The Third World War: August 1985

The government holds a national civil defence exercise in August with simulated emergency alerts and trial evacuations. Existing evacuation plans are modified to a more flexible system. The lessons of the exercise are that law and order may be a major problem.

A new government booklet, Civil Protection in an Emergency, is issued to local authorities down to parish/community level, to government and local services, and to the NEV and voluntary bodies.

1985

In the summer international tension, less in the early part of the year, is again acute.

20 July. In response to its recognition that the Warsaw Pact is mobilizing NATO begins to put Allied armed forces on a war footing. The USA prepares to airlift troops to Europe and loads war equipment on to shipping.

The UK government issues Emergency Phase 1 warning and distributes a Civil Protection booklet to all householders. Radio and TV broadcasts and newspaper articles advise the public how to behave and survive under attack. Evacuation plans are explained. The orderly evacuation of school children is to start on 22 July. Plans for petrol and food rationing are announced. The Stock Exchange is closed.

All community councils and local authorities convene extraordinary meetings and update emergency plans. Councils confirm appointment of controllers and emergency committee members. Final preparations are made to put emergency plans into operation.

II: Extracts from the Emergency Diaries kept by three English communities, recording the course of events in sixteen critical days, 4-20 August 1985

4 August

Branscombe, a village in Devon, pop. 400

All times are according to British Standard Time.

0900 Emergency Diary opened. BBC has reported Warsaw Pact forces advancing into West Germany — only conventional munitions (incl. chemical) reported used so far. UK Govt declares State of Emergency (Phase 2).

0920 District Controller confirms State of Emergency locally. 0931 Chairman Parish Council directs activation of Branscombe Emergency Plan (BREMPLAN).

0940 Branscombe Emergency Committee (BREMCO) takes over Holt House (a private dwelling) as Emergency Control HQ. Instructions issued to establish Feeding and Rest, and Hospital and First Aid Centres.

0950 Report received that already 4,000 holiday-makers and refugees are in the parish and more arriving at approx fifty per hour. Controller asks police in Seaton to divert refugees. Reply negative (have no authority and we are already overwhelmed with problems in Seaton and Beer).

1005 In agreement with Chairman Parish Council, Controller blocks roads into Branscombe with bulldozers leaving Gatedown Lane open with Control Post at northern end.

1200 PM broadcasts to the nation. State of War exists but we will not be first to use nuclear weapons.

1400 Meeting in Village Hall. Chairman Parish Council and Controller speaks to villagers and visitors. Parish ration/identity cards issued.

1500 BBC reports NATO troops withdrawing. 1600 Survey team starts continuous radiac monitoring watch.

1700 Govt broadcast advising population to remain calm and all except key personnel to remain at home and await further instructions; meantime to carry out directions of Govt booklet.

Buxford, a town south of Manchester, pop. 8, 000

1700 Buxford Emergency Committee activated, Emergency Control HQ established and Control Staff closed up at full strength. Continuous watch opened with radiac equipment and chemical detector papers. Large numbers of refugees moving south from Manchester by car and on foot, but passing through.

Sparksley Green, an urban community in central Birmingham, pop. 2, 075

1810 Emergency Control HQ established at the ‘Red Cow’. Only Controller and two Communications Officers have reported. No radiac or other equipment. HQ organized on reporting basis only. Rapid exodus of population, roads blocked. Some looting of food shops and liquor shops. Few police in evidence.

5 August

Branscombe

0915 All private cars moved to parks in fields and tanks drained. Hospital operating Edge Hill. Feeding arrangements going well. Emergency latrines being dug at Rest Centres and at all Billeting Centres on main drainage.

1000 All refugees reported under cover. Emergency water scheme operational.

1100 Stocks of detergents, lavatory paper, pharmaceutical and medical supplies received from District Controller.

1200 Steady stream of US transport planes flying overhead since 0900.

2300 Signal from District that enemy bombing can now be expected at any time — probably from aircraft using HE and chemical weapons.

2400 Electricity supply failed. Switched to own generator.

Buxford

1200 Emergency plans operating well. Refugee stream to south continues.