RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
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rafadrm.bsky.social
RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
@rafadrm.bsky.social
4.2K followers 320 following 160 posts
Award-winning, Norfolk Broads-based, volunteer-run museum of all things radar and air defence from 1941 onwards at the former RAF Neatishead base.
Open Easter-November, Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm.
Got a question on WW2/Cold War air defence? Send us a DM
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rafadrm.bsky.social
RAF Air Defence Radar Museum @rafadrm.bsky.social · Jul 4
We're pleased to launch our new digital guide to the museum on #BloombergConnects

This free app allows users to download a guide to the museum before you visit to enhance your experience and improve accessibility.

Find Bloomberg Connects on your app store and search RAF Air Defence Radar Museum.
rafadrm.bsky.social
#OnThisDay 17th January 1991 Operation Desert Storm began five weeks of strikes on Iraq.
The UK element, Op Granby, involved RAF Tornados, Jaguars, Buccaneers, supported by Victors, Tristars, Hercules and Nimrods as well as Chinooks and Pumas.
photo, colour, front cover of the 1991 RAF Yearbook, a special publication about the air war in the Gulf. The cover has a painting, by Hardy, of a Tornado Gr1 and a Blackburn Buccaneer jets flying over an Iraqi airfield. The jets are painted a beige sandy colour and both have cartoon nose art. The aircraft are dropping dark green laser guided bombs and the sky is filled with explosions from anti-aircraft sells exploding, a surface to air missile is climbing behind the jets.
January 17, 2026 at 3:29 PM
rafadrm.bsky.social
We're excited to be working with the wonderful Sheringham Little Theatre in showing the classic Cold War thriller The Hunt for Red October at 2pm on Friday 24th April 2026.

Our volunteers will be on hand for a Cold War Q&A afterwards.

sheringhamlittletheatre.com/shows/the-hu...
The Hunt for Red October: Screening and Q&A
Join us in collaboration with RAF Air Defence Radar Museum in Neatishead, in as we bring the classic 1990 film, The Hunt for Red October to the big screen once again. A brilliant Soviet submarine capt...
sheringhamlittletheatre.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Reposted by RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
theaviation.show
✈️New Episode✈️

For 40 years, NATO and Soviet naval air power vied for control of the seas. This week, @michaelnbooks.bsky.social joins us for a whistlestop tour of naval aviation over the cold seas of the Cold War.

📺: youtu.be/Zwl9jJns3gk
🎧: pod.fo/e/3746eb

@ospreypublishing.bsky.social #avgeek
A four-engined Soviet Tu-95 Bear, likely making enough noise to cause the escorting Royal Navy Harrier of 801 NAS and US Navy Grumman F-14 Tomcat of VF-142 Ghostriders, permanent hearing issues. Image: San Diego Aviation Museum
January 8, 2026 at 8:58 AM
rafadrm.bsky.social
With Norfolk recording the lowest temperature so far this winter (-12.5), it's a balmy -1 inside the museum today!

The museum remains closed until Spring, with our hardy volunteers continuing to prepare for reopening.
Photo, colour, the entrance to the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum with the ground covered in snow
January 7, 2026 at 10:23 AM
rafadrm.bsky.social
'You've heard of Elf on the Shelf, now get ready for...'
A toy brown horse is pulling a red sleigh, a piece of radar equipment is sticking out of the sleigh too. The piece of equipment is something that guides radio waves to an aerial
December 22, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Reposted by RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
bucksarchives.bsky.social
slow day in the office so figured we'd start some beef with museums
That Tom Gauld meme of the two opposing nations perfectly mirrored, but edited to be between archives and museums.
December 19, 2025 at 11:30 AM
rafadrm.bsky.social
Well it's that time of year again, so time for several days of our most excellent followers answering that tired question: 'You've heard of Elf on the Shelf, now get ready for...'

(We're starting strong for this one)
Hard to do without giving away clues, but it's a mashup of a 1980s lead singer from a popular British band and a critical piece of radar equipment that you can often find in your kitchen
December 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM
rafadrm.bsky.social
One from the #RAFADRM archives:

'Home in a tent'

Christmas Day 1942 for the RAF 303 Signals Unit in Benghazi, Libya, looking a bit glum having been flooded out the previous night due to a horrific rainstorm.
archive photo, black and white, four men around the open flap of a large tent, three sit on boxes looking sad due to horrible wet weather flooding the tent. The men are dressed in various coats and jackets of the RAF Signals Unit they belong to, a German infantry helmet is perched on a can in the foreground.
December 18, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Reposted by RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
coldwarpod.bsky.social
Fascinating 1988 documentary showing Warsaw Pact officers observing NATO exercises among many other nuggets. youtu.be/PucaA4kxmBs?...
Frontline/TIME: The Defense of Europe (1988)
YouTube video by ScanRange
youtu.be
December 18, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Reposted by RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
classicwarbirds.co.uk
#OnThisDay in 1939, the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan was established, over 130,000 aircrew would be trained under the scheme.

