During World War II, Churchill set up the Auxiliary Units in 1940 to act as a clandestine armed resistance, who would ‘go to ground’ in the event of invasion and disrupt the enemy’s progress. They operated in groups of around 8 personnel per unit, often drawn from local farmers and similar key workers.
An additional unit was also established, known as ‘Special Duties’ and they would become responsible for maintaining rudimentary communication by radio amongst the resistance forces. The Special Duties units also operated from hidden (usually) underground locations, well off the beaten track and often using wooded areas to provide cover and nearby trees to support radio aerials.
Wilton is a rare example of a Special Duties ‘Super’ Station, being larger in scale than other surviving structures. Entrance is through a camouflaged hatch and its subterranean rooms include sleeping areas, operational desks, a small galley, a generator room and emergency exit tunnel. Near the tunnel exit is a water tank and possible toilet area.
Recognising its importance and rarity, the site has been scheduled by Historic England