Wartime Broadcasting Service

[upthedump]

Sorry if this subject has been broached already. (Haven't been able to
read this group for a while.

Recently released papers at the PRO show that there were 5 VHF
transmitters:
HOLME MOSS, KIRK O'SHOTTS, NORTH HESSARY TOR, WROTHAM, (Network
Centre) and WROTHAM (Network centre). Each, according to the docs,
with "protected accomodation with all the facilities neccessary for the
staff to control the transmitter and its power supplies without leaving
protection for 30 days". Briefly, a fallout shelter and a protected,
remotely controlled diesel generator.

Similar protected accomodation was built at the MF transmitters at:
DAVENTRY, DROITWICH, LISNAGARVEY and WESTERGLEN

Ditto the existing FCO transmitter at CROWBOROUGH which would receive
feeds from the SRHQs 5.1 and 6.2 and would broadcast to both these
regions. (Some talk of moving Crowb's MF transmitter to new site at
Orfordness

Meanwhile, work was under way on protected BBC facilities at 22
Government Sites, 10 of which were complete in 1975

There is considerable talk about monthly tests of the circuits between
the Cabinet Office Briefing Room, Langham Place and Wood Norton. Much
distrust of BBC staff, as noted in the following memo:


"our object should be to avoid a situation where certain engineers
appear regularly in the main control room for the sole purpose of
testing the WTBS link. If they use the control room for various other
tests etc then fewer questions would be asked about the WTBS (Let us
not forget the sizeable number of communists working in the building,
about whom Searight has shown some concern in the past!)" ... from N
A B Anson, Jan 1975

Talk too about cable-routing and how the GPO was finding it
increasingly difficult to find 'Safe' bomb-proof (or at least
target-proof) routes for its cables:

"Post Office developments tend to concentrate circuits in high-density
systems which run between city centres. Such developments are not
compatible with safe-routing. There are certain specially routed
circuits for use in wartime conditions but these are speech quality
only and in any case are fully loaded".


Loads more... much of it from the pen of Brigadier Gardiner of the
Cabinet Office, whom I recall had much to do with Burlington in
recent(ish) years.

Nick

[Richard Lamont]

Post by upthedump
Recently released papers at the PRO

CAB 164/1299?

[upthedump]

Yes, CAB 164/1299. What interested me most about these papers is a
minor point and that is the involvment of Brig Gardiner from the
Cabinet Office Telecoms Secretariate. Gardiner, I believe, was a
very shadowy figure who often turned up at Burlington in the mid to
late 1990s bemoaning the state of the land-line telecoms equipment
there. Now knowing his role, I understand why. It is interesting
that he was still concerned about the u'g phone exchange there as late
as 1995/8 (ish).

For the bernefit of those who have not read the papers, its worth
drawing attention to the BBC costings prepared in 1974 which talk
about, inter alia, the provision of TSZ 30/31 Equi[ment at what the
Corporation call "Reserve Seats of Government", which is a phrase I've
not heard before. Regarding these, the doc states "The original
Priority Plan called for the provision of 17 switching centres and 22
Sub-Regional Controls and it has now been revised in terms of the
number of installations, their locations and the use of more definitive
titles".

The Revised Plan, in absolute outline, consisted of 6 Control Centres
(programme originators), 6 Sub Regional Controls, 5 Control and Line
Routing Centres and 8 Line Routers.

I notice, too, that Gardiner talks about 'our' facilities at the BBC
Wood Norton site replacing those at Caversham..... when did this
actually happen?

In memo M02696, Anson reminds Gardiner that the Mufax gear which the
BBC holds for emergency use between Wood Norton and CHANTICLEER is out
of date. What is Mufax (I guess its an early fax m/c) and where was
CHANTICLEER? I seem to recall that when Duncan Campbell and I did that
prog for Ch4 News back in 1998 Duncan seemed to think that CHANTICLEER
was Burlington.

