ROC HQ no 1 Group Maidstone -Inside the bunker-Kent -Feb 2012

[combat]

Visited with wastelandwanderer on a special opening. 57 London Road (`Fairlawns') was requisitioned in 1939 as a new headquarters for No.1 Group, Royal Observer Corps - having previously been stationed in rooms above Maidstone Post Office. In use throughout WWII until stand down, by the 1950s Fairlawns was relegated to being a training centre for the group control at Beckenham (19 Group).
In 1961 a new semi-sunk control was built to the rear of the house, with administration located in the house. In 1976, Fairlawns was renamed Ashmore House in memory of the Corps' founder Major Ashmore. Enough water for 1 weeks use for 70 people, but 3 weeks worth of diesel.
On closure in 1992, Ashmore House and the Control Bunker behind were sold to a local firm of solicitors.
Used for file storage until recently, H&S regulations have forced the solicitors to abandon use of the bunker, I wont put too many external shots in as these have been covered by other posts
There is an official visit on 17th March 2012, led by a former HQ ROC member . Donations recieved on this day going to charity. PM me for details


Entrance Hall , Decontamination rooms on left behing green door, all the showers have been removed.

Looking back up the entrance stairs to lower levels.

Compressor plant room, the equipment looks like it was just abandoned yesterday.

Plot/observation room and upper galleries, the original fittings were sold the SOC kelvedon hatch

Sound insulated teleprinter room.

Air Intake Filter room.

Radio Room and room behind green door is faraday cage shielded

Looking down to the ops room

Dial in the compressor room

Not a LED in sight!

Standby Generator set room


Alternative exit

Alt exit Hadnt been opened in a long while judging by the number of resident spiders

Plant room for ejecting unwanted semi solid matter

The place is full of indicators