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caleydave.bsky.social
David Booth
@caleydave.bsky.social
130 followers 220 following 240 posts
Hobby Scottish Cold War Researcher.
Occasional Volunteer.
Edinburgh Based.
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caleydave.bsky.social
David Booth @caleydave.bsky.social · Dec 21
In a misguided attempt to try to get back into posting I have decided to use the hashtag #SirenSaturday to look at some of the remains of Air Raid warning Siren dotted about in the wild and in the captivity of museums.
caleydave.bsky.social
And to turn this into a 3-parter, as well as the WB1400 there was the WB1401 (The box with the Grill in the photo below).
It worked in exactly the same way and was a ruggedised version intended for locations that may have been Damp or Unheated such as Royal observer Posts.

#SirenSaturday
Board containing the various British Telecoms Boxes associated and required for the Warning Speech receivers. The WB1401 is the is the Box with the Grill in the lower centre left of the picture. Above the grill is a label listing its carrier number and below the grill there is one black knob for volume control and a black rubberised push button for testing the confidence tone can be heard. The above setup is on Display in its original location at the Arbroath Royal Observer Corps Post Museum.
November 22, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Reposted by David Booth
caleydave.bsky.social
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cycling-walk...

"The police box on Maybury Road would be relocated and we would like the community to suggest what it could be used for."

"2. Police box would be relocated."

I am keen to make sure any redundant Siren Equipment present is removed/preserved and not scrapped.
Barnton Connections
Information about designs for walking, wheeling and walking improvements at Maybury Road, Barnton junction and Whitehouse Road
www.edinburgh.gov.uk
November 19, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Reposted by David Booth
caleydave.bsky.social
#SirenSaturday

Police Box 24 'C', Maybury Road, Barnton.

This was given the carrier planning number '254/34' in the 1960's.

Looking unloved, Siren Base in situ and stubs of cut cables visible.

#EdinburghPoliceBox
Photograph taken of the rear of the Edinburgh Police Box at the junction of the Maybury road and Queensferry Road.
March 1, 2025 at 1:36 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
From my reading of the attached proposed map we will loose the Maybury Police Box.
Housebuilding and these improvements might actually have made it viable as a mini shop.

I am going to make enquiries but if anyone finds out anything about the future of the Box please do pass them on. #Barnton
November 19, 2025 at 5:45 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
Following on from last week, when the telephone hardware supporting the warning system was modernised in the 1980's the WB400A Speakers were replaced with the WB1400 like this one on display in "Cold War Scotland" exhibit @ntlmuseumsscot.bsky.social

#SirenSaturday
A WB1400 Speech Receiver on Display at the National Museums of Scotland Cold War Scotland exhibit. Two tone grey plastic, on the left is a speaker behind the grill and on the right is a Volume knob, A test switch and a white rectangle which would have had the identification number written on. Unlike the older WB400A the WB1400 unit was silent, regardless of volume, and would only make a sound when a message was recieved. The test button, when depressed, allowed for the "confidence tick" beeping to be heard to confirm it was working.
November 15, 2025 at 5:51 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
How did those responsible for manual sirens or those not on the remote control system know when to issue a warning?
The person would receive a verbal message. In the 50's this was done by telephone, in the 60's the police would send it to all "Receiver Carrier WB400A" in their area.

#SirenSaturday
WB400A Receiver Carrier consists of a red volume control and a speaker. When the volume was turned up this constantly bleeped with a confidence pip to indicate it was working. The pip was replaced with an alarm tone which indicated a message was about to be passed. This verbal warning message would then be spoken over the loud speaker.
November 8, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Reposted by David Booth
threadinburgh.scot
I see the Greater Granton and Pilton fireworks control zones are working out as anticipated
a close up of a brown and white surface with a circle in the middle
ALT: a close up of a brown and white surface with a circle in the middle
media.tenor.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:57 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
#SirenSaturday

Today we have a Siren abandoned in situ. The metal frame would have been a roof to keep out the worst of the elements.

I have not yet been able to identify it's carrier planning number but if attached to the warning system it would be Stirling carrier Area, 300/xx.
Taken from the bridge over the railway on Springbank road, Stirling. The Siren is at the right-hand end of the building, tucked between the end of the roof and the clearstory. Close up of the Siren taken from Nelson Place, Stirling. The Siren is tucked between the end of the roof and the clearstory. The Metal from around the siren was likely once some sort of cover to keep the weather off.
November 1, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Reposted by David Booth
alasdairswanson.bsky.social
Peter Watkins died yesterday. While "The War Game" will be celebrated and lionised, it's "Culloden" that knocks me sideways. This obituary makes me want to find his Scandinavian works.
www.bfi.org.uk/features/pet...
Peter Watkins obituary: radical British filmmaker behind The War Game and Punishment Park
The maverick filmmaker and pioneer of the docudrama, whose anti-establishment works redefined political cinema and challenged the very language of mass media, has died aged 90.
www.bfi.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 5:29 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
61 Years (and a few days) since the Royal Observer Corps 24 Group Bunker at RAF Turnhouse, #Edinburgh was Officially Opened.

