Items

2012
XH558: VULCAN U.K. TOUR Saturday 29th September Dave P.
Wartime Farm: filming at the wartime post at Manor Farm, Botley, Hants. by Neville C
LACW Margaret Horton became the unexpected passenger sitting on the tailplane of a Spitfire | sources & pictures | article | Chas P
Re-construction of the Bentley Priory Gate Guardians
Lincoln Branch at the Woodside Falconry and the Falklands War Memorial Service, Ayscoughfee Peace Gardens, Spalding. Norman H
J2 Farnsfield Post won the ‘Top Post in the Group' Competition in 1956. Lawrence H
It is with sadness that we learn of the death of Dennis Graham of No.8 Group, Wickersley, Rotherham. Observer DENNIS GRAHAM joined the Royal Observer Corps in November 1977 and served at the Wickersley post. His funeral will take place on Monday 30th July at 1.30pm at Rotherham Crematorium. Sue J.
The secret cold war role of the Aberdeenshire farming community Frank A. (use Edit tab > Find > Corps)
Festival of Archaeology in Wales. John She. (use Edit tab > Find > Cold War era)
Service of Remembrance at the British Cenotaph Weymouth on Sunday 24 June 2012. Irving R.
It is with regret that we learn of the death of Cyril Gifford of No.4 Group. His funeral will take place on Tuesday 17th. July at 12:30pm at Colchester Crematorium. (CO2 8RU) John Mill.
15 Group on Parade at the No.50 & No.61 Sqdns Association Memorial Services & A.F.Day Norman H.
Items donated to be auctioned in aid of 14 Group's target of £500 for the ROC Grove Memorial Project
The funeral of Basil Rookley will take place at 1.45pm at Woodvale Crematorium, Lewes Rd, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 3QB. Turn off the A27 towards Brighton on the A270. Immediately past KWIKFIT on your left, turn left to Woodvale Crematorium. The Crematorium is signposted and one way. Frank T.
"Jean Turner, former Observer Officer with 16 Group passed away on June 12th. Requiem Mass to be held at St. Winifred's Church, Crowmere Road, Shrewsbury on Thursday June 28th at 10.30am, followed by a Committal Service at Emstrey Crematorium, London Road, Shrewsbury. Dress optional. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Severn Hospice". David O.
Newspaper report of two Observers in a 1960s' Protected Post. Who are they?. // Easy when Lawrence H was the C/obs.
Fred West shares an album taken at the Armed Forces Muster in Windsor.
ROC at Beaulieu Trucks & Troops 26-27th May
Comet Racer restoration project at Derby Airfield
Pictures of a pre-war Observer Corps post
Sgt. Dennis Noble's Hurricane displayed at Tangmere Air Museum
Daily Telegraph obituary of Air Commodore Edward Barnes Sismore DSO DF and two bars AFC, (the 13th Commandant ROC between January 1971 – May 1973) died on 22 March 2012 aged 90 and is survived by his son and daughter. Adrian A
First trial of ROC post at Farnham in 1958 (and much more). Posted by Flat4. Mark Hast.
Bob Clarke, Univ. of Exeter res. student; "what made people want to become spare-time members of the ROC"

