After gaining the grand approval from the better half, to attend a tour of Fort Southwick Underground HQ, this was a golden opportunity to check out a few other local sites which had been on my 'bucket list'. Whilst trolling through a certain explorer You tube channel, this little gem had peeked my interest. Being a solo explorer and one who doesn't like to waste hours trying to locate an entrance, I started checking out Google maps and looking for the obvious potential entry point. Another You tube video of this location showed a couple spending hours trying to find the entrance! Thankfully, I did my homework well, so time taken from parking up, to crawling into the initial tunnel entrance took me approx. 5 minutes. A quick walk around confirmed that I had the place to myself, then it was time to get out the camera, tripod and the Hover X1 drone. Despite being a short explore, this location didn't disappoint, with its varying charming
features. A few pics and a drone walk through later and it was time to move onto my next location. My parting gift was being far too smug with myself, rushing to get out and forgetting to duck down, thereby smacking my head on the chalk ceiling and knocking myself straight on my backside! Thankfully no other bugger was around to witness my embarrassing 'dickhead' moment.
History:
Operation Overlord was the codename for the Allied invasion of German-occupied Western Europe during World War 2. The operation was launched on 6th June 1944 and was headquartered at the Underground Headquarters (UGHQ) under Fort Southwick (my later explore, and bloody brilliant). About half a mile away, in Paulsgrove Chalk Pit near Portsmouth, this small underground radio bunker was constructed in May 1942 in preparation for D-Day operations. Paulsgrove Radio Station worked in conjunction with UGHQ as the transmission centre for secret radio communications and commands, a crucial tool in the invasion of Europe. It was constructed away from UGHQ and into a hill so that communications could continue in the event that UGHQ was bombed. Secure transmission lines would have linked the two sites.
Now time for a few pics:
Well, until next time folks, this is Urban Ginger Hog signing off. And remember to look out for low chalk ceilings!!
features. A few pics and a drone walk through later and it was time to move onto my next location. My parting gift was being far too smug with myself, rushing to get out and forgetting to duck down, thereby smacking my head on the chalk ceiling and knocking myself straight on my backside! Thankfully no other bugger was around to witness my embarrassing 'dickhead' moment.
History:
Operation Overlord was the codename for the Allied invasion of German-occupied Western Europe during World War 2. The operation was launched on 6th June 1944 and was headquartered at the Underground Headquarters (UGHQ) under Fort Southwick (my later explore, and bloody brilliant). About half a mile away, in Paulsgrove Chalk Pit near Portsmouth, this small underground radio bunker was constructed in May 1942 in preparation for D-Day operations. Paulsgrove Radio Station worked in conjunction with UGHQ as the transmission centre for secret radio communications and commands, a crucial tool in the invasion of Europe. It was constructed away from UGHQ and into a hill so that communications could continue in the event that UGHQ was bombed. Secure transmission lines would have linked the two sites.
Now time for a few pics:
Well, until next time folks, this is Urban Ginger Hog signing off. And remember to look out for low chalk ceilings!!
