Report - RAF Chenies, GCI ROTOR Station - Hertfordshire - Jan '11

[eddbmxdude]

Hi everyone,

I visited here with Mrgiggles almost a year ago, just as it was getting dark one evening. We decided to pay it a visit in the light to get some photos.

Bit of history:

RAF Chenies was an R8 Ground Control Intercept (GCI) radar station (code HAM) built in the 1950's as part of the post war ROTOR Programme. While most post war GCI stations utilised an existing WW2 site, Chenies was a green field site. Originally sited at Heathrow, it was known by this name until it was changed to Down Barns and on 5.9.1950 the name was changed again to Chenies.

Chenies was built as part of the first stage of the ROTOR Programme which was itself divided into four phases. Phase 1 was the re-establishment of 28 WW2 Chain Home radar stations. 13 were brought up to a fully operational state while the remaining 15 were brought up to a 'readiness' state. These stations would have required some notice before they were fully operational.

Lots more info on this page: Chenies Rotor Radar Station – Subterranea Britannica

Visited with Mrgiggles and my little brother.
I was having an off day with the camera so didn't get many photos, but here are the ones I did get. The camera was in B&W to begin with and I didn't even notice until I had taken a few pictures!

A view up the tower

Looking up the ladder

The diesel tank in its cage. I don't know why but I think this is my favorite part of the site.

Peeling paint on the 5000 gallon tank.

Pipework in the backup generator room.

One of the many doors that have been ripped off their hinges.

Ammeter and voltmeter. Im surprised the glass is still intact on these, considering the state of the rest of the site.

Window with bars!

Thats all of my pictures. This next set were taken by my brother, who isn't registered on here, and he asked me to put them up for him. He has recently bought a Canon 500D. He's never had a DSLR before and is still getting to grips with how to use it.

We got excited when we noticed this hill with a staircase leading up it.

It appears to be just a drain. This is literally just a hole in the ground, doesn't go anywhere Theres two more covers which are still in place though.

Continued in next post.