Monument record MLI85906 - Royal Observer Corps Post, Baumber
Summary
Former Royal Observer Corps post at Baumber. Opened in 1961, and closed in 1991, though still extant.
Type and Period (1)
- ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS MONITORING POST (Mid 20th Century to 21st Century - 1956 AD to 2050 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
A former Royal Observer Corps underground observation post is located near the junction of the A158 and B1225, east of the village of Baumber. The posts were built during the Cold War, as part of a national system to provide civil and military authorities with essential information in the event of a nuclear attack. The posts were equipped with a variety of scientific and meteorological instruments, with their primary function being to monitor and record the position and strength of any nearby nuclear strikes, and the subsequent passage of radioactive fallout in the area. This information would be passed to regional and national headquarters of the United Kingdom Warning and Monitoring Organisation, assisting and informing the national authorities to co-ordinate any appropriate responses.
This particular post is believed to have been opened in 1961. Access was through a 2ft square hatch on the surface, where an associated air vent can also be seen. A ladder would lead down the concrete shaft to two rooms; the first being quite small and used to house the chemical toilet. The second, much larger monitoring room measured approximately 15' by 7'6'', and would have been staffed by three observers. Above ground is a fenced grass compound. The post remained in use until 1991, when it was closed and locked. {1}{2}{3}
Sources/Archives (3)
- <1> SLI9206 Unpublished Document: J H Walter. 2004. Auctioneers Document - Former ROC Bunker, A158, Baumber, near Horncastle. -.
- <2> SLI14623 Digital Archive: Council for British Archaeology. 2006. Defence of Britain Archive. Non Anti-Invasion Record 1334.
- <3> SLI16034 Bibliographic Reference: Wayne D. Cocroft and Roger J.C. Thomas. 2003. Cold War: Building for Nuclear Confrontation 1946-1989. pp.176-86.
Map
Location
Grid reference | TF 22881 73383 (point) Surveyed |
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Civil Parish | BAUMBER, EAST LINDSEY, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Nov 1 2023 12:27PM
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