Cold War monitoring post 4/51, Elmdon (EHER 19932)

A Royal Observer Corps Underground Monitoring Post, probably constructed during the late 1950s and in use until 1991. The surface features remain in good condition.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: A Royal Observer Corps Underground Monitoring Post is sited in the angle of a field, at the brow of a ill between Elmdon and Ickleton. Characteristically it is situated in a locally prominent position in open farmland, but is sufficiently close to the lane for ease of access. The surface hatch and ventilation shaft of the underground post are in good condition, and typically of those which remained operational until 1991 they are painted emerald green. Adjacent to the underground post is a two tier brick post for the visual reporting of aircraft movements. The juxta location of a visual reporting post with an underground post is typical of many ROC sites in eastern England. <1> This post was built in November 1953, to replace a wartime post at Chrishall, which still survives at TL 4480 4042. The principal published source <8> does not list this underground post at Ickleton. <1> During the 1950s to 60s a national network of 870 monitoring posts were set up to provide information in the event of a nuclear attack. Each post was manned by two or three members of the Royal Observer Corps operating from an underground room, often in remote rural areas. Above ground, three devices provided the required information – the Bomb Power Indicator, the Ground Zero Indicator and the Field Survey Meter. These gave the strength of the bomb, its direction and the level of radiation. Below ground there was a single room and a toilet cubicle. The spartan living accommodation consisted of a double bunk, a desk, chair and a cupboard. Collectively, a group of thirty Monitoring Posts would report by telephone to a Group Control Station. <3> A private report, compiled in 1998, lists 42 Monitoring Posts in Essex. Each had been visited by the author, apparently during the 1990s, and 23 were found to be extant. <4> - <6> The external features of this post survive in good condition. Associated with the post is a raised brick aircraft observation platform, probably dating from the early 1950s. This is of a non standard design and illustrates a variant type of visual reporting post. <5> Site Assessment: Considered for scheduling. <5> See also: <6> - <9> The bunker has a ventilation shaft which is extant and in good condition. Externally the monument is in good condition. Internally the bunker has two rooms; one very small toilet facility and a larger operations/accommodation room. Virtually all internal fittings are missing and the wall tiles show extensive heat damage. The monument should be reassessed once other ROC posts have been visited. <10> See also: <11> <12>