Subbrit - RSG - The ROC Post survey!

THE SURVEY:

An 8 figure national grid references is quoted for each site. Where the exact position is not obvious or documented, confirmation of the site has been obtained from local people and where possible former Observers. Large-scale (1:2500) post war ordnance survey maps show some posts with differing degrees of detail.

At some posts the fenced compound is clearly shown and is occasionally labeled 'Observer Post'. Some sites are incorrectly annotated by the OS as underground reservoirs. Many posts are not shown at all and although official national grid references issued by the MOD have been published in Attack Warning Red (see below) these are often inaccurate, some being over half a mile out and some being completely wrong. Some posts, closed in 1991, are shown as a tiny square on the current Path-finder and 'Explorer' 1:25,000 maps.

All extant posts have been photographed externally and internally where access has been possible. The description was correct at the time of the inspection. All artifacts have been left in place for others to find in line with National Association of Mining History Organisations' guide-lines on visiting underground sites - 'Leave only footprints, take only photographs'. As this is an archaeological report (military sites, for some reason, now come under the umbrella of Industrial Archaeology) I have included details of anything that remains to indicate the position of the post even if it is just a single fence pole or area of disturbed ground.

Unless otherwise stated, at extant posts all surface features, the entrance shaft, 2 air vents, mounting plate for GZI, pipe for BPI, pipe for FSM and internal shaft ladder remain intact. At some sites where the ladder has been removed access was gained using an electron caving ladder. Most posts also retain their chemical toilet.

I would like to thank many landowners for allowing access to their underground posts. I would also like to thank Derek Wood author of the definitive history of the ROC, 'Attack Warning Red' (Which have been remaindered and are now available from Rothery & Co of Southsea at £5 plus £5 postage) for permission to reproduce the exploded diagram of a typical post.

Thanks also to Neville Cullingford of the ROC Museum in Eastleigh, Hampshire for information on unlisted posts and incorrect NGR's throughout the country.

[Source: Nick Catford]

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