Buried Alive: The Secret WWII Bunker Hidden Inside Gibraltar’s Rock

[@badpossum440]

A possible use for Lord Airey's shelter could be as a diversion, if someone said they remembered building a room of certain dimentions, this room could be shown as the room they were talking about & stop people looking further.

[@CalumRaasay]

That's a really good point!

[@antifazisbonifaz6964]

Absolutely 👌👍👍👍

[@Vaasref]

It also could have helped to sneak up materials, comparable installations to have similar bills of materials.

[@ptonpc]

That's what I was thinking.

[@dinoschachten]

Yes, that was my thought, too. When it comes up in any way it doesn't trigger a "there shouldn't be anything there" but rather "Ah, right. There's that shelter. Must be it".

[@Brams-wu1xw]

Well written and researched video mate, I am one of the four cavers who rediscovered stay behind cave, I can add a few observations and anecdotes from back then. The actual observation slit, its concrete wedge had a pin hole drilled into it and immediately behind the slit up against the wall was a white square painted on it, with what appeared to have hooks or small mounts on its top part, our first assumptions were that said pin hole in the slit could have been used as a pinhole camera type of camera obscura. Maybe to gather and capture/collect photo intel. On another anecdote, the actual water tap for the reservoir was never attempted to be opened until minutes before our film footage was recorded, and against my colleagues advice, as attempting to forcefully open it could possible break the old rusty plumbing, in an impulsive opportunity when my colleagues weren't looking, I forcefully opened the tap and to everyone's surprise the tap opened and water poured out lol. If not mistaken and if I remember correctly, the 3D imaging was done by a group of Spanish cavers with cave topography experience, these guys were well known in the speleo community for such works. I still keep my original sketchers and map we made during our initial research alongside all the photos we took. These videos bring back great memories, well done mate, great job, I have subscribed to your channel, some great unusual content you have.

[@deltajohnny]

Great comment! 👏👏👏

[@michaelemory552]

As I watched this fascinating piece and saw that slit, I thought immediately of a camera obscura application. Pointing a camera in either direction would have worked with long exposure. Some easy chairs and you’ve a theater for the impounded fellows. This American spelunker envies you.

[@bevodee2078]

You know they’re legit 90s explorers as they have Dolphin torches, the only way to go back then! :)

[@Brams-wu1xw]

@@bevodee2078 never heard of the dolphin torch, we were using petzl duo lights and carbide (acetylene gas torch)

[@bevodee2078]

@@Brams-wu1xw my bad I thought I saw one very cool video and great exploring. We have dug out some old bunkers over here in Australia too… didn’t have as good a view though :)

[@frankmcgorman962]

Makes one wonder just how many other top secret WW2 installations are still undiscovered. I was admiring your illustration skills and penmanship. Very good work there.

[@CalumRaasay]

Thank you! Still need to finish that drawing haha

[@AviationHorrors]

I had exactly the same thought, it's fortunate that they were able to interview Cooper before his death but you imagine how many other projects have been perhaps permanently lost to history because things didn't work out as fortuitously.

[@dave_h_8742]

Maybe in the future we might find a cave above Singapore with two mummies in it. Of course they said it was too late for Singapore gotta keep it secret 😉

[@Hellsong89]

Plenty cause some of them have been altered to serve modern purposes of the militarys and you dont want to potential enemy to know about them. Others other hand might have been forgotten and lost in the paper pushing. Specially in German side since they burned documents in a hurry this information probably was lost.

[@ChristopherMcBean]

@@dave_h_8742 Or Hong Kong perhaps?

[@derekwood8184]

My Grandfather was stationed on Gibralta for 3 years during the war from 1940. He was in the Royal Engineers and had excellent surveying experience having worked doing that in the housebuilding industry before the war, and had some draftsman experience. On arriving at Gibraltar he was promoted to acting seargent. Following completion of whatever work he was doing (which he never talked about) he was stationed in southern scotland, about the safest place you could post anyone, we understand after completion of the tunnel works instructions were given to hide the personel that worked on them. Following this he was involved with photo reconnaissance, analysis rather than taking the photos, so again, safe work. We now strongly suspect he was involved with the tunneling operations, as surveyor and draftsman, no idea if he had anything to do with this stay behind room.

[@Brams-wu1xw]

We had the privileged to escort and guide an elderly gentleman by the name of Derek Wood, he was a Cpl at the time of his stay in Gib during the construction of the tunnel, he shared his fond memories of being part of the excavations of Stay behind cave. If I remember correctly, his daughter was in Gib on holiday at the time our TV station aired the Stay Behind Cave program, she saw the program and on arriving back home consulted with Mr Wood and from their onwards, he was brought over so he could see the Tunnel. I still have photos of Mr Derek Wood visit to the tunnel, he gave us an interesting account of how the engineers where chosen to do this particular tunnel.

[@whyjnot420]

As fascinating as this is, just imagine what is out in the mountains of Switzerland. What the Brits did to Gibraltar, the Swiss essentially did to half their country.