Picture of the Building (now demolished) here: www.trove.scot/image/2657763

This bunker was originally identical to @28group.bsky.social (28 Group was later extended).
ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS HEADQUARTERS NO 24 GROUP EDINBURGH OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY BY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE DUNCAN M. WEATHERSTONE, MC., TD. THE LORD PROVOST 0F THE CITY OF EDINBURGH ON SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 1964 PROGRAMME 15.00 Arrival of the Lord Provost, who will be received by Observer Commander G. B. Scott, Commandant No 24 Group (Edinburgh) Royal Observer Corps and introduced to the Commandant Royal Observer Corps, Air Commodore J. H. Gresswell, CBE., DS0., DFC., and Commandant, Scottish Area Royal Observer Corps, Observer Captain J. R. L. Halley, D.L. Inspection of Guard of Honour 15.05 Introduction to Officers of No. 24 Group 15.10 Introduction of Guests to the Lord Provost 15.15 Inspection of Group Headquarters, where an exercise in the plotting of Nuclear Burst, and the monitoring of Fall-out will be in progress. 15.45 Official Opening Ceremony - Welcome and Introduction Observer Commander G. B. Scott Opening Address Lord Provost of City of Edinburgh Response Commandant, ROC Thanking Lord Provost and Commandant ROC Observer Commander G. B. Scott 16.10 approx, Officers and Guests adjourn to Officers' Mess for Refreshments 17.00 Dispersal
October 28, 2025 at 4:51 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
#SirenSaturday

Located at what was once the conveniences at the Tram Terminus.

Police Box 25 'A', Liberton Gardens, Edinburgh.

This was given the Carrier planning number 254/79 in the early 1960's.

#EdinburghPoliceBox
The rear of the Liberton Gardens police box, picture taken from the path into the park. Painted light blue/grey the box is in good condition bar a bit of rust starting to show through the roof. In addition to the Siren plate and base both wire for the siren and heater are intact. The front of the Liberton Gardens police box, picture taken from the road. Painted light blue/grey the box is in good condition bar a bit of rust starting to show through the roof. There is both a Siren plate and base intact.
October 25, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Reposted by David Booth
secretedinburgh.bsky.social
I think that's the one that was used as a micro museum during Porty Art Walk 2019
October 18, 2025 at 3:48 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
#SirenSaturday

Sporting a Police call light, fairy lights and Siren Mounting plate Repurposed as a Gnome Observation Deck.

Police Box 20 'D', Dalkeith Street, Edinburgh. (Joppa)

This was given Carrier planning number 254/103 in the early 1960's.

#EdinburghPoliceBox
A well looked after Blue painted Edinburgh Police Box. The First aid box and Phone doors have basic symbols representing which is which painted in black. There is a complete Police Call light on the roof and a siren plate. The Roof is decorated with a string of fairly lights and there is a Gnome placed on top of the Siren Mounting plate. Rear of Police Box, which backs on to a triangle of Grass between Dalkeith Street and Morton Street. The remains of the Siren power and heater cables can be seen on the back on the box.
October 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
Look what has come in the post!

My thanks to @coldwarpod.bsky.social for running the giveaway alongside the publisher.

After the Interview with the Author, Fraser McCallum, I am looking forward to reading the book.
Picture of myself posing with my copy of "Cold War Britain" by Fraser McCallum. Trying to be arty. My competition win copy of "Cold War Britain" by Fraser McCallum. It is propped up by a British "Meter Radiac Survey No2" (early cold war British radiation meter). Propped against the book is the "Cold War Conversations" coaster. All 3 items are placed on top of a reprint of a Russian Cold War Map of Edinburgh from "The Red Atlas".
October 15, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Reposted by David Booth
radararchive.bsky.social
Exciting news: the printed proof of my latest book, 'The Air Defence System in Scotland 1938-46' has arrived. A final proof check, create the index and it will be ready for the publication date of 19 March 2026. www.sidestone.com/books/the-ai...
October 11, 2025 at 6:08 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
Can you see it?