In a subsequent memo, Rayner from the BBCwrites to Anson noting that
there are two sets of facsimile m/c in the WTBS system, "one of which
is in our Caversham premises, the other in your centre to which the
only BBC visitor is Mr Daymond". Is 'your centre' Burlington /
Chanticleer?

One other small point: it appears from my reading of the docs, that
the first proposal for a 'protected broadcasting studio' at Wood Norton
was first put forward as late as 1970 (interestingly in order that
"Broadcasting might be resumed AFTER a nuclear attack"; Is this
correct, and if so, when was it completed, I know work had not
started by 1974?


Nick

[Richard Lamont]

Post by upthedump
Yes, CAB 164/1299.

Good. This one is available as a free download, split into 27 pdf files,
from:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=8536093&CATLN=6&Highlight=&FullDetails=True

Post by upthedump
One other small point: it appears from my reading of the docs, that
the first proposal for a 'protected broadcasting studio' at Wood Norton
was first put forward as late as 1970 (interestingly in order that
"Broadcasting might be resumed AFTER a nuclear attack"; Is this
correct, and if so, when was it completed, I know work had not
started by 1974?

There were various planned wheezes for Wood Norton in the early cold war
years, but they appear to have been held up in 1955 following the Strath
report. Some DF projects that had been started were completed, but a
great many planned projects were put on hold or abandoned.

There's a reference to "Protection at main distribution centre (Wood
Norton)" (Deferred Facility No. 108) in a note dated 12th October 1959
from Chadder [BBC Written Archives Centre file R53/71/2].

(Incidentally, a full list of the numbered DF schemes I have extracted
from these minutes can be found at:
http://www.lamont.me.uk/misc/df_numbered_list.pdf )

DF No. 108 is referred to as "protected accommodation" over the
subsequent months, but by the last meeting minuted in this file, held on
3rd Nov 1960, it just said that preliminary planning was in progress.

A note to the BBC Defence Committee (222 Committee) dated 26/10/1962
says "no protection has yet been provided for the main centre at Wood
Norton". Another note, dated 19/4/1972, says "a studio, control room and
apparatus room in the protected accommodation has been completed." [BBC
WAC File Reference N/A, File Title: Wartime 222 Committee etc]

So, it was planned no later than 1959, and built between 1962 and 1972.
No doubt others who went on courses there can narrow it down a bit.

It had certainly been built by 4th November 1974, because that's when I
started my basic BBC training in this very building, although I never
summoned up the nerve to accidentally-on-purpose get lost down the stairs.

[Matthew Sylvester]

Post by Richard Lamont
It had certainly been built by 4th November 1974, because that's when I
started my basic BBC training in this very building, although I never
summoned up the nerve to accidentally-on-purpose get lost down the stairs.

I was on a course at WN in (I think) 1990, and the place was so busy
that the accomodation area of the "bunker" was in use as an additional
classroom. I spent several days down there (allowed out in the evening!)
and it was a very interesting and educational experience. I wish I
could tell you more, but I want to keep my job :o)

[SpamTrapSeeSig]

Post by Richard Lamont
It had certainly been built by 4th November 1974, because that's when I
started my basic BBC training in this very building, although I never
summoned up the nerve to accidentally-on-purpose get lost down the stairs.

Ah, the Naughty Basement. Happy days!


Regards,

Simonm (A56)

[m***@privacy.net]

On 23 May,
Richard Lamont <***@lamont.me.uk> wrote

[Wood Norton]

Post by Richard Lamont
DF No. 108 is referred to as "protected accommodation" over the
subsequent months, but by the last meeting minuted in this file, held on
3rd Nov 1960, it just said that preliminary planning was in progress.
A note to the BBC Defence Committee (222 Committee) dated 26/10/1962
says "no protection has yet been provided for the main centre at Wood
Norton". Another note, dated 19/4/1972, says "a studio, control room and
apparatus room in the protected accommodation has been completed." [BBC
WAC File Reference N/A, File Title: Wartime 222 Committee etc]
So, it was planned no later than 1959, and built between 1962 and 1972.
No doubt others who went on courses there can narrow it down a bit.
It had certainly been built by 4th November 1974, because that's when I
started my basic BBC training in this very building, although I never
summoned up the nerve to accidentally-on-purpose get lost down the stairs.

