Trerew Radar Station was built during WW2 as part of the Chain Home (CH) network with an AMES Type 1 Radar. It was alternatively known as Caranton and Caranton Trerew and came under 78 wing.
On 6th December 1945 (PRO file AVIA7/468 ‘State of Chain’) the AMES 1 is listed as ‘caretaking’ for the present and ‘caretaking’ for the future. An AMES 7531 is listed as operational both in the present and the future. After that date the AMES 7000 (GEE) was taken out of service and the AMES 1 reactivated as part of the ROTOR network continuing its war time role as a Chain Home station. (Code ‘RTW’) The GEE chain was the South Western Chain with Sharpitor as the Master, Worth Matravers as Slave B, Sennan as Slave C, Folly as Slave D with Trerew as the Chain Monitor.
Being a west coast radar station there were two receiver and transmitter blocks with duplicate equipment. West Coast blocks were either completely covered with earth (Type C) or had unprotected roofs (Type B). The transmitter aerials were on 325' guyed steel masts The site is now occupied by Trerew Farm and is spilt by the A3075.
The two C Type transmitter and receiver blocks still exist, one transmitter block to the east of the A3075 and the other three blocks and various domestic buildings on the opposite side of the road. Various mast bases and balance weight bases are also visible in the surrounding fields. The blocks have ventilation ‘chimneys’ protruding through the earth cover. The transmitter block to the east of the A3075 is the best preserved retaining floor standing equipment cabinets in poor condition, ventilation trunking and a large extractor above the transmitter position. The duplicate block on the opposite side of the road has another equipment cabinet and switchgear. Even the two toilet cubicles remain intact and in good condition.
Those taking part in the visit were Nick Catford and Robin Ware.
Sources:
- Bob Jenner
- PRO File AVIA 7/468 ‘State of Chain’