NAVY CONTROL BUNKER Hidden under HOUSES

HMS Forward was a NAVY Command and Control Bunker which was dug under houses near the port of Newhaven. It was meant to be the central control for all information of naval plotting of ship positions.
Underground offices for wireless telegraphy, plotting, coding and telephone switch boards, signals distribution, sleeping accommodation and a simple canteen were constructed.
The construction details of the bunker are staggering: 1400 flagstones, 2000 breeze blocks, 3000 bricks, 20,000 Sq ft of plywood and roofing felt, copious quantities of concrete, gallons of white wash, air conditioning plant, 3 x 450 gallon water tanks, a standby diesel generator with fuel and all the electronic telecommunications kit and furniture. After the war much of this equipment was removed, looted and destroyed both officially and unofficially.
Anyone wishing for more information should check out:
Geoffrey Ellis of Newhaven Museum took it upon himself to be amongst the first people to enter the long sealed up bunker and to conduct a modern day survey with official permission from the property owners. His tireless work founded the “Friends of HMS Forward” conservation group and resulted in a book, “The Secret Tunnels of South Heighton” published by SB Publications in 1996. Any reader wishing to know more about the story of this bunker in exquisite detail should read a copy of this book. Recently a companion 70 minute DVD documentary film also available from Newhaven Museum, has been released.
more info here: www.secret-tunn...
My Instagram: / mattswilli (no private messages please)
Facebook: / 1228424283971624 (no private messages please)
email me at [e-mail]
EMAIL IS THE NUMBER 1 WAY TO GET HOLD OF ME!!!
Also present on this explore were
Exploring Within - / richtea8
Hidden History with Ray - / beale7125
Equipment used:
DJI Mavic Zoom DRONE
Sony A7s ii with Samyang 14mm full frame lens
Dji Pocket 2 camera
Insta 360x R
BOBLOV 32GB Ambarella A7L50 Bodyworn Infra Red Camera
Adobe Premiere Pro 2020
Ryzen 5950X
65GB Ram
Windows 10 (No Apple shiz here)
Nvidia RTX 3950 GFX
#Abandonedplaces #Abandonedplacesuk #urbexuk #undergroundbunker #urbexexploration #urbex_europe_ #urbextreme #urbexphotography #DerelictBuildings #frozenintime #timecapsule
#abandoned

[@petermason2999]

The square pit at the bottom of the stairs was a grenade pit, the stairs were the main entrance and led to the Guinness room it now emerges in a back garden tho' you used to see daylight through the holes so a new cover has been added. The steep stairs near the pit was the emergency exit disguised as a chicken house. The 2 shallow pits were dug to house the GPO equipment frames that were too tall for the tunnel. The pair of 45 degree slopes each led to 2 pillboxes on the surface, they were home guard manned. We reckoned the tunnel was only a few fet underground as you can hear voices and footsteps as well as a wiring picket sticking through the roof. I was chairman of Friends of HMS Forward until we closed it down due to opposition by one resident above and zero interest by the rest to us opening to the public although we did a few Heritage open days

[@TheSecretVault]

Many thanks. It would have been great to see which garden it was in to drone it. Shame I probably wont be going back.

[@meichong8278]

PETER what year was that ?

[@bigglesace1626]

@@TheSecretVault the book does provide a map overlay to the tunnels and does give precise details of which houses are now sited at each pillbox and chicken shed location. Presumably the owners know what's in their back gardens because each land owner was notified back in the 90's, when they were being asked for approval of plans to renovate the tunnels for posterity. Subsequent changes of ownership would likely have included the details as part of the transaction, so it should still be known about. I wonder how many times random folk have knocked on doors to ask for a look around back, lol.

[@TheSecretVault]

@@bigglesace1626 What i find more alluring and fun is that the people might actually have gone down the tunnels from their access points and enjoy the tunnels as their own private plaything.

[@gaynor3976]

Very informative and interesting to see these bunkers thanks to you, Jordan, Ray, Steve and Alex. Still learning at 67 xxx

[@exploringwithforsythphotog4467]

Where you got the camera in the small hole was defo the underside of paving/patio slabs so went to some buggers garden awesome vid as always mate 👍

[@connormeechan5784]

I thought that too because of the pitting on the underside

[@zerofox7347]

That view through the holes 🕳 had the texture and colour of a paving stone.

