For much of the last half of the twentieth century Britain, along with many parts of the world, faced possible annihilation by nuclear weapons.
While the population at large were being advised to hide under the tables and cover their windows with sheets, the BBC was preparing for post-Armageddon.
A string of secret bunkers across the country, many of them used during war time days, were converted into subterranean studios.
Play lists were drawn up, presenters given scripted announcements and producers issued with sets of keys.
If anyone was still alive to listen ‘Auntie’ would be there to entertain and inform them.
Mike Thomson goes in search of the hidden bunkers, the people told to staff them and a secret safe said to contain the unreleased running orders for what was to be called ‘Radio 10’.
Listen to the latest edition at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/document/document_20080204.shtml