Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post

ROC and UKWMO monitoring post, standard design of 1956 by the Air Ministry Works Department, this example built 1961.

MATERIALS Reinforced concrete with compacted earth covering.

EXTERIOR Appears as a rectangular, flat topped vegetation covered mound with a raised entrance hatch towards one end and a smaller, raised air vent towards the other end. Between these two openings, protruding through the mound, are two metal pipes that were the mountings for monitoring equipment: The one closest to the hatch being for the probe for the Fixed Survey Meter (for measuring radiation); the other for the baffle plates of the Bomb Power Indicator. The mounting for the Ground Zero Indicator (a pinhole camera device for detecting the direction and altitude of nuclear explosions) is adjacent to the entrance hatch.

INTERIOR The 4.6m deep entrance ladder-shaft has a drainage sump at its base and a hand operated pump. It gives access to a small closet for a chemical toilet and to the monitoring room which measures 4.6m by 2.3m. In 1999 it was recorded that the post retained furniture including fitted shelving and a table.

MAPPING NOTE The monitoring post is not mapped by the Ordnance Survey. The map depiction of the List Entry is for general identification purposes and does not attempt to accurately map the exact extent of the structure with its earth mound (which is smaller than the area depicted).