Britain’s Cold War ROTOR air defence radar systems – and RAF Wartling – by John Smiles

John has led the volunteer group which cares for the remains of RAF Wartling near Pevensey for the past 23 years since he first organised the effort to pump out around 25 million litres of water. He has been the site’s guardian for approximately twice as long as the RAF operated the site! John is a keen caver, mine explorer and amateur Cold War historian. He has contributed to numerous publications and events on the subject over the past 30
years.

John writes: “This talk will focus on Britain’s post-war ROTOR programme which rationalised the UK Air Defence Ground Environment, its strategic context, and what remains in our landscape today.