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ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS SITES November 2008 (This data is as produced from the HER database) The ROC was originally established as a defence warning operation, notably identifying enemy aircraft in WW2. During the Cold War, the emphasis changed to developing underground bunkers designed to function in a nuclear environment. Royal Observer Corps. Google map links are being added to these pages when archived Isle of Wight History Centre |
| ID | Name |
|---|---|
| 3988 | Atherfield. |
| 3989 | Brighstone. |
| 3990 | Brook Bay. |
| 3991 | Freshwater. |
| 3992 | Freshwater. |
| 3993 | Freshwater. |
| 3994 | Luccombe Bay. |
| 3995 | The Needles. |
| 3996 | Newport. |
| 3997 | Newport. |
| 3998 | Newport. |
| 3999 | Niton. |
| 4000 | Niton. |
| 4001 | Sandown |
| 4002 | Sandown. |
| 4003 | Seaview (Puckpool). |
| 4004 | Woody Point. |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3988 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Atherfield. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ47NE |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 454 791 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post, closed 1944 |
| Description: | Atherfield (IOW) Date: 09 43 No. 3/C1 NGR SZ 454791 Structure Date: 10 44 Closed [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.223] There is no visual evidence of any remains at the map reference but to the left of the path going to the coastguard cottages there is a base which has been used twice, one of wood and added to the concrete base a concrete erection was originally here. Whether this was a multi base for both coastguard and ROC I do not know. [Information from Mr Dave Moore (Defence of Britain Project local coordinator) 23rd August 2000] |
| Civil Parish | Shorwell, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3988 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty | |
| Heritage Coast | |
| Site of Special Scientific Interest |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3989 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Brighstone. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ48SW |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 423 816 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post, closed 1944 |
| Description: | Brighstone (IOW) Date: nd No. 3/G4 NGR SZ 423816 Date: nd 44 Closed [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.223] There is no visual sign at this reference but on the other side of the chine is a concrete structure which has slipped down the chine. If its position was originally on top then this is quite possibly the location. It is not a pillbox because it is fitted for windows. Examination of the structure is difficult because of its position. [Information from Mr Dave Moore (Defence of Britain Project local coordinator) 23rd August 2000] |
| Civil Parish | Brighstone, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3989 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty | |
| Heritage Coast | |
| Site of Special Scientific Interest |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3990 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Brook Bay. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ38SE |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 38 83 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post, location not known |
| Description: | Brook Bay. Date: 10 43 No. 3/G2 Date: 10 44 Closed [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.223] The map reference is wrong and I can find no evidence of any structure along the coastal path or inland, I will try to relocate this site. [Information from Mr Dave Moore (Defence of Britain Project local coordinator) 23rd August 2000] |
| Civil Parish | Brighstone, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3990 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3991 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Freshwater. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ38NW |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 337 874 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post, opened 1934 |
| Description: | Freshwater (IOW) Date: 05 34 No. 3/J1 NGR SZ 337 874 Date: 01 36 No.3/G3 - (site opened as post 1 in cluster J of 3 Group at SZ 337 874 in May 1934. Remaining at same NGR, the post was renumbered to post 3 in cluster G of 3 Group in or before January 1936) [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.224] No evidence of any remains on this site. [Information from Mr Dave Moore (Defence of Britain Project local coordinator) 23rd August 2000] |
| Civil Parish | Freshwater, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3991 |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3992 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Freshwater. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ38NE |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 353 858 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post, 1936, resited in or before 1943 |
| Description: | Freshwater (IOW) Date: 05 34 No. 3/J1 NGR SZ 337 874 Date: 01 36 No. 3/G3 - Date: nd 43 - NGR SZ 353 858 (see also PRN 3391. Post 3 in cluster G of 3 Group was resited to SZ 353 858 in or before 1943) [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.224] |
| Civil Parish | Freshwater, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3992 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty | |
| Heritage Coast | |
| S.A.C. | |
| Site of Special Scientific Interest |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3993 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Freshwater. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ38NE |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 3526 8573 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC underground bunker, incorporated into round barrow (IWSMR 160) on Freshwater Bay Golf Course |
