combat
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Wastelandwanderer and i visited recently after tracking down the keyholders, The ajacent building Ashmore House named after the ROC founder Major Ashmore who was a local and hence reason for namimg this area 'No 1 group'.We hadnt been to a ROC HQ before so this was a real treat. The future of the building is uncertain and it isnt listed by English Heritage, so if you are local keep an eye on the place. There is an official visit day on Saturday 17th March at 10.00am run by one of the ROC ex members with donations to a local charity.
Some History
57 London Road was originally in civilian occupation and named `Fairlawns'. The property was requisitioned in 1939 as a new headquarters for No.1 Group of the Royal Observer Corps, who had previously been stationed in rooms above Maidstone Post Office. An operations room was built in the house using the ground floor and basement. Fairlawns was in use throughout the war until stand down. In 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 Fairlawns with administration located in the house. Beckenham was then relegated to being training centre for 1 Group at Maidstone. The former 19 Group HQ at Dura Den, Park Place, Beckenham was absorbed into No. 1 Group in 1953 but was retained for as a secondary training centre until 1968 In 1976 Fairlawns was renamed Ashmore House in memory of the Corps' founder Major Ashmore. On closure Ashmore House and the bunker behind was sold to a local solicitors.
Entrance hall with decontamination showers on room on left
Warning to not enter the Filter room
A lot of original building features remain
Ejector room
Compressor Room
Compressor room controls
Spares cupboard for the standby generator set, unlikely to be used again
Standby generator, used in full lockdown mode
Teleprinter room, with ops room beyond doorway
Ops room lower floor
Ops room from tote positions
Lots of signs
Kitchen area
Hot bunk Dormatory
Secondary exit believe an addition later in the life of the bunker
Secondary exit
Empty Radio Room with room beyond with faraday cage to protect against EMP
external view
Torlift hatch exit
Thanks for looking.
Some History
57 London Road was originally in civilian occupation and named `Fairlawns'. The property was requisitioned in 1939 as a new headquarters for No.1 Group of the Royal Observer Corps, who had previously been stationed in rooms above Maidstone Post Office. An operations room was built in the house using the ground floor and basement. Fairlawns was in use throughout the war until stand down. In 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 Fairlawns with administration located in the house. Beckenham was then relegated to being training centre for 1 Group at Maidstone. The former 19 Group HQ at Dura Den, Park Place, Beckenham was absorbed into No. 1 Group in 1953 but was retained for as a secondary training centre until 1968 In 1976 Fairlawns was renamed Ashmore House in memory of the Corps' founder Major Ashmore. On closure Ashmore House and the bunker behind was sold to a local solicitors.
Entrance hall with decontamination showers on room on left
Warning to not enter the Filter room
A lot of original building features remain
Ejector room
Compressor Room
Compressor room controls
Spares cupboard for the standby generator set, unlikely to be used again
Standby generator, used in full lockdown mode
Teleprinter room, with ops room beyond doorway
Ops room lower floor
Ops room from tote positions
Lots of signs
Kitchen area
Hot bunk Dormatory
Secondary exit believe an addition later in the life of the bunker
Secondary exit
Empty Radio Room with room beyond with faraday cage to protect against EMP
external view
Torlift hatch exit
Thanks for looking.
