ATC Nostalgia
 

Following a brief discussion in 'another place' I wonder if anyone could help me with my fading memory;

I thought the original Anglia Radar was at Neatishead? I may be wrong but wasn't that the unit name when the disgruntled Airman tipped a jerry can full of fuel down the steps and struck a match? The reason this rings a bell is because when Anglia Radar #2 was established at Stansted many years later and doing a very different task, some of the original staff from Neatishead objected to the title being reused since people had died at the original location.

Another, even older, ATCO suggested "It (Radar Data) may have been piped in from somewhere (I thought it was pre-Neatishead) for a USAF-specific Anglia Radar task from Wethersfield. In the overall scheme of things it fitted in with Eastern (Watton), Midland (North Luffenham), Northern (Lindholme), Southern (Sopley) etc etc "


I may be completely wrong with my memories about this but would be very interested if anyone could put me right.

And another one;

Who remembers the 'Southend Aerobatic Area'?

Where was it, who was it for and who controlled it?

Obvious answers need not be posted;)

Thought it was Watton?

PADDY:ok:

On the Southend aerobatic bit, Ian Callier ex-EGLL will almost certainly know.

Was posted to Neatishead [just] before the moron tried to be a "hero":rolleyes: , so ended up at Patrington, the home of "Fighter Command Diversion Cell"..... and the "Northern Radar" co-ordinator.
After I left the Mob, I think Border Radar were still at Boulmer, Highland had yet to move to Buchan, and I had never heard of Anglia, but this was 1968......:zzz:
But I remember as an Assistant on Pennine Radar, handing things over to Anglia [Stanstead] and to "New Anglia" [Aberdeen}.
Know as much about Sopley as I do about Aird Uig [sp]. Hope this helps
watp,iktch

Southend Aerobatic Area - Remember it well
A small area up to 5500 ft overhead Hanningfield Reservoir.
Easy to orientate and great fun in the beagle pup cica 1975

I think I may have answered one of my own questions! A Google search revealed the following;
http://www.bentwaters.org/photab/anglow1.htm and
http://www.bentwaters.org/photab/anglow2.htm

Quite amazing!

I wonder if anyone can identify these three civilian ATCOs at Anglia Radar in 1968?

http://www.jhs.flyer.co.uk/3civvies.jpg

Neatishead is (in the very near future) going to become another Government defence cut, but this time a cut that's completely justified.
It's just a shame that they spent all that money recently refurbishing the place. :rolleyes:

It's crying out to be one of those greeting cards, innit?

Something like "Albert and Winston rushed over when Cedric cried 'I've finally shot Lara's bra off!'"

Timothy

I can't positively identify any of them... but they all look like jolly spiffing sort of chaps to me - just like me, in fact!!!

I can`t identify any of those fine fellows but the kit looks very like what we`ve been using untill recently and it`s alot more ergonomic than what we have now, anybody got any cheap secondary we can have??

TC LTN

Hi you may find something of interest on this site..a historical lookat Air Defence radar
http://www.radarpages.co.uk/

regards

As far as I'm aware, ANGLIA RADAR MK1 was at WATTON and was funded by the USAF with British ATCO's. A guy I worked with started ATCO life there, but, unfortunately, is no longer around to ask!

As one of the current crop of Anglia Radar controllers, I can safely say that I do not recognise any of the chaps in the picture. However this history is intriguing. I shall watch with interest.

D8. Thanks for the pointer

MMMMmmm, I remember missing a penalty in the Mil ATC 5-a-sides in 1988 at RAF Watton, against the home team, Eastern Radar.

I am 99% sure it was Anglia previous to that.

Cheers AlanM,

My initial thoughts have been confirmed.....

'Thought I was going mad there for a bit' (Father Ted quote!!!)


PADDY:ok:

WHAT MONEY?
 

NIKNAK

What money would that be then? Can't say I've noticed any refurbishments, apart from a few road repairs, but that always happens when a unit is due for the chop!

In your opinion, a chop justified on what basis?

Is Anglia Radar still 'Anglia', or are you guys now calling yourselves Aberdeen?

Regards

STH

It's still 'Anglia Radar' although I have heard them calling themselves 'Angular Radar' and even 'Angola Radar' the other night ;)

AlanM

Possibly, but you would have to go back before 1971. Watton was already Eastern Radar when I was posted there in November that year.

We used the Type 82 on site but also had access to the Neatishead feed.

JB

1971 was probably the last time that AlanM was slim enough to play football.

All those AAVAs and rich living....

P7