More information : The Rotor programme was developed to upgrade the wartime radar technology to detect and locate fast-flying jets. It was approved by the Air Council in June 1950. There were three main components to the Rotor stations: the technical site, including the radars, operation blocks and other installations; the domestic site, where personnel were accommodated; and the stand-by set house, a reserve power supply. The domestic site for Sopley Rotor station was located at SZ 177 982. The technical site was situated at SZ 163 977 and the stand-by set house co-located at the domestic site.
The rural location of many radar stations meant accommodation had to be constructed to house members of staff. A typical GCI station could have up to 400 personnel, including officers, non-commissioned officers, corporals and aircraftsmen/women. Often new housing estates were built and accommodation could vary from temporary huts to permanent brick-built buildings. (1-3)
The domestic site or camp for RAF Sopley was located to the north of Derritt Lane. It comprised hutted accommodation. After the closure of the radar station in 1974 the camp was occupied by the Air Training Corps. During the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977 the camp was used by the Household Cavalry as a rest and recreation centre. Between 1979-1982 it operated as a resettlement centre for Vietnamese refugees and after that a training centre for the Wessex Fire and Rescue Service. From 2000 to 2004 it was used as a paintball site. It is currently called Merryfield Park and many of the huts have been refurbished for use as accommodation for training or recreational courses. The stand-by set house is still extant. (4) |