[@markh9308]

Another great explore Matt enjoyed watching it’s good to watch when u r with with ray and Steve looked mad in there great viewing has normal from the secret vault cheers 👍👍👍👍

[@simonbroberg969]

when you were looking up the little hatch hole, I can see the little of a normal concrete slab. I have laid enough of those to know what they are.

[@TheSecretVault]

Yes I agree did look like a slab

[@bigglesace1626]

It may be where the original disguised pillbox was, there's a picture of it in the book, it was made to look like a shed/chicken coop. It's long gone and is now someone's back garden - wonder if they know what's there, lol.

[@zerofox7347]

That’s the cleanest bunker I think I’ve seen.

[@barbellbell]

Well worth watching that was. You can't imagine what was done to do all of that digging. Nice watch Matt and chaps.

[@sf777howdy]

If you had the time and it was open there's a museum around the corner st Paradise Park Garden Centre and it has loads of information on HMS Forward and newhaven Harbour which was used during ww2

[@kennethbarker852]

1st class video to watch thank you take care kind regards from me kenneth

[@tonykennedy9811]

I started counting how many times you said 360 but gave up in the end 🤣 Great vid guys 👍

[@adams7351]

Another Superb explore Matt. Always really enjoy your underground explores. I also enjoy it when you 3 (the best exploring trio) are together as you all get on so well and the banter is great. Thank you Matt, Steve & Ray for yet another great video 👍. 💪TheSecretVault💪

[@extremerambling]

We love old military stuff, cheers! 👍

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

@ 24:00 you can just make out the dimples of a underside on paving slab through the grate holes. Maybe one of those inspection camera probe devices would be ideal in such instances where you cant access but have a small opening.

[@nigelb5341]

.....yeah, I was also going to suggest getting an endoscope camera but then I wouldn't be able to resist drilling through with a 300mm masonry bit and popping out the top with the endoscope 😅

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

@@nigelb5341 And the problem is?..............🤣

[@magavelli3199]

@@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse Flooding?

[@Behindstage]

We might actually need these bunkers soon.

[@chrisgraver2112]

I was thinking the same. MOD may occupy them again you never know

[@g7puw]

I would of been able to guide you on this site as I was with the historic team whom explored this in the 90s and that cover above the stairs is actually a simple drain cover in a footpath , the pipe on the left of the stairs was used to ping messages from the communications Center up to the admiralty chief who was stationed In The loft of the Guineas trust building above , conversely where the drain cover is was the position of room 16 when the building was still standing. The two shafts left and right originally led to pillboxes above ground which were disguised as hen houses during the Second World War.

[@kennethgardner3310]

I would say the pit at the bottom of the stairs was a rubble pit that may of came from the roof blast hit on the roof.thus not blocking anyone in..

[@fredsimmons2793]

These tunnels brought out your tunnel rat spirit in fine form! It makes me proud to know this tribe!

[@BlytheWorld1972]

Another super upload dont get worried about car noise it all add to the experience!!!!!

[@CatalyserChris]

Could you see any way into the pillbox down at the main road?? ( A little guesswork here):- There are a couple of things that suggest there is a level/s below these tunnels. These tunnels are indicative of entrance and exit ways with only gaurd rooms of each side. You can get end to end, but for what reason??, why go to all that effort? If you look at all the other tunnel systems, especialy miltary ones, in and around Newhaven. They all go much deeper. Using the soft limestone /chalk for easily shaping the rooms you need. Another strange addiction is the concrete/stone or slab floor or "patio flagstone. You can see further down into the gaurd room at the grenade pit..... also If there is no entrance on the outside to the pillbox on the surface then it maybe accessable from inside - they also ay not have left it manned without being able to swap shifts from within the safety of the bunker. also if you look from Satview you can see the mounded earth on the opposite side of the road making its a good distance towards the new strange looking energy recovery facility??? whats going on under there. Thanks for your adventuring.

[@bigglesace1626]

Great explore folks. After seeing this on IKS a while ago I managed to get a copy of the book which is well worth a read for more info if you can get hold of it. This explore though gives a much better picture of the scale and character of the tunnels. The 'official' dvd was unavailable when I got the book, must try again. Thanks to all for your efforts.

