Visit to Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
 As it was originally built for the RAF as a Control Centre, on the bottom floor there was a map table about 12 feet square around which worked about 15 WAAFs who plotted the position of the planes. Above were two mezzanine floors from where the controllers would gaze down and direct operations. Later these floors were filled in to make room for members of the government and military commanders etc. who would run the country during an attack.
Other rooms were for scientists, who would monitor any nuclear blast and predict fall-out patterns, communications people who kept in touch with others via telephone or teleprinter. There was also a well equipped sick bay for emergency first aid.
In the administration area there was room for government ministers, each one having a desk and a couple chairs, a PC and a secretary. Even the Prime Minister would have had a desk, and there was a BBC studio from where announcements could be made to the world.
 The tour around the complex takes about an hour, or as long as you choose to make it as there were film shows you could watch, and the commentary via the wand is very comprehensive. You are left in no doubt what the conditions after any atomic attack would be like, and how many would be likely to survive. Luckily, thanks to this complex and many others around the country, we would have a pretty good chance of having someone around to pick up the pieces and start again!
This article gives you just a flavour of the bunker and a visit is the only way to really appreciate it and see all the things I have left out. If you would like more information, go to the bunker website which is http://www.japar.demon.co.uk
[Many thanks are due to Mike Parrish of the bunker who gave kind permission for the use of photos.]
Mike M0ASA
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