[@deltasol4176]

Yea kinda mind blowing. Switzerland has about 8000 of them. Most are still closed off. Sometimes even locals don’t know of them till they’re rediscovered

[@whyjnot420]

@@cuchidesoto2686 Same thing essentially happened in the US with that WW3 shelter under The Greenbrier. Washington Post screwed that one up back in 92. It got decommissioned immediately. And you know the US govt. didn't just end it there, they either already had another unknown one they could set as the new end of the world bunker, or made a new one right quick. Though on the nifty side of things, you can take tours of it these days.

[@alexeitheswiss7378]

@@deltasol4176 maybe you don’t count the same as SRF (Swiss television and radio) but according to them there are more than 26‘000 military bunkers built for the national redoubt strategy.

[@bakedbeings]

So half the Swiss countryside is Swiss cheese?

[@whyjnot420]

@@bakedbeings If Swiss cheese is full of explosives, guns, ammo, and all the holes that are not full of ordnance are nests for snipers....

[@jordanramsey89]

I recently discovered your channel and all I can say is... wow! Can't imagine the effort that goes into these videos but what comes through quite clearly is that it's a labor of love. Looking forward to more and best of luck on your house build!

[@CalumRaasay]

Thanks very much Jordan! Really appreciate that and it’s great being able to share all my niche interests like this!

[@davetreadwell]

You’re in for a treat. Every video is fascinating, never on a topic I would have searched for a video on that topic, and always well researched and well written

[@michaelmcneil4168]

@@davetreadwell Check out this bloke, just as well informed and deep: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnakl3mnaMyVaZI

[@CalumRaasay]

@@michaelmcneil4168 oh looks interesting!

[@brucegoodall3794]

Don't you mean = WOW?

[@aeromech8563]

Hi, my uncle was on Gibraltar doing his national service. He is still alive and I'm going to contact him as i remember him telling me about being up the top of the rock manytimes but I was very young and never asked questions. Many thanks for sparking my enthusiasm again and I'm now subscribed.

[@ggee7391]

There is a very large complex hidden in the cliffs at Hunstanton in Norfolk England - We as teenager got into them in the seventies. The council sealed up the entrance about that time but I managed to get another look in the nineties when sewer works opened them up again - still got their electrical fittings inside.

[@ianbanner9292]

Similar was reported of the caves just North of Reigate , Surrey . Cavers reported large rooms of Ministry of Defence type filing cabinets and furniture . Shortly after , these caves blocked with heavy steel doors welded similar to London Underground . During the late seventies and early eighties , it was noted how difficult it was to get a decent TV picture , despite a supposed transmitter aerial in clear sight atop the hill. This aerial was said to be for emergency use by Government , situated in the caves should the emergency emerge . During the construction of motoway atop Reigate Hill , there was a breakthrough into the caves , loads off Concrete were quickly ordered , and any access to assess was denied . Awhile ago there were reports of subsidence causing trouble to the road way.,

[@skyislands8887]

Thank you for one of the best presentations I have watched on KZbin for a while. The simplicity and lack of "performance ", yet still being extreemly engaging is refreshingly. Keep up the great work Calum

[@CalumRaasay]

Wow, thank you! Really appreciate that!

[@erictaylor5462]

28:30 That would make sense. The intelligence from such an operation would be extremely valuable, and if it were compromised you'd want to know. Having a back up would tell you something was wrong if information began to differ. Having more than one back up would tell you which operation was compromised if one data set began to differ.

[@CalumRaasay]

Yeah I think there was probably several happening at once! I just wonder where they are now 🤔

[@myparceltape1169]

Good thinking

[@geertdevriese5641]

Some years ago I visited the naval museum in Venice. In the musuem there was an exhibition of an Italian look out post established in a partly submerged wreck opposite the Rock of Gibraltar. During the whole war the Italians were able to observe all traffic of ships in and out the port of Gibraltar. Provisions and men could be brought by small submarine. They were very proud that the British never knew about it. Geert De Vriese, Antwerp Belgium.

[@jimsedlacek4897]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKaTeYyNaKtrf9E

[@HM2SGT]

Clever & cunning indeed

[@kerryberry5786]

Italian BS

[@Ethyo5271]

@@kerryberry5786 look up the Italian auxiliary ship Olterra

[@myparceltape1169]

Did they have frogmen to go out and mine ships?

[@jdiluigi]

Man this channel has had some unique sites covered in videos. Its so good to have some fresh stuff that I haven't heard about from a dozen other channels already.

[@CalumRaasay]

Thank you! Appreciate that 🙏

[@Jarmezrocks]

This has to be THE absolute most detailed "documentary" I've seen on KZbin on a singular topic! You sir WILL go places! This was epic. You had me glued to the screen the entire time.

[@Jarmezrocks]

Subbed and liked bell +++

[@CalumRaasay]

Wow, thanks! Really apreciate that!

[@Jarmezrocks]

@@CalumRaasay dude honestly, it is truly an amazing creation that anyone would be proud of! I'm going to show this to people. Lovin' the van life build. Great minds think alike Have you looked into bio diesel? I would love to have a rig that tows a huge veggie garden lol. I'm a bit crazy and out there

[@byronlopez4078]

Brilliant! The most accurate and informative video of Gibraltar and Op Tracer. I am from Gibraltar and a WWII tunnel guide as Mr P Jackson and I must say you have done a fantastic job with the most accurate information.

