[5] In the 1970s, Ryle turned the greater part of his attention from astronomy to social and political issues which he considered to be more urgent.

In 1939, Ryle worked with the Telecommunications Research Establishment (TRE) on the design of antennas for airborne radar equipment during World War II.

[6][7][8][9] His interest quickly shifted to other areas, however, and he decided early on that the Cambridge group should develop new observing techniques.

The historian Owen Chadwick described him as "a rare personality, of exceptional sensitivity of mind, fears and anxieties, care and compassion, humour and anger."

(Folder A.28 of[12]) Ryle was sometimes considered difficult to work with[citation needed] – he often worked in an office at the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory to avoid disturbances from other members of the Cavendish Laboratory and to avoid getting into heated arguments, as Ryle had a hot temper.

[citation needed] Ryle was a new physics graduate and an experienced radio ham in 1939, when the Second World War started.

"[11] In the 1970s, Ryle turned the greater part of his attention from astronomy to social and political issues which he considered to be more urgent.

With publications from 1976 and continuing, despite illness[11] until he died in 1984, he pursued a passionate and intensive program on the socially responsible use of science and technology.

In his wartime radar work ([24]), his post-war radio-telescope building (p 510 of [11]) and his late researches into wind energy (p 517 of [11]) he was a hands-on practical engineer as well as a scientist.

While still at School (Bradfield College) he built his own transmitter and obtained a Post Office licence to operate it (pp 498–499 of[11]), with the GB-Callsign G3CY.