Military intelligence exhibition for Blitz tunnels

The history of military intelligence will be explored as part of a planned tourist attraction in London's World War Two air raid shelter tunnels.

As part of its plans to bring the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels to the public, London Tunnels will collaborate with the Museum of Military Intelligence to showcase original artefacts, equipment, weapons and documents.

About 8,000 sq m of tunnels under High Holborn were built in 1942 to provide protection during the Blitz. They were later used as a home for a British spy organisation.

Angus Murray, CEO, The London Tunnels, said the site was an ideal backdrop to tell the remarkable stories of men and women who played a "vital role in protecting Britain".

The tunnels, which featured in the first James Bond novel, have remained unused since they were decommissioned in 1990.

The exhibition will feature stories from the Battle of Britain and D-Day, the espionage operations of the Cold War, the Falklands War, peace-keeping missions and the terrorist threat of the 21st Century.

General Sir Jim Hockenhull KBE ADC Gen, Commander of Strategic Command and Colonel Commandant of the Intelligence Corps, said it would be "the world's most authoritative permanent exhibition of military intelligence".

The trustees of the Museum of Military Intelligence said the "historically significant and evocative location" would bring the exhibition to life.

The Museum of Military Intelligence was founded by the British Army's Intelligence Corps and is now also ed by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

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