The BBC Book of War
What role was the BBC to play if the cold war became hot? For the first time, the corporation has given detailed access to its plans for a Wartime Broadcasting Service following a nuclear attack. Paul Reynolds reveals its secrets.
Armageddon might have been looming but, in its plans for nuclear war, the BBC was properly prudent with public money. Staff designated to go down into the bunkers from which a Wartime Broadcasting Service (WTBS) would operate were not to be given any special payment but could withdraw up to £250 cash in advance of salary. A special form was provided for this purpose, which the staff had to sign. They were then to leave their families behind.
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