2011
Royal Observer Way, Seaton, Devon, from Harbour Rd. to Tesco. Irving R
Funeral for Douglas Lee on 19th December at Horsham St.Faith Crematorium at 11:00. Family flowers only.
The Somme: Thiepval Memorial and the Lochnavar Crater viewed from a DH2. Ann Fitz.
“The Royal Observer Corps Underground Monitoring Posts” by Mark Dalton. Reviewed by Lawrence H
The Farnsfield Post Memorial visited by the Ashbourne CROCA on the 22nd.September 2011. Jon L & Lawrence H
'In those days when you kept a secret you kept a secret' Eileen Brush reminisces. Law H
A Memorial Service for Derek Balcombe, former GO with 2 Group, will be held on Wednesday 16th. November 2011 at St. Clement Danes Church in the Strand. Afterwards at the RAF Club for an 'aircrew breakfast'.
16 Group is unveiling a plaque on the former Group Control building on Friday 30th September. All former members of the Group are welcome to attend, but please get in touch first so that we can assess refreshments. Contact David J by September 26th. David O
Sheila Hart, Plymouth Amateur Radio Club G3PRC/G8PRC, invites a guest speaker to talk on the ROC. Contact Simon Cr.
Air Cadets instructors beat 17 teams from the world's best air forces at RIAT. Neville C is at the right hand end of the group.
Anatomy of a documentary shoot... at the Imperial War Museum on the 29th July 2011 by a film team from Toronto, Canada for a series called Museum Secrets. Mary Anne A in charge and the ROC star was Neville C.
Cuckfield Museum: Royal Observer Corps display.
Simon Craine is assisting with the The Guildhall Project, Bury St Edmunds.
Firey Freds Forum For former members of the Royal Observer Corps.
A Cold War bunker at Hope Cave in Devon is a solid investment
Broadway Tower's Underground Post opens on Friday May 20th 2011 at 1400 hours. | opening update |
Monitoring Posts (S.Yorks.) | Protection from the Cold | eBook available | by Simon Craine & Noel Ryan
New web site: Chop Gate Post is having an open day on Sunday 29th May from 1000 - 1600hrs.
Short films of | Underground Posts | General Cold War | topics.
31Group adds a script on the 70th anniversary of the granting of the title “Royal” to the Observer Corps.
Memories of WWII and the Battle of Britain. | No 19 Group Centre bombed | Biggin Hill BoB Heritage Centre |
How a nuclear bunker 15ft underground could be yours for just £7,000... (Mark H)
Classic Observer promotes beer sales for the RAFBF Wings appeal. (Terry_G/Chris_H)
Newark Air Museum has entered the digital age of iPhones, Apps... with Empedia
Recent articles on the ROC in national magazines. (Lawrence H) (updated)
A 17 min DVD of the Holbeach Bunker is available from JWK Group. £5 to members.
New York Cold War Bunker Guidebook priced at ~£2.
Just to let you know I am now famous on the Net ! , autographs by appointment only. Frank Sauntson.
Northgate Mansions is falling down. Formerly used by the ROC as the 24 Group Gloucester wartime ops room.