| Description: | Freshwater (IOW) Date: 12 52 No. 14/F4 NGR SZ 343 851 Permanent in place Date: 01 59 - - Underground Date: 10 68 No. 14/J3 - (Post 4 in cluster F of 14 Group at SZ 343 851 in December 1952. Remaining at the same place, the post was moved underground in or before January 1959. At the same location, the post was renumbered to post 3 in cluster J of 14 group in or before October 1968) [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.224] Grid ref is in the sea. [.] Freshwater (Isle of Wight) OS grid ref: SZ 3527 8575 Date opened: January 1959 Date closed: September 1991 Location: On a tumulus close to the 1st green on the Freshwater Bay Golf Course, 20 yards north of a public footpath across the golf course. Description: Locked. All surface features remain intact but set very low in the ground, the ventilation shaft being at a slightly lower level than the access shaft. There are three steps up to the access shaft. The top of the access shaft has been reconstructed and a new hatch fitted a few inches higher than the original hatch leaving the fixing for the original locking bar two inches below the hatch. The FSM pipe is only 6" above ground level. The GZI mounting is on top of a 10" high concrete plinth on top of the vent shaft adjacent to the access shaft. A metal dome on the ventilation shaft indicates that this was a master post. The green paint is flaking badly. Remaining surface buildings: None. [Information downloaded from Subterranean Britain website: www.subterranea.org.uk/roc/hampshir.htm] Situated on Freshwater Golf Course, just to the left of the footpath. This is the same as the Yaverland site, although the pedestal and the entrance appear to be together (see photos). I believe one to be complete in every way. The entrance is padlocked and clean. Unfortunately nobody seems to know who has the key - or they are not telling. [Information from Mr Dave Moore (Defence of Britain Project local coordinator) 23rd August 2000] Report and photographs provided by Mr D. Moore (Defence of Britain Project local co-ordinator), following inspection of the bunker with the National Trust. [D. Moore, (Defence of Britain Project local co-ordinator), 5th June 2002] Bunker noted incorporated into barrow IWSMR 160, during GPS survey of scheduled monuments on Freshwater Bay Golf Course for National Trust/golf club management plan. Assigned National Trust SMR no. 126522. [GPS survey, F. Basford, R. Loader, 14.2.2003] Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post. ROC underground Orlit A. Recorder N. Catford. SZ 3527 8575. Condition - good. [Defence of Britain database. Non anti-invasion record 2990] |
| Civil Parish | Freshwater, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3993 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty | |
| Heritage Coast | |
| S.A.C. | |
| Site of Special Scientific Interest |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3994 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Luccombe Bay. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ58SE |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 585 800 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post, closed 1945 |
| Description: | Luccombe Bay (IOW) Date: nd 43 No. 3/C4 NGR SZ 585 800 Date: 01 45 Closed [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.226] NTSMR 126047 The tenant of Highcliff recalls that it was situated on the cliffs to the east of Highcliff. The area is much overgrown now but concrete foundations were visible in the past when the vegetation was not so thick (Andy Butler, East Wight Warden, pers. comm.) [Currie, C.K. 2002. 'An archaeological and historical survey of the Ventnor Downs and Luccombe Farm estate. Volume 1: historical text and archaeological inventory' Report to the National Trust (Thames and Solent Region), p.121] |
| Civil Parish | Shanklin, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3994 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| Event ID | Name/Ref | Organisation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIW96 | Ventnor Down and Luccombe Farm Estate, National Trust (Ref: IWSMR 5594) | CKC Archaeology |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3995 |
|---|---|
| Name: | The Needles. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ28SE |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 294 849 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post, closed 1944 |
| Description: | Needles (IOW) Date: 06 43 No. - NGR SZ 294 849 Date: 10 44 Closed [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.227] NTSMR 125671 [Rushton, N. 2005. 'The National Trust West Wight Estate: The Needles, West High Down, Tennyson Down and Headon Warren in Freshwater, Isle of Wight. An Archaeological and Historical Survey. Vol 2: Archaeological Inventory', Wessex Archaeology, p.110] |
| Civil Parish | Totland, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3995 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty | |
| Heritage Coast | |
| S.A.C. | |
| Site of Special Scientific Interest |
| Event ID | Name/Ref | Organisation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIW92 | National Trust West Wight Estate (The Needles, West High Down, Tennyson Down and Headon Warren) (Ref: IWSMR 5970) | CKC Archaeology |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3996 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Newport. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ48NE |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 496 878 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post, above ground, nothing remaining, believed dismantled at the end of the war |