[@CalumRaasay]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching I hope I can visit one day - hopefully I can meet Jim, Pete and the others involved!

[@tomonkyysyr2741]

The one thing that turns me away from any KZbinr, is background music; so thank you very much for not using any! It allows me to really focus on your words. A big draw for your channel, is that you demonstrate very clearly, the area in which the location is set. Also, showing lots of pictures and videos, (as opposed to you talking to a camera) lets me become enthralled on what is happening and become lost in a story. I find that showing the face of the narrator, really disturbs the flow, so I am grateful for you waiting til' the end, to talk to the camera. Overall, this is probably the best video I've seen and has hit all the pre-requisites that I have been hoping a KZbinr could which is clear, concise content with great narration. A bonus that you are likely, Scottish, tae!

[@CalumRaasay]

Thank you for the kind comment! I feel the same way on music tbh. It works in some videos (such as my video on Scotland’s Underwater Ruins) but sound mixing is hard and it’s easy to drown out the narration

[@tomonkyysyr2741]

@@CalumRaasay Aye, it's always difficult to balance voice and music. I was surprised when I realised that you live in the "True" North of Scotland; as - despite living somewhere known for it's low population - your linguistic skills are top calibre. Thanks for the effort and time that's poured into each video and I hope you always choose quality over quantity like you have so far. I appreciate your response and may your channel grow to the success, it so deserves!

[@CybranM]

Big props for following through with the extended screen time for metric conversions, although there werent as many this time haha. Incredibly fascinating subject, hidden bunkers inside Gibraltar wasn't something I had even considered existing! I'll head over to patreon and I'm looking forward to the next video :D

[@CalumRaasay]

I’ll try to remember every time!

[@RedentSC]

i loved this in its entirety but your discussion at the end and the luck you had to uncover all of this was amazing. fantastic mate, love from Newcastle

[@CalumRaasay]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy those bits, I always enjoy making them!

[@joshcope9485]

I'm glad I stuck around for the background research story. What an amazing experience to not only find the elusive magazine out if the blue one day but then to stumble into the man who has the main source of your subject information!!! Incredible, best epilogue to a KZbin ever bro!

[@petermatthews8193]

An amazing piece of research and very much enjoyed. I served for 2 years in Gibraltar, 1974 - 1975, and, during my time there, used to lead Rock tours and also Lower St Michaels Cave tours. I was fortunate to be able to visit lots of the tunnels and caves. I consider myself to be very lucky!

[@CalumRaasay]

I consider you to be very lucky as well! Sounds facinating. I'll need to visit one day!

[@johniksushibar165]

small world, you may have led the tour i did inside the rock, it was an amazing experience !

[@ianbanner9292]

When I visited in the eighties , it was rumoured by Spanish that the Artillery caves of Gibraltar contained a Nuclear landmine , to be used should Spanish or Maroc occupation happen. Which prevented what would seem to be an easy takeover . Similar usage had apparently prevented the USSR walking over Germany and much of Europe .

[@kmc7355]

I was there with work not too long ago, Gib is a cool little place. It has a feeling of 90's UK with Spanish weather. Some incredible views across the bay from the top of the rock. The big artillery guns are still there on the rock and interesting to see.

[@CalumRaasay]

Desperate to visit one day- in fact I’d love to visit all the British overseas territories

[@kmc7355]

@@CalumRaasay Unfortunately after that i had to join a (poorly ballasted) DSV boat from there up to Norway through the bay of Biscay to collect some ROV spare parts/kit 🤮

[@michaelmcneil4168]

@@CalumRaasay Better get started, there were lot of them. Take lindy beige with you. I'd enjoy that, make an old man happy.

[@TheNinigirly]

@@CalumRaasay Im from Gibraltar, you're welcome to come over, you'll love it

[@kmc7355]

@Chi Chi Rov pilot/tech (remotely operated submersible vehicle) Was there to meet a vessel to arrange putting 2x rovs onboard.

[@nikostrand8570]

Man what a great way to end my evening. Really been Enjoying your content lately.

[@CalumRaasay]

Thanks Niko! Figured it would be a good thing to watch after dinner haha

[@Sparty-pi3jq]

Lol, a few of the guys I served alongside in Iraq, Afghanistan etc, were all British SAS and 2 of them were part of the group that accidentally invaded Spain a few years ago with hot weapons, thanks to officers with their heads up their asses. It still makes me laugh to this day!! Great well researched video my friend, you've got yourself a new subscriber.

[@braders0508]

Really loved the video mate, I'm half gibraltarian myself and love finding new things about the history there it just seems endless for such a small stretch of rock. The research was incredible. The extent of the tunnel defenses is just crazy. Really appreciate the video and cheers for taking the time to make it

[@CalumRaasay]

Glad you enjoyed it! Would love to visit one day

[@Defender78]

where would the team put their garbage?? 14:27 woah, regarding entombing a fallen team member..