An 'indoor swimming pool' was being built in early 1966 when I was first
there. It appeared to be complete by my next visit in 1969, roughly behind
the Pheonix. Was it Bredon Wing?

[charles]

Post by m***@privacy.net
An 'indoor swimming pool' was being built in early 1966 when I was first
there. It appeared to be complete by my next visit in 1969, roughly behind
the Pheonix. Was it Bredon Wing?

The Bredon wing was on top of a large concrete slab.

[DMac]

Post by charles
The Bredon wing was on top of a large concrete slab.

that's bit of an understatement...

[NOSPAM]

Post by upthedump
In memo M02696, Anson reminds Gardiner that the Mufax gear which the
BBC holds for emergency use between Wood Norton and CHANTICLEER is out
of date. What is Mufax (I guess its an early fax m/c)

Muirhead Facsimile I think.

Muirhead were the main manufacturer of Facsimile machines working over
line or radio - used for sending pictures and weather maps in the days
before the present toy machines.

The press were taken around Wood Norton around Autumn 1968 - my father
sent me a cutting from the Daily Express at the same time as we were
being told that the big concrete block did not exist!


MB

[Russell W. Barnes]

Post by upthedump
Sorry if this subject has been broached already. (Haven't been able to
read this group for a while....

8><-----------------------

Post by upthedump
DAVENTRY, DROITWICH, LISNAGARVEY and WESTERGLEN

The Droitwich DF bunker was handy for kipping in on night-shift.

[Richard Lamont]

Post by Russell W. Barnes

Post by upthedump
Sorry if this subject has been broached already. (Haven't been able to
read this group for a while....

8><-----------------------

Post by upthedump
DAVENTRY, DROITWICH, LISNAGARVEY and WESTERGLEN

The Droitwich DF bunker was handy for kipping in on night-shift.

The studio was better, IMHO.

[Russell W. Barnes]

Post by Richard Lamont

Post by Russell W. Barnes

Post by upthedump
Sorry if this subject has been broached already. (Haven't been able to
read this group for a while....

8><-----------------------

Post by upthedump
DAVENTRY, DROITWICH, LISNAGARVEY and WESTERGLEN

The Droitwich DF bunker was handy for kipping in on night-shift.

The studio was better, IMHO.
--

I had a ratch in the studio one night (when not 'resting my eyes'. in the
DF) I found - apart from the obligatory tarnished silver teapot with the
crest emblazoned on the side - some 78RPM one-sided records used for
test-transmission purposes. I wish I'd kept them!

Sometimes, of course, we had to stay up and do - now, what was it called
again? - Ah, yes... 'Maintenance'.

- And that included polishing valves with methylated spirits!

[i***@gmail.com]

Post by Russell W. Barnes

Post by Richard Lamont

Post by Russell W. Barnes

Post by upthedump
Sorry if this subject has been broached already. (Haven't been able to
read this group for a while....

8><-----------------------

Post by upthedump
DAVENTRY, DROITWICH, LISNAGARVEY and WESTERGLEN

The Droitwich DF bunker was handy for kipping in on night-shift.

The studio was better, IMHO.
--

I had a ratch in the studio one night (when not 'resting my eyes'. in the
DF) I found - apart from the obligatory tarnished silver teapot with the
crest emblazoned on the side - some 78RPM one-sided records used for
test-transmission purposes. I wish I'd kept them!
Sometimes, of course, we had to stay up and do - now, what was it called
again? - Ah, yes... 'Maintenance'.
- And that included polishing valves with methylated spirits!
--
Regds,
Russell W. B.
http://www.huttonrow.co.uk
Please replace appropriate text with punctuation to reply!

The Beeb have just declassified their 222 Committee file, which
contains a Wartime Home and External Broadcasting Note, written in
April 1972.

