DEFFORD airfield today is a quiet place, notable only for the 'giant's golfballs' that are scattered around the site. But during World War Two RAF Defford was a hive of activity and a crucial element of the Allied war effort.

It was here that radar was first flight tested and developed. This work had a profound effect on the outcome of the war and helped pave the way for the digital age.

Up to 2,500 RAF men, technicians, engineers and civilians worked at the site, which was one of the most closely guarded secrets of the war effort.

Although the airfield was never attacked directly, the task of testing the new technology was hazardous and many lives were lost. In the worst incident 11 men died in a single test flight including the man described as the greatest British electronics engineer of the 20th century, A D Blumlein.

It is men such as these who will be remembered with a new memorial planned for Defford village green. The tribute is planned as a stainless steel cross embedded in stone. It is expected to cost £1,260 to complete.

Graham Evans, clerk to Defford and Besford parish council and the designer of the cross, said: "At the moment there is nothing to highlight the importance of the airfield to the war effort and to commemorate those who gave their lives."

The RAF Defford Reunion Association still organises an annual get together in Defford for the airfield veterans. Ex-servicemen arrive from all over the country, and some have made the trip from as far away as Canada and Australia to catch up with old comrades.

Veterans Albert Shorrock and Ernie Grose recently played their part in raising funds for the memorial by creating a model of the wartime base. The meticulous reconstruction is perfect in every detail and took a year's hard work to complete.

It is hoped that it can be displayed in the church at Croome Landscape Park in July. Eventually it is earmarked to take pride of place in the planned RAF museum in Defford village hall.

The memorial, standing about nine feet tall, will bear the following inscription: "Dedicated to the memory of those Royal Air Force air crew, scientists, engineers, and civilian personnel who lost their lives in the furtherance of radar research while flying with the Telecommunications Flying Unit (TFU) later the Radar Research Flying Unit (RRFU) from RAF Defford 1941-1957. Requiesant in Pace."