The Battle Of Britain: The Dowding System

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Goalhanger Podcasts

History, Education, Society & Culture

4.8 • 5.3K Ratings

🗓️ 17 September 2025

⏱️ 57 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What was The Dowding System? Why was Chain Home pivotal to the defence of Britain in WW2? How many hours of training did RAF pilots have on average? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 2 of this new series on The Battle Of Britain as they explore the decisive aerial battles over Britain in summer 1940, and the dogged defence that stopped the Nazi warmachine. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Thank you for listening to We Have Ways of Making You Talk.
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0:39.3	Observercore.
0:49.3	This is Big Inhill controller.
0:51.3	Yes, it is a bit hectic.
0:53.3	Group. Think they're making for us. So keep your tracks going, will you? We're doing very well at the moment. Now, Ops B, I want you to ring all dispersals and tell them to get everything into the air that's a serviceable. I don't want any aircraft to be caught on the ground. Right away, sir. Group controller? Biggin here.
1:11.2	Sir?
1:15.4	I've ordered all other serviceable aircraft into the air as it looks pretty certain now that these raids are heading for us.
1:16.9	By the way, sir, I did tell you that our three squadrons are airborne.
1:20.4	Right.
1:21.5	Thank you, sir.
1:22.3	Sergeant Bryce?
1:23.2	How about 72 Squadron?
1:24.9	Have they had any joy yet?
1:26.6	Not yet, sir.
1:47.8	They're very close. Any moment now, I think. Hello, short Jack, tennis leader calling. Tully-ho, tell you ho! A gaggle of Heinkalls with one or nine, stand ahead. Hell, Tennis Squadron, B-flight, take the bombers. A-flight, take the fighters with me. A-flight, line of stern. Go! Guns! Tennis Squadron are now engaging hostile 132, so warn the guns of friendly fighters, will you?
2:01.1	How about 32 squadron, Sergeant Norris? Are they into the others yet? Nearly there, sir? Hello, Keita Leader. Bandit's 12 o'clock, 15 miles now heading north. Watch out for top flight fighter cover. This is Keita Leader, understood yet keep your eyes skin chaps and don't straggle hello short jack
2:04.7	keeter leader calling telly ho telly ho
	...

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