as the "Dowding System" as follows:

“Working under the closest secrecy since 1939, over 4,000 Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) personnel have played an important part in the air victories achieved by radiolocation (Radar). They tracked hostile and friendly aircraft, flying bombs and rockets, German E Boats and Allied Merchant vessels, and have guided British and Allied fighter pilots on to enemy aircraft. Trained to use and service some of the most delicate and complicated instruments ever invented, they have carried out their duties with enthusiasm, often under uncomfortable conditions and sometimes under enemy fire.”

The ‘Dowding System’ was a complex system of new and secret technologies, intricate and extensive communications, new ways of managing information, new processes and procedures and last, but not least, the highly skilled personnel who operated the system and who made it all work. 

The Association of Royal Air Force Fighter Control Officers is currently compiling a database of operators who worked on the Dowding System between 1939 and 1945 with the aim of capturing their stories and memories and then working to secure appropriate recognition for their contribution during WWII. The hope is that the Association will stay in regular contact with the veterans and keep them updated on events relating to various 70th and 75th anniversary celebrations over the next few years. 

If you know someone who is a veteran Dowding System Filter Centre, Operations Room, Radar Unit and GCI Operators then you are warmly invited to contact Gp Capt (Retd) Tim Willbond RAF at: tim.willbond@raffca.org.uk or 07775 854559