This states "3. Wood Norton. At Wood Norton, which would be the centre
of all BBC operations on the introduction of the Wartime Broadcasting
System, the provision of a studio, control room and apparatus room in
the protected accommodation has been completed."

See pics:

Loading Image...

Loading Image...

Loading Image...

Mike

[SpamTrapSeeSig]

Post by i***@gmail.com
The Beeb have just declassified their 222 Committee file, which
contains a Wartime Home and External Broadcasting Note, written in
April 1972.
This states "3. Wood Norton. At Wood Norton, which would be the centre
of all BBC operations on the introduction of the Wartime Broadcasting
System, the provision of a studio, control room and apparatus room in
the protected accommodation has been completed."

More fascinating still is the idea that external services would have
originated there too, in English. I assume they would have only run a
single network, but I wonder which transmitter site(s) they might have
used.


Regards,

Simonm.

[Russell W. Barnes]

Post by SpamTrapSeeSig

Post by i***@gmail.com
The Beeb have just declassified their 222 Committee file, which
contains a Wartime Home and External Broadcasting Note, written in
April 1972.
This states "3. Wood Norton. At Wood Norton, which would be the centre
of all BBC operations on the introduction of the Wartime Broadcasting
System, the provision of a studio, control room and apparatus room in
the protected accommodation has been completed."

More fascinating still is the idea that external services would have
originated there too, in English. I assume they would have only run a
single network, but I wonder which transmitter site(s) they might have
used.
Regards,
Simonm.

Given that there were only 4 HF sites in the UK - and that they were all
equipped with DF circuits, then the chances are they would all have been
used. Remember that each HF site covers a slightly different
'footprint' in what might have been a theatre of war.

Skelton and Rampisham were built with broadcasting to occupied Europe in
mind, and were hardened buildings with U/G air-raid shelters,
blast-walls, and diverse power arrangements, albeit of WWII vintage.

[John Locke]

Post by Russell W. Barnes

Post by SpamTrapSeeSig

Post by i***@gmail.com
The Beeb have just declassified their 222 Committee file, which
contains a Wartime Home and External Broadcasting Note, written in
April 1972.
This states "3. Wood Norton. At Wood Norton, which would be the centre
of all BBC operations on the introduction of the Wartime Broadcasting
System, the provision of a studio, control room and apparatus room in
the protected accommodation has been completed."

More fascinating still is the idea that external services would have
originated there too, in English. I assume they would have only run a
single network, but I wonder which transmitter site(s) they might have
used.
Regards,
Simonm.

Given that there were only 4 HF sites in the UK - and that they were all
equipped with DF circuits, then the chances are they would all have been
used. Remember that each HF site covers a slightly different 'footprint'
in what might have been a theatre of war.
Skelton and Rampisham were built with broadcasting to occupied Europe in
mind, and were hardened buildings with U/G air-raid shelters, blast-walls,
and diverse power arrangements, albeit of WWII vintage.
--
Regds,
Russell W. B.
http://www.huttonrow.co.uk
Please: Amend address punctuation before replying via e-mail!

Going beyond the BBC in the UK & their domestic & international TX-ing
facilities based here in the UK. Does anyone have any idea as to what sort
of BBC arrangements might have existed during the darkest days of WW II for
the Intercontinental "Black Move". This would have been made along with the
rest of the British Establishment types. Thus ensuring that some sort of
ex-pat "voice of Britain", could be heard over an occupied island (back
home). I am certain that such an eventuality was given serious thought &
even minuted by Auntie somewhere.

John Locke.

[John Bennett]

On Tue, 13 Jun 2006, John Locke <***@onetel.net> wrote
--------snip------------------------

Post by John Locke
Going beyond the BBC in the UK & their domestic & international TX-ing
facilities based here in the UK. Does anyone have any idea as to what sort
of BBC arrangements might have existed during the darkest days of WW II for
the Intercontinental "Black Move". This would have been made along with the
rest of the British Establishment types. Thus ensuring that some sort of
ex-pat "voice of Britain", could be heard over an occupied island (back
home). I am certain that such an eventuality was given serious thought &
even minuted by Auntie somewhere.

