General Discussion

Today marks the 47th anniversary of the closure of CSOS Gilnahirk. At this point in time I know of only three former members of Gilly's staff who are still with us. Brian Clarke, Radio Operator, June Clyde, Traffic Analysis, and Elizabeth Morrow, Admin. If there are others please make yourself know to the group?

In the course of my research I have recovered the names of the Officers in charge from World War Two through to the closure of the station in 1978.

Col. J.E.C. Banham March 1947 to April 1956. Banham was also the OIC of the RSS Operation in Northern Ireland from 1939 to 1945. The station began as GPO / RSS Gilnahirk then changed to Station No 4 of SCU 3.

J.J. Hunter March 1956 to March 1960.

L.W. Jameson Feb 1960 to Sept 1962.

R. Saunders Oct 1962 to Dec 1964.

D. Harrison Dec 1964 to Apr 1969.

J.E. Walker May 1969 to Aug 1972.

W.M. Hicks Aug 1972 to Aug 1974.

S. McNally Aug 1974 to Jun 1978.

I note from my research that R. Saunders was in charge during the Cuban Missile Crisis. That must have been an interesting period in the history of GCHQ?

Is anyone prepared to share a story of that period in our history?

Two members of staff were on duty when the keys of the former station building was handed back to the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Walter Fitzgerald, radio operator. Norman Harvey, driver.

309 Gilnahirk Road was the postal address.