| Description: | Newport (IOW) Date: 06 43 No. 3/J1 NGR 496 878 [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.227] This was an above ground wooden structure on stilts, about 12 feet above ground. Nothing remains of the site. Word is that it was dismantled at the close of the war. [Information from Mr Dave Moore (Defence of Britain Project local coordinator) 23rd August 2000] |
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3996 |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3997 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Newport. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ48NE |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 495 880 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC monitoring post, Mount Joy Tower |
| Description: | Newport (IOW) Date: 12 52 No. 14/F1 NGR SZ 495880 Permanent required [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.227] Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post. Mount Joy Tower. Recorder C. Moore. Grid reference SZ 495 880. Period WW2. Condition very bad. Recorder's reference W/T/-H/G. [Defence of Britain database. Non anti-invasion record 2958] |
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3997 |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3998 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Newport. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ58NW |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 518 891 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | Underground ROC post |
| Description: | Newport (IOW) Date: 12 52 No. 14/F1 NGR SZ 495 880 Permanent required Date: 04 61 - NGR SZ 518 891 Date: 07 62 - - Underground Date: 10 68 No.14/J1 (see also PRN 3997. Post 1 in cluster F of 14 group was resited to SZ 518 891 in or before April 1961. In or before July 1962, the post, whilst remaining at the same grid reference, was moved underground. At the same location, the post was renumbered to post 1 in cluster J of 14 group in or before October 1968) [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI 2, The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.227] Newport (Isle of Wight) OS grid ref: SZ 5183 8910 Date opened: July 1962 Date closed: September 1991 Location: In a small overgrown compound on the north side of a farm track, 150 yards east of Long Lane. Description: Locked. All surface features remain intact with the green paint flaking badly. The hatch is locked. Remaining surface buildings: None [Information downloaded from Subterranean Britain website: www.subterranea.org.uk/roc/hampshir.htm] Site surrounded by concrete post and wire fence over which a hedge has been established. Above ground features survive in dense undergrowth. [Field visit F. Basford, 11.7.2001] Royal Observer Corps Monitoring post. ROC Underground. Recorder N. Catford. SZ 5183 8910. Condition Unknown. [Defence of Britain database. Non anti-invasion record 2992] |
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3998 |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 3999 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Niton. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ57NW |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 5040 7670 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post |
| Description: | Niton (IOW) Date: 05 34 No. 3/J3 NGR SZ 54 767 [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI.2. The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.227] |
| Civil Parish | Niton and Whitwell, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 3999 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 4000 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Niton. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ57NW |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 508 761 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | Underground ROC post, 1962 - 1991 |
| Description: | Niton (IOW) Date: 05 34 No. 3/J3 NGR SZ 54 767 Date: 01 43 - NGR SZ 508 761 Date: 09 43 No. 3/C2 - Date: 12 52 No. 14/F3 - Permanent in place Date: 05 62 - - Underground Date: 10 68 No. 14/J2 - (see also PRN 3999. Post 3 in cluster J of 3 group was resited from SZ 504 767 to SZ 508 761in or before January 1943. At this location the post was renumbered to post 2 in cluster C of 3 group in or before September 1943. At the same location the post was renumbered to post 3 in cluster F of 14 group and made permanent in place in or before December 1952. It was moved underground in or before May 1962. In or before October 1968, the post was renumbered to post 2 in cluster J of 14 group. [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI.2. The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.227] Niton (Isle of Wight) OS grid ref: SZ 5075 7612 Date opened: May 1962 Date closed: September 1991 Location: In a heavily overgrown compound on the north side of a public footpath, 120 yards north of Undercliff Drive. Description: Sealed. All surface features remain in place with bad flaking of the green paint. There is unusually large step up to the hatch. The hatch has been removed and the shaft plugged with concrete. The ventilation louvres on the adjacent shaft are missing. Remaining surface buildings: none [Information downloaded from Subterranean Britain website: www.subterranea.org.uk/roc/hampshir.htm] Site accessed through a wooden gate on north side of coastal footpath. Very overgrown. Shaft sealed with concrete. [Site visit, 8.2.2001, F. Basford, R. Loader with William Thurbin.] Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post. ROC underground. Recorder N. Catford. Grid reference SZ 5075 7612. Condition - fair. [Defence of Britain database. Non anti-invasion record 2994] |
| Civil Parish | Niton and Whitwell, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 4000 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 4001 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Sandown |
