Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post
Brief History
Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Posts are underground structures all over the United Kingdom, constructed as a result of the Corps' nuclear reporting role and operated by volunteers during the Cold War between 1955 and 1991.
In all but a very few instances the posts were built to a standard design consisting of a 14-foot-deep access shaft, a toilet/store and a monitoring room. The most unusual post was the non-standard one constructed in a cellar within Windsor Castle.
Almost half of the total number of posts were closed in 1968 during a reorganisation and major contraction of the ROC. Several others closed over the next 40 years as a result of structural difficulties i.e. persistent flooding, or regular vandalism. The remainder of the posts were closed in 1991 when the majority of the ROC was stood down following the break-up of the Communist Bloc. Many have been demolished or adapted to other uses but the majority still exist, although in a derelict condition.
Harlaston had it own ROC monitoring post which can be found in the field by Willows Bottom.
You can find more information and photos on www.subbrit.co.uk
Internal view of a monitoring post
External view of a monitoring post
Royal Observer Corps bunker blueprint.
Over 1500 observatories were built creating a network of information across the country.
Each bunker were manned by 3 men and together they were able to provide information on any bomb explosions including when, where and how high up the explosion was.
The nearest bomb to explode to Harlaston was during WW2 which just missed the railway line near Model Farm. The explosion was enough to blow Peter Hill (then a child) from his bed at Haselour Farm, Haselour and damaged windows in the area.
