Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ R&D History: 1940s

After a World War II bomb attack, the department moves to Bagley Croft followed by a permanent move to Kingswood Warren. FM radio is introduced, early tests of colour television and new magnetic recording techniques start.

1944

Staff evacuated to the safety of Bagley Croft near Oxford

This was following a flying bomb attack near Nightingale Square during the Second World War.

1945

First VHF/FM transmission tests from Alexandra Palace

To determine range and general possibilities of an Ultra-Short-Wave Frequency Modulated Broadcasting Service.

Alexandra Palace seen from the outside in the 1940s

1947

Work on scale model cylindrical slot antennas for Wrotham and Sutton Coldfield


Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Designs Department launches

The Department's function is to design equipment the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ requires.

1948

First attempts to recruit graduates from Cambridge

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ R&D still recruits graduates for their trainee scheme today, but not just from Cambridge.

King's College Cambridge seen from above

Television: proposals for five channels in the band 40-68 MHz

This was accepted by the Scientific Advisory Committee and the Radio Industries Council.


Kingswood Warren in Surrey acquired

The Department began to look for premises in 1947 to accommodate the post-war increase in staff. The first wave of staff moved surrey in1948. H L Kirke (Head of Research Department) moved in 1949 and it became the Department's official headquarters. 

Cartoon of the Kingswood Warren move showing the building loomed over by H.L. Kirke

1949

Work starts on smaller, light, higher sensitive commentator's microphone called the L2

Replacing the L1 microphone which had been in use since 1937. The design was developed commercially by STC and Coles. 

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