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Decca chains in South Africa (Graphic courtesy Mapquest. Modified by Jerry Proc)
South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II when it annexed the territory. In 1966, the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that was soon named Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Independence came in 1990. Hence, the Decca stations were built on what was once South African territory.* NAMAQUA CHAIN 4A
LOCATION DESIGNATION FREQ COORDINATES Noordoewer, Namibia Master 84.820 kHz 28ºS, 17ºE Chamaites, Nabibia Red 113.093 kHz 27ºS, 17ºE Pofadder, South Africa Green 127.230 kHz 29ºS, 19ºE Port Nolloth, South Africa Purple 70.683 kHz 29ºS, 16ºE * CAPE CHAIN 6A
This chain was contracted in 1972.
LOCATION DESIGNATION FREQ COORDINATES Matroosberg, South Africa Master 85.175 kHz 33ºS, 19ºE Piketberg, South Africa Red 113.567 kHz 32ºS, 18ºE Ladismith, South Africa Green 127.763 kHz 28ºS, 29ºE Kleinmond, South Africa Purple 70.979 kHz 34ºS, 19ºE * EASTERN PROVINCE CHAIN 8A
LOCATION DESIGNATION FREQ COORDINATES Addo, South Africa Master 85.540 kHz 33ºS, 25ºE Port Alfred, South Africa Red 114.053 kHz 33ºS, 26ºE Clarkson, South Africa Green 128.310 kHz 34Sº, 24ºE Swaershoek, South Africa Purple 71.283 kHz ? * S.W. AFRICA CHAIN 9C
LOCATION DESIGNATION FREQ COORDINATES Usakos, Namibia Master 85.725 kHz 22ºS, 15ºE Sorris Sorris, Namibia Red 114.300 kHz 20ºS, 14ºE Isabis, Namibia Green 128.588 kHz 23ºS, 16ºE Swakopmund, Namibia Purple 71.437 kHz 22ºS, 14ºE * NATAL CHAIN 10C
LOCATION DESIGNATION FREQ COORDINATES Matatiele, South Africa Master 85.905 kHz 30ºS, 28ºE Elliot, South Africa Red 114.540 kHz 31ºS, 27ºE Mooirivier, South Africa Green 128.858 kHz 26ºS, 20ºE Margate, South Africa Purple 71.588 kHz 30ºS, 30ºE
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In 1972, the Misinster of Defence for South Africa, the Hon. P.W. Botha switches on the Cape chain. (Photo courtesy Decca Navigator News, April 1972).