2010
Cold War Bunkers is the third volume of records of the UK's underground heritage by Nick Catford. (Roy C)
An 'unable to deliver' card from PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) can cost you £315. 'Crime Stoppers' details.
“Granite” chain Brassington posts in Derbyshire (8Group): Scheduling Success! ( Updated)
IWM, Searchlight 'Stories from our collection'. ROC. (RoyC)
RAFA Christmas Concert, 'concert for heroes' at Perth Concert Hall on 16th December 2010.
E.J. Rudsdale's Journals of Wartime Colchester | Publisher's notes | LHolmes Book List #31 | (updated)
Did you lose a small Gold, lapel/tie badge with 'Observer Corps' logo in Tunbridge Wells?. Contact Roy.
David Jason's programme on the Battle of Britain this Sunday at 19.00 includes a visit to a post and to Bentley Priory.
The RAF Museum at Cosford is also marking Battle of Britain Day this weekend.
ITV National News are covering the 70th Anniversary of the BoB on 12or13aug10 with stories of members who were in the Royal Observer Corps at the time of the BoB.
BBC Radio 4's 'Today' are working on a series of pieces about the Battle of Britain. It will be broadcast between 15-20aug10 and may include observers.
ITV would like to get in touch with observers who were active during the BoB.
OC of Special Constables & ROC Badges & Insignia 1925 - 1995. by B.A.Rookley
Battle of Britain Day by Day ...role of Observer Corps in Battle of Britain. See July 29th. (JimMac)
Virtual ROC post tour. (RoyC)
Radio 4's 'Today' would like to get in touch with observers who were active on 15-20aug1940 during the BoB.
An ROC plaque is now hanging in the Memorial Room at the Ulster Tower in Thiepval. (AnnF)
BPI, GZI, PDRM82F and FSM Dome are needed to complete restoration at Chopgate ROC Post
How is your Czech? Need to translate? Right click and choose 'Translate with live search' (RoyC)
The Secret Listeners. The RSS, (R)OC and the RSGB (RoyC)
Portadown man restores Cold War nuclear bunker. 31/45. See also www.nibunker.co.uk (RoyC)
EB-Z | on Harriers GR9 ZG503 and GR9 ZG857 of 41 Sqdn. | BoBMF Spitfire | more flying | (RichardS 2Gr.)
"Archive of U.S. Nuclear Test Films". Sent in by BobC 25Gr.
The alternative ' Protect and Survive'. ( RoyC)
31 Group Northern Ireland are currently restoring the former Portadown Master Post.
Anyone wishing to view the former Master Post at Portadown contact [email protected]
Isle Of Man 70th Anniversary Battle of Britain Stamps Ian Burrows was contacted by Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork MBE BA FRAeS, who wrote the commentary to accompany the issue. He asked for some ROC photos to be included which Ian provided.
'Air War Over the Nore ' by Jon Sutherland and Diane Canwell. A review welcomed by Laura Wilkinson.
Future in the balance for Fighter Command's historic HQ. The Times | Sat.03apr10. (Layne&Shere)
Hansard 1942 vol 385 cc698-701. Royal Observer Corps Centres (Men over 50) (Roy C)
Former post at Wroughton is being used for seismic monitoring by the British Geological Survey. (Roy C)
The potential of this post seems to have far reaching appeal. Newspaper clippingfromNice. (Terry G) (Updated)
Keep the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF)petition. (Ian B)
For the really switched-on: Podcasts (Dowding: Architect of Victory and BoB; ROC at 05.04) David O)
ITV Westcountry come to Veryan Post (Updated)
A hopeful step back from Doomsday has taken place as the Nuclear Clock has moved a minute away from Midnight.
A wineperfect for the Royal Observer Corps Association
Great Horkesley 18/F.1 and the location for John Constable's The Cornfield
Win prizes when you visit the Newark Air Museum. (Updated)
Newark Air Museum is hosting its second V-Force reunion event on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th April 2010.

2009
What's aMicklethwait?
RAFHarrier – 40 Years in service
Shirley gets the President's Certificate
Family Tree magazine will publish a comprehensive historical article about the ROC. On sale 27nov09. (Updated)
Author Stephen Booth www.stephen-booth.blogspot.com/ On this blog is a video of him reading from his book. Any Ex ROC person listening to this extract will relate to it. (Jim Mackie)
If you like murder mystery novels, try this one. You don’t get many with ROC connections! (Jon Layne)
HM The Queen Birthday Honour: Congratulations to Les Mitton on the award of the MBE. 38 years ROC Service, 10 years as Coventry GC
Walter Newman, died last Thursday 17sep09. ROCA member, over 30 years in the ROC, and was Chief Observer at Stow. Funeral on Friday 9th October at 1130 at Stow on the Wold parish church then to Stow RBL
An article on the history of the ROC is in the latest issue (No.12) of The Family and Local History Handbook. ISBN: 978 0 9552399 3 9 at £9.99. Stephen Rickitt.
BBC Radio Cornwall interviews Lawrence Holmes at Veryan Post Museum on 06aug09. Sound and pictures.
Official Opening of Revamped ROC Museum at Aeroventure
Civil Defence Association Commemorative Service & Parade at the National Arboretum
Visit to the Health and Safety Executive Laboratories near Buxton
Service on the Royal Observer Corps Post at Herne Bay, Kent 1944-1945.
1 Group President, Mike Mott passed away on Thursday 16th July 2009.
Restoration of Machynlleth ROC post in North Wales.
Special event radio station, GB0ROC, at Machynlleth ROC post in September. QSL cards will be available.
Civil Defence Association Commemorative Service & Parade at the National Arboretum
1 Group and the National Standard at the Armed Forces Parade Chatham Dockyard. (Updated)
31 Group Standard at Thiepval and the Ulster Tower.
The Genesis of the Royal Observer Corps and 'My Observer Corps'
The Armed Forces Veterans Badge: response from the Veterans Agency
Refurbished Ballynahinch Post(Updated)
Ulster Aviation Society. Progress of the ROC display
Investigation report on Veryan ROC post, Cornwall
Bunker watch for a nuclear catastrophe that never came.
I'm writing the history of the British air traffic control service.
“Granite” chain Brassington post in Derbyshire (8Group): Scheduling Attempt (Updated)
"The Great Escape" - An insider's account. ( Jon L)
Orlit and Underground Posts with Miniature Observers.
The East Midlands wartime "Oil Bonanza" (Jon Layne) and (Updated)
Farnsfield's Halifax Memorial ( Jon L
Which ROC were you in? http://www.acronymfinder.com/ROC.html (Roy C
Plaque where the RAF was formed in 1918. (Jon Layne)
Radiation monitoring is alive and well in the Civil Defence Warden's Service in Ireland. (Roy C)
Hansard question 26nov52. (Roy C)

