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    S9 Ep 328 Where's Joe Now - Underground bunkers at Coleshill House

    enDecember 07, 2023

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring Coles Hill House - Training Grounds for WW2 Assassins and BombersKroger offers 30,000 affordable meal options and various savings opportunities. Coles Hill House, a historical site, was a secret training ground for WW2 assassins and bombers.

      Kroger offers an extensive selection of over 30,000 delicious options for mealtime inspiration, all while ensuring affordable prices and various savings opportunities, including digital coupons and fuel discounts. This follow-up episode takes us to Coles Hill House in Nyswindon, the former headquarters of the auxiliary units, where we learn about the training grounds for assassins and bombers during World War 2. Despite the main house burning down in 1950, there's still much to explore. The sisters who owned the property kept their dogs calm amidst the chaos with paracetamol and whiskey. The location, secluded in the middle of nowhere, provided an excellent cover for covert activities. The main attraction is the underground bunker, which we'll save for the end to keep listeners engaged. Overall, Kroger's diverse offerings and the historical significance of Coles Hill House make for an intriguing exploration.

    • Hidden wireless communication in chicken sheds during WWIIDuring WWII, chicken sheds were used to hide wireless communication setups to resist the enemy, with discreet components and a network of operators and runners.

      During World War II, there existed hidden wireless communication setups in ordinary places like chicken sheds to transmit vital information and resist the enemy. This was part of the British resistance efforts, involving auxiliary units, special duties branch, and civilian wireless operators. The example given is of a chicken shed in Highworth, Swindon, where a radio might have been hidden. These setups were kept discreetly, known only to a few, and had various components like fake gate bolts and rice paper messages. The last runner would carry the message, and the wireless operator would receive it, often using a horseshoe as a signal. These chicken sheds were common, with hundreds of them on a typical chicken farm, making it a potential hiding place for such communication setups. If you were living during that time, you might have gotten involved in such resistance efforts, looking out for suspicious activities in your surroundings.

    • Hidden German communication shed during WWIIDuring WWII, Germans used a false chicken shed with a hidden room and wireless for agent communication, requiring silence and stillness to avoid detection.

      During World War II, the Germans used a false chicken shed with a hidden room and a wireless at the back to communicate with their agents. The shed had a false wall that could be opened by sliding a hatch, revealing the hidden room where the agent would wait for messages. The agent had to remain completely still and quiet to avoid detection, as any noise or movement could give away their position. This is an example of the type of secretive structures the Germans used during the war. The shed was just one of many on a chicken farm, with the house of the farm's owner having been burned down during the war. If you're visiting such a site today, you would need to get permission from the tenants to explore it fully. The discovery of such hidden structures adds an exciting and intriguing layer to history, making us wonder what other secrets might still be hidden in plain sight.

    • A 97-year-old spy trainer and a 42-year-old collaborator at a hidden training facility during WWIIA 97-year-old man, Kim, recruited a 16-year-old boy to train at a hidden spy facility during WWII. The facility was near a house, where a 42-year-old man, Andrew, spoke to both Kim and the boy. The home guards had few weapons due to events like Dunkirk, potentially allowing the facility to operate undetected.

      During a certain period, a training facility for spies existed in the area, and two key figures involved were a 97-year-old man named Kim and a 42-year-old man named Andrew. Kim had recruited a 16-year-old boy to come train at the facility. Andrew had spoken to both Kim and the boy. The facility was located near a house, which had a guardhouse to ensure security. The house was quite beautiful, and it's believed that the sisters, who were local residents, might have been unaware of the goings-on. The training likely took place during a time when the home guards had few weapons due to events like Dunkirk. The interviewers were exploring the area to gain a better understanding of this historical discovery.

    • Reflecting on the Past: Auxiliary Units and Football ClubsDuring WW2, auxiliary units received priority in military equipment due to their importance. Understanding history, resilience, and perspective are valuable in managing expectations and dealing with disappointments.

      During World War II, auxiliary unit members received priority in receiving revolvers and other military equipment over the home guard and even the regular army. This was discussed while the speakers were on their way to a bunker, reflecting on their current circumstances and past experiences, including the struggles of their football club. They also talked about a courthouse they were passing by, which was a law building with real historical papers. Despite the challenges, they acknowledged the importance of understanding history and the significance of the auxiliary units during that time. The speakers also shared their thoughts about managing expectations and dealing with disappointments, drawing parallels to their football club's situation. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of history, resilience, and perspective.

    • German observation posts during WWIIGerman soldiers used well-concealed observation posts to maintain surprise, often located in seemingly random places and manned by soldiers spending days underground.

      During World War II, the Germans used various methods to hide their operational bases, including observation posts disguised as simple structures in the landscape. These posts allowed German soldiers to survey the surrounding area and alert their comrades to potential threats. The posts were often located in seemingly random places, such as fields or hills, and were well-concealed with vegetation. The soldiers responsible for manning these posts would spend their days underground, only emerging at night to carry out their duties. The importance of these observation posts cannot be overstated, as they played a crucial role in the Germans' ability to maintain the element of surprise and stay one step ahead of their enemies. Overall, the discussion highlights the meticulous planning and attention to detail that went into the German military strategy during World War II.

    • British military's innovative camouflaging techniques during WWIIThe British military used camouflaging techniques like air vents in trees, covering hatches with foliage, and building bases near landmarks to protect their operational bases during WWII.

