Sir Bernard Lovell, OBE

During the early 1940s the boys of Malvern College were decamped, firstly to Blenheim Palace and later to Harrow School. The reason was to make way for TRE who took up occupation of the school in 1942. This year is the 60th anniversary of the TRE scientists completing their work at the College. It has been said that their work was crucial to our air defences and a major factor in the Allied Forces winning the War. The anniversary was celebrated at the school on June 18th and it was a wonderful occasion. A large number of guests, including some of the 1940s scientists, attended an unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Sir Bernard Lovell, a luncheon and a tour around the buildings and rooms occupied by TRE some 60 years ago.


It is appropriate that the reunion at Malvern coincides with the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein publishing three papers that changed the way we see the universe. In recognition, the UK and Ireland have declared 2005 as Einstein Year during which there are many activities and organised events related to physics. The primary aim of Einstein Year is “To enthuse young people, and those who influence them, about physics whilst building a sustainable increase in public awareness of physics and its role in society”.

Sir Bernard unveiling the commemorative plaque

The overall supervision of the research operation at Malvern was in the hands of A.P.Rowe. Heading up a team of scientists was Dr. Bernard Lovell, who later became an OBE (1946) and was knighted in 1961. The work of the distinguished scientists whilst at Malvern College was certainly at the cutting edge of physics in the 1940s. Rowe himself had his office towards the top of the Tower at the College (now a teaching room for classics) whilst Lovell and the other scientists were operating from the school’s Preston Science Building, which currently houses the Biology and Chemistry departments.

Rowe always maintained that radar was invented by the TRE and its development took place at Malvern College. In linking the work of the scientists with the military needs, and using the cavity magnetron invented at Birmingham University, Sir Bernard Lovell’s team developed the H2S radar system. Using centimetre waves at the front of the aircraft, it was to prove of exceptional value in identification and bombing of targets. Its great navigational value was proved beyond doubt.

pre-lunch drinks outside the grub

The reunion on June 18th was a great time for many to recall their time in Malvern and a celebration of what those scientists achieved whilst occupying the College. The occasion was made even more special because Sir Bernard Lovell attended to unveil the commemorative plaque in the building where their important research took place.

After lunch Sir Bernard, who is now in his 90s, spoke about the work of his team at the College. His audience were in awe at the ease with which he was able to describe, with clarity, the events of the 1940s. It was easy for all those present to see how such an intellect was crucial to the Allied cause.

Sir Bernard drew attention to the desperate situation Britain was in half way through 1942 when his team came to Malvern College to work on the development of airborne combat radar. He said “Winston Churchill’s coalition government made the wise decision to send a team of specially selected scientists, civil servants and industrialists to Malvern. It was one of the greatest combinations of scientific talent ever assembled in Britain”.

a chance to catch up

A.P. Rowe, as superintendent of the TRE operation at Malvern, summed up the significance of their work in this way. “In the Tower of Malvern College there was a beautifully panelled classroom which we had promised not to use as a laboratory. To the west it looked towards the Malvern Hills and to the east over the College grounds and the Vale of Evesham. This was my office until the end of the war and was the scene for many a stormy Sunday Soviet. As in the summer of 1942 I looked eastwards from my window I said, with more pride in TRE than truth: This war will be won on the playing fields of Malvern”