Books

This page has turned out to be more a bibliography than a review of new books. Many of the titles listed here are out of print: they are only available from libraries or second-hand booksellers. An excellent way of locating out-of-print books is using the search engines www.addall.com and www.bookfinder.com , both of which scan a large number of individual book tracing sites and provide a collated report of all titles for sale.

• ‘SUBTERRANEAN SOUTHWARK’ by Christopher Jones 17/6/03
• Subterranean City - Beneath the streets of London by Antony Clayton
• Control Chain by Steve Fox
• Plan for Survival by Steve Fox
• Emergency Planning Guidance to Local Authorities (Home Office)
• London Under Attack : the report of the Greater London Area War Risk Study
• Drakelow Unearthed - The Secret History of an Underground Complex by Paul Stokes
• The Secret Tunnels of South Heighton - A Tribute to HMS Forward, Newhaven Royal Naval Headquarters by Geoffrey Ellis
• Underground Bases and Tunnels - What is the Government Trying To Hide? by Richard Sauder
• Watching The Skies - The History of Ground Radar in the Air Defence of the United Kingdom by Jack Gough
• Defence of the Nation by Michael Dewar
• Beneath the City Streets by Peter Laurie
• War Plan UK by Duncan Campbell
• Fortress Scotland by Malcolm Spaven
• The Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier by Duncan Campbell
• Most Secret War by R V Jones
• War Facts Now by Christy Campbell
• The Puzzle Palace by James Bamford

‘SUBTERRANEAN SOUTHWARK’ by Christopher Jones

A self-published book(let) in the tradition of Nigel Pennick, who published similar works on London Bunkers and the Underground in the 1980’s. Christopher Jones is a member of Subterranea Britannica.

This is an excellent read, which I can wholeheartedly recommend as an essential addition to any SUBRIT bookshelf!

To quote the blurb on the back ­ ‘Disused Tube Lines, Nuclear Bunkers, Crypts and Catacombs, Underground Toilets, Rivers, Spas and Wells, Thames Tunnels, Rumours and Remnants ­ ever wondered what’s under the Southwark soil? Which tunnels, subways, bunkers, and hiding holes are right beneath our feet? Whether it’s a mile or so of disused Northern Line or the long lost Camber Well, a secret passage way for 18th century villains or an emergency exit shaft for the Jubilee Line ­ this booklet reveals all!’

Each of the nine chapters finishes with gazetteers and references, and whilst this is a collation of existing knowledge rather than original research (with input from experts such as our own Nick Catford), the scope and coverage is wider than any even moderately informed subterranean enthusiast would possess. Some of his subjects are little known ­ for example the London Pipe Subway system and Hydraulic Power, and he makes reference to many very obscure sources which it seems he knows first hand ­ such as an anarchist mimeographed pamphlet on London bunkers, and the TV documentary ‘Expedition Under London’, both from the ‘70’s. However, he also has very useful up to date information on the current status of many of the sites as well. The final ‘Rumours and Remnants’ chapter is a pointer to further research and an invitation for feedback.

My one criticism is that the sketch plans are rather crudely drawn in contrast to the reproduced engravings ­ but at least they are there!

My one disappointment was that I looked in vain in the chapter on the Camberwell Bakerloo Line Extension for any mention of the curious site at 113 Grove Park SE5, which I had always assumed had some connection (literally or historically) to it!

Published by Past Tense Publications, April 2003, No ISBN, £3.50. 118 A5 pages. 24 illustrations, plans and sections. Index. References. Bibliography. Single pack of 29 A4 photocopied sheets stapled in the middle and folded in half, with primrose yellow card cover (this makes rather a bulky fold).

Available from: Christopher Jones, c/o 56a Infoshop, 56 Crampton Street ,London, SE17 3AE

(Roger J Morgan 2003)

Subterranean City - Beneath the streets of London

This engaging book seems to have suffered from poor distribution as it would doubtless interest a wide audience. In many ways it takes up the thread started by `London Under London', only based on better research and with less factual inaccuracy. It is richly illustrated and covers a broad spectrum of sewers, tunnels, deep shelters, underground railways and yes, secret bunkers. A number of myths and speculations are trotted out again but the book does correct some previous pieces of misinformation, along with some illustrations not previously published. Until a book focussed entirely on once-secret subterranea appears, this is probably the best and most up-to-date 'entry-level' guide to the subject.

Published by Historical Publications, 2000. ISBN 0-948667-69-9. Quarto hardback, 192pp. £15.95

(A.E.)

Control Chain

This book traces the history of civil defence in Britain from the birth of the A-bomb, through the response to the H-bomb and then to the stand down in 1968. Based on over 300 government files from the Public Record Office, many previously classified Top Secret it traces in 25000 words the role and development of the War Rooms, the Sub Regional Controls and the massive Regional Seats of Government and the central government war headquarters. It also covers the development of civil defence, emergency legislation, etc.

Published privately. Details from the author Steve Fox.

(S.F.)

