RDF to RADAR
This is our most popular DVD.
The film gives an overview of RDF and Radar research and development from 1935 to 1945 undertaken at Orforness, Bawdsey, Dundee, Swanage and Malvern.
This film was produced in 1945 in 35mm by the TRE Film Unit and the film to video transfer was done in 1993 when the rusty old film cans were discovered at DRA. The film was in surprisingly good condition.
Narrator: John Snagge
1945 B&W 41 mins.
Price £ 15.99 includes UK First Class postage and packaging.
AI Mk VIII
Aircraft Interception Mark VIII was brought into service in December 1942. This film explains in great detail how AI Mk VIII works and how the spiral scanner relates to the PPI (Plan Position Indicator) display. This film also covers Aircraft Interception, IFF (Identification Friend or Foe), Indication of Homing Beacon and Beam Approach.
1942 B&W 33 mins.
Price £ 15.99 includes UK First Class postage and packaging.
COMBAT WARNING RADAR FOR
BOMBER AIRCRAFT
This is a compilation of three TRE/RAF colour training films:
MONICA III C/D
A metric radar tail warning system for bombers. This film explains the layout of the Monica equipment in a Lancaster Bomber, how it works, the advantages and limitations.
Produced by TRE Film Unit 1943
Narrator: John Snagge
Colour 8 mins
VILLAGE INN
A detailed description of a tail warning / rear Turret Gun Laying 10cm radar device (designed to be used in conjunction with H2S – Fishpond) demonstrated in a Lancaster Bomber.
Produced by TRE Film Unit 1943
Narrator: John Snagge
Colour 12.5 mins
AGLT (Airbourne Gun-Laying Turret)
A detailed description of the improved version of the 10cm AGLT demonstrated in a Lancaster Bomber. The film covers basic principles, rear gunner’s visual display and controls, as well as searching methods. The limitations of the system and aircraft identification.
Produced by TRE Film Unit 1944
Narrator: Freddie Grisewood
Colour 24 mins
Compilation running time is 44.5 mins
Price £ 15.99 includes UK First Class postage and packaging.
EARLY RADAR TRAINING FILMS
A linked compilation of three early Radar training films.
HOW MANY AIRCRAFT? (Chain Home)
A wonderful example of training films of the time, and the Chain Home system. The commentary alone is worth it’s inclusion!
Produced at AMRE Swanage
B&W sound, 13 mins
REBECCA – EUREKA (Paratroops Homing Beacon)
An instructional film on the operation of the Rebecca – Eureka homing beacon for paratroops.
Colour (originally silent with captions) 8 mins
MONICA III C/D (COMBAT WARNING FOR BOMBERS)
An instructional film for Monica III C/D combat warning radar system.
1943 Colour 8 mins
Narrator John Snagge
Compilation running time 33 mins.
Price £ 15.99 includes UK First Class postage and packaging.
RADAR WEATHER PARTS 1 & 2
This TRE/RAF training film explains how certain weather conditions can produce unusual Radar vision of low level targets beyond the geometric horizon.
Produced by TRE Film Unit 1944
B&W sound 33 mins
THE WATSON-WATT CENTENARY
This is a video version of a lecture given by Professor R Hanbury-Brown AC FAA FRS at the Institution of Electrical Engineers in London on 22nd February 1993 to commemorate the birth of Sir Robert Watson-Watt LLD DSc FRS (1892 – 1973), the “Father of Radar”
In the mid-1930’s the young Hanbury-Brown joined Watson-Watt and his small team on the Suffolk coast to work with E.G. Bowen and others on airbourne RDF (Radio Direction Finding). In our video, Hanbury-Brown gives an authoritative and affectionate account of those times and Watson-Watt’s leading role in the conception and practical applications of RDF – later renamed Radar.
To illustrate the story we have collected a wide range of visuals from both private and official sources, some shown here for the first time. This video was produced by Douglas Fisher in 1993.
Colour and B&W 37 mins.
Price £ 15.99 includes UK First Class postage and packaging.
Dr E G (TAFFY) BOWEN TALK ON EARLY RADAR DEVELOPMENT
This is an interesting talk given by Dr. Edward “Taffy” Bowen to Hornsby Amateur Radio Club in Australia, on the early development of Radar. This amateur VHS video is of poor quality and taken from a well used copy of the original (now lost). Dr Bowen’s relaxed and enthusiastic style is easy to watch and understand. The content, technical issues aside, is worthwhile and gives an insight into the early development of Radar.
Duration 1 hr 28 mins
Colour, sound, date unknown.
Price £ 15.99 includes UK First Class postage and packaging.