[@atreico]

I live in La Linea and work in Gibraltar, and this video is making me feel very lucky and proud! Amazing narration and info. Thanks!

[@nela9994]

Fascinating story, thank you. I know it’s way too late now, but, perhaps the best sponsor for this video would have been the Gibraltar tourist board? They both would be interested in the exposure, and could have given interesting insights as to Gibraltar today.

[@StuartWoodwardJP]

Nice! I didn’t expect the S.S.Uganda twist. I was on the last complete school’s cruise on the Uganda. The following cruise was cut short and the ship diverted to Gibraltar for refitting as a hospital ship as you mention.

[@CalumRaasay]

Oh wow what a great connection you have to such a fascinating piece of history!

[@sampointau]

I can remember hearing about other "Stay Behind" facilities years ago including more than one at Gibraltar, a Maltese one (From one Maltese guy I worked with back in the 80's.), the plans for one in Hong Kong and one near Singapore and some in Australia.

[@susanribeiro2635]

I am absolutely blown away in watching the fabulous story of Gibraltar. Mu dad was in the British army and we lived on Cyprus and time in the Suez canaj situation. I was young but remembered so much and I have a love of the history of the time. The Rock has always held a special place in my heart, so thank you for this fabulous story. You have done a fantastic job and it means so much,. Susan Ribeiro (nee Favelle) Victoria,BC Canada

[@submergedstories]

I don't know how you do it but the topics you pick are always so unique and I love that you do your own first party research. Incredible stuff! Keep 'em coming! I am also just tickled at the discovery Gibraltar double meaning. Must've been a funny conversation at the local tourist board.

[@CalumRaasay]

Thank you! I’ve got an obsession with the niche!

[@OnlyTakk]

Fantastic work Calum!

[@joelaugustin6407]

Every one of your videos I've watched has been fascinating and informative. I hope you reach the level of success your efforts deserve!

[@CalumRaasay]

Thank you Joel! Much appreciated

[@ralph17p]

Very interesting and well researched video!

[@CalumRaasay]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching! I'm so sorry, KZbin never seems to show these super thanks to me.

[@muppit666]

Working in a vicarage in Kent many years ago, we were called in to investigate a hole that appeared in his lawn. Where the hole appeared about 2’ down were rotten timbers that were covering something. We cleared a bigger opening and found that they were set across a concrete opening which we thought at first was an old drain. After clearing what was left of the timber we found a ladder that went down and it opened up into a massive underground bunker dating back to the war, too big for a private air raid shelter. There were even openings that were bricked up that went underneath the boundary wall through to next door property. We bricked up an access wall on top of the concrete and fitted a hinged manhole cover to allow access for future use. Would have made a fantastic man cave. It was massive. 👊🤘😎

[@CalumRaasay]

God that is literally my dream to find something like that haha!

[@albertlorenzen3048]

When I was 16 years old I worked for Boyles Bros Drilling Company In 1954 I was a drill helper at Port Radium, Great Bear Lake, NWT, Canada. I was the helper for Art Watt. Also working for Boyles was Louis Swiggem, Blackburn, Barney MacGrath, and others. These men joined the Army, and when it was found out they were Diamond Drillers, they were shipped to Gibraltor. They spent the entire war drilling in Gilbraltor. They drilled guide holes, for the Drift miners to follow. Cutting out the tunnels you are talking about.

[@pjhunton]

I lived there in the 80s and visited the lower caves and the 42 miles of tunnels inside the rock many times. Im not surprised theres still hidden rooms down there as theres barracks, hospitals all sorts in there.

[@willam1992]

a lot of people had to sign legal documents promising never to discus or revel any information regarding there service, which is why it is very lucky he decided to talk about it

[@andreasheld2362]

Leaps and bounds, Calum! Story, Narration and Style are all getting better and better. If that's even possible. I'm a huge fan of your channel.

[@jp-um2fr]

Someone once said - Some people work to live and the lucky ones live to work. I can't think of any channel on KZbin that is as professional as yours Calum. The BBC now turns out endless drivel and when you consider the almost endless resources they have compared to you it highlights just how good you are at your 'hobby'. The trouble you go to to unearth your projects is quite astounding. It takes a very rare breed of men to knowingly die for their country as those men signed up to. In a way it goes beyond the Victoria Cross medal. Thank you Calum.

[@mikemcallister9091]

This was very well done. Your attention to the details is amazing. I share the passion of abandoned places especially from WW2. Your detective work made this video...Great work..

[@patryan3484]

I was Signal Corp. While stationed Hawaii for 9 years I explored many Abandoned U.S. military underground Signal & ammunition facilities all over the islands... Great video thanks.

[@AtheistOrphan]

I spent a week in Gib in May 1994. A fascinating place and a good base to explore southern Spain, I took a trip up to the mountain town of Ronda and also popped across to Tangier. I can thoroughly recommend it.

[@redknight1322]

You sir, are a true historical researcher... not many would have spent the time to verify your sources or spent so much time tracking down primary sources. Well done indeed!! Your dedication to accuracy and your professionalism made my decision to subscribe to your channel an easy one to make.

