THE likely destruction of the Bison radar dish was reported in the Malvern Gazette of November 9.

The preservation of the Bison dish would be more difficult than might appear. What is visible from the outside is only the tip of the iceberg. The building on which it stands contains the elaborate machinery for rotating it as well as the transmitter and display units, and much large but beautiful wave guide circuitry.

According to QinetiQ, the building is to be retained when the present constructional phase is completed. Malvern lacks a proper museum to commemorate the scientific work of the Establishment. The main thrust of its research in the immediate post-war era was to continue the exploration of the electromagnetic spectrum, which during the war had led to major advances in radar. This work, which included both microwave and infra-red research, has led to discoveries such as radar weather forecasting and thermal imaging, which are still today forming the basis for much new technology.

A museum to commemorate this, and which would include Bison complete and working, would form a most appropriate memorial to the pioneering work which has made Malvern famous. The RAF has already set up a museum at Neatishead, a Second World War operational radar station that is still in use. Why should not Malvern have a similar memorial?

ERNEST PUTLEY, Cockshot Road, Malvern.