Exploring Britain’s Top-Secret Underground War Bunker: Western Approaches HQ, the nerve centre in the Battle of the Atlantic under the streets of Liverpool.
This is the second part in my Top Secret Underground War Bunkers series.
In 1940, Liverpool emerged as the primary Atlantic Convoy port. Due to the unsuitability of the base in Plymouth, Churchill ordered the establishment of a new Combined Operations headquarters in Liverpool.
In 1941, the Western Approaches headquarters was established in a reinforced basement at Derby House, Liverpool, two floors below ground.
Under the command of Admiral Sir Percy Noble, their task was to coordinate efforts against the German U-boats operating in the Atlantic.
In November 1942, Admiral Max Horton took over until Western Approaches Command closed on 15 August 1945.
Horton’s leadership played a vital role in defeating the U-boats by deploying several “support groups” that operated independently of the regular convoy escorts, thus creating a tactical advantage.
They have mock Dock Street to give visitors an idea of how a 1940s street would have looked, with a shop front, shelves and an old sign:
The Western Approaches Command was staffed largely by the women of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, known as Wrens, and the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, or WAAFs.
Employed in the main Operations Room, they decoded incoming signals, working as radio and teleprinter operators, and even training naval officers in anti-submarine warfare.
The Map Room:
Captain Fredric John ‘Johnnie’ Walker, the most successful anti-submarine warfare commander during the Battle of the Atlantic:
Western Approaches Tactical Unit (WATU)
In January 1942, the Western Approaches Tactical Unit (WATU) was formed. Commanded by Captain Gilbert Roberts and staffed by officers from the Women’s Royal Naval Service, their task was to develop new tactics to counter German submarine attacks on trans-Atlantic shipping convoys.
Typical ID card for staff at the Western Approaches HQ:
The Western Approaches HQ was fully operational until May 1945 when the Germans surrendered. After that, the HQ was abandoned and simply left. A bit like Bletchley Park. Those employed there were bound Under the Official Secrets Act.
It opened as a museum in 1993.
Planning your trip to the Western Approaches HQ
Where is the Western Approaches HQ located:
1-3 Rumford Street
Exchange Flags
Liverpool
Merseyside
L2 8SZ
Tel: 0151 227 2008
Opening Times:
The Western Approaches HQ is open Monday to Sunday, 10 am until 6 pm
Tickets:
Here are the admission fees as of 2025:
- Adult: £14.50
- Students, ex/serving forces: £12.50
- Children under 16: £1.00