Small blocks or counters were then moved [at regular intervals] to both identify the relative positions of both 'friend' and 'foe' but also to track the movements of squadrons and individual aeroplanes as the attack unfolded.

The Navy also adopted this tool and one was installed in the control room of HMS Ark Royal when she was in dry dock in Liverpool.

The role of the plotters was a critical one, the work was demanding and instructions to the pilots and information from the radar traces had to be rapidly and accurately interpreted by the ground controllers who generally were positioned around and above the plotting table; 'theatre-style'.