[@CalumRaasay]

Thank you! Really appreciate that.

[@niklar55]

During the 1960's, I served 2 1/2 years in gibraltar. A lot of my time was served on wireless stations on top of the Rock. During quiet night shifts, I frequently explored the abandoned tunnels and caverns of old military constructions. It helped to relieve the boredom, and was amazing fun too! !

[@PixiLord123]

I've been watching your videos for the past two days and am very pleased with the quality and variety of information. Before long I'll have seen every one of your videos to be sure.

[@richhagenchicago]

An amazing story to tell! Cork underlayments are still used in flooring to block transmission of sound. It is also effective at dampening it. If you were concerned that the enemy might have people in tunnels nearby, or outside of the slits, minimizing noise emanating from your shelter would likely be part of your planning, so that does not seem surprising to find in a stay behind cave as it was likely the best material for the purpose at the time. In this day and age I would take a computer with a downloaded copy of much of the internet with me if allowed as I would have plenty of down time in the years of entombment to read and learn. It would be interesting to go over the surface of the rock with a good ground penetrating radar unit as for any parallel plan there would have to be a passage to near the surface for observation.

[@hillbillyintheasia6122]

British see suck at building bunkers german best at it.

[@murphy7801]

​@@hillbillyintheasia6122 I mean the Beijing has the worlds largest bunker network

[@davidrenton]

@@hillbillyintheasia6122 as a general rule , building bunkers is an admission of defeat. The Resources the Germans put on the Atlantic wall was such a waste, what was the quote 2 years to build ,2 hours to get through, or something like that. Germanys bunkers where a tremedous waste of resources, hastened their defeat, and completey ineffectual the estimated cost of the Atlantic wall was 200 billion in todays money, an expense Germany simply could'nt afford. The opportunity cost , in terms of resouces, manpower , was systematic of German mentality, these 'impressive' but expensive and useless white elephants. Be it the Atlantic Wall, the V Program, the Superguns, many of their tanks designs, war losers.

[@arcadia449]

I was stationed in Gibraltar when I was in the Royal Navy back in the 1970's. I can tell you the 'Rock' is full of tunnels, chambers and bunkers. One tunnel goes from the dockyard right the way through to Catalan Bay on the other side.

[@coldcanuck6091]

My father was an R.A.F. Flight sergeant back in the early 70's and for approx 18 months, we lived in the married quarters on the Gibraltar air base beside the airport. Frankly, it was an enjoyable trip through my memories of the time we lived there, so for that, I thank you. The story of the tunnels also brought some old memories back as I remembered a time where two friends and I did some exploration through some of the bunkers and tunnels in the rock face that looked over the airport toward Spain. Frankly, as enjoyable a time as we had during our exploration, some rather harrowing rock slides added some unnecessary risk for three 14 year old kids fumbling our way through the tunnels...realistically, it was a really dumb-ass thing to do as this was a time before decent flashlights were available to us, and even though we were smart enough to take a spare set of batteries for our TWO flashlights, we wound up leaving the tunnels with some VERY dim lamps/torches. One of the other things that was indelibly etched in my memory was the fog that used to start at the peak and made it's way down the rock until it coated everything in a patina of some slippery substance...I think we called it lavanta. We found the locals (Gibraltarians) to be incredibly friendly, and always had a smile for us British kids, and as long as we refrained from pestering the Barbary apes, we were good as gold. And while not all of my memories were happy ones ( I lost a close friend in a rock slide that took out a communications tower that he was maintaining), the overwhelming majority were memories that I will always look fondly upon as long as I live. Again, thanks for the trip down memory lane, cheers.

[@CalumRaasay]

Great comment, thank you!

[@morganlewis2667]

I wish I could share this with my Dad (RIP) whom I'm sure would have enjoyed it. He flew onto Gibralter's rather tricky runway on his B-17. He often remarked on the delicious meal of steak and eggs he had there. I suppose lots of food tasted extra good when you lived to fly another day.

[@OryxTheMadGod3]

your channel hits the exact niche of content i'm looking for; cool locations and vehicles that not many others have talked about. needless to say i binged most of your videos lol

[@Hitchhiker3000]

despite having known about this before watching i found your video on it brilliant and it had a lot of ancillary information that grounded the recounting of the events really well!

[@the_hanged_clown]

I LOVE seeing old secrets especially hidden places

[@johnspruit7296]

Incredible history of unbelievably brave and dedicated men. Ontario Canada 2022

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

Some years ago I visited southern Spain, and Gibraltar, with the Spanish obstructions for the tourists. We entered the shown St. Michaels Cave, but I would have preferred to look more for the military installations on the area. We could, at one time look to Africa and saw one large, Danish Maersk ship entering from The Atlantic. Our driver was a former English soldier who now lived in a veterans home, to be able to still live there.

[@Funk1199]

19:52 Ayo what? 😰Homeboy fr getting bricked up?

[@symaklon]

I love the dedication you have to getting the facts right! it's so nice to watch your videos and just be able to listen to what you say and accept it for exactly how you tell it.

