Forum for former BBC staff

Forum for former BBC staff
http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> News and Comment >> BBC at War http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1469271008 Message started by Administrator on Jul 23^rd, 2016, 10:51am

Title: BBC at War
Post by Administrator on Jul 23^rd, 2016, 10:51am

For the first time, the BBC has given detailed access to the plans it drew up in the Cold War for a Wartime Broadcasting System to operate in the event of nuclear war. Paul Reynolds, a former BBC diplomatic and foreign correspondent, has been studying the secrets of what was known as the "War Book".

Paul's full article may be read here

Title: Re: BBC at War
Post by JohnW on Jul 26^th, 2016, 9:23am

The picture of the lonely wooden chair and desk was very reminiscent of the various rooms in the Stronghold of BH back in the day!!

I remember several instances where the TOMs were "not to be disturbed" and the teleprinter in the TOM's office in BH Control Room would be clattering away. We were not encouraged to discover exactly what was happening during such "exercises"!

I'm sure there are many BBC people (surely all ex-staff by now!) who could provide far more 'detail' about those "DF" exercises!!

Title: Re: BBC at War
Post by Mike Carter on Jul 28^th, 2016, 7:49am

Also John let's not forget the TOM's telephone 'hotline', which if not answered within a few seconds, sounded a hooter so loud it made any other conversation in the control room impossible!