Building record 7460/1/1 - Corby Sub-Regional Control Bunker

[Two grid references, need to establish which one is correct.]

{1} In an appendix to Fox’s volume, dated August 2000 there is a list of sub-regional control bunkers in use in 1966. The controls for the North Midland region No. 3 are listed as ‘Skendelby, Corby City Centre and one other’. Similar purpose-built controls of this period. Present at Hertford and Southport. Further details of theses in War Plan UK by Duncan Campbell.

{2} During 1960s admin structure of post-nuclear emergency regional government was subject to almost constant review and changes in policy. It was also a period of reduction in expend on Civil Defence, when places may have been designated as emergency centres, but in reality have little or no construction. In early 1960s it was proposed to introduce a tier of Sub-Regional HQs (SRHQs) between RSGs and the local authorities. SRHQs would be concerned with initial rescue & survival and in theory be located within protected accommodation. SRHQs also known as Sub Regional Controls (SRCs) and for a short time between 1983 & 1985 as Zone HQs (ZHQs).
SRHQs are fairly evenly spread across the country and most were placed in existing structures, either RSG or other recently redundant protected accommodation. All share attributes that would enable them to operate for a number of months in a post-nuclear environment eg. Thick external walls, air filtration plant, standby generators, canteens, dormitories, operations rooms, etc. During the 1960s & 70s only 4 purpose built SRGQs were constructed and brought into operation; 3 beneath new government buildings and one a stand alone structure.
Location and type of the SRHQs known. Surviving examples structurally intact with internal fittings are considered to be of national importance. Eg is Swynnerton, Stafford and Kelvedon Hatch, Essex. The MPP listing of Sub-Regional HQs 1960/70s (25 in England) includes Corby SP883895, described as of unidentified type and in undetermined condition.
[NB. This is not the grid reference plotted for the monument, need to check this!].

<1> Armishaw A., 2001, Letter Quoting From Fox S.P., (part checked) (Letter). SNN101962.

<2> Cocroft W.D., 2001, Cold War Monuments: An Assessment by The MPP, (part checked) (Unpublished Report). SNN101963.

<3> Fox S.P., Control Chain, (unchecked) (Book). SNN104893.

Record last edited

Apr 25 2008 12:36PM