More information : Very High Frequency (VHF) Fixer stations formed a network of 79 stations across the United Kingdom established by the Royal Air Force (57 of which were in England). They were built in the early 1950s as part of the Rotor programme to modernise the United Kingdom's radar defences. The stations were divided into thirteen Fixer Organisations and provided directional finding equipment, enabling fighter aircraft crews to receive positional data by transmitting a signal. (1-2)
The VHF Fixer at Pett was located at TQ 879 137. It was operational by 1951 and as of that date is listed as being operational for the foreseeable future. The stations in Fixer Organisation One of Metropolitan Command included Wix (TM 159 279), Whittlesford (TL 459 473), Pett, Longcroft (SP 913 084), Farningham (TQ 535 670) and Monkton (TR 297 659). (3)
Aerial photography from 1982 shows two Fixers in excellent condition. The power house is located at the edge of a copse immediately to the south and between the Fixers. (4)
Above description still visible on modern aerial photography. Viewed online on 04-FEB-2009. (5)
This station was fully operational before 1950 since I was posted there that year. There was a team of four operators. We lived as lodgers in the village. The control room was RAF Trimley Heath. (6) |