      During World War II, the British military used clever camouflaging techniques to hide their operational bases, including building air vents in trees and covering hatches with foliage and foam. These bases were often located near unique landmarks to help soldiers remember their locations. The bases were also built with a clear path leading to them, but visitors would cover over the paths to prevent enemy discovery. The use of air vents in trees was particularly effective as the smoke from kitchens could vent at the top of the tree line, avoiding detection by the Germans. Overall, the British military's innovative camouflaging techniques played a significant role in protecting their operational bases during the war.

    • Discovering an Underground Bunker's Hidden EntranceUnearthing an underground bunker required unique access methods, special permissions, and careful communication due to its depth and complex entry system.

      The entrance to an underground bunker would not have been easily visible from the surface, and accessing it required ingenious methods. These included using counterweight systems, colored marbles, and even a doorbell system. The bunker itself was quite deep and was not built with a ladder, but rather with metal pegs for entry and exit. Accessing it required special permissions and the risk of losing communication. The reconstruction of this bunker was done 10 years ago, and it was discovered that it was quite deep, with approximately 15 runs and 4 meters in depth. The conversation also revealed that there was a herd called Lassinger, and the team was planning to go down into the bunker, but they had to be careful not to lose the signal. The microphone was located at the bottom of the bunker, making it difficult for team members to communicate with each other while descending.

    • Exploring a German WWII Bunker: Cramped Conditions for SoldiersDuring WWII, soldiers endured cramped, claustrophobic conditions in bunkers, only emerging for missions at night to avoid detection.

      Joe and Andrew are exploring a German bunker during World War II. They descend into the bunker, discovering a blast wall and a chemical toilet. They estimate that around 6 to 8 men would have been confined in the space, only coming out for missions at night. Joe enters the main chamber, which is filled with bunks, a table, a camp, and a water tank. There's also a separate chamber for storing explosives and ammo. They discuss the challenging conditions and the importance of staying quiet and slow to avoid detection. Joe films the area for David, who is outside, and they plan to share the footage with him later. The exploration is a reminder of the realities of war and the cramped, claustrophobic conditions soldiers faced.

    • Men's survival in wartime bunkers relied on quick actionsDuring WW2, men in Europe's bunkers had to find targets, sleep, and escape quickly to survive, using small, temporary tunnels.

      The men using the wartime bunkers in Europe had a very limited time to carry out their missions before being discovered by the Germans. They had to go out every night to find targets such as ammo dumps or German officers, and return to the bunker during the day to sleep. The Germans were expected to arrive at any moment, so the men had to be quick and effective. The escape tunnels, some of which were discussed while filming, were essential for their survival but were small and temporary. The men knew they had a short window to be effective before being found, and even if the Germans discovered their bunker, they could use the escape tunnel to disappear and avoid suspicion. The tunnels were dug quickly and were not expected to be in use for long, making them cramped and difficult to navigate. Overall, the men's survival depended on their ability to act quickly and efficiently, as they knew their time was limited.

    • Preparing for Danger in a Secretive LocationDespite harsh conditions and potential conflict, the team remains determined, utilizing essential tools like Firburn Sykes knives and revolvers, and finding moments of awe and humor in their situation.

      The speakers are discussing their experiences in a secretive and dangerous location, preparing for potential conflict. They describe the harsh conditions, the need for stealth and quick decision-making, and the importance of their tools. They also express their hopes for the upcoming season, which includes survival and acquiring a new team member. Despite the challenges, they remain determined and even find moments of awe and humor in their situation. They also mention the use of specific tools like Firburn Sykes knives and revolvers, which are essential for their mission. Overall, the conversation highlights the intensity and urgency of their situation, as well as their teamwork and resilience.

    • Discovering dangerous wartime itemsDuring WWII, homemade explosives and weapons posed a threat, leading to discoveries of grenades, time pencils, and hidden bunkers.

      During World War II, homemade explosives and weapons were a dangerous reality. A discussion about a real grenade discovered at a table during a radio transmission session brought back memories of the past. The grenade was stapled under a table, ready to be detonated by pulling the pin. This was just one of many dangerous items discovered, including time pencils, which were used to set fuses for explosives. A 16-year-old boy, named Ken, who had been discussed in a previous conversation, was revealed to still be alive and had possessed such items. The discovery of an intact operation on the Scottish border was also mentioned, and it was speculated that there could be more undiscovered bunkers and dangerous items in areas like South Devon. The discussion served as a reminder of the dangerous circumstances and innovations that arose during wartime.

    • Exploring the Mystery of Devon's BunkersThe search for hidden bunkers in Devon offers an exciting adventure, filled with historical intrigue and the fun of discovery.

      During a conversation about apps and bunkers in Devon, it was revealed that there are several bunkers in the area, including one in Harborton where a character named Naomi grew up. While some bunkers have been found, others are still a "stab in the dark," making the search for them an exciting adventure. The group expressed their enthusiasm for this bunker hunting and planned to go out and explore together. However, they also acknowledged that some bunkers may be known locations, while others may require more investigation. Overall, the conversation highlighted the intrigue and mystery surrounding these historical structures and the fun to be had in discovering them.

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    Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

    All instrumental music is from https://filmmusic.io and composed by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)