[@SubMadMike]

I think I would be more suprised if there wasn't multiple copies of this exact operation inside the same hill. Why would you put all your eggs in one basket? If Gibraltar fell and a crew got caught up in the panic the mission could have failed then and there. I find it more likely there was multiple lookout bunkers, each with a select crew all kept secret from one another. You could even then compare reports from each bunker on movements to be certain the intelligence was sound.

[@rogerwilco2]

I salute the men willing to be sealed into such a tomb.

[@testbenchdude]

Fascinating! Can't wait to see what you're working on next. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@MrPDawes]

I was a young boy of 5 to 7 years old when I lived in Gib after my father was stationed there. Everyone knew there were lots of tunnels but of course most were top secret. Fascinating story, thanks for researching this and sharing.

[@alexcrouse]

Welp, now i need to watch your entire back catalog.

[@stuartthornton3027]

Wow, great video. I remember seeing some of the cave system in the late 1970s with my farther who was in the Royal Navy at the time.

[@aserta]

Fascinating story, and considering the way they thought during the war, more than likely there's more, after all, that rock is swiss cheesed all the way through.

[@BigM94sqd]

in the early 1980's I was on a visit to RAF Gibraltar and we were taken on a tour of the Lower St Michael's Cave which has (as we were told) the only natural column in Europe. This was found when a tunnel was being dug to the operating theatre for the discreet removal of any dead personal, as the only other way to go was though the main ward. Have you been down there?

[@jonb3311]

Royal Engineers build the majority of bunkers used by Auxiliary Units in the UK during WW2. They were never told the location of the sites and were taken back and forth in covered trucks, allegedly. What happened to the RE soldier who build the Rock bunker followed the same course as others. So much knowledge and information that was on the early web sites has gone for good. A total waste as the Wayback Machine only captures some of the sites and isn't an easy to use facility. The same is happening with stories that are put on Facebook. I have seen 2 local history groups disappear off Facebook overnight and no way to get the photographs and stories back. Anyone using a FB history site should be keeping copies of everything posted

[@CalumRaasay]

Well said. We’re unfortunately losing so many sites and information like this every day

[@tomridgeway9231]

Greetings from Ireland! 🇮🇪 Love the videos. Congratulations. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@Skydea]

That was mighty interessting, thank you for making such content!

[@CalumRaasay]

Thank you!

[@Skydea]

@@CalumRaasay Never knew such things, all your ... videos are so.. facinating, especially the crazy engineering feats are simply baffeling. I wish you wholeheartly the best, take care of yourself.

[@safiremorningstar]

You forgot to mention your artwork too... Mention projects etcetera etcetera but you forgot to mention your artwork to which is excellent.

[@awmperry]

I always enjoy good long-form documentaries, and yours never disappoint. As someone who enjoys drawing maps and the like, the closeups of your drawings are particularly fun. Cheers!

[@CalumRaasay]

Thank you! Much appreciated

[@cokdnlokd1238]

Been to the Rock many times. Access to topside is limited so unless something changes dont think they will allow visits to this tunnel. That being said Gib is one of my favorite places and a definite good week out. Hello Caleta palace!

[@chillmonkey6782]

This would be such a stressful assignment. You are basically Anne Frank, but with a job to do lol

[@ianderbyshire384]

I did a tour of caves etc in 2001 whist in Gibraltar with MWF Royal Engineers. I remember this detail, but am sure the tour guide told us there was a lime pit built into the secret section for the disposal of any dead bodies during the time the team was bricked in?

[@CalumRaasay]

I didn’t notice anything about in the research i did regarding a specific line pit, just that they could be embalmed into a certain section

[@ianderbyshire384]

@@CalumRaasay To be fair, the location in your video didn't ring any bells particularly, so it may have been a different cave? We were taken round, after hours, in areas not normally open. It was 21 years ago, we'd had a few beers and as such I may well be wrong, but I definately remember the lime pit explanation etc. The guide mentioned there would have been two poeple emtombed and I recall there was only one viewing slit/opening? Shout out to any old 501 STRE (V) guys out there whilst I'm here.

[@NinjaOrchids]

Mad respect!! I live 30kms from Gibraltar and have always had a fascination for those tunnels. Visted what is open to the public a lot, but of course, curious about everything 'we can't get to'. Crossing the runway, I always looked up at the gun openings... well, your video is absolutely amazing 👏 loved the waffling as well 🙂 saludos from Spain! P.S..... we want our Rock back 😅 oh... The Guns of Navarone is an old time favorite film of mine. I have to check your channel, ... do you have any videos on the submarine bays in the Rock?

[@bobdylan7120]

I was stationed in Gibraltar in the 1980's and made a couple of trips inside The Rock (only military personnel were allowed back then). Most of the excavated caverns were used for naval armament storage, but there were also surgical theatres, wards and large natural caves. There was a Master Plan that detailed all the excavations, including the area's 'discovered' by these cavers. The saying, "As solid as the Rock of Gibraltar" always amused me, as it's riddled with tunnels and caves inside and crumbling to bits on the outside. In fact, one entire face is held in place by a massive, heavy duty, steel mesh. The saying about the Barbary Apes, "as long as they remain, so will the British”, is also amusing. Anytime the population looks like it's getting low, the Army import more apes from Morocco!

