Trustee David Taylor recently led a guided walk around Truleigh Hill near Shoreham. During a coffee break, David spoke about RAF Truleigh Hill’s role as a radar site during WW2 and the early years of the Cold War.
Sitting at over 700 feet above sea level, Truleigh Hill became operational in July 1940, right at the height of the Battle of Britain. One of six Sussex radar sites at the time, Truleigh Hill’s contribution to victory in the battle cannot be overstated. The Germans poised just across the Channel were ready to invade, all they needed to succeed was control of the skies. Britain had introduced the world’s first integrated air defence system, just in time to give the RAF the advantage they needed. With early warning of an approaching air raid, RAF fighters could gain much needed altitude before entering any fight; the rest is history.
Later in the war, Truleigh Hill was selected as a location for ‘Gee’, a navigation system which gave allied bombers a much more accurate position, vital for effective targeting. This navigational aid role continued after the war and into the early 1950’s.
In 1949, the Russians detonated their first atomic bomb, and the threat of war returned. Truleigh Hill was upgraded to become part of the ROTOR network, an advanced radar system designed to detect incoming, high altitude bombers. The ‘bungalow’ in the image is actually the heavily fortified guardroom, built post-war and giving access to a tunnel. The tunnel led to an operations bunker, located 50ft underground and able to withstand a near-miss from a 20 kiloton atomic weapon.
By 1957 with the advent of the hydrogen bomb, and advances in radar technology, fewer and better protected sites were required and Truleigh Hill ceased operations. The site was sold into private ownership in 1965 and now serves the emergency services and private telecommunications.
On Saturday 6th September, David Green, Chair, and David Taylor, FSD Volunteer and Walks Leader, took part in the Worthing Five Peaks Challenge 2025, along with Walks Leader and volunteer Tony Linturn.
Walking group with FSD Walks Leader and Volunteer David Taylor. Credit: David Taylor
The 17-mile walking challenge was completed by three groups. The group led by FSD Chair David Green finished 1 hour and 15 minutes before the other two groups.
The challenge was organised by Olly’s Future suicide prevention charity to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th, and to mark five years of the charity, which was set up by parents Chris Hare and Ann Feloy in memory of their 22-year-old son Oliver Hare. The charity provides vital suicide prevention work, including training to help spot signs in someone who may be thinking of suicide, and how to have conversations that could help save their life. To date, more than 7,000 people worldwide have had this training thanks to the team at Olly’s Future.
Ann, CEO, from Worthing, said, “I wanted to give people a chance to honour anyone they may love and miss, by connecting them with the beauty of nature on their doorstep and celebrating life. I was surprised to find people had come from a long way in some cases, to walk with us on the day. We will certainly be doing this again next year. It meant a great deal to have the support of members and Trustees of the Friends of the South Downs”
Chris Hare has supported various projects and events for Friends of the South Downs for many years, leading as a Project Manager most recently on the South Downs for All education and engagement project across Hampshire schools.
The five peaks of the challenge, each reflecting the five years that the charity has been active for, included Cissbury Ring, Chanctonbury Ring, Chantry Hill, Black Patch, and Highdown Hill. Every single penny raised will be used for the suicide prevention work delivered by Olly’s Future.
Walkers taking part on the challenge. Credit: Ann Feloy
David Taylor, retired airline pilot, Walks Leader and FSD Volunteer, completed the challenge with his son Matthew, having been made aware of the challenge by Tony Linturn, part of the leadership for Group One. Thanks to their fundraising efforts, they had raised over £1,200 by the day of the challenge, with Tony raising £750. Speaking to David about his experience completing the challenge, he said, “suicide amongst young people is a well-known issue, so Matthew and I were more than happy to do our bit to save lives.”
The weather on the day of the event was perfect, with David reporting that it was “not too hot, with a slightly cooling breeze and virtually clear skies, all of which combined to make a 17-mile walk across the South Downs as pleasant as it could be.”
David and Matthew were part of Group Two, accompanied by fellow walkers who “made the experience highly memorable, with great determination and good humour.” The desire to make a difference and come together amongst the community in support for such an important cause is clear, and the efforts of the walkers to complete the challenge is commendable.
By the time David’s group arrived at the finish line after eight hours, both he and Matthew had secured further donations, making their combined total over £1,400. “Despite the tough challenge, I can honestly say that this was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Matthew and I are proud to have supported Olly’s Future and hope to take part in future events.
Helping to lead Group One, Tony added that “the walk took in great views as well as some steep hills and we all agreed the walk was a challenge, particularly to those that had not walked seventeen miles before. Overall, a great day raising money to help save lives.”
You can read more about the vital work provided by Olly’s Future here, as well as access to important information about suicide prevention and support for those in crisis.
Thank you to everyone who joined, supported, and cheered us on – your encouragement helps us raise awareness and vital funds for suicide prevention.
Please consider donating: Click the link here. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.
Eloise, Social Media and Events Co-ordinator
Walkers taking part in Olly’s Future Fuve Peaks Challenge.
