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Staffing in Room 6 by early 1970 comprised:
- Senior Wireless Technician (SWT); Jack Steel (ex-NFS)
- Wireless Technician (WT); Lawrie Atkinson (in 1973 transferred to Nackington outstation and by 1976 as SWT at Sidcup Outstation), Mike Watson, Brian Greenaway, Arthur Clark, Freddie Mears (BEM, later transferred to Littlehampton outstation circa 1972) and Dave Passfield
- Wireless Mechanic (WM); Alan Culpin (ex-NFS
Staffing in Room 7 by early 1970 comprised:
- Senior Wireless Technician (SWT); Peter Ingram
- Wireless Technician (WT); Bernard ?
At some point during the first half of the 1970s Andrew Petrie was the Chief Wireless Technician (CWT) and for a period of time was thought to be based at Directorate Headquarters in Kew.
The workshop was considered to be famous for its unusual customer access from the inner courtyard via a large open window fitted with wooden steps since both Room 6 and 7 were buried deep in the HO basement labyrinth. The customers wanted privacy although in those days it was believed that one could park in either Downing Street or King Charles Street!
Rumour at the time suggested the move to Rochester Row was because successive Home Secretaries and Senior Mandarins objected to Radio Telephony echoing around the inner courtyard, but thought more likely to have been influenced by the acquisition of the new London Fire Brigade (LFB) VHF Spaced Carrier main schemes in 1972.
Around 1975 the work carried out by rooms 6 & 7 was transferred to Rochester Row and became part of the newly formed London Region, which included Welwyn Garden City and Sidcup Outstations. At the same time a number of the original staff including Jack Steel and Alan Culpin retired and Dave Cahill, who master-minded the move to Rochester Row, took over as SWT and Peter Ingram was promoted to CWT based at Headquarters.
During its existence the Directorate was known to have moved its Headquarters to a number of locations. With no firm information to hand, the following is based on solicited opinions:
- <1960 – 1979 Rochester Row and for a one-year trial period around 1974-75, Kew
- 1979 – 1992 Horseferry House
- 1992 – 1994 Ruddington, Nottinghamshire
Webmaster Note:
This recollection has been compiled by Steven Cole from a couple of brief notes sent in by Lawrie Atkinson and telephone conversations with him, Mike Brain and John Leary.
The webmaster would be pleased to hear from anyone who could expand or correct the information contained in this article.
Forum Postings
A new topic has been created on the DTELS forum within the Depots and Outstations category entitled “First London Depot - Lawrie Atkinson” Forum members wishing to expand or comment on this article are encouraged to log-in and post their reply.
Acknowledgement: Laurie Atkinson
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