[@catmandoodoo7903]

The “welded” gate opening that way means that if anyone was shot while attacking from the entrance they’d fall against the gate making it even harder to open and give the occupants more time to make their escape/destroy secret documents and gear.

[@hahomy]

Great video Matt very interesting to see thanks for sharing 👍

[@kc0eks]

The amount of bunkers out there is crazy just imagine where the new ones area..

[@Matt-vb2jo]

The real ones are on the bottom of the ocean only accessible by sub. (I know it's difficult to believe) the main one is in geneva coast.

[@S-Ltd1000]

@@Matt-vb2jo entry to elites only.

[@magavelli3199]

Also imagine how many are EVERYWHERE on the globe. Theres HUGE dumbs over here in america but I dont think anyone has had the balls to try and find them but many think that's whata hiding in the National Forests, where nobody can do construction/destroy land? Lol. I really do think there are tunnels that go underwater to each continent, theres even a lot of info showing they made them or found them in the 1800s, Transatlantic (something) Railway, I cant remember.

[@margaretparker8781]

Lov the vlogs matt from margaret hope Angel is well and urself

[@theculturedthug6609]

Matt you let many "that's what she said" opportunities go!

[@georgesmith8113]

Good one! Thanks Matthew! 👍👊😎

[@nathanjones6501]

Great video and drone footage was amazing to see 👍😊

[@kernow..exp.]

A fantastic explore Matt

[@fraggit]

The little room to the right at the entrance looked like it had a slanted gun port aiming at the entrance door.

[@TheSecretVault]

agreed

[@Studio2media]

When you drive from Dorset towards Eastbourne and you recognise a section of road only because of a Secret Vault video you watched 6 months ago. That. (This video 🤣)

[@columbo7927]

Interesting Matthew Thank you

[@historyhuntersuk420]

I loved this one such an amazing size

[@goblin457]

You'll need that bunker soon by the looks of things 😣 great explore 👍🏻

[@magavelli3199]

Maybe STILL! Since our dum "politicians" over here in the USA keep egging on WW3

[@chrisbrookesphotography]

Another superb explore!

[@connormeechan5784]

Love the old Tunnel construction pics👌🏻👌🏻some Graft that would of been…

[@SNNGLOBAL]

You guys need a liDAR so it will not only create a 3d Map , Document Tunnel Size and Orientation, Manual Headings and GPS coordinates when available underground. Then based on those numbers you should be able to find tunnels and manholes or where other openings coming up and out when you can’t get recordings.

[@ExploringWithin]

Good fun that one ☝️

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Nice

[@MrGMawson2438]

Great video mate 👍

[@phatman3573]

Another banging vid .,thanks matt

[@Lee-eu6wf]

Another good mission.

[@albrown9127]

Please keep making videos

[@RiseAbove_666]

Love the drone footage ✌️❤️ as well as the rest too 😂

[@MrGMawson2438]

Stinks of *hit in here 😂

[@michellegouda3170]

OMG another level. Thanks

[@robertchaney2664]

OUT OF ALL THE BUNKERS YOU HAVE EXPLORED, IF THE SHIT HITS THE FAN AND YOU NEED TO GET UNDERGROUND WHICH BUNKER YOU HEADING TO FIRST?

[@TheSecretVault]

Bradford on Avon

[@Sussex_Rail_Enthusiast847]

Wow! just down the road from me! Awesome!

[@itsmyview2024]

looked like some one was looking to take the slabs out for a patio job.

[@Hasdac]

Do think all the disused tunnels will get used again seeming as we are heading towards a cold War 2 situation

[@OLIFAB]

Great video

[@medic-iw6qx]

HMS Forward still exists today. I wonder if the navy school in land locked Birmingham is simply the operational surface cover masking something similar for the modern era…

[@zGJungle]

Never seen a door that heavy but with holes all over it, why would they design it that way ?

[@wagwanbennydj6003]

Well in matt!!!

