Churchill War Rooms

Did a most interesting tour through the War Rooms and the Churchill Museum. Very interesting with so much to take in. With WW2 approaching a decision was taken to find accommodation underground to house the Cabinet and Chiefs of Staff in case of a sudden attack. General Hastings Ismay, Deputy Secretary of Britain’s Committee of Imperial Defence settled on the basement area of the New Public Offices near Whitehall, it was also close to 10 Downing Street and was connected via tunnels. The Map Room became operational after news that Hitler had invaded Poland on 27 August 1939. In addition to senior leaders a number of support staff also stayed there, in men’s and women’s dormitories. There was the Central War Room, a Map Room, the Cabinet Room, The Typist Pool Room, and a range of accommodations for the Cabinet members, the Chiefs of Staff and of course the Prime Minister. There was also a kitchen.Read more