ROCA 100: 100 Years of the Royal Observer Corps 

October 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Observer Corps. Join us to mark this historic occasion with ROCA 100 on Sunday 26 October.

Operational in the UK between 29 October 1925 and 31 December 1995, the ROC was crucial to the air defence of Britain, not least during the Battle of Britain, volunteers – armed only with a tin helmet and binoculars – scanned the skies from vantage points to identify enemy aircraft. This vital information was relayed and filtered down to Group headquarters, such as here at No. 11 Group – now known as the Battle of Britain Bunker – and would help inform the decisive decisions that would shape the course of history.

Our event on the 26 October will celebrate this often-overlooked element of the Dowding System with a series of tours, talks, stalls, and object handling sessions, as well as crafts for all the family.

Please note – whilst some tickets may be available for purchase on the door, advance booking is recommended for this event.

Schedule:

All day:  Royal Observer Corps Association displays and interactive exhibits [ Visitor Centre]

All day:  Crafts for all the family

All day: Bunker Object handling sessions [Visitor Centre]

10:00 – Bunker guided tour [Bunker]

11:30 – Bunker guided tour [Bunker]

11:30 –  Talk – ‘The Eyes and Ears of the RAF’ by Phil Baker [Visitor Centre]

13:00 – Bunker guided tour [Bunker]

14:00 – Talk – ‘Royal Observer Corps: Above and Below Ground’ by John Shere [Visitor Centre]

14:30 – Bunker Guided Tour [Bunker]