June 2026

Echoes of Bawdsey – The story of Radar Podcast Series Two

Episode 1

War breaks out –

It’s 1939, and Britain has declared war on Germany, but this is the time of the ‘phoney war’ before any fighting actually started. We find out what the Army and Navy were doing, alongside the RAF, in the race to get radar ready for war.

The scientists have to leave Bawdsey for Scotland, but things don’t go to plan, and just as things seem hopeless, a major development is made, just in time for our biggest test so far.

Episode 2

Reach for the Sky

It’s June 1940 and most of Europe has fallen under Nazi control. Hitler is planning the invasion of Britain, Operation Sealion, but before that could happen the Luftwaffe had to destroy the RAF.

What followed was the first major military campaign fought entirely in the air. The Battle of Britain.

Without radar the British would have not won the battle.

Episode 3

The Cavity Magnetron and The Battle of the Atlantic

As the Blitz continues to devastate Britain, the Tizard Mission travels to the United States in a bid to secure American support. There, the British astonish their hosts by revealing the powerful and robust cavity magnetron, a breakthrough that would revolutionise radar technology. Meanwhile, Suffolk comes under attack from Italian bombers. Churchill feared that the merchant convoys carrying food, fuel, and other vital supplies to the British Isles would fall victim to German U-boats. However, radar and the Enigma code, working hand in hand, proved to be the twin keys to victory in the Battle of the Atlantic, helping to detect and defeat the submarine threat.

With thanks to the staff and pupils of Bawdsey CEVC Primary School for their help with the Bawdsey Now section of the podcast.

Episode 4

Life at the Manor

What was it really like to live and work at Bawdsey Manor? In this episode, we hear from the people who experienced it first-hand, brought to life through fascinating archive recordings. Discover what it was like catching the ferry to Felixstowe — and what happened if you were late getting back after a dance or a night at the cinema!

We also continue the story of radar and its vital role during the Second World War. As America enters the war in December 1941, the Battle of the Atlantic reaches several major turning points.

We also hear the personal story behind Bawdsey Radar Trust President Mary Wain’s family connection to the manor.

Listen now and discover the stories, people and moments that bring Bawdsey’s remarkable history to life.

Episode 5

The end of the war and RAF Bawdsey

Bawdsey was an RAF station from 1937 to 1991, and in this episode, we hear stories from former service personnel about what life was really like while stationed there.

From a homesick American who took matters into his own hands one night, with fatal consequences, to the return of a very important figure from Bawdsey’s past, these personal stories offer a fascinating glimpse into life on the station.

We also reach the end of the Second World War, as the Allies celebrate VE Day as the war in Europe finally ends.

Plus, we hear about how radar impacts our lives now and what the future holds.

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