Rugby Radio Station Goes to War

Within weeks of the outbreak of war, the majority of Rugby Radio Station’s short wave telephony transmitters were converted for telegraphy working. Some transmitters were used by the armed services. Others (including a crop of new transmitters) were used by the BBC and other press agencies for news transmissions.

Windows were blacked out, sliding blast-proof screens were fitted, air raid shelters were built around the deeper cable trenches and miles of perimeter was secured with razor wire.

The huge masts were camouflaged and their aircraft warning lights were replaced with single large electric beacons that could be switched on to warn any friendly aircraft in trouble.