I believe, based on a 1974 proposal to move a siren to Duncarse House Which was two doors up from Invercarse House in the direction shown, for this Siren to be:

Carrier planning number 263/21

(263 being the Dundee Carrier Area)

#SirenSaturday
dundeecityarchives.bsky.social Dundee City Archives @dundeecityarchives.bsky.social · Mar 27
Perth Road, looking west towards Invergowrie. On the right is the Invercarse Hotel. You can also see a Police Box at the top of Riverside Drive.

Date: c.1975

Ref: DCC-BW049-16

#Dundee #Archives #ThrowbackThursday
October 11, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Reposted by David Booth
coldwarpod.bsky.social
Congratulations @caleydave.bsky.social !

You are a winner of our CW Britain book giveaway.

Please can you message me to confirm delivery details.

Thanks !
October 3, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Reposted by David Booth
edinburghwalks.bsky.social
It was indeed Box 10-D and sat above the public toilets (male) on Albert Street. However, the date of removal is wildly wrong - too early maybe by 20 years+.
October 4, 2025 at 9:50 AM
caleydave.bsky.social
#SirenSaturday

Today we have the well known and loved pop-up space "Leith Walk Polis Box", but it was originally located around the corner:

Police Box 10 'D', Albert Street, Leith.

This was given Carrier planning number 254/73 in the early 1960's.

www.leithwalkpolicebox.com

#EdinburghPoliceBox
The Beautifully painted "Leith Walk Pollis Box", a title painted above the door into the box. Artwork is by Stewart Bremner, I believe this side is "Spirit of Independence" Seen here from the front left side. It is primarily painted turquoise with black highlights on the base, side panels, cornice, roof and Siren Plate. The Police call light and Flat top band are painted white. The Beautifully painted "Leith Walk Pollis Box", a title painted above the door into the box. Artwork is by Stewart Bremner, I believe this side is "Lady Persevere", a reference to the Leith Coat of Arms. Seen here from the front left side. It is primarily painted turquoise with black highlights on the base, side panels, cornice, roof and Siren Plate. The Police call light and Flat top band are painted white.
October 4, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Reposted by David Booth
atomicanalyst.bsky.social
Today in 1952 aboard the frigate HMS Plym, anchored off Trimouille Island in the Monte Bello Islands off northwest Australia, the United Kingdom conducted Operation Hurricane, its first nuclear weapon test. The yield of the plutonium-fueled, implosion-type bomb was 25 kilotons.
A black and white photograph of the early stage of the Hurricane fireball, with condensation appearing to form around the fireball due to the shockwave compressing the humid air. A black and white photograph of the large, dark, and irregularly-shaped Hurricane mushroom cloud rising over Trimouille Island. A black and white photograph showing the large Hurricane mushroom cloud dissipating and drifting away from the site of the test in two different directions due to different winds at different altitudes. A photograph of the front page of the October 4, 1952, edition of The West Australian newspaper with a banner lead headline, “BRITAIN TESTS HER FIRST ATOMIC BOMB OF W.A. COAST,” and featuring a large photograph of the mushroom cloud under the sub-headline, “Cloud Billows High Over The Indian Ocean.”
October 3, 2025 at 2:47 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
The problem with taking Edinburgh for granted, why are all the tourists taking pictures of a seagull?

Can't possibly be the view, I see that every other day.
A seagull standing on Queen Victoria's head. National Galleries, Edinburgh.
October 3, 2025 at 9:34 AM
caleydave.bsky.social
Control panel from RAF Leuchars to sound their local sirens. Currently on display at the National Museum of Scotland on their Cold War Scotland Exhibition.

#SirenSaturday
Control panel from RAF Leuchars to sound their local sirens. Currently on display at the National Museum of Scotland on their Cold War Scotland Exhibition.
September 27, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Reposted by David Booth
coldwarhost.bsky.social
OTD September 25 1956 TAT-1 is inaugurated, the first submarine transatlantic telephone cable system. Running between Oban, Scotland and Clarenville, Newfoundland, the cable can carry 35 simultaneous telephone calls.
September 25, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Reposted by David Booth
coldwarpod.bsky.social
#BOOKGIVEAWAY Follow @coldwarpod.bsky.social then Reshare this post to enter a chance to win a copy of this book.

T&C's & other ways to enter here coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/ #nuclearbritain #coldwarculture #coldwarhistory @bangpodcast.bsky.social
September 24, 2025 at 8:43 PM
caleydave.bsky.social
I am at the National Museum of Scotland today, and whilst I am not sure if I will get the time to attend the exhibit, it is an excuse for a reminder about the Cold War Scotland Exhibition.
Cold war Scotland Exhibition, free and on untill January 4th 2026
September 24, 2025 at 8:53 AM