2008
York to be annihilated... (Roy C
ROC Ration Packs -_Were they better during WW2 than in the Cold War?!!
A ROC post on Rootschat.com The ROC "not really military..."
The QE2 on its final visit to the Clyde passing Skelmorlie post.
BBC nuclear bomb script released. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7648042.stm 03oct08.
Presentation by 31 Group ROCA at Royal British Legion Hall Lisburn 25.09.08
Harry Briggs goes tandem! (updated)
Visit to Frogmore House by 7 Group Bedford ROCA on Sunday 24aug08.
The 90th.anniversary of the RAF was celebrated at Duxford Airshow. Cliff Spink and Spitfire.
RAF High Wycombe welcomes Spitfire Replica (painted EB-Z).
Background to the wartime Spitfire... Observer Corps EB-Z (updated)
The Secrets of Underground Britain DVDs & Video from the Readers Digest
Paranormal Plotting. The Ghost of the Truro Operations Room
Vulcan XH558 was flying at Farnborough this year.
The Royal Observer Corps in 2008? – A perspective!
Stars honour The Few (David Watson)
Roc Posts (except NI) at http://content-delivery.co.uk/aviation/airfields/roc/ ( Roy C)
Nuclear threat sparked tea worry http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7382750.stm( ( Roy C)
Hundreds of post photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/roc_posts/pool/ ( Roy C)
Veteran's Day video clip ( >60 seconds ). Veteran's Day image www.veteransday.org.uk
Presentation to RAFA at the Marine Court Hotel in Bangor on Saturday 8th March 2008
It has been announced that Royal Air Force Aldergrove will close by 2010.
Visit to the RAF Museum Reserve Collection at Stafford.
Obituary for Harry Martin 1925 - 2008. [updated]
Aerial views of ROC posts Sixteen UKWMO film clips of 3-5 minutes each. (Roy C) http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ukwmo&search_type= [very poor linking!]
Obituary for Margaret (Peggy) Deuchar (nee Evans) BEM by (Jon L)
PC gone too far again - The Red Arrows [updated]

