The Crossword War: The World War II Covert Listening Stations (IA Section)

Full title: The Crossword War: The World War II Covert Listening Stations (Y-Stations) of Devon and Beyond.

A lecture by Colin White

Related to Bletchley Park’s work in deciphering German coded communications, this is the story of a global web of clandestine listening stations (Y-Stations-for ‘wireless interception’) near conflict zones staffed by often eccentric teams of men and women. These secret listeners varied in age from fourteen to eighty-seven, and possessed very special skills. The total number of Y-Stations is not known, but over fifty were maintained in the UK, particularly along the strategically important coastlines of the English and Bristol Channels. Colin’s interactive website will show the locations and current condition of the twenty-five sites in the West Country he’s discovered so far, including six in Devon.

The Y-Station at Bletchley Park. Photo: Colin White.

Colin began as a military radio engineer at STC/ITT/Nortel in Paignton. Later, he became an academic, working in the Physics Department of Portsmouth University researching microwave antenna designs. Before retirement he moved into the field of physics and computer applications of sports science. He is the author of Projectile Dynamics in Sport – Principles and Applications (2010) published by Routledge. Since retirement he has worked as a STEM ambassador in outreach activities, lecturing and demonstrating at schools, science clubs and festivals.

There is a charge of £3 for Devonshire Association members and £5 for non-members.

Lunch before the meeting is available at The Thorverton Arms (01392 860205) or The Exe Valley Farm Shop (01392 861239).