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Turn this way DP276045
Number 2 Battery, Stokes Bay Road, Gosport, Hampshire. Detail of the control dial for an air purification unit in the former battery, part of the equipment installed during the Cold War to enable its use as a nuclear bunker. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England Archive
Media ID 25316070
Filename: DP276045.jpg
Size: 5985 x 4539 (6.4MB)
Date: 20th June 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: © Historic England Archive. Jam
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
Job Title: Staff photographer
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print by James O. Davies takes us on a journey through time, capturing the essence of a forgotten era. The image showcases an abstract view of an intriguing wheel-like structure, which turns out to be the control dial for an air purification unit in Number 2 Battery, located along Stokes Bay Road in Gosport, Hampshire. The significance of this detail becomes even more fascinating as we delve into its historical context. This former battery played a crucial role during the Cold War and was transformed into a nuclear bunker equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure survival in times of crisis. The control dial depicted here is just one element among many that were installed to maintain air quality within this underground sanctuary. As we admire this photograph, our imagination runs wild with thoughts about the lives that once revolved around these controls. We envision dedicated individuals monitoring and adjusting them diligently, ready to protect against potential nuclear threats looming over their heads. James O. Davies skillfully captures not only the physicality but also the intangible aura surrounding this relic from history. Through his lens, he invites us to reflect upon humanity's capacity for both innovation and fear during tumultuous times. In preserving such images, Historic England allows us all to connect with our past and gain deeper insights into how our world has evolved over time – reminding us never to forget those who came before us and their enduring legacy.