2007
"Post-nuclear broadcasting" on BBC Radio Four, Monday 04feb08 at 2000
Post-nuclear broadcasting (Roy C)
Saturday 5 January Channel 4 at 1930 - "1983 -The Brink of the Apocalypse" Radio Times | Programme Details (Jon L)
Aeroventure incorporating the South Yorkshire Air Museum - (Jon L)
PC gone too far again - The Red Arrows
Surprise Party for Paddy Malone
WW2 People's War - Rudolf Hess ( David W)
Last chance to see around Winchester Control on the 17-18sep07. Roy
Visit to Cheddleton Flint Mill, near Leek. Ashbourne Section CROCA - ( Jon L)
Another Post for sale on ebay. Post for sale (PeteH.)
Report on the death of Derrick Lamb who died on the 24jun07.
Editors beware. A 2nd class stamp on the wrong size of envelope costs recipient £1.16 !
Visit to 20 Group Control, York by 08Croca
David Watson [email protected] says: The British Veterans I.D&Discount Card from www.britishveterans.co.uk recognises ROCA. Feedback on using the card to [email protected]
HM Revenue and Customs are still not taxing spare-time members of the ROC! HM Revenue and Customs ( Roy C)
TOCSIN makes it unto TOCSIN ( Roy C)
Celebration party at the R.A.F.A. Club in Bedford.
York Cold War Bunker, Acomb Rd. [Updated]

2006
Eulogy given at the service for Eric Bird who died on Wednesday 13dec06
Sandy Stewart passed away during the night of 11 / 12 October 2006
Certificate of Commendation presented to Neville Cullingford.
York Cold War Bunker, Acomb Rd.
Battle of Britain Commemorative Lace Panel is now in Norwich Cathedral.
RAF Cranwell and the Queen's Colour by Jon Layne.
The Royal Observer Corps in Print: Book Reviews by Roy Coulter, 31 Group ROCA
Seen at Newhaven Fort on the 04jun06. Caption please
RAF Tangmere planned for demolition ...(again). [ and Updated]
The only member of the ROC to hold the Victoria Cross
Ashbourne Section CROCA - Post Cold War Emergency Planning
Brian Fitzsimons with the ROCA standard at the commemorations of the 1st July 2006 at Thiepval
"Pipes in the Peaks" at Dovedale Garage.
Coast Watch Tower at Pakefield
Bentley Priory visit 25apr06 in pictures.
Closure of RAF Coltishall.
BBC TV at the Group Control, York
Does the rumoured 99 Group really exist ?
RAF Holmpton update
Portsmouth NRC had its 10th stand-down anniversary at the Ship and Castle in Portsmouth on 7/1/06

2005
The ROC's 80th anniversary of its foundation and BoB parade at Horsham 2005.
ROC in Baghdad!
Demise of Bentley Priory
Exhibition during November 2005, at Ripley Tourist Information Centre, Derbyshire. (update)
Honorary Life Membership awarded to Joyce.
Visit to RAF Holmpton. Jon L
A tribute to Geoff Cameron
East Anglian Ambulance Service have launched a national "In case of Emergency ( ICE )" campaign
All these people received Certificates - quite an achievement. Marion K
9 Group, just prior to going to the First Royal Review that day. Marion K
Wirksworth – Lead, Red Tape, Mills Bombs and Testing Rolls-Royces. Jon L
Believed to be 14 Group/ D2 photo. Marion K
Next Restoration Project after 23 post Skelmorlie is 20 post Kilchattan Bay
ROC Commemorative Plate (1925-1975). Addendum to the original item below. Janet B
Ashbourne Section CROCA visits The Brindley Mill at Leek in Staffordshire, designated an Ancient Monument and listed by English Heritage.
Exhibition during November 2005, at Ripley Tourist Information Centre, Derbyshire.
6 Group ROC flag in one of some 70 plus arrangements at the Flower Festival in Wymondham Abbey.
Ashbourne Section CROCA – Visit to Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. A Preservation Project with Cold War connections
Grant Beardsley's father flew EB-Z in 1940
The R J Mitchell display at the Museum in Stoke on Trent
Point of View!
Scotsman: The Battle of Britain Flight :- I think that one Spitfire 'should' be painted in the colours of either EBZ P7350 or EBZ P7666 with the legend of 'Observer Corps'. These are the two that I know of although there's another (unsure of the registration) ...just seems the Corps has been forgotten about (intentionally) in my view!
Kentman: Hi, With reference to the Points of View, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, BBMF, flew Spitfire Mk2a, P7350, in the markings of EB-Z during the 1986 display season. I don't know who made the comment in Points of View, but he should get his facts right, the ROC have not been forgotten. It was an honour that we were remembered, many hundreds of 'named' aircraft are still waiting.
Moderator:- Roy ---See Grant Beardsley's item above
AYR-23 Post Skelmorlie now has its own web site: www.nuclearburst.co.uk
Alex Luke: A memorial service will be held at Harrowgate Hill Methodist Church, Lowson Street, Darlington at 1.00pm on Monday 4th April 2005.
Bunker Bear for Brixham Lawrence H, 10 Group ROCA.