▶️ www.canada.ca/en/air-force... #ww2 #WorldWar2
December 18, 2025 at 10:20 AM
rafadrm.bsky.social
Earlier this year we had a visit from BBC Radio Norfolk's Edd Smith to set a conundrum and investigate this secret part of Norfolk. You can hear what Edd discovered at the link below.

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Secret Norfolk - The Norfolk museum that guards Britain’s skies. - BBC Sounds
The RAF Air Defence Radar Museum, is home to the longest running active radar site.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Reposted by RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
classicwarbirds.co.uk
#OnThisDay in 1942, Squadron Leader Brian Lane, 25, was posted missing while serving with No. 167 Squadron. He was last seen chasing a pair of Fw 190s over the North Sea.

During the war, he wrote Spitfire! About his experiences during the Battle of Britain. #ww2 #WorldWar2
December 13, 2025 at 11:58 AM
rafadrm.bsky.social
We are becoming quite popular as a filming location 😉 I'm sure I recognise that lady mannequin from our Radar School events at Halloween!

A pleasure to host the wonderful Marc Valentine and his band at the museum www.marcvalentine.co.uk

m.youtube.com/watch?v=N9n6....
Marc Valentine - You Are The Jet (Official Music Video)
Marc Valentine's new single released December 5th on @WickedCoolRecords . https://linktr.ee/marcvalentine
m.youtube.com
December 13, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Reposted by RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
coldwarpod.bsky.social
NEW EPISODE - Eyes at the Edge of the #IronCurtain - Life in a 1960s #British #Reconnaissance #Regiment

Listen here 🎧 coldwarconversations.com/episode434/

#eastgermany #coldwar #militaryservice
Eyes at the Edge of the Iron Curtain – Life in a 1960s British Reconnaissance Regiment
Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on YouTubeListen on Amazon MusicListen on Podcast AddictBecome a Patron! This is the 2nd episode with Miles, a national s
coldwarconversations.com
December 13, 2025 at 11:45 AM
rafadrm.bsky.social
This photo was taken on Christmas morning 1944 outside the WAAF quarters at Petersfield House in Horning, Norfolk.

They worked as radar operators, mechanics and plotters at the Neatishead GCI Station. By 1944 there were well over 100 WAAFs working at Neatishead, billeted in the nearby villages
photo, black and white, of young women who were members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in front of a wooden cabin, in the grounds of the Petersfield House hotel, Horning in 1944. Some are in uniform or in woollen jumpers.
December 12, 2025 at 7:08 PM
rafadrm.bsky.social
A fantastic dive into Malta's wartime air defences from @dreadships.bsky.social
dreadships.bsky.social Dreadnought Holiday @dreadships.bsky.social · Nov 19
Gentlemen, no fighting in the
Sign for the Lascaris War Rooms and Operation Husky Museum. I'm unsure what ironic activity you could carry out in there - it's presumably somewhere to chill out...
November 28, 2025 at 8:42 PM
rafadrm.bsky.social
We're proud to announce today the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

The award is the highest that can be given to a voluntary organisation, championing the outstanding work of volunteers in their community. #KAVS2025
a white crown made up of pictures of tiny figures against a purple background.
November 14, 2025 at 3:48 PM
rafadrm.bsky.social
The museum is based in the R30 ops building (bottom left of the photo), now a grade 2* listed structure as a "uniquely intact electronic 'frontline' of the Cold War of international importance". The museum opened in 1994, with the rest of the former RAF Neatishead site now in private hands.🧵
Photo, colour, an aerial view of the site of former RAF Neatishead in the Norfolk countryside, with the white dome of the new RAF radar in the centre and the museum area at the bottom left inside a dark green building.
November 8, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Reposted by RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
theguardian.com
Peter Watkins, Oscar-winning director of The War Game, dies aged 90
Peter Watkins, Oscar-winning director of The War Game, dies aged 90
Radical English director who clashed with the BBC over his ‘horrifying’ film about nuclear war, was forced to look abroad to continue working Peter Watkins, the radical British film-maker who won an Oscar for his controversial drama-documentary The War Game, about a nuclear attack on Britain, has died aged 90. His son Patrick confirmed that he died on Thursday, but no cause of death has been given. Watkins was an uncompromising figure who clashed with the BBC after the latter failed to show The War Game on broadcast TV, and subsequently led a peripatetic film-making existence, looking overseas for backing. He was wary of the press, in a rare interview he spoke to the Guardian in 2000, saying he was “someone who has been working for 30 years to help shift the power balance between public and TV”. He added: “Had TV taken an alternative direction during the 1960s and 1970s and worked in a more open way, global society today would be vastly more humane and just.” Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Reposted by RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
ianmac.bsky.social
Royal Air Force Boulmer has announced the following:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Warrant Officer Alastair ‘Paddy’ McNickle. The entire of RAF Boulmer and the wider Air Command and Control Force extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Royal Air Force Boulmer has announced the following: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Warrant Officer Alastair ‘Paddy’ McNickle. The entire of RAF Boulmer and the wider Air Command and Control Force extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Paddy joined the RAF in April 1989 and served across the UK as an Aerospace Systems Operator and Manager. He deployed on many occasions to the Falkland Islands, Iraq, the former Yugoslavia and wider Middle East. However much of his later career was spent at RAF Boulmer when he chose to settle with his family in Alnwick. The Station Commander of RAF Boulmer, Wing Commander Joe Redhead, said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the death of Warrant Officer McNickle. Never without a smile, Paddy lit up a room with his honesty, quick wit and sharp operational focus. A true gentleman, he was always happy to pass on his knowledge to those with less experience and a delight to work alongside. My thoughts are with his loved ones.’ The Air Command and Control Force Commander, Group Captain Lisa Foy, said: ‘I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of WO Paddy McNickle. Paddy made a profound impact on everyone around him - within the Air Command and Control Force and across the wider RAF. The many heartfelt tributes from colleagues far and wide speak volumes about the high esteem in which he was held, and I hope these messages bring some comfort to those closest to him. His dedication, passion, and leadership truly embodied the core values of the RAF. Paddy will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to serve alongside him.’
October 17, 2025 at 11:01 AM
rafadrm.bsky.social
A few of the photos from last weekend's outstanding 1940s event.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers, entertainers, re-enactors and enthusiasts who help make the event such a success.