I'm also very curious as to what would have happened to the course
trainees at Wood Norton (of which I was one in 1970) had the WW3 balloon
gone up. It was always apparent that there were a large number of
(mainly) young, reasonably fit people there. I assume the BBC must have
had contingency plans for this, as I'm sure there wouldn't have been
room for all of them to shelter in the "white elephant"!

I have also long assumed that Wood Norton would have been a high
priority target that probably wouldn't have survived very long in the
event of a nuclear war?


Cheers John

[DMac]

Post by John Bennett
. I assume the BBC must have
had contingency plans for this, as I'm sure there wouldn't have been
room for all of them to shelter in the "white elephant"!

maybe ernie would have shot them with his gun?

If they'd got in and bolted the doors before the news people got there from
London they'd probably be ok
Certainly plenty of space on the two floors.

I know while I was teaching there people got locked in - hence the pass
system now. But probably easy to lock yourself in
as well :-)

[NOSPAM]

Post by Russell W. Barnes
Given that there were only 4 HF sites in the UK - and that they were all
equipped with DF circuits, then the chances are they would all have been
used. Remember that each HF site covers a slightly different
'footprint' in what might have been a theatre of war.
Skelton and Rampisham were built with broadcasting to occupied Europe in
mind, and were hardened buildings with U/G air-raid shelters,
blast-walls, and diverse power arrangements, albeit of WWII vintage.

Were there any Short Wave mobile transmitter trailers as there were for
Medium Wave? Though I think the ET4336 could operate on SW if required.


Is there just the one trailer surviving?


M

[Russell W. Barnes]

Post by NOSPAM

Post by Russell W. Barnes
Given that there were only 4 HF sites in the UK - and that they were all
equipped with DF circuits, then the chances are they would all have been
used. Remember that each HF site covers a slightly different
'footprint' in what might have been a theatre of war.
Skelton and Rampisham were built with broadcasting to occupied Europe in
mind, and were hardened buildings with U/G air-raid shelters,
blast-walls, and diverse power arrangements, albeit of WWII vintage.

Were there any Short Wave mobile transmitter trailers as there were for
Medium Wave? Though I think the ET4336 could operate on SW if required.
Is there just the one trailer surviving?

I don't know.

ISTR reading about HF trailer-transmitters (actually caravan transmitters)
being used for 'black' propaganda purposes and working out of Woburn Abbey,
but I don't think the programme radiated was the same as that from the
permanent HF stations; more likely to be by 'turned' captured Germans (or
internees) reading out propaganda under instruction. Incidentally, the
programme radiated from Skelton during WWII to occupied France would often
contain encrypted (and rather surreal) messages tacked on to legitimate
broadcasts, typically: 'This is the World Service of the BBC. Here is the
news read by ********, and tonight, the moon is green'.

Upon learning about a green moon, the French Resistance would blow up a
section of railway line, or somesuch.

The last I heard of a mobile MW transmitter trailer being used on our
'patch' was when the Bobby Sands hunger strike was on in the early 1980's.
An emergency trailer-transmitter was set up near Stranraer to cover Northern
Ireland.

[Bill Ridgeway]

I haven't seen Aspidistra mentioned on this thread yet!

Thought I'd throw it in for good measure. For more information go to
http://www.subbrit.org.uk/rsg/sites/c/crowborough/

Regards.

Bill Ridgeway

[R. W. Barnes]

Post by Bill Ridgeway
I haven't seen Aspidistra mentioned on this thread yet!
Thought I'd throw it in for good measure. For more information go to
http://www.subbrit.org.uk/rsg/sites/c/crowborough/
Regards.
Bill Ridgeway

'Aspidistra' (and Crowborough) was mentioned in a similar thread
entitled: 'Wartime Broadcast Network' which was on the go around April
this year. You know how these things get put about!

The post about BBC Ottringham deserves a look-at as well.
--

Regds,

Russell W. B.
http://www.huttonrow.co.uk