Further to exploring a few locations on my 'bucket list' just the day before, I was now heading to my main reason for being in Portsmouth - a permission visit tour to the Underground Headquarters of Fort Southwick. An earlier drive around the area, truly aggravated me at just how many awesome forts were either closed or now occupied by various businesses. A subsequent cheeky visit was on the cards later in my trip to Fort Fareham, whose doors were wide open! Anyways, I was met outside the venues front entrance by a very knowledgeable chap, who was to be the tour guide for the day. Naturally, I was the first to the site, so was advised that I could wait inside. Music to my ears, I was off like a gazelle, straight in and setting up my tripod and Nikon camera. Knowing full well that I wasn't the only person to be attending this permission tour, I was mindful that most of these turds would no doubt get in the way of my camera. So, I got to work and quickly capture some OK photo's (with both camera and mobile phone), before any one else showed up.
This location is open to Air Soft parties, and was clearly being well maintained with a small cafe area a short distance inside. With another gent in the cafe, I was unable to go any further, until everyone had arrived and the tour guide was ready to proceed. It wasn't long till a few dozen people arrived and the tour began. Thankfully, everyone was trying to be as close to the tour guide as possible, which worked well for me as I was able to remain at the back and get plenty of photos in. Surprisingly there was no back marker to the tour, so within reason I could wonder off throughout the tour. I think the guide was cool with this, as he provided me with a map of the interior (which was vast). The site and explore itself was excellent, being far better than I had hoped for, given that I was sharing this place with several other touristy types. The guide was a top bloke, who really knew his history and provided some very interesting and amusing stories about bith the place and people who had worked there. The only sod came, when I realised the group were now leaving and I was truly way behind. In a rush to catch up, so not to upset anyone, my camera somehow came loose, slipped off my tripod, which resulted in my fisheye lens breaking apart on the ground. FFS, I was bloody annoyed with myself for not double checking my gear. Thankfully, I was able to reassemble it, before meeting up with the group just short of the cafe.
History:
More pics:
Well, it's fair to say that my report doesn't do this place justice. An awesome location, with passionate and knowledgeable volunteers.
Till next time, this is Urban Ginger Hig signing off. And for God's sake, make sure your camera is fully attached to the damn tripod folks!!
This location is open to Air Soft parties, and was clearly being well maintained with a small cafe area a short distance inside. With another gent in the cafe, I was unable to go any further, until everyone had arrived and the tour guide was ready to proceed. It wasn't long till a few dozen people arrived and the tour began. Thankfully, everyone was trying to be as close to the tour guide as possible, which worked well for me as I was able to remain at the back and get plenty of photos in. Surprisingly there was no back marker to the tour, so within reason I could wonder off throughout the tour. I think the guide was cool with this, as he provided me with a map of the interior (which was vast). The site and explore itself was excellent, being far better than I had hoped for, given that I was sharing this place with several other touristy types. The guide was a top bloke, who really knew his history and provided some very interesting and amusing stories about bith the place and people who had worked there. The only sod came, when I realised the group were now leaving and I was truly way behind. In a rush to catch up, so not to upset anyone, my camera somehow came loose, slipped off my tripod, which resulted in my fisheye lens breaking apart on the ground. FFS, I was bloody annoyed with myself for not double checking my gear. Thankfully, I was able to reassemble it, before meeting up with the group just short of the cafe.
History:
FORT SOUTHWICK AND THE UNDERGROUND HEADQUARTERS.
During World War II the Fort Southwick Underground Headquarters (UGHQ) was excavated by Welsh and Belgian miners of the Pioneer Corps, who were quartered in the upper Fort.
The UGHQ (completed 1942) and known as Portsmouth Naval Headquartes, was designed as a conventional bombproof HQ for war time use by the Commander-in-Chief Portsmouth. The headquarters contained a comprehensive naval operational control centre with associated communication capability and limited accommodation facilities. It was now, as is often stated, the headquarter of the Allied Commander-in-Chief 'D' Day Expeditionary Force, which was in fact at Southwick House (HMS DRYAD). The Allied Naval Commander did, however, make full use of the UGHQ communication facilities for Operation 'OVERLORD' from his office at Southwick House.
LAYOUT: Three main tunnels running parallel to each other with twelve cross passages provided office space, limited victualling facilities and some cabin and dormitory accommodation. In addition, two other tunnels and one cross passage were used as gangways and for emergency off-watch bunk sleeping. The depth of the UGHQ varied according to the slop of the hill but was in the region of 80 - 100 feet.
ENTRANCES: There were two main entrances/exits. The eastern (179 steps) entrance was alongside the present CINCNAVHOME (CNH) Plans Division Offices, whilst the Southern entrance, known as the South Adit was on the slope overlooking the harbour. Four other entrances, namely the Galley Tunnel (Northwest Stairs), the West Stairs, the Diesel Tunnel and the Air Supply Tunnel could be opened for emergency evacuation.
VENTILATION: Air conditioning was provided through anti-gas filters and the system could, if necessary, be operated as a closed recirculation circuit.
FRESH WATER SUPPLY: 2 X 2,000 gallon tanks were provided for the exclusive use of the UGHQ.
COMPLEMENT: The War Complement, including the above-ground staff, was in the region of 140 Officers and 480 ratings.
ACCOMMODATION: Under normal conditions ample above-ground sleeping and living accommodation was provided. officer sleeping accommodation was, in the main, provided by using caravans parked in the moat. During a state of 'alert' however the under-ground victualling and accommodation facilities were activated. The cabins and dormitories, together with the bunks along the passage tunnels were used for off-watch sleeping - i.e. in a 2 watch organisation.
At the end of World War II the upper Fort was, for a period (1946-1948) used by the Signal School (HMS MERCURY) for the training of Communication Branch National Service and Short Service ratings. The UGHQ was however sealed off, the intention being that it should remain dormant ready for any future emergency. On completion of the Signal School task the upper Fort was placed under the jurisdiction of the Captain, HMS DRYAD and manned, on a care and maintenance basis, by an RN Officer and a small civilian staff.
During the 1950s (i.e. between the Korean War (1950-1952) and the Suez Crisis (1956) the Commander-in-Chief Portsmouth, who on 21 February 1952 was appointed to the NATO post of Commander-in-Chief Channel (CINCHAN), decided that to meet his National and NATO responsibilities he would require a Headquarters which could provide better facilities than those available in HM Dockyard. The answer was - back to the Fort Southwick UGHQ - in the meantime however, it was discovered that the UGHQ had bee broke into through the south adit and considerable damage incurred by local vandals. Navy Works were consulted to provide estimates to meet the cost of the re-activation of the UGHQ. The resultant figures were 'in the light of the current financial climate' out of the question, and in consequence an RN working party (1 Chief Shipt, 2 Shipts, 1 CERA, 1 Mech and 2 Stokers) were put to work to return the UGHQ to a state of readiness. This project was completed in about twelve months. Later, during the Suez Crisis (1956), money was found and the entire UGHQ was refurbished to an operational state. It was during this latter period (1956 - 1960) that the Fort and UGHQ were activated for exercise periods, with all facilities being made available. The offices being used for exercise planning and subsequent analysis.
More pics:
Well, it's fair to say that my report doesn't do this place justice. An awesome location, with passionate and knowledgeable volunteers.
Till next time, this is Urban Ginger Hig signing off. And for God's sake, make sure your camera is fully attached to the damn tripod folks!!