[@myparceltape1169]

Have you seen the grey cliffs of Dover complete with wire netting.

[@bobdylan7120]

@@myparceltape1169 Yes, but nobody says, "As solid as the chalk cliffs of Dover", do they!

[@CalumRaasay]

You're locked in a spy bunker for a year and allowed ONE luxury. What do you take with you and why is it a PSP 3000? Patreon: www.patreon.com/calumraasay Buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/calumraasay Discord: discord.gg/BPahz6vHJd

[@C2K777]

It's a PS5, coz I've actually got one 🤣

[@user-ol4np3yb8p]

Lol, I'd take a guitar tbh, better to learn something during the year than just waste time.

[@CalumRaasay]

@@C2K777 impossible

[@joelaugustin6407]

A Nintendo Switch with Mario 3d all stars, maybe I'll actually get all those stars!

[@C2K777]

@@CalumRaasay Lest you and everyone hates me even more..... ......Day 1 machine at that. Sorry, not sorry

[@asicit6789]

This was excellent viewing. Thank you for your work.

[@Oldsmobile69]

Yay, I love secret tunnels!

[@CalumRaasay]

As do I!

[@Oldsmobile69]

@@CalumRaasay Do more ww2 bunkers. And cold war ones too. Lots of creepy secret radio and radar bases in the US, like Fort Ward or Camp Hero.

[@letsbeecozy]

Amazing video!! Im a born and bred gibraltarian and i love learning new stuff about my town!! All my support from the rock of gibraltar 🇬🇮

[@puremaga17]

If they truly were only to have 3x 120Ah batteries, they would be in the dark much of the time. not my cup of tea. Excellent research and presentation! Stay Strong! God Bless

[@CalumRaasay]

No light except oil burning lamps I think!

[@daminox]

I got so excited seeing a new Calum video pop up in my feed!

[@mumblbeebee6546]

Whoa, Calum is back with another meticulous deep dive! Sir, if this is what you get up to while building yourself a home, may the devil never find your hands idle 😜

[@CalumRaasay]

Hahah I certainly know how to keep busy!

[@PauloGarcia-sp5ws]

Sometimes your videos get lost in the shuffle among all my subscriptions, but I've made it a habit to check roughly every month. Love your content!

[@Waldherz]

Well, I shall watch it again xD

[@CalumRaasay]

Hahaha see if you notice any differences!

[@Waldherz]

@@CalumRaasay I found a new mistake ^^ 12:07 12 and 7, not 12 and 12 :P Also i think I saw new footage? Or is my short term memory bad now.

[@rafkerkhofs6957]

You are one of the best documentary makers on You Tube. Well done, sir !

[@DangerTurtle91]

I heard of secret tunnels in Gibraltar a few years ago but I haven't found any documentaries about them until I found this video. You gained a new subscriber.

[@noneya135]

Your channel is better than today's History Channel and, in my opinion, you do more to promote history than that Channel has done in the last decade. Great work.

[@gregbolitho9775]

Nice job gettin inside the hill. I've seen lots of photos of the place, knew there had to be underground storage, maybe livin quarters and so on. Bit far away to go check.

[@georgesiere161]

I had heard about this on another channel, but was always soooooo curious about the details of the layout so explicitly laid out by you in this video. Excellent work!!

[@CalumRaasay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@picturethis8611]

I have a lot of homework due today. I was working on it when I saw this video in my feed. Homework's going to have to wait....

[@CalumRaasay]

Get that homework done! Videos will always be here!

[@picturethis8611]

@@CalumRaasay haha good point. Love the videos by the way. The research and formula is perfect. Keep up the great work

[@grahamunderwood9353]

Intresting having got married in gibraltar its always amazed me the work that went into building the many tunnels and the evacuation of the many residents so that Gibraltar could house such a large garrison great video so imformative many thanks

[@kartyl1wielki]

Your videos are really on the next level. Not only the production value is high, the research behind them is also really impressive. I am sharing your videos with my friends, I hope this will bring you at least few regular viewers. Also, it is great that you are sharing your sources. I recently started to read more and more about Antarctic (Arctic too, but I don't find it as interesting) and I am on a look out for any recommendations.

[@dougcook7507]

Sometimes the KZbin algorithm gets it right for recommended content. It sure did when I was recommended this video. Great video, thank you very much for making it. Can easily hear your passion for stuff like this in your voice. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to future videos.

[@michaelmcneil4168]

I think the BBC covered the home front version of this some 20 years ago. I stopped watching TV by then so it may have been a little earlier. When did secrecy about WW2 relax? What I recall about it is that it was very Ian Fleming type stuff with assassins trained to keep secrets. In that vein, James Bond was originally just a nondescript assassin but the popularity of the books led to 007's growth. Thanks for your hard work.

