The map alongside is very small section of an Ordnance Survey Map and acknowledgement is given for its use.  The references to the Panmure Testimonial, and Camus Cross can be followed elsewhere on this site.  (Larger scale maps can be found HERE.)
The numbers refer to the text below.

1. - Site of the original Royal Observer Corps post - it was made of turf divot walls and was circular, with the "table" in the middle.  No protection against the elements.

2. - The position of the later post, just back from the edge of the quarry with the Panmure Testimonial in the background.  The photograph alongside is of the post,  was taken in September 1948.  My father is the one on the left, shielding his eyes with both hands as he scans the sky. The hut, removed by then, was positioned just behind him, a yard or two from the post wall.  It has been largely destroyed by the time this picture was taken but was originally chest high.  A clear picture of the 'table' from which they obtained bearing and angle of elevation; distance had to be estimated.

The walls of the post were of sand bags and there was also a small, wooden hut alongside.  This position was used for the rest of WWII.  In the hut, hanging by strings, were lots of models of allied and enemy aircraft to help the Observers with their aircraft recognition.  As a small boy, I coveted these models!  Also lots of cards, slightly smaller than postcard size, showing aircraft in plan from underneath, head on, and from the side.  The details of the aircraft were printed on the reverse of the cards.  I spent hours 'flashing' these cards at my father and other observers, testing them.  I was pretty good at aircraft recognition, too!

3. The site of the "bunker" referred to by Rev. Chisholm (elsewhere on this website).

4. The Downie Law is where the guns and 'looking-down' radar were situated.  Now it is the site of a mobile phone mast, but remains of the brick buildings (toilets, etc.) are still to be found.  In the quarry, below the post, were two huts for Royal Air Force personnel manning the Law site, and also a diesel generator for the power.  A power line ran from here to the site opposite the school (mentioned at the foot of this page).

5. Later!

6. The position two underground rooms where I fell into through the rotting roof, well after WWII.  Remnants of  use were found there, including the RAF personnel's favourite hairdressing - Brilliantine!  This installation was reputedly to be used by the Home Guard, operating as a 'resistance' force in the event of German invasion.

Alongside is a picture of my father in his R.O.C. uniform, obviously well after the war.

Regards, John.

 If you served in the R.O.C. and would like to share your stories of life in the Corps or any other items of information, photographs, paperwork etc., they would be delighted to hear from you. To find out how you can help, please visit 'help the project page' or send your details and they'll get back to you!  If you have particular memories of the post mentioned above, the Webmaster would like to be informed, too.