Camp Evans Guards


The Guards of Camp Evans

Evans area Guards...
This photo is of John B. Hankins, a Camp Evans WWII era guard. His nephew, William D. Hankins, donated this photo. As of this date this is the only photos of a guard we have.

     Since the site was selected by the Marconi Company for its trans-Atlantic reception wireless station the site was involved in every major U.S. war. First during WWI the site was taken over by the U.S. Navy. The trans-Atlantic communications officer ran the site and it was guarded by approximately 100 marines. Very important communications research was carried on at the station.   Some of the most important messages of WWI were dispatched via the Belmar station.
     When WWII had started in Europe, the U. S. Army saw the need for expanding its radar laboratory located at Fort Hancock, on Sandy Hook. In 1941, the old Marconi station property was purchased from the Young Persons Association for the Propagation of the Bible, which operated The King's College on the site. The college wanted to relocate to Delaware.   The Marconi hotel was renovated and a large building expansion program was begun in the old Marconi antenna fields. The site was called the 'SIGNAL CORPS RADAR LABORATORY'. Note this on badge #205 (right). During late 1942 the site was renamed 'Camp Evans Signal Laboratory' as radar was then a classified word. The signs were repainted, the guard badges and personnel badges were collected and new ones distributed. Note badge #211 does not have the word 'RADAR'
     All during WWII, the Korean war, Vietnam war, the cold war and Desert Storm there were important secrets to protect at Camp Evans. The responsibility feel on the shoulders of the Camp Evans Guards. Building 9029 was their WWII headquarters.   Inside the security fences technicians were taking ideas, building prototypes, testing, improving and retesting so they would not fail in battle. If they failed American and allied forces were left without communications, without the protection of radar or without the protection of IFF.   Fates of Nations depended on the United States military electronics staying ahead of all potential enemies.
     If enemy spies were able to compromise America's radar secrets this loss of information could cost American and allies lives. Once during WWII a german was captured attempting to climb the secureity fence at Camp Evans. He had been dropped off by a U-boat. He was arrested, taken to Fort Monmouth and later shot.
     During the cold war, especially the McCarthy era, the security of the site was closely guarded. Even though McCarthy had reports that there were security volations are Camp Evans these reports were shown to be unfounded.

Thanks to a friend for saving these badges.

The Guards of

Camp Evans