| Map Sheet: | SZ58SE |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 595 838 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post, 1934 - 1961 |
| Description: | Sandown (IOW) Date: 05 34 No. 3/J3 NGR SZ 595 838 Date: 12 52 No. 14/F2 - Date: 09 61 - NGR SZ 617 853 (Post 3 in cluster J of 3 group at SZ 595 838 in May 1934. at the same location, renumbered to post 2 in cluster F of 14 group in or before December 1952. Moved to SZ 617 853 by September 1961 (see PRN 4002). [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI.2. The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.228] |
| Civil Parish | Sandown, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 4001 |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 4002 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Sandown. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ68NW |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 617 853 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | Underground ROC post located in the grounds of Sandown Bay Holiday Camp |
| Description: | Sandown (IOW) Date: 12 52 No. 14/F2 - Date: 09 61 - NGR SZ 617 853 Date: 04 62 - - Underground Date: 10 68 Closed (see also PRN 4001). Post 2 in cluster F of 14 group moved from SZ 595 838 to SZ 617 853 in or before September 1961. Moved underground in or before April 1962. Closed October 1968. [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI.2. The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.228] Sandown (Isle of Wight) OS grid ref: SZ 6162 8528 Date opened: April 1962 Date closed October 1968 Location: 20 yards south of the main reception building of the Sandown Bay Holiday Centre. Description: Open. All surface features remain intact apart from the BPI pipe which has been removed (presumably for safety reasons as the post is now in the middle of a grassed area used by the public.) Everything above ground has been painted bright yellow. The hatch is open but the counterbalance weight is detached and hanging from the hatch together with a number of bricks, making the hatch extremely heavy and difficult to lift. The post is flooded almost to the ceiling of the monitoring room. Remaining surface buildings: What looks like an instrument mounting on a concrete plinth stands four yards to the south. This may have a connection with the aircraft post. It is also painted bright yellow. [Information downloaded from Subterranean Britain website: www.subterranea.org.uk/roc/hampshir.htm] Situated in the grounds of Sandown Bay Holiday Camp. Access either through the camp or from the coastal footpath, through a small gate to the left of the path. The above ground site covers an area of approximately 27 feet by 8 feet, consisting of three main parts: 1. The pedestal - used as a sighting post measuring height, distance, direction and numbers, which were then relayed to ROC HQ. 2. The entrance - a steel entry cover leading to an underground accommodation bunker. 3. Air vent - probably a forced air vent to keep the bunker habitable. There is also a pipe protruding between the pedestal and the entry which was possibly a chimney. [Information from Mr Dave Moore (Defence of Britain Project local coordinator) 23rd August 2000] Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post. ROC Underground. Recorder N. Catford. Grid reference SZ 6162 8528. Condition fair. [Defence of Britain database. Non anti-invasion record 2991] |
| Civil Parish | Sandown, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 4002 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 4003 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Seaview (Puckpool). |
| Map Sheet: | SZ69SW |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 615 922 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC post & HQ, 1940-1968 |
| Description: | Seaview (IOW) Date: 01 40 No. 3/J4 NGR SZ 615 922 Date: 12 52 No. 14/G3 - E (elevated) Date: 02 62 - - Underground Date: 10 68 Closed [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI.2. The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.228] Seaview (Isle of Wight) OS grid ref: SZ 6155 9216 Date opened: February 1962 Date closed: October 1968 Location: On the east end of the Puckpool Mortar Battery (now a public park) on the grass in front of beach huts. Description: Demolished. No trace of anything. Remaining surface buildings: none. [Information downloaded from Subterranean Britain website: www.subterranea.org.uk/roc/hampshir.htm] An above ground site on top of the east mortar magazine, the headquarters of the Royal Observer Corps was situated in the mortar bay. Nothing remains of either site or HQ. [Information from Mr Dave Moore (Defence of Britain Project local coordinator) 23rd August 2000] Royal Observation Corps Monitoring Post. ROC Underground Seaview. Recorder N. Catford. Grid reference SZ 6155 9216. Condition - destroyed. [Defence of Britain database. Non anti-invasion record 2993] |
| Civil Parish | Nettlestone and Seaview, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 4003 |
| ID (Preferred Ref.): | 4004 |
|---|---|
| Name: | Woody Point. |
| Map Sheet: | SZ57NW |
| Grid Reference: | SZ 536 762 (point) Google map |
| Summary: | ROC site, 1943-1944 |
| Description: | Woody Point Date: nd 43 No. 3/C3 NGR SZ 536 762 Date: 08 44 Closed [Dobinson, C.S. 2000. 'Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume XI.2. The Cold War. Appendices', CBA, p.229] |
| Civil Parish | Ventnor, Isle of Wight |
|---|
| Type/Grade | Reference/Title |
|---|---|
| Sites & Monuments Record | 4004 |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty | |
| Site of Special Scientific Interest |
Isle of Wight Royal Observation Corps Sites
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