We'll be planning more events for our 2026 season so stay tuned for updates.

www.radarmuseum.co.uk
photo, colour, of the staff and volunteers of the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum in 1940s period costumes gathered at the entrance of the museum photo, colour, of a pair of 1940s re-enactors dressed as Dad's Army characters Private Walker and Private Godfrey photo, colour, a volunteer dressed as a 1940s policeman standing with an RAF bicycle in front of the museum. Union flag bunting hangs along the handrails of a ramp behind photo, colour, of Bombshell Rheanne, one of the excellent singers entertaining visitors to the museum. She is dressed in 1940s costume and stands in front of a green RAF lorry that has been decorated in Union flags
October 16, 2025 at 9:50 AM
rafadrm.bsky.social
Mystery object of the day - can you name this piece of equipment and how it is connected to Dr Who?
a black and white photo of a mystery object, a component of a radar aerial
September 27, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Reposted by RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
stephencollins.bsky.social
Autumn days when the grass is jewelled
[Scene is a 1960s suburban sitting room, with a grand piano in it. The religious songwriter ESTELLE WHITE is sat at the piano, with a rotary phone sat on top of the lid. She is on the phone to her music publisher, someone I've made up called JERRY] 1 ESTELLE WHITE: OK Jerry I’ve got another banger for you 2 ESTELLE WHITE: Listen to this! [She slams the receiver on the top of the piano]. 3 ESTELLE WHITE [hammering on the piano]: AUTUMN DAYS WHEN THE GRASS IS JEWELLED AND THE SILK INSIDE A CHESTNUT SHELL! JET PLANES MEETING IN THE AIR TO BE REFUELLED, ALL THESE - JERRY [voice from the phone handset]: Eh? 4 JERRY: What was that last bit, Estelle? ESTELLE WHITE: “Jet planes meeting in the air to be refuelled”… 5 JERRY: Is that a thing you often see in autumn? ESTELLE WHITE [Smoking from a long cigarette holder]: All the time, Jerry. Aaaaall the time.... 6 JERRY: Nothing to do with it being the only thing that rhymes with ‘jewelled’? ESTELLE WHITE: No! 7 ESTELLE WHITE: It’s one of the high-speed, high-altitude feats of military aviation one often sees in autumn time. 8 JERRY: What about leaves and squirrels and - ESTELLE WHITE: Now listen, Jerry. 9 ESTELLE WHITE: Do you want a crap hymn about conkers… 10 ESTELLE WHITE: Or do you want an all-time earworm banger that everyone who hears it will sing in their heads, every single time they see a fallen leaf, until the day they die? 11 JERRY: OK… sorry… carry on… 12 ESTELLE WHITE: FROS-TY WINDOWS ON HARR-IER JUMPJETS AND THE SMELL OF NUCLEAR SUB-MAR-INES… JERRY: How about acorns? [ends]
September 23, 2025 at 2:54 PM
rafadrm.bsky.social
#Onthisday 17th September 1944 at 12:45pm the Dunwich Microwave Early Warning plot of American airborne forces approaching the Netherlands for Operation Market Garden.

@nationaltrust.org.uk
photo, black and white, of a radar plot showing the coast of north-west Europe with spokes radiating from a spot of light on the Suffolk Coast where the Dunwich radar station stood. A thin shape of dots marks the armada of aircraft taking the American airborne forces towards Nijmegen in the Netherlands as part of Operation Market Garden, 17th September 1944
September 17, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Reposted by RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
ianmac.bsky.social
Fast forward to the real workers in the Royal Air Force from 6:30.

#RadarLove
#AirDefence

Don’t blame me for the rubbish titling.

@rafadrm.bsky.social
@mambolica.bsky.social

youtu.be/5KgPHijS7Fw?...
Inside the training of the UK's military Air Traffic Controllers
YouTube video by BFBS Forces News
youtu.be
September 12, 2025 at 3:27 PM