The Observer Corps

Important but Unspectacular

Taking to their Observer Posts throughout World War Two, these genial, middle-aged fellows of the 1940s turned their eyes to the skies, to help keep Britain safe from bombing and a possible invasion from Nazi Germany.

Their job was as important as it was unspectacular, providing information on incoming aircraft on bombing runs - giving height, numbers and location of the enemy and their accompanying fighters. They used their knowledge of aircraft identification, their experience of judging altitude, and with the use of their Post Instrument they were able to telephone accurate information to the Observer Section HQ. This would allow the RAF to intercept and bring down hostile aircraft before they reached their intended target. The valuable information they provided also allowed sirens to be sounded to allow people to take shelter, to spot an invasion using parachutists, direct RAF fighters onto damaged enemy aircraft that were limping home - but also provide information on allied aircraft that had become damaged or were lost and were struggling to find a safe place to land. If air crew bailed out (friendly or hostile) - they provided information to allow them to be picked up as quickly as possible.

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The Observer Corps were out whatever the weather manning their Observer Posts morning, noon and night, 7 days a week 365 days a year for the entirety of the war.