original_query: What was the role of the Dowding system in air defense?
query: What was the role of the Dowding system in air defense?
answer: The Dowding system was an integrated air defense system that combined radar, human observers, raid plotting, and radio control of aircraft to defend the UK against the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain.  It linked these elements via telephone cables, with its center at RAF Bentley Priory.