British and Allied memoirs and histories have contributed to the rise of three myths
concerning the discovery and employment of radar. These myths are as follows. The first
myth is that Sir Robert Watson-Watt is the father and sole inventor of radar. The second
is that Germany’s discovery and realization of radar’s military worth occurred after 1940
following exposure to British systems. The third myth gives radar the pivotal role in the
defeat of the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain.
To deflate these myths the origin of radar is traced from James Maxwell’s discovery
of radio waves to early radar theorists and inventors. Their role in the story of radar
illuminates and contributes to the deflation of the radar myths.
Both the rebirth of the Luftwaffe and evolution of the R.A.F. during the 1920’s and
1930’s shows how each service independently arrived at the development of radar
technology for different reasons. In 1939 Germany possessed some of the world’s best
and most enduring radar designs, as well as essential navigation and bombing aids.
England’s Chain Home radar was a dead end technology with serious shortcomings, but
was skillfully melded to an innovative command and control system. The illumination of
German radar achievements and a balanced analysis of British defensive systems
essentially deflates the radar myths.
