"During the war years I worked on the development of radar and other radio systems for the R.A.F. and, though gaining much in engineering experience and in understanding people, rapidly forgot most of the physics I had learned"

This quote by Martin Ryle speaks to the experience of many people during wartime. Ryle worked on the development of radar and other radio systems for the Royal Air Force (RAF). This work gave him a good deal of engineering experience and insight into people, but it likewise meant that he needed to forget much of the physics he had actually found out. This quote speaks to the sacrifices that people make throughout wartime, as they are frequently required to put aside their own interests and focus on the needs of the war effort. It likewise speaks with the significance of engineering and the role it plays in wartime. Ryle's experience reveals that engineering can be an effective tool in times of dispute, which it can be used to fantastic impact.