Miscellaneous + Cold War

The ROTOR network succeeded the Second World War radar system, providing the UK with a much needed advanced detection system.  The Soviet nuclear programme was much further advanced than the West realised, and the first Soviet nuclear test in May 1949 confirmed that the Soviet Union was now a nuclear power.

The British Government watched Germany’s capacity to wage war increase rapidly throughout the 1930’s and fully expected the Luftwaffe to begin bombing Britain’s cities at a very early stage. This would put large numbers of civilians directly in danger. Evacuation was clearly the safest option for the government to propose.

The land used by the Dockyard was originally used as defensive works to protect England from invasion. In 1545 the first Bulwark was built at the most westerly point to protect the ships moored at Gillingham and Chatham. For many years this Bulwark was left to deteriorate .

The RNXS (Royal Naval Auxiliary Service) was set up in 1962 as a result of the Cold War nuclear threat to Britain, particularly her ports. The role of the auxiliary men was to ensure quick and effective evacuation of major ports .