Coast Observer Detachments were formed from February 1941. The official establishment of a detachment was 12 men. However, they have been recorded as having anywhere between one and twenty-six. They manned radar sets watching the coastal areas for enemy shipping and low flying aircraft. Usually attached to a Coast Artillery Regiment, they were sometimes attached to a Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. They were equipped with Radars CD (Coast Defence) No.1 Marks 4 to 6. These were based on the naval NT 271 Radar. These sets were transportable and self contained.
There are numerous gaps in the numbering of the Coast Observer Detachments. It is not known at present if these missing detachments existed or if no information has been found for them. Research is ongoing.
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