Plan for Survival

This book continues the story of civil defence from 1971 to the end of the Cold War. Based on official sources from the Home Office, Emergency Planning College and material prepared for exercises like Hard Rock, Regard and Vireg it concentrates on plans to govern Britain during and after World War lll at national and regional levels. Its 41000 words cover the detailed history of civil defence to 1993, the transition to war preparations, plans for central and regional government, the regional bunkers, emergency powers, etc.

Published privately. Details from the author Steve Fox.

(S.F.)

Emergency Planning Guidance to Local Authorities

The EPGLA was originally called the Combined Circular, and contains in 26 sections all the Emergency Circulars issued to local authorities to explain their role during an emergency (i.e. a nuclear war) and more importantly the government's planning assumptions and the role of the various bodies involved in civil defence. It includes sections on e.g. control and co-ordination, warning and monitoring, emergency feeding, transport and training. In 1985 it was published for public consumption and should be required reading for anyone interested in the subject.

Published in 1985. ISBN 0-86252-196-3

(S.F.)

London Under Attack : the report of the Greater London Area War Risk Study

In 1983 the government issued regulations to local authorities requiring them to make plans for civil defence. Many of them were ideologically opposed to the idea and sought ways to avoid acting on the regulations. A favourite ploy was to ask for more information on what to plan for. Such information was not forthcoming and in 1984 Ken Livingstone's GLC commissioned the GLAWARS to consider the effect of an attack on London and Londoners. The result considers, in a series of scenarios, these effects and the measures which had been or could be taken to mitigate them. The result is a comprehensive thought-provoking book which goes beyond the usual listing of bunkers to look at what might have been.

Published in 1986 by Basil Blackwell.
ISBN 0-631-15018-8,
ISBN 0-631-15044-7 paperback

(S.F.)

Drakelow Unearthed - The Secret History of an Underground Complex

This large format booklet with a full colour cover is well illustrated throughout, and has more than 35 black-and-white photographs showing the many phases in the history of this underground facility. There are also five plans indicating how use of the structure changed over the years.

Although not an academic book, the author has drawn his information from many primary sources including Rover, the Home Office and people involved not only in its operation but also in its construction.

The book is divided into five sections:

• Introduction - From Rover to RSG9,
• 1844-1941 The Blakehill Estate and World War 2,
• 1942-1950s `The Rover',
• 1958-1980 - RSG 9,
• 1980s-1993 - RGHQ 9.2.

I found the book to be a useful and interesting introduction to this former World War 2 shadow factory and RGHQ.

Published by BCS/Paul Stokes 1996 ISBN 0 904015 40 8
A4, 32 Pages

(A.T.)

The Secret Tunnels of South Heighton - A Tribute to HMS Forward, Newhaven Royal Naval Headquarters

This book is a well researched study of the former naval intelligence operations centre located in underground tunnels near Newhaven. HMS Forward collected, processed and distributed maritime intelligence about a section of the English Channel from Fairlight near Hastings to Bognor Regis.

The book comprises some 16 chapters and covers everything from the tunnel design, excavation and construction to the rediscovery of the facility in 1993.

The centre which operated from 1941 to its abandonment in 1945 consists of two parallel tunnels approximately 9ft wide, 8ft high amd 190ft long. Five galleries of similar bore connect them at regular interval. The tunnels were themselves linked to the surface through two main entrances, one located within an existing holiday home. There was also access to several pill boxes, including an observation post disguised as a wooden chicken shed, its gun ports being disguised as detachable outboard nesting boxes. The tunnels, constructed within chalk, were all supported by typical colliery arches.

The book is illustrated by many photographs taken during its occupation in the war and recently after its rediscovery. One photograph shows the operations room at 0730hrs on 6th June 1944 during the D day landings.

All in all an interesting history of this little known naval headquarters.

Published by SB Publications, 1996 ISBN 1 85770 101 1
A5, 98 Pages
£5.99

(A.T.)

Underground Bases and Tunnels - What Is The Government Trying To Hide?

This fascinating American book has now been imported to the UK and it was worth the wait. The blurb says ``There are more underground bases than you think and there's more going on than just planning to keep the President alive in a nuclear war. Working from public documents and corporate records, this book digs below the surface of the government's super-secret underground''.

So yes, there are plenty of surprises in this book but no fabulous revelations - in a way I'm glad because I get highly suspicious of books that make wild claims about new secrets unearthed. In many ways this book is the US counterpart of Peter Laurie's Beneath The City Streets; in other words it's a calm, sane and well-researched book discussing military and industrial underground sites in the USA, together with the techniques for constructing them. There's a tacked-on chapter on cattle mutilations which seems out of place.

Only one mention is made of underground facilities in the UK, relating to Sopley. In brief, a fascinating read at a not outrageous price.

Paperback, 142pages with 50 pages of illustrations. Available from Quest Publications International Ltd, 1st Floor, 66 Boroughgate, Otley, Yorks., LS21 1AE. Order code XX5J, price £11.99 post-paid.

(A.E.)

Watching The Skies

Subtitled The History of Ground Radar in the Air Defence of the United Kingdom, this account covers the period from World War II to about 1975. The author worked on the development of many of the types of radar he describes. The book is what one might expect from a boffin: dry, moderately technical and fairly hard going. It also seems to rely entirely on senior and official sources: there is little by way of anecdote or practical observation from the people who used these systems.

