In article ,
(Martin Rowley) wrote:

... thanks for that: I'm not sure if you are aware of the following
site (or you may be connected to it), but I found the history very
interesting in the context of your question.

http://www.bucklandmonachorum.org.uk...Harrowbeer.htm

You are correct. That is the Buckland Monachorum site maintained by my
son-in-law.

Take a look at the link, or go directly to this one
www.rafharrowbeer.co.uk

It appears from this that the base was (for its short life) principally
a Fighter Command base. In this case, the Met Office would have in most
cases (always exceptions of course), be co-located with ATC. This was
standard Fighter Command practice ... see
http://www.controltowers.co.uk/Tower%20Designs.htm, because the MET
section had its sole role in the support of the airfield controller
(low cloud, fog, wind etc.) and so all the meteorology stuff was
close-by.

Started out as an Air Sea Rescue station, but rapidly became full member
of No 10 Group, Fighter Command. Everything from Walrus, to Hurricane, to
Spitfire, to Typhoon, plus a few others. Even had a visit from President
Truman - bad weather force a diversion of his DC3 and he had to land here.

Regarding the theodolite pillars, they are on the original plans for the
Watch Office (a standard design of the day). Harrowbeer is exposed (not as
much as some!) and is subject to cross-winds, fog and rain. When the wind
blows hard it is really rough up there, so any balloon launch would be
near horizontal. Would they bother in such wind conditions, I wonder?