2004
Paddy gets a Certificate of Commendation.
Petty Officer Aircraft Identifiers, Royal Navy (RN) and Seaborne Observers. 'Ours or Theirs . . . .' 23 Group Newsletter article
-- Lest We Forget - Preparations for Invasion
As an historical post-script, the following text has been adapted from the Pitkin Guide to D-Day and Derek Woodsâ€™s history of the ROC “Attack Warning Red” Editor Mick M, 7 Group
Special Seaborne Edition of the 10 Group ROCA Newsletter No 43 July 2004. Editor Lawrence H
Former ROC Commandant takes the salute at the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service at the village of Farnsfield near Mansfield.
Observer Close : a new access road sign at the site of the former No 11 Group HQ in Truro, Cornwall.
Guy Gibson and the Cornish Connection.
25 Group AYR-23 post Skelmorlie open 02may04 [Interior views added]
Aircraft Recognition Certificate from the ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS CLUB at the History on Wheels Motor Museum. Click here for more details
Ashbourne Section Coventry ROCA Summer Visits 2004.
Twins arrive in 17 Group.
ROC eyries: cartoon
A Unique Opportunity for an Overnight Adventure in a Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post
Cartoon of the week." English Heritage publish survey of Cold War sites. Janet B.
25 Group AYR-23 post Skelmorlie open 02may04 [Interior views added]
“Granite” chain Brassington post in Derbyshire (8Group): Scheduling Attempt
ROC Commemorative plate (1925-1975) pops up on TV
Just watched the first of D-Day 60 programmes - BBC1 10am to 11am - over next four days. Huw Edwards introduced this one from Eisenhower's pre D-Day HQ at Southwick House and, during an interview with the "WW2 History Expert", what should appear on the wall just by the "expert's" left ear but an ROC Commemorative plate (1925-1975) Wasn't sure at first but as I'd taped the programme, was able to freeze the picture. Definitely one of ours! Jon L [see addendum / Items / 2005/ above]

2003
The Life and Times of Sir Barnes Wallis by Jon Layne, 8Group Ashbourne Section CROCA
Inside Out: The BBC at Hack Green
'Oddentification of the Observer Corps' Tea Towels for sale.
More later...

2002
More later...

2001
Article published in Reflections September 2001 by Jon L
A matrix of 12 x 12 letters hides 160 aircraft!
A new name has been given to the 'Luftmeldekorpset' (L.M.K.). It is now called 'Flyverhjemmevœrnet' (F.H.V.) in English 'Flying Home Guard'. Flyverhjemmevœrnet (see 23Group March'01 NL)
The fascinating subject of markings and insignia
Forearmed is Forearmed by Henry Buckton
Archived from Letters page
A Prayer for the Stressed

2000
CROCA (Ashbourne Section) visits in June and July 2000
Alphapuzzle (Print it out. It takes 20-30 mins to do)
COSFORD. - A Great Place by Hamish Waugh. A Day At Cosford, The Aerospace Museum. (with pictures) [22 Group article]
The Royal Observer Corps Benevolent Fund SPREAD THE WORD! [22 Group article]
747-400 flight simulator offer

pre 2000
CROCA (Ashbourne Section) visits in June and July 2000
8 Group 1979: Flight aboard Westland Whirlwind XR485. [updated] 8 Group image added.
Alphapuzzle (Print it out. It takes 20-30 mins to do)