Top Secret Cold War RAF ROTOR site bunker & tunnel, Portland UK. Explore Underground. Radar 40 min
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- čas přidán 9. 09. 2024
- At Glacis, by the historic Verne Citadel on the isle of Portland. The story of one of the Royal Air Force's top secret Cold War radar installations, the last one of its type to survive in its near-original condition, despite fire damage. Constructed in utmost secrecy from 1950 to 1953. Unique footage, and the personal recollections of ex-National Serviceman Tony Baker.
This last-minute tour - in the dark - shows the safety work carried out before the MoD sold the site in 2001. Showing me around was (the late) Ivan 'Moose' Maley of the MoD.
In the 1960s the site became a USAF relay site linked to gigantic Tropscatter arrays at Ringstead, near Weymouth. The site is now the community Fancy's Farm, open to the public - but there is no access to the underground installations.
The historic value of this RAF Portland site to the nation is recognised by Historic England as a Scheduled Monument.
Great to see a more indepth video of the rotor bunker. Have visited a few of these now museums. Thoroughly enjoyed 👍
another wonderful video giving us the unknown history to us poor yokels who live in the region , thank you mr Morris I appreciate these films of yours greatly
The grueling work involved to make the whole site, especially the tunnel, is certainly impressive. It's reassuring that there are always people willing to put in the work to save historical sites.
I'm now 92 but was stationed here from winter 1955 to april 1957.RAF JT Ground radar engineer. Have one or two photoa from the top of the tower.
Brilliant to hear from someone who was involved! It would be interesting to see your photos from the top of the tower, was that the 200 ft one? sm42@talktalk.net
Really enjoyed that 5 star video
Excellent video, thank you. I’ve often wondered ‘though why they went to the trouble of digging down 80’ through the rock then going sideways and siting the actual bunker under the Verne moat where they lost 60’ of protective rock cover! - any idea?
Yes, I can think of several alternatives, but clearly they had to ensure that the access shaft and tunnel were as protected as the bunker. It would be good to see more contemporary documents from the time.
I am curious if you knew anyone who worked at 'gateway' supermarket in town. 2.48, tillycombe rd. I explored in that area, up to wall into main ditch. I did wonder what was below. Thanks. I also got to explore ww2 gun emplacements & southwell business park, former torpedo factory as well as the area by Neptune bay along breakwater. Wish I could explore everywhere else I've not seen yet.
Sorry I didn't know anyone who worked at Gateway. Why did you ask? I hope you enjoyed this video
@@StuartMorris7 There was a Mrs. Morris who worked there in 1980s. Just thought you might know her. I worked there myself.
I enjoyed & liked video. 👍
@@jeaniebottle6758 Sorry, that was a different Mrs Morris, no relation. I'm pleased you liked the video, it took me a long time to compile it!
@@StuartMorris7 I worked at the Nothe fort museum for a while & love history, local & further beyond. Thank you for making. I look forward to see what you produce next. May I suggest a history of Portland pubs long gone & still there, you can have fun doing that or maybe prisons history & breakwater. Maybe Portland as (scene) through any t.v or films, where that area was used. Like 'goodies' or 'Norman Wisdom' film. ect. Lots of scope there.
@@jeaniebottle6758 Thanks for you suggestions Jeanie. My time is very stretched and I have a few other documentaries that I'm trying to get down to. I'm sure others could do those subjects. You mention the Breakwater, and I've covered that in this one: czcams.com/video/KePRXqulMXA/video.html
A more recent video of this place.
czcams.com/video/w35VVrJwmMY/video.html
Good, yes I've seen that. Wondering what the secret is for getting the astronomical🤨 numbers of video views?