During World War II, at the request of the British government, almost 6,000 Canadians were trained on RADAR and sent into every theatre of war. Sworn to an oath of secrecy that was not fully lifted until 1991, it was only recently that these men and women were able to share their experiences. Canadian radar personnel were a crucial part of the war effort. Many of these early radar veterans went on to have leadership roles in the development of radar during the Cold War and in the Canadian electronics industry.
May 24, 2003 Ribbon cutting at the newly opened Secrets of Radar Museum. Pictured L-R: Albert James, Charlie Jackson, James Sands, Donald Harrett, Bob Wood (MPP), G. Fred Bates, David Meltzer, John Callingham, James Henderson, Clark Aylward, Roy Taylor
The contributions of the thousands of men and women working on Canadian radar since 1940, both military and civilian, have helped to protect our soldiers on the front lines, our people at home, and helped to create a technological legacy that continues to be part of our everyday lives.
Founded in 2001 by former RCAF and RAF WWII veterans and people with a deep commitment to history, and opened to the public on May 24, 2003, the Secrets of Radar Museum is an incorporated not-for-profit museum located in London, Ontario. We are committed to sharing Canadian radar history, from its earliest secret experimentation to recent advances, and most importantly, to the preservation of real life stories and personal experiences of the people who have worked and continue to work in radar.
Our Mandate is threefold
To preserve the history and artifacts of the men and women who have served the RADAR division of the Canadian Forces
To educate the public on the history of RADAR in Canada
To provide a therapeutic setting for veterans
Top of Radar Hill, Tofino, BC. c.1943.
From the Chown Collection, Secrets of Radar Museum