[Milsurplus] Radar

[Al Klase]

Jack and the gang,

I believe the Brits generally used the term RDF (Radio Direction 
Finding) at least in the early going, as it obfuscates the underlying 
technology.

The Oxford English Dictionary states that the term "radar" is of U.S. 
origin. Their earliest citation is from late 1941:

"1941 N.Y. Times 18 Nov. 8/4 The Navy undertook a special enlistment 
campaign today to recruit men for training in maintenance of the radio 
device known as ‘Radar’, which is used to locate ships and aircraft that 
are hidden by fog or darkness."

The story is told and retold at U.S. Army's Camp Evans in New Jersey, 
now the home of the InfoAge Science History Learning Center and Museum, 
that when the installation was set up in early 1942, a large sign was 
erected identifying it as the Signal Corps Radar Laboratory. Someone 
pointed out that the word itself was classified, and the name was 
promptly changed to The Evans Signal Laboratory. InfoAge hosts the Radio 
Technology Museum (http://www.rtm.ar88.net/) where I do volunteer work. 
Come see us if your in the Jersey Shore area.

Al

On 5/28/2013 5:32 PM, Jack Antonio wrote:
> When did the term "radar" come into general usage?
>
> I was just watching a TV series (Foyle's War) and
> an episode plot line revolved around a Chain Home
> station. The term RDF was mentioned, but was generally
> referred to during the episode as radar. The time frame
> of the episode was August 1940.
>
> I was thinking the term came into usage a bit later.
>
> I wouldn't be surprised if historical accuracy was
> sacrificed to make the show a bit more understandable,
> but am wondering if in fact it was or was not accurate.
>
> Jack Antonio WA7DIA/4
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Milsurplus mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/milsurplus
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Milsurplus at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

-- 
Al Klase - N3FRQ
Jersey City, NJ
http://www.skywaves.ar88.net/