[@ILyekkaKai]

Nice one! =-)

[@russellpetrie119]

you should check out eastbourne

[@MrGMawson2438]

Goes purity far

[@iblvtoo]

the title of the video should be "Listen to me whine about my 360"

[@Memory_Gatherers]

Was I the only one to get the Voodoo Ray reference? - Only place I would have liked to have joined you on an explore Matt is a journey to the 1988/9 second summer of love. I just missed out as I was 13 but the 90s were good :D - nice video, you still into UFO stuff at all ? Always heard tales of stuff up on my nearby moors in Denbigh.

[@thesaintofthiscentury7879]

31:36 did someone fart?? 🤣🤣

[@fgfgfgf1234]

What you mean is “homes built on top of Naval Bunkers”. The bunkers were there first.

[@THEVEGASUM]

Lol .. "I can can smell 💩"

[@andrewstuarttaylor]

Why is Ray zooming in on that guys butt lol 😆 😂 😅 🤣 19.43 to 19. 47. Lol

[@paulyh4531]

Bum banter lol

[@TheSecretVault]

Rays man love.

[@Elon54321]

What Nice blokes they are 👍🏻 .no constant complaining like that other Mardy get they call Matt .. what a flipping winger 👎🏻

[@stephengolds9679]

It’s recently been opened up but fenced off, not sure why

[@TheSecretVault]

Do you have any pictures of what the fencing looks like... please email [e-mail]

[@brianread9781]

Did you find the gps location for the entrance?

[@S-Ltd1000]

The people in the houses above will be okay when the nukes start flying.

[@jiriki1188]

"I smell shit." Peak content.

[@MrGMawson2438]

How deep is that hole at 26:12

[@MathewBall]

Matt, Where did that ping location come out on Google Earth.

[@TheSecretVault]

Steve had it... I think it wasway off where we should have been so didnt mnnake much sense so we ignored it in the end.

[@RedFight]

Entrance is blocked now. Fencing and security cameras.

[@TheSecretVault]

I doubt that will last long. Do you have any pics of the set up there now.

[@OpticalTurnkey]

That 360 seems more trouble than it’s worth! Great job as alway Matt 👍

[@TheSecretVault]

Well ive learned a new trick... dont have to up turned have it down turned then it rarely hits its lenses. Yes it gives a matt face cam if people look back but its much easier when being in tunnels.

[@walkabout16]

Navy personnel were much shorter back then, so they wouldn't bang their heads LoL

[@MrGMawson2438]

It was welded shut 😆

[@russellpetrie119]

the strange building is a transfer station for bin rubbish recycling i think they boat the stuff to another country

[@stuartgostock6996]

It's an incinerator. Stuff gets shipped in for burning not out to another country.

[@russellpetrie119]

@@stuartgostock6996 thanks for setting the info straight

[@elcorado83]

@@stuartgostock6996 And most of the inhabitants of Newhaven have been complaining of sore throats and running eyes ever since it started burning waste...

[@TheSecretVault]

@@stuartgostock6996 yup Britain yet again saying we are green when slyly having a rubbish burning plant in several cities... grrrr

[@mrhairypalm5006]

👍🏻

[@iblvtoo]

im at 39 minutes and all i have seen is stairs and whining about a 360

[@loopymind]

Being sensible... Puts on gloves... But a simple facemask?

[@petera8083]

Where’s Jordan ? At kindergarten ? Is that on the A23?

[@Elon54321]

Mental hospital

[@petera8083]

@@Elon54321 😱

[@WelshLad.]

Hope you guy's have saved them tunnel pins we might need them one day the way things are going with Russia

[@historyhuntersuk420]

Did you drop me an email matt

[@survivalgameexploration5724]

Would see the video of the bunker and all i hear every 10 seconds is Lens, 360 camera and head.

[@anarchytv2535]

I enjoyed the explorer I just got so tired of hearing you complain about that freaking camera and hitting your head

[@TheSecretVault]

Maybe you should go toi bed if your tired.

[@iblvtoo]

sonbt waste 55 minutes of your life watching this

[@Druidwil]

Could have been a good video, except all the complaining about your camera. 🙄

[@iblvtoo]

and he wants you to pay 19 a month to JOIN this chnnel? hard pass, its hard core lame

[@ThePainWhisperer]

I couldn't give you a like because you were screwing with your 360 about half the time. Next time, just ditch the 360.

[@TheSecretVault]

Thanks for your advice. Real shame I am not going to get that like.