There are many maps showing the sites that were used for radar stations at various times. Curiously, the book makes no mention of most of the former Rotor Sector Operations Centre sites, even though these sites have been common knowledge for years.

Since first publishing this review on the web, people who know more about the subject than the reviewer have pointed out that this book contains a very large number of errors, especially in the detail. Therefore it is only useful as a superficial introduction to the subject in the absence of anything better. The £30 cover price seems a bit steep for that.

Published by HMSO in 1993. ISBN 0 11 772723 7

(R.L.)

Defence of the Nation

This book is in some ways a `reply' to Beneath the City Streets and War Plan UK. Michael Dewar - a serving Army officer - expresses concern that the public knows almost nothing about `home defence', and that what little information there is in print is largely ill-informed.

He argues that a future war in Europe would be likely to involve conventional and chemical (including nerve gas) attacks on Britain, but would probably not go nuclear. He emphasises the home defence role of the Army in defending `key points' (airfields, bunkers, bridges, radio and radar sites etc.) against sabotage by 1,500 Russian Spetsnaz special forces, landing by parachute and mini-submarine in the early stages of a conflict. He also points out the lack of protection for the public against chemical attack in all NATO countries.

The chapter titles indicate the scope of the book: The History of Home Defence, The Threat to Britain Today, Civil Protection, The United Kingdom Warning and Monitoring Organisation, Air Defences, Maritime and Coastal Defence, The Role of the Army, The Role of the Police in War, US Forces in Britain, Exercise `Brave Defender' 1985, The Future. The book runs to over 140 pages, contains a glossary and is lavishly illustrated. It is let down somewhat by being printed in rather small type.

This book was published in 1989, just before the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. Much has changed since then, but it gives an interesting glimpse of an insider's thinking at that time.

Published by Arms and Armour Press, Artillery House, Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RT.
ISBN 0 85368 836 2

(R.L.)

Beneath the City Streets

This is the book that started it all. First published in 1970, Peter Laurie revealed a great deal about mysterious concrete bunkers, radio towers, food buffer depots and dispersed centres of government. It inspired many other researchers to follow. Although revised in 1972, 1979 and 1983, it is now quite dated, and with the luxury of hindsight we know that some of its conjecture was inaccurate. It remains of considerable interest not only for its content but also for the methods of research it opened up.

1983 edition published by Granada. ISBN 0-586-05055-8.

(R.L.)

War Plan UK

In many ways War Plan UK could be described as ``Son of Beneath the City Streets''. Duncan Campbell pays tribute to Peter Laurie's earlier work, and greatly expands on it. It catalogues most of the sites of interest to members of RSG. Still the definitive work over a decade after it was first published. Much of what appears on this Web site first appeared in this book.

This kind of book was mighty fashionable in the early 1980s but the excitement seems to have died down. Duncan Campbell's blockbuster revelation follow-up, Secret Places, was announced several years ago but has never appeared.

The first edition lacks an index, but is of higher print quality than the second, which makes a significant difference to the legibility of some maps and drawings.

First published in 1982 by Burnett Books. ISBN 0-09-150670-0 (hardback) or 0-09-150671-9 (paperback).
Second edition 1983 Paladin Books. ISBN 0-586-08479-7.

(A.E./R.L.)

Fortress Scotland

A guide to the military presence.

Published by the Pluto Press, 1983.

The Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier

What goes on inside American military bases in Britain? Are US forces stationed here solely to protect Britain and Europe? Does the British government, in the last resort, have any legal or strategic control over the bases or their personnel?

The Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier was the result of a joint investigation by The New Statesman and Thames Television's TV Eye programme. The original aim was just to count the number of American military bases in Britain. They discovered that since the 1940s, nuclear missile and bomber bases grew alongside a network of command centres, communications sites and intelligence bases - even hospitals, for use only in war.

Published by Michael Joseph, 1984. ISBN 0 7181 2350 6

(R.L.)

Most Secret War

A classic account of British scientific intelligence in 1939 - 1945, written by one of its leading insiders. A J P Taylor describes it as ``the most fascinating book on the Second World War that I have read''.

First published by Hamish Hamilton in 1978.
Paperback published by Coronet Books in 1979. ISBN 0 340 24169 1

(R.L.)

War Facts Now

Christy Campbell, managing editor of Jane's, logs the weapons - aircraft, ships, missiles and tanks - their capabilites, the systems, the strategies, and the thinking in the minds of those who control them.

Published by Fontana in 1982. ISBN 0 00 636492-6

(R.L.)

The Puzzle Palace

This investigation into the history of one of America's most secret agencies - the National Security Agency - became a bestseller. Bamford explains how the US government has engaged in wholesale, covert and illegal wiretapping, often in association with other western `sigint' agencies - in particular Britain's GCHQ. The 1983 Penguin edition contains an `afterword' dealing with the Geoffrey Prime spy scandal at GCHQ.

First published in the USA by Houghton Mifflin Company in 1982.
Published in Penguin with a new afterword in 1983. ISBN 0-14-006748-5

This title is available by mail order from the Area 51 Research Center.

(R.L.)

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