Dumpy

These tunnels were an expansion of existing tunnels at Dover Castle and were excavated in 1942 . They were used as a forward HQ providing combined space for the Army, Navy and Air Force for the projected invasion of Europe. To some extent they were used to replace Casemate level that had been serving as headquarters.

This new Combined HQ remained in service until after the war before being abandoned in the 1950s.

In 1962 as the threat of the Cold War loomed the government set about finding locations for Regional Seats of Government, Dumpy level having been abandoned since the 1950s was chosen becoming known as RSG12 and work was started to start modernising and re-equipping the tunnels for their new purpose. The work meant that the tunnels could provide shelter from nuclear fallout until such time as radiation levels had dropped to an acceptable level for 400 officials who could continue governing the region. In the event of an attack a BBC studio was installed in the tunnels so that officials could continue to broadcast.

The tunnels remained secret until they were finally stood down in 1984 being stripped out and left abandoned with operations moving to the new RGHQ Crowborough.

This was a tour provided by English Heritage.