Photographs of RGHQ 9.2 before it was declassified & sold off

National Archives did not have the information requested.

Dear National Archives,

I work for the owner of RGHQ 9.2 (Drakelow) and we are
starting to refurbish the bunker to a museum state.

We have accounts from people who worked there and who helped to
construct the original tunnel, but we have no images to fill the
gap.

I would be grateful if you could look through your archives to see
if you have any photographs of the following:

The construction of Drakelow (RGHQ 9.2) for the Rover shadow
factory.

The conversion of Drakelow (RGHQ 9.2) for the nuclear side of the
bunker during the Cold War.

The renovation of the nuclear side during the 1980's.

Any photographs of the site in use during its occupation and (or)
training exercises.

These would be a great addition to the museum for the history of
the site.

Please be aware that I have already contacted the Home Office who directed me to yourselves.

Yours faithfully,

Michael Scott.

ARK Records Enquiries, National Archives

Our ref: PR'10/E377

Dear Mr Scott

Thank you for your recent enquiry regarding photographs of the Regional Government Headquarters, Drakelow.

Unfortunately a search of the catalogued photographic material at The National Archives has proved unsuccessful. However, only a small percentage of the estimate 6 million photographs held have been catalogued. Many photographs remain 'hidden' within paper files and records. Therefore, undertaking research means identifying records pertaining to the research topic and working through these documents in a quest for any enclosed photographs.

A guide to researching photographs can be found visa the below link:

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/rese...

Many government departments would have had an interest in regional government planning and civil defence in time of war. However, the responsibility fell mainly on the Home Office and this may be the best place to start your research. Home Office files can be found in the HO records series at The National Archives. The record series HO 322 contains civil defence planning, shelters and administration files 1939-1987.

You can undertake keyword searches on our online catalogue via the below link:

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/se...

Type your keyword (keep this simple i.e. 'regional') in the 'Word or phrase' field.

Enter a required year range and type 'HO 322' in the 'Department or series code' field.

Searches can also be made leaving the 'Department or series code' field blank, or simply by department ('HO' for Home Office, 'DEFE' for Ministry of Defence, 'CAB' for Cabinet Office).

The resulting descriptions are files that can be viewed as original documents at The National Archives. For example HO 322/317 is a file covering the organisation of regional seats of government.

Unfortunately undertaking research is likely to be time consuming and with no guarantee that files will contain material or photographs of interest to you.

However, you are very welcome to visit to take your research forward and details of our location, opening times, and the personal identification that you will need to bring with you can be found via the below link:

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/

I am sorry for the disappointing reply but I hope this information is helpful. Incidentally, I did find a website including photographs by searching 'Drakelow RGHQ' on 'google'. However, I am sure you have explored this avenue already.

Good luck with your research.

Steven Cable
Records Specialist - Photographs
The National Archives
Kew
TW9 4DU
Phone: + 44 (0) 208 392 5330 ext: 2299
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

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Dear ARK Records Enquiries,

Thank you for your response, I may very well come down and visit the archives early next year. Thank you for going into detail on how I may search through your website.

Yours sincerely,

Michael

ARK Records Enquiries, National Archives

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