 The Blitz changed everything . In September 1940 the Luftwaffe flew 6 @,@ 135 night sorties , leading to only four combat losses . The Dowding system was incapable of handling night interceptions in a practical manner , and Dowding continued to state that the only solution was to get AI into operation . Seeking alternatives , the Chief of the Air Staff , Cyril Newall , convened a review committee under the direction of John Salmond . Salmond built a heavyweight panel including Sholto Douglas , Arthur Tedder , Philip Joubert de la Ferté , and Wilfrid Freeman . 