[@CalumRaasay]

I think a lot of WW2 stuff had confientality dropped in the 90s and following the end of the cold war, maybe a bit before. I seem to see a lot of info about WW2 that emerged in the late 80s and 90s.

[@johnnyboy2k]

I was in the Air Training Corps, in the 80s, with two of the guys who discovered the installation: Ian Bramble and John-Paul Latín.

[@danielcox9504]

I lived in gib from 95 to 99 loved it. I was a forces kid. Me and my mates used to get into all the tunnels was brilliant. My dad worked in the coma centre which was in the centre of the rock, I remember going through a chiselled out tunnel then got to a security door in which inside was built an office like building, bloody bizarre. Would move back there tomorrow if I could

[@myparceltape1169]

I am surprised at how much 'modern' man is making 3D structures on this earth. Far beyond underground railways and towns in the sky. We also have mountains hollowed out for fuel dumps or places to hide teams of beaurocrats.

[@flojotube]

@Calum - hello again from the armpit of the USA near NYC, my friend!! - ANOTHER excellent production that I was glued to from start to finish. My favorite part was when you shared that the man said he “went back to grab some goodies.” Not only did I laugh aloud, but I was completely blown aside in shock as I expected he would’ve gone back for some MANLY MILITARY HARDWARE, some non-civilian equipment, or even a personal keepsake he left behind… Ahhh, but nope!! Not this fine man… Not at all… What motivated his journey and climb up into a top secret, clandestine military mountain fortress, risking injury or becoming the focus of a federal investigation, was indeed…… SNACKS….. wow….. just, wow. 🤨 🧐 I’ve mentioned this before but I’ll say it again. You’ve got something special here and I’d encourage you to keep pushing forward even when things seem to push you away. Your voice/accent is one that simply sells (especially to the US audience at large, it’s something I’ve observed to be a widespread phenomenon), and your presentation/flow/video quality/editing skills, ALL come together so nicely. I’ll also say that after watching several of your videos, I can see a rather distinct improvement in these elements as time has carried on. In past videos I could’ve pointed out a few situations where you probably should have (or could have) spent more/less time on this & that, but with this latest release, it seems you’ve been your own best critic - Another indication of great success to come. My commentary doesn’t come strictly from a “viewer’s” perspective. I’ve actually spent a considerable amount of time helping several channels to “grow” (both their stats and revenues). I use “grow” in the simplest way possible because I have “done it all” from recording to editing to learning the “ins & outs” of the complex beast that is this platform… Mostly focused on how to please BOTH AUDIENCES (the human and non-human, if you follow my drift!) to ensure the optimal outcomes… Admittedly, these channels already had from 80,000 subs and up, but they were friends of mine at the time and simply didn’t have the “eye” that I suppose I have, and absolutely didn’t have the psychological and “people skills” that I’ve developed in my years. The results that occurred once my recommended changes were implemented gave me a thrill and a rush despite them not benefitting me personally at all. So I spend my time encouraging and complimenting you because I can only imagine how you must feel considering the EXTENSIVE amounts of work you put into these masterpieces. So if you take nothing else away from my message, be sure to leave here KNOWING that you’ve got what it takes, the road to your definition of success is freshly paved and simply awaiting your arrival, and all you need to do is keep moving forward while never being afraid to make changes… Even the ones that may sometimes go against your lifetime’s worth of understanding!! Because you can always change back when it turns out you were right all along. I look forward to watching your next creation and seeing you grow along with this fine channel. In fact, I may have a topic suggestion coming your way in the coming days. I just want to be sure I’ve scanned all of your work first to be sure it hasn’t been covered already (and that it’ll fit your theme of course). Bravo!!

[@CalumRaasay]

Thank you for the wonderful comment! Really made my morning. Even funnier aspect to Coopers goody-theft: he was apparently billeted with the local police sargeant in Gibraltar and the man kept getting confused as to where all the biscuits kept coming from in their flat! Really appreciate your feedback through. I've making videos on KZbin for a looooong time now but I never really took it any more seriously than a hobby. I think this year I'd really like to start focusing on it more!

[@occamsrazor1285]

26:29 Interesting. A sort of "checksum" (multiple teams would corroborate and verify information from each other to help combat counter-intelligence MDM)

[@raimondspadaro8211]

Fantastic bit of history. I was at the rock of Gibraltar, climbing all around, and imagining what went on during the war. What a fantastic view of everything all around. I was there on a training cruise as part of my education at SUNY Maritime College, around 1993.

[@phydeux]

Just out of curiosity, when you were looking for that magazine, did you check the US Library of Congress? Their archives are largely publicly available and they practically vacuum up every periodical in existence to add to their collection. And since much of it is available online, maybe things you're looking for can be found there?

[@CalumRaasay]

Good point, I don't actually use the Library of Congress very often but I really should!

[@bradrugg8705]

Another brilliant video. Thanks mate, fantastic work as usual

[@WJack97224]

Have not finished viewing but already am wondering how the place was provisioned for food, water, toilets, showers, entertainment, laundry and power. Somehow I suspect the Germans would have